Chapter 216
Chapter 216: Did You Like the Donation? (2)
The one who approached with a beaming smile was Ghislaine.
Polrisco suddenly avoided eye contact and quickly started to think.
‘W-what is this crazy guy thinking?’
He suddenly turned a perfectly normal person into a Saint. And not just any Saint, but a fake one who received a divine revelation from the Goddess.
This would probably be recorded as the first of its kind in history. I’m not joking; it’s really going to end up in the history books.
I wanted to shout out what kind of madness this was and give him a piece of my mind, but…
‘There are way too many eyes watching!’
It was a predicament. I needed to unveil the truth, but I couldn’t speak.
The eyes of the poor and the Temple Knights looking at me sparkled with excitement. It felt like honey was just dripping everywhere.
‘Is this… the power of a Saint?’
I wanted to bask in that look of reverence even more. If I had never experienced it, perhaps I wouldn’t understand, but I had already tasted its sweetness.
I didn’t want to go back to that unfulfilling life where nothing was ever enough again.
‘But is this really okay? Will this cause problems later? It feels like my reputation is spreading all over the capital…’
Reason told me it couldn’t be done, but my greedy selfishness kept insisting it would be fine.
Then suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.
In my excitement, I had momentarily forgotten my situation, but looking back, this was an excellent opportunity.
‘If I can maintain this public sentiment… the Archbishop can’t treat me recklessly! I’ll be the next Archbishop for sure!’
If the rumor of me being a Saint spreads further, the Archbishop wouldn’t dare to expel me. Not only would he not be able to expel me, but he also wouldn’t even be able to touch me.
But I didn’t know the exact circumstances, so it was dangerous to be too optimistic. Polrisco’s mind started to spin.
“Saint? You don’t look so well.”
As Ghislaine came closer, the Temple Knights blocked Polrisco’s path.
Seeing that, Ghislaine said, slightly troubled, “Hmm, I wanted to discuss future donations… Should I just go back?”
“Oh, no. The Baron has done something great by ‘helping me,’ so we can’t have that. What are you all doing? This is Baron Penris! Quickly escort him to the Temple!”
At Polrisco’s words, the Temple Knights slightly bowed their heads to Ghislaine and stepped aside.
Soon, the two of them boarded a luxurious wagon pulled by six white horses and headed towards the Temple.
While riding, Ghislaine asked with an innocent expression, “So… did you like the donation? It cost quite a bit of food.”
Polrisco didn’t answer immediately. He needed to grasp the other’s intentions to avoid being led around.
He liked donations, but not on such a grand scale. What he had wanted was a simple, modest bribe.
‘What’s he thinking? I heard they had plenty of food, but spending so much in a situation like this? Just for that rumor? Why?’
He was a naturally suspicious and greedy person. He was someone who had climbed to the position of Bishop through all sorts of tricks and politics.
Even though he’s currently in a difficult position due to excessive greed and the Archbishop’s scrutiny, he wasn’t someone who would easily be fooled.
As someone who had aimed for the position of next Archbishop and formed factions in a massive church, he was not to be underestimated.
Polrisco eyed Ghislaine with doubtful eyes, saying nothing.
“You really don’t need to be so cautious. I was trying to help the Bishop,” Ghislaine said.
“Help… me?”
“Yes. You seem to be in quite a predicament lately, right? I heard you’re not getting along well with the Archbishop.”
‘What? How does this kid from the North know about that? Did a noble from the Crown Prince Faction tell him?’
Polrisco had worked hard, providing bribes to the nobles, so news likely spread.
The nobles’ opinions could not be ignored, but the Archbishop’s power was stronger, rendering those bribes ineffective.
“Who told you… about this?”
“Oh, I just picked it up while staying in the capital for a few days.”
Ghislaine had a good understanding of Polrisco. It wasn’t due to his past life experiences.
Knowing the importance of information, he had laid numerous spies in the capital. And from the information they gathered, he crafted a new plan.
Under Ghislaine’s direction, spy Lowell manipulated rumors and incited people to create the current situation.
Seeing that Polrisco still couldn’t shake off his suspicion, Ghislaine continued.
“Over time, the rumors will fade. There are still many who can’t let go of their doubts. It wouldn’t be beneficial to miss this opportunity.”
At Ghislaine’s words, Polrisco twitched his lips.
This kid knows his vulnerabilities for sure.
“Alright. But you wouldn’t do such a thing without wanting something in return… What do you want?”
“Well… it’s just what I mentioned before.”
“Are you talking about Priest Piote? You seem to be spending too much over a mere lowly priest.”
Polrisco still didn’t let his guard down. If he just wanted Piote, there would be no need for such extravagance.
Half of that enormous food supply would have sufficed for him to part with Piote willingly.
Ghislaine nodded in agreement.
“Correct. I want other things too.”
“Let’s hear them. I’ll listen and judge.”
Even in a difficult situation, Polrisco tried hard to retain control. Once you get swept up in something like this, it’s tough to extricate yourself.
He definitely had the characteristics of a greedy priest who had been through thick and thin.
Ghislaine paused for dramatic effect.
“This doesn’t seem like the right kind of conversation for inside the wagon. Let’s discuss it once we reach a quiet place.”
‘This guy…’
Polrisco clenched his teeth to hide his agitation. This kid seems to be playing me like a puppet.
But right now, he was the one in a bind. Reluctantly calming his temper, he kept his mouth shut until they reached the Temple.
As soon as they arrived at the Temple, Polrisco looked around and feigned anger, saying, “Now tell me what you want! Why did you create such a situation?”
“To make you the Archbishop.”
“What, what? Did you… say something?”
“Literally. I’m saying this all to help you get through your current crisis and elevate you to the position of Archbishop.”
At Ghislaine’s calm words, Polrisco momentarily lost his composure.
The Archbishop position was the goal of his life. Hadn’t he been tirelessly collecting and offering bribes to those around him for this very reason?
But the Archbishop was trying to cut him out for another successor.
‘If this kid helps me, it could be possible. If I can completely sway the public’s opinion… I could easily trample over the Archbishop even if I don’t receive the title of Saint!’
If he could release food under his name just a few more times, public sentiment would solidify. And the only one who could do that right now was this kid before him.
He was referred to as the Food King of the North, after all.
Plus, he just needed to align his story to say he was preparing through a “revelation.” No one could verify it, nor could anyone argue in front of the Goddess.
But could I really trust this guy right in front of me?
‘This is risky… very risky.’
Polrisco had a foreboding feeling. If things went wrong, it could backfire catastrophically. Accepting it outright was far too dangerous.
If this kid misspoke even once, he could end up in a far more difficult situation than now.
“What’s in it for me to become… the Archbishop and help you out?”
“You’d benefit a lot. I’d still have plenty of opportunities to receive the Church’s help when I’m in trouble, right? It’s a matter of mutual loyalty.”
‘This madman…’
The perceptive Polrisco understood Ghislaine’s words. He meant to tighten the reins and use him whenever it was necessary.
If it were any other day, this would be a proposal that would make him furiously angry, and he would kick him out. If they were going to collaborate like this, the Church would have joined hands with the nobles ages ago.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Baron. Don’t you know that religion and politics cannot coexist? You think you’ll just make a puppet of me?”
“You’re reading too far into it. I just mean we should be on good terms when we need each other.”
“Stop with your sweet talk! How can a mere Baron dare to trifle with the Church?”
When Polrisco abandoned courtesy and came on strong, Ghislaine smirked and interrupted.
“Then are you just going to let yourself die like this?”
“…”
“You’ll die a disgraceful death out of greed instead of as a martyr.”
Both already knew what was needed from one another. Ghislaine reminded Polrisco of his situation once again.
“I know the Archbishop’s personality can be quite cruel… you might be labeled a heretic. That would certainly be the worst way to die.”
“…”
“You seem to have some misunderstanding… I’m trying to save you, Bishop. And in return, I’m going to get what I deserve. Is there anything worth more than your life?”
“What if I refuse?”
“If you don’t want to, then that’s too bad. I can just ask the Archbishop for Piote. If I push the food towards that side, I won’t have any trouble. But in exchange… the Bishop will surely die.”
‘Oh, no.’
Then he really would be finished. Apart from losing his life, if the Archbishop obtained food and received the title of Saint?
He wouldn’t even have a peaceful death, dying with a stomachache.
Polrisco wiped cold sweat while deliberating. If he accepted, he’d become this kid’s dog, and if he rejected, he’d die.
But he didn’t want to die. He didn’t want to die nor lose the Archbishop position.
Besides, he wanted to continue hearing the title of Saint. That experience had been the most thrilling of his life.
What if he could continue having those experiences? What if the rumors spread even more, reaching beyond the Kingdom?
‘It’s not just about the Archbishop. If I just keep this kid out of my hair, no one will be able to touch me. I might even be treated like a Saint!’
Seeing Polrisco’s eyes dart around, Ghislaine silently chuckled.
‘This guy is just dripping with greed. He must be dying to have it all. Still, he’s cautious due to his suspicious nature. He won’t be easy to handle.’
Originally, Ghislaine hadn’t planned to go this far. He just intended to provide a suitable reward and retrieve Piote for now.
While he did need the Church’s power to prepare for future chaos, the person he had in mind was another priest with many crimes.
However, upon learning of Polrisco’s predicament, he slightly adjusted his plans and accelerated them.
While contemplating and sneaking glances at Ghislaine, Polrisco let out a deep sigh.
‘If I refuse, I won’t have any way to solve the current situation. Even if I save my life, given the Archbishop’s personality, expulsion will be certain. But if I’m caught by this kid…’
As his mind battled within itself, a monk’s voice was heard from outside.
“Bishop, Count Norton is here to see you.”
“What?”
Count Biloah Norton, the eldest son of the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, and the brother of Marquis Branford’s wife. In other words, he is Rosalyn’s uncle and a core noble of the Crown Prince Faction.
“Oh, quickly let him in.”
Even though there was a guest, Biloah was an aristocrat that Polrisco couldn’t treat recklessly.
Not just because of his family name, but due to holding a position akin to Chief of State in the capital, he wielded considerable influence.
After a brief formal greeting, Biloah feigned surprise as he looked at Ghislaine.
“Oh, isn’t this Baron Penris? What brings you to the Temple?”
“It’s been a while, Count. I was discussing how to help the Bishop and the poor.”
“Ah, I see. You, young man, have such deep intentions. Truly, it’s the prosperity of the Kingdom. I had come to see the Bishop about matters regarding my royal family.”
Hearing that he came regarding royal family matters, Polrisco looked bewildered.
What could royal family want with him all of a sudden?
‘Could it be…? Because of that rumor? Have they really come to see me already?’
If he were truly recognized as a Saint, the Kingdom would support him. No other kingdom would dare mess with him where a Saint resided.
Sure enough, Biloah straightforwardly began to speak about the benefits Polrisco would receive.
“…If the Bishop is recognized as a Saint by the Church, we will create a sacred relic to store the Bishop’s holy body and holy blood with the royal family’s treasure, the Dragon’s Bone… Additionally, we will prepare a private chamber in the royal palace for you… and we will build a new temple dedicated to you on fresh grounds…”
Such an overwhelming proposal left Polrisco feeling like he could lose his mind. It made all the bribes he received until now seem like pocket change.
He should have been receiving such treatment a long time ago. It felt like he had lost half his life.
When he glanced at Ghislaine, he found him smiling gently and bowing his head.
“Congratulations. That name will spread throughout the Kingdom. So then… should we proceed with the donation according to the ‘revelation’? Bishop Polrisco… Saint.”
‘Huh, heh heh, I forgot how enormous of an opportunity this is with my urgent situation.’
Spending a lifetime healing the poor with divine power, he would be lucky to receive the title of Saint.
It’s because there’s a perception that divine power must be used for others.
And there was no priest as patient as one who had to endure hardship while rolling around with the poor.
Thus, the path of a Saint was notoriously difficult and painful, with the title usually only received posthumously.
‘But I can get the name of a Saint quickly and easily like this? It’s worthless if I receive it after I’m dead. I have to enjoy it while I’m alive!’
Even if he couldn’t obtain the title due to other Bishops’ hindrance, that would be fine. The mere rumor of him being a Saint would grant him the opportunity to survive and become Archbishop.
‘I was overthinking due to my doubts. If I firmly establish myself as the Archbishop and gain the support of the royal family and aristocrats… I can handle that kid easily!’
There was no need to hesitate foolishly. The most important thing was his life. First and foremost, getting through the crisis at hand was priority.
Polrisco smiled kindly at Ghislaine and said, “I will gratefully accept the donation. Baron Penris.”
He decided to row the same boat with Ghislaine for now.
