Chapter 56

"What on earth happened?"

My voice naturally became stiff. After all, for the two of them to look so desperate... it must be something serious.

"We have received a declaration of excommunication from the Daryl Church for the young lady...!"

"What...?!"

I couldn't help but scream in shock at something I had never imagined.

I felt the blood drain from my face, and my head spun as if I were about to faint. At the same time, my heart pounded loudly.

The Daryl Church is the state religion of this country. Almost all the people in this country are believers. In other words, the words of the Daryl Church's Pope and priests, who are considered the representatives of the gods that the people of this country revere, have a significant influence. Sometimes, their power even surpasses that of the nobility.

The son of the Daryl Church's Pope attending a school that is normally only for nobles is due to this background.

Now, the excommunication from the Daryl Church means that one is no longer recognized as a believer... in simpler terms, it means being expelled. The Daryl Church, which is believed by almost all the citizens of this country, means that not being a believer is considered "heretical" for the citizens of this country. Moreover, being excommunicated means being a sinner in the eyes of the church and an object of contempt.

For a noble lady, who should be a model for the country, to become such... it's not just a matter of bad reputation. It's something that "should not happen."

Of course, she would also lose the trust and connections she has built up so far.

It might be similar to the humiliation of Canossa on Earth. With this excommunication, she will surely be attacked by those who see this as an opportunity... just thinking about it gives me a headache.

"What's the reason?"

"The reason is that she destroyed a church without permission. Destroying a place of prayer to the gods is an act of fearlessness towards the gods and is unforgivable... that's the reason."

"Destroyed a church without permission...? Could it be that district redevelopment...?!"

Indeed, I did destroy a church. It was the place where Mina used to live, which also served as an orphanage. However, it was only because that place was 'no longer the property of the church, and belonged to no one.'

Moreover, there were plans to build a larger church elsewhere.

It seems like a complete declaration of attack on me... the House of Armenia.

...Is Van, the son of the Pope, pulling the strings behind the scenes? Or the Pope himself? Or perhaps some faction of the Second Prince?

"I will submit a statement of explanation... along with the design and plan for the new church to be built. It's not destruction, but relocation."

Who did it is not the most important thing right now. Of course, that's important too... but what needs to be prioritized now is the fact itself.

We need to deal with the excommunication first, rather than looking for the culprit... Not only will it cause trouble for my parents, but it will also spread anxiety among the people and disrupt the administration. The damage to the merchant guilds will be immeasurable.

"Sebastian, prepare immediately."

"Understood."

Sebastian bowed and immediately turned and left the room.

"Then, Tanya, what's the big news?"

At this point, I'm not surprised by anything. Rather, there's nothing worse than being declared a sinner by the church.

"Yes. I have two reports. The first is the progress report on the investigation into the attack on the young lady the other day."

"I don't have time for that now."

To be honest, it's a matter of life and death, but I don't have the luxury to hear the progress report.

"No, please listen. During the investigation, it was discovered that his territory is aligned with the Second Prince. However, it's not yet clear if there's any connection between the bandits and this."

"Right. So?"

Normally, that would be a serious situation. But after the previous report, it seems like a small matter.

"Yes, the second report. That territory has declared that it will revoke the trade and passage rights to the House of Armenia."

"...What?!"

Once again, I couldn't help but scream in shock.

...After all, the neighboring territory is the main route from our land to the capital. The territory to the north of the House of Armenia. To the east is the sea, and to the west are rugged mountains. Going south and northwest to the capital would be a detour. Naturally, most of the exports from our territory to the capital had to pass through the northern neighboring territory.

"What's the reason...?"

However, the neighboring territory is relatively small, and the northern half is mountainous. Moreover, it focuses more on inns and tourism rather than farmland, so there is little arable land. Therefore, it has relied on the grain exported from our territory. That's why I was complacent...

"It's for the sin of the excommunicated person, and to protect the price of crops in their own territory."

"To protect the price of crops in their own territory...! That place has a large population but very little farmland."

The food self-sufficiency rate should not be keeping up. In other words, they must have arranged to get crops at a low price from us... Is this also an attack from the Second Prince's faction?

"How... for both to happen at the same time...!"

The declaration from the neighboring territory is a painful blow. Other territories, especially those aligned with the Second Prince, will surely take advantage of this. Then, it won't just affect exports to the capital. It will also impact the stores we have in other territories...!

We have gradually diversified our trade to other territories and countries, not just the capital. This is to ensure that we can still make a profit even if there is internal strife in the capital.

However, if the other territories raise their tariffs, there's nothing we can do.

"Reim, compare the time and cost of transporting goods via the southern route. And Tanya, bring Moneda and Sei here quickly."

Once the statement of explanation is ready, I need to discuss the impact on the administration with Sebastian. At that time, I'll also call the main officials of the territory.

"Understood."

Tanya also turned and left. I, too, left the room.

I almost stumbled and fell on the way, but I held on. ...Now is not the time to collapse!

The distance to the study felt abnormally long. If this were just a bad dream, how wonderful it would be.

But the cold sweat running down my cheeks and back told me that this was reality.

No matter what, I need to get to the study quickly...