Chapter 68

5/8

"Really, I don’t want to be put through such a nerve-wracking experience."

"Oh, was I that unreliable?"

In response to my question, Father Lafsimons smiled wryly.

A week had passed since that inquisition. During that week, the Pope and his faction were successively purged. Although they were not excommunicated, being expelled from the Church while holding a clerical position was a punishment on par with excommunication. Additionally, an investigation into the embezzlement of funds was ongoing, and when the truth came to light, they would also face legal punishment from the kingdom.

"That’s not it. I never expected you to say such things in that situation… A cornered prey is unpredictable."

"But it was meaningful to do so in that very place. After all, the suspicions were raised before the audience of nobles. It would have become difficult for his faction to make contact with him."

The network and credibility that Pope Vermots had built up fell apart in that moment. In an environment where making contact with him could bring unnecessary trouble, there would be few who would still defend or support him.

"However, if someone were to make contact with him despite that… it would mean they have extraordinary reasons. It’s necessary to expose such people."

"…You’re right."

Father Lafsimons sighed.

"…So? Were you satisfied with the outcome?"

"Yes. We were able to bring down the Pope’s faction. Now, we can address the corruption within the Church."

If I were to describe Father Lafsimons and myself in one word, it would be "co-conspirators." …Yes, during that inquisition, we were on different sides, but we were secretly working together. And that was the final piece Dean brought to us.

Before the inquisition, I desperately needed evidence and connections within the Church. However, as someone who had been excommunicated, it was not easy for me to obtain those connections.

Father Lafsimons was the leader of the faction that opposed Pope Vermots. …He provided me with the perfect resource.

"The correct way the Church should be… that’s what you seek, right?"

Father Lafsimons had been criticizing the current state of the Church. Despite his impressive career, he had not been able to rise higher due to losing in the factional struggles.

"Yes. To be honest, the corruption in the current Church in the capital is terrible. It is unacceptable for those in the clergy to imitate the nobles. Indulging in pleasure, embezzling Church funds, and being in a dire state. Sooner or later, the Church’s credibility would have plummeted. Recently, the Church has been prioritizing those who make larger donations and neglecting their duties. But we can correct this in the future."

The Church, in its true form, is not only a place of prayer but also a last resort for the people. It provides medical treatment to those who cannot afford it, gives food to those who cannot afford meals, and even shelters orphans, as the Duchy of Armenia has done within its territory.

In other words, the Baroness Yurie Neua, who was talking about giving alms to the people and allocating the kingdom’s budget, was something the Church used to handle on its own. That was the purpose of donations and charity events.

However, as corruption progressed, the budget allocated for these purposes gradually dwindled.

The current Church has become nothing more than a place that caters to those who make large donations and uses the Church’s authority to provide favors.

"…I’m looking forward to it, Father Lafsimons."

"This time, it’s my turn to be tested."

With that, Father Lafsimons smiled.

"…Did I meet your expectations?"

Father Lafsimons entrusted me with that booklet when we became co-conspirators. The booklet, which was not to be taken outside, was a significant risk and gamble for him.

Although I no longer have it in my possession, the signed letter he gave me, which serves as evidence of his intent, remains.

When forming this alliance, he demonstrated his trust in me by taking the risk of not betraying or being betrayed.

"Yes. So, now it’s my turn."

"I am deeply grateful. In the future, the Duchy of Armenia will not hesitate to assist you."

In return, I promised to assist him when I make a comeback.

"…Well, I should be going now."

"Already?"

"Yes. The guild is quite busy."

Immediately after my excommunication was rescinded and the Church apologized to me, I started selling new products at the Azuta Guild. The dandelion coffee and sweets I had discussed with Merida, as well as the sweets made from agar obtained through trade, were all successful, and sales have increased again. I also launched new products using chocolate.

…All of these were developed by the people in the R&D department of the Azuta Guild’s headquarters in our territory, the Duchy of Armenia. In other words, the craftsmen Ed took with him can only reproduce existing products but know nothing about the new ones.

As a result, customers are returning, and the people who switched to Ed’s guild are now wanting to return to the Azuta Guild… but of course, I won’t allow that.

Although Ed opened the guild, not only the craftsmen but also the major clients are returning to us, so it will become financially difficult for him sooner or later. It seems he has been running a rather sloppy operation.

"…Well, I’ll take my leave."