Chapter 215
Chapter 215: Did You Like the Donation? (1)
Bishop Porisco looked down at Ghislaine with an arrogant expression, surveying him from head to toe.
‘Is this punk really the rising star from the North they call a saint? That young lad has only gained false notoriety thanks to Marquis Branford.’
He had heard the news of war and was aware of it. But no matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t shake the suspicion that their victory was merely luck thanks to the drought.
‘If he were truly impressive, Count Ailzbur’s wife and the young lady of Branford wouldn’t have hurriedly sent a Priest to him.’
People only see what they know. Porisco was exactly that way.
The nobles’ disdainful whispers regarding Ghislaine and his impoverished Northern origin were enough to plant a seed of prejudice.
‘If it weren’t for Marquis Branford and Count Ailzbur’s wife, he wouldn’t dare to meet me.’
On top of that, Porisco had the backing of the sect.
As a bishop of the church, even common nobles would have to give him a nod, so it was easy to look down on a mere baron.
However, the biggest reason Porisco found Ghislaine unsatisfactory was different.
‘That vulgar guy who only sells cosmetics… Our income has dropped because of those cosmetics!’
The Juana Sect, venerating the goddess of beauty, had been securing funds by taking care of the beauty of many nobles with divine power.
But with the emergence of cosmetics that were much cheaper yet more effective, the sect’s income was bound to decline.
As a result, Porisco’s own pocket money was shrinking too, so it was natural for him to display an overtly displeased expression from the very first meeting.
But Ghislaine didn’t react much to his condescension. He simply lowered his head slightly and handed over a box.
“This is from Baron Penris. The Priest Piote you sent is being a great help in our territory. This is a small gift to express our gratitude.”
Porisco peeked into the box and couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction at the sight of the jewels packed inside.
He was familiar with such gifts, but receiving them always felt delightful.
His discontent towards Ghislaine eased somewhat.
“Count Ailzbur’s wife has already made quite a few donations… But seeing you give this too, it seems you might have a request?”
Indeed, he was no stranger to receiving bribes. He understood all too well that when you receive something, you ought to give something in return.
Ghislaine also smiled slightly and continued speaking.
“Yes, our territory is having a tough time, and many people are suffering. We aim to unite the residents’ hearts through the power of faith.”
“Oh, so you’re saying you want a new parish established there?”
“That’s right; it seems there hasn’t been a proper church set up in our territory yet.”
“I know that very few people in the North believe in Juana. Isn’t it true that there aren’t many followers of other goddesses?”
Juana governs abundance, production, economy, fairness, talent, and order.
She symbolizes beauty and luxury, hence her popularity among nobles, merchants, and officials.
Put differently, it meant that she wasn’t very popular among the impoverished people of the North.
In response to Porisco’s question, Ghislaine casually replied.
“Well, they only believe in the goddess superficially. Once Priest Piote, who can truly wield divine power, is in our territory, followers of Juana will quickly increase.”
That was partly true. In fact, cases of conversion were increasing among the residents who experienced Piote’s divine power.
Upon hearing this, Porisco displayed a heavy sneer.
‘Oh dear, it seems the rural folk of the North have gone crazy after experiencing divine power.’
He had seen this sort of trickery from rural lords more than once. Just having a single priest in the territory would change the quality of life.
Of course, due to the extreme scarcity of priests, it would ultimately become exclusive to nobles.
Porisco pretended to think it over, then suddenly made a remark.
“Well, establishing a parish might be tough, but I can send a few monks and missionaries to serve if you wish to have a temple for Juana.”
‘What sort of trick does he think he’s pulling to get a priest so readily?’
Since he had already accepted a bribe, he could likely spare a small request. However, he had no intention of letting Piote stay there for long.
‘He’s been out and about, so he’s likely earned some experience. Just think of how much wealth can be gathered with him coordinating here and there.’
Each priest was precious, a goose that laid golden eggs. He needed to exploit Piote as much as possible before his position rose any higher.
Additionally, there was another reason. The more priests he had under him, the more influence he could wield within the sect.
Ghislaine spoke with a slightly disappointed tone.
“Then, is it possible for you to allow Priest Piote to stay in our territory a little longer?”
“Hmmm, if it’s not a permanent assignment… Ahem, if it’s not a formal appointment, I could allow him to stay for another three months with a little donation.”
“A donation… I understand.”
As Ghislaine prepared to leave after bowing, Porisco looked slightly flustered and asked.
“Are you leaving already? No donation? Planning to send Piote back right away?”
“No, if I’m to donate, I plan to do it properly. I’ll prepare everything soon and come back to visit you.”
Upon hearing that, Porisco finally flashed a satisfied smile.
“Indeed, the goddess loves devout followers. I shall look forward to your faith and sincerity, and I hope you come prepared.”
He had already heard that Baron Penris was holding onto a lot of food and iron ore.
Porisco began to feel excited about what kind of substantial gift would come in.
As Ghislaine left the temple, he immediately spoke to Lowell.
“Let’s start. Move according to the plan. You can definitely handle this, right?”
“Of course, that’s my specialty.”
“Great, let’s ensure that greedy brat doesn’t know what hit him. Let’s send him to heaven.”
“Understood. He’ll truly feel like he’s in heaven.”
Lowell and the soldiers scattered with plenty of supplies all over the capital.
Ghislaine, staying at the crow mansion he had previously purchased, also gave various orders to the servants there.
After about a week, Porisco began to feel quite displeased and started cursing Ghislaine.
‘Why hasn’t the guy who promised to donate shown up yet? That arrogant rural brat. I need to bring Piote back immediately.’
Since he hadn’t formally appointed Piote, it was only natural to think Ghislaine had given up because he felt it was too costly.
‘What a petty fellow… Holding onto a priest for so long isn’t easy. Anyway, I need more funds; there are many places needing oiling.’
Porisco found himself in quite a troublesome situation. He was in conflict with the archbishop, and the pressure was mounting, threatening him with expulsion.
Rumors circulated that the archbishop would convene a general assembly to oust him.
He attempted to bribe other bishops and nobles to sway public opinion, but the situation wasn’t improving.
‘Damn! Why is it only me who has to face their anger while they all feast? I only took a bit more!’
Everyone was partaking equally, but as the pressure increased, it became his weakness.
He had similar plans for the bribes obtained from Baron Penris. But since he hadn’t come to visit, he was out of luck.
Porisco clicked his tongue a few times and mentally erased Ghislaine from his thoughts. He forced a smile filled with worry and made his way to the assembly hall for the ceremony.
However, as he passed through, he noticed the temple servants whispering among themselves while looking at him.
‘What’s this? Why are they looking at me like that? It feels like they’re seeing something strange.’
It was puzzling. The usual looks he received were filled with fear, subtly laced with hidden contempt. Yet today, the feeling was slightly different.
Irritated by the unease, he quickened his pace, but gradually, he could hear bits of their hushed chatter.
“That person… they say.”
“Apparently all along… they were hiding like that…”
“The rumors have already… spread since this morning suddenly…”
He didn’t catch everything. However, he could discern mentions of hiding something and the news suddenly spreading.
‘What’s going on? Has the archbishop moved already? Is he manipulating external public opinion against me? Is he trying to make sure I’m dead? What do I do? If I’m excommunicated, I’m really finished. Either I take down the archbishop or I die, I need to find a way quickly.’
In a state of confusion, Porisco finished the ceremony half-heartedly and decided to go outside to find out what was happening.
He had been sluggish and lethargic these past few days, staying cooped up in the temple and indulging in idle eating and sleeping. He hadn’t grasped the true situation.
Porisco, accompanied by a few temple knights, stepped outside to feel a changed atmosphere.
“It’s Bishop Porisco!”
“Oh, it seems we’ve misunderstood him all along.”
“He’s the saint from the poor district!”
The sound of those around him shouting noisily reached his ears. These were the same people who used to avoid him as though they hadn’t seen anything while he passed by.
He had only used divine power for the wealthy nobles and completely ignored the sick and suffering.
He had been so blatant about discriminating against the poor and accepting bribes that he earned the nickname ‘Greedy Priest.’
He still didn’t care. He was of a different league than those insignificant beings who had been chosen by the goddess.
But then…
‘What? The saint of the poor district? Me?’
The title of saint isn’t something you just hand out. It’s a title earned only by those who dedicate everything for the sake of the people and make sacrifices.
Porisco knew very well that he was as far from the notion of a saint as it got.
He had never once visited the poor district except for when he forced himself to fulfill a service requirement back when he was a lowly priest.
Why would someone as noble as himself set foot into such a dirty, smelly place?
Nevertheless, he couldn’t ignore such claims and decided to confirm it.
“Let’s go… to the poor district.”
The looks and treatment he received from the crowd had changed. It felt odd. His voice trembled uncontrollably.
“Get the wagon, hurry and prepare the wagon.”
The poor district was quite far on the outskirts of the capital. It was not a distance he could walk given his large frame.
Arriving in the poor district with a racing heart, he was once again met with a surprising scene.
“Oooh, the saint has arrived!”
“Bishop Porisco is here!”
“Our savior has finally appeared!”
The poor folks grew noisy and began to gather. Stunned for a moment, he took a step back.
But the temple knights merely smiled and made no effort to block the approaching crowd.
“What, what are you doing… Quickly…”
Porisco could not finish his sentence as all the poor suddenly knelt to the ground, paying their respects.
“Thank you! Thank you, Bishop!”
“Thanks to you, my grandson was able to survive!”
“Please forgive me for speaking ill of you before! I did not understand your deep intentions!”
Some were weeping, others sang praises. Even an old man approached, crawling on his knees to kiss Porisco’s feet.
Receiving the devotion of the people, Porisco momentarily felt a rush of exhilarating pleasure.
‘This, this is it! This is what I wanted! What I’ve been missing!’
Due to his status as a priest, he couldn’t marry. He couldn’t wield power freely like other nobles.
Though he enjoyed fine clothes, good food, and comfortable beds, that was all there was.
No matter how many bribes he accepted and amassed wealth, his desires remained unfulfilled. Even leisure had to be sneaked in under the watchful eye of others.
But look at this! Everyone is sincerely adoring and worshipping him.
‘It feels like becoming a god!’
Porisco finally felt something filling within him.
Honor, the genuine respect of the people, and the power that transcends authority.
Porisco had opened his eyes to a new greed.
Though satisfied, he still did not understand the reason why these people were praising him. He needed to know the precise reason.
“Why, why are these folks treating me like this?”
The temple knight continued to smile and replied.
“It’s no use pretending not to know now. Word has already spread through the capital. How could you have hidden such deep intentions before?”
The knight’s eyes brimmed with respect. Porisco shook his head vigorously and asked again.
“W-what rumors are there?”
“They say you amassed all that wealth with great effort for this very time. Didn’t you foresee the drought through divine revelation?”
“M-me? I had a revelation?”
Divine revelation could only be received by the holy maiden.
It was absurd for a man like him to receive divine revelation. He had never even dreamt of it, let alone experienced a genuine one.
But the temple knight continued to speak with the expression of someone who no longer needed to hide.
“Yes. You gathered wealth through revelation and used that wealth to buy food to share with the poor district. Thanks to you, the drought-stricken people have survived. Given it’s a divine command, we can understand why you kept it a secret.”
He didn’t understand what they were saying. Porisco was diligently using his wealth for bribes to survive.
How much anguish had he felt watching the secretly dwindling wealth of his hidden treasure house each morning?
And in times like these, where could he possibly find such a quantity of food to distribute among the poor district?
“W-where did I buy food?”
“Didn’t Baron Penris come to the capital with an enormous amount of food at your request? Many people have seen it.”
‘Baron Penris!’
Hearing that name snapped him back to reality.
Just recently, he had suddenly vanished after promising a large donation. Why was his name being mentioned here?
As Porisco sweated coldly with a complicated expression, someone approached from a distance, recognizing him.
“How… Did you like the donation, Saint Porisco?”
