Chapter 23

The capital of the Principality of Röder, Rosenheim—

Five days after Joshua's exile, the Principality of Röder revived the state religion system.

The chosen state religion, of course, was none other than the "Holy Church." The Holy Church was originally the state religion of the Principality of Röder, but Joshua had abolished the state religion system five years ago.

While this decision was made by the charismatic duke who enjoyed the deep trust of the people, there was some opposition from certain quarters.

At that time, Joshua, despite receiving advice from Holy Church officials, some nobles, and the Chamber of Commerce, firmly rejected it and abolished the state religion system.

He stated that while about 80% of the citizens were followers of the Holy Church, they were not all of them.

He also questioned whether the faith of the Holy Church followers would waver just because it was not designated as the state religion. If so, could it be called true faith? The love for the Holy Church within the principality was as clear as fire.

He sought the understanding of the citizens with these announcements.

Many within the Holy Church also agreed, seeing it as a test of their faith. Thus, despite some confusion, the Principality of Röder accepted the abolition of the state religion system.

This smooth acceptance was largely due to Joshua's own track record and charisma. Many had been saved from hunger under his rule, and the principality had rapidly become prosperous. Many citizens believed that the abolition of the state religion system had some significant meaning.

In fact, the abolition of the state religion system led to an influx of non-Holy Church followers, such as elves, into the principality, further diversifying and prospering the principality.

Returning to the story, the saint who exiled Joshua was one of the highest-ranking officials of the Holy Church.

It was not at all surprising that she, who adhered to the belief that everything was according to the will of God, revived the Holy Church as the state religion.

Rather, it was only natural.

Furthermore, she declared that the most appropriate place for the highest political decision-making should be the most sacred place in the holy church, not the castle. She set up the signing venue inside the church.

The palace and the castle, which were the centers of political power, were integrated and located in the same place, but the church was not.

The church stood on a small hill at the northern end of the city, a considerable distance from the castle in the center of Rosenheim.

Since the signing venue was moved to the church, the saint has been unable to move from deep within the church.

Another minister in charge of agriculture approached the saint, who was seated expressionlessly in a chair.

"Your Holiness, could you please sign these documents?"

"Of course."

The saint received the scroll-like documents from the deeply bowing civil servant and slowly knelt at the base in front of the divine statue.

She spread the documents and cut her fingers in a square, then folded her hands in prayer to the deity.

Suddenly, the words floated up, and her signature was completed.

"Here you are."

"Thank you very much!"

As the minister, who had bowed deeply, was about to leave hurriedly, the saint called out his name.

"Lord Baldes."

"What is it, Your Holiness?"

"Is it necessary?"

"What do you mean?"

"Everything is decided according to the will of God. Is there nothing for us to decide?"

"Well, even so, we can't change the system immediately..."

The minister, stammering, left as if fleeing.

Outside the church, the minister sighed heavily and looked up at the sky.

"His Grace of Röder... Is this truly what the divine oracle desires? This way, nothing can be decided. God does not speak to us."

The minister's face was filled with a sense of despair as he got into the carriage with heavy steps.

◇◇◇

When the minister returned, he was stopped by a minister in charge of foreign affairs, with whom he was on close terms.

"What's wrong, Lord Granul?"

"The Chamber of Commerce is pressuring us again..."

The minister in charge of agriculture, Lord Baldes, immediately understood that he wanted to vent his frustrations and invited him to a tea party.

"—That's the situation! The tribal nation of Leibstock, led by the Beastman chief, has suddenly become cold. I've been working hard to prevent a halt in trade with that country. What more do they want! And—"

Lord Granul's words were endless.

Lord Baldes, realizing how much he had pent up, quietly waited for him to stop.

"—That's the situation!"

"That's a disaster, Lord Granul. I went there today as well."

"Oh, did you finally speak your mind to the saint?"

"That's impossible. She is chosen by the holy deity and holds the 'divine oracle.' Even nobles cannot interfere."

"Still, you know. We can't keep saying that. The glory achieved by His Grace of Röder still lingers. But it won't last forever."

"Hmm. Speaking of which, Minister, not everything is bad. The northern empire is a Holy Church state. If we can become closer to that country—"

"Not much different. His Grace of Röder had built good relations with neighboring countries. This is just maintaining them."

Lord Baldes, trying to steer the conversation in a more positive direction, was unfortunately unsuccessful.

Lord Granul, smiling wryly, sipped his tea.

"By the way, have you heard that someone of noble standing has left the country?"

"I have. It was the daughter of a count. She was very devoted to the duke and had his deep trust."

"Indeed. During the three years she spent at the palace, the administration progressed smoothly. The duke was inspired by her and became even more dedicated to his duties. It's a great loss that she returned to her homeland, but the count's territory has flourished."

"His Grace of Röder... I wish I could go there too. But I also think that abandoning the principality you loved and nurtured might tarnish your achievements."

"I agree... Even if it becomes a sinking ship, the principality is the result of His Grace of Röder's love and effort. To—"

The conversation, which Lord Granul had intended to be casual, also ended in failure.

In the end, both of them had dark faces, and the tea party came to an end.

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