Chapter 67

4/8

"……Reverend Lafsimons. If you are to be in charge of the investigation and reporting……there is one more thing I would like you to investigate."

"……What is it?"

"It concerns the flow of funds."

"That would be the funds that were generated when the church within the Duchy of Armenia was sold, correct? Since this is at the core of the matter, of course I will investigate it."

"I would also like to request that…….I have another concern."

"……Another one?"

"The amount of money from the sale was not small. Furthermore, funds have also been donated by the nobility. Despite this, my mother is being begged to attend a charity party because of a lack of funds……What does this mean?"

"That……"

"Are you trying to regain lost trust by reporting this matter? If so, wouldn't it be better to disclose everything clearly? I, as a member of the House of Armenia, do not dislike donating to the church. My mother, now that my innocence has been proven, will work energetically. However, if the information is not disclosed, it will be the same as the church's past practices. In that case, similar issues might arise again without our knowledge……"

"……Your concerns, Lady Ailis, are quite valid."

Reverend Lafsimons had a pained expression, as if he had been hit where it hurt, or perhaps because I was talking about something that wasn't part of the "arrangement." Either way, I had no intention of stopping.

"……One more thing. I have a concern about the records of the Azuta Trading Company. ……I apologize, but, Pope Vermotz, what is your annual income?"

"……What!! Asking such a vulgar question to one who serves God……!"

"I wouldn't say such things here if I didn't have to. ……But, this is related to the current matter. Pope Vermotz, the amount of money you have spent in the past year at our Azuta Trading Company is about the same as that of influential nobles. Is the Pope's salary really that high……Reverend Lafsimons?"

"……No. There is no way that could be the case."

"Well……then, Pope Vermotz, where did the funds come from……?"

"Rude!! I would never do such a thing!!"

I didn't explicitly say that you took the funds from the sale, but everyone in the room is looking at you with a mix of suspicion, from "impossible" to "maybe."

"That's right. Without further evidence, pushing the matter further would be the same as what the Daryl Church did to me. Therefore, Reverend Lafsimons, I request a thorough investigation."

"……Of course."

"Is there anything else? Ailis Larna Armenia."

"No, there isn't."

In response to the Dowager Queen's question, I shook my head and bowed.

"I see. ……Then, the members of the Daryl Church will be placed under house arrest until further notice, especially the cardinals other than Pope Vermotz."

"………"

Pope Vermotz seemed to want to say something but ultimately said nothing. Perhaps he has nothing to overturn the current situation, or perhaps he is hiding something……a hint of unease passed through me. I expected more of a counterargument……it's almost scary how easily it went.

Still, I managed to strike a blow against the church. A thorough investigation will likely be conducted on Pope Vermotz as well.

And so, the inquisition was adjourned.