Chapter 112
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113.
"The Cardinal's words are not entirely without merit. The Temple's autonomy has been recognized since the founding Emperor of the Rotandus Empire. However, if we cannot even apprehend those who insult us as we see fit, how can we claim to possess any autonomy at all? This shakes the very foundation of the Empire."
"Since when has the Empire's foundation been the Temple? The true foundation of the Empire is the Roticana Imperial Family!"
"Count Chelston Semond! If you do not wish to be brought before a religious tribunal, you would do well to hold your tongue!"
"So you wish to conduct a witch hunt now? Are you not ashamed of history's dark chapters?"
Soon after, a fierce exchange erupted between the old and new nobility.
Eventually, even harsh words began to fly.
'This is absolute chaos.'
Julian clicked his tongue and glanced at Zeppelin's empty seat.
He had used illness as an excuse to avoid attending the conference.
Yet Julian knew the true reason Zeppelin had not attended was something else entirely.
'The incident that occurred in his own home has grown to this extent—he cannot bear the suspicion.'
In a sense, it was a wise choice.
Julian smacked his lips in disappointment, unable to use the carefully prepared remarks that would have twisted Zeppelin's face.
"So, what is the Duke of Johannes's opinion?"
As the conference careened toward disaster, Zahidra casually posed the question to Julian.
The commotion subsided momentarily, and all eyes turned toward me.
Yet none of them held much expectation.
Julian, as always,
'I was preoccupied with other thoughts and did not hear, but perhaps we should hear from others. They seem to have much more to say than I do.'
...would respond with such indifference, or so they expected.
Julian caught Zahidra's piercing gaze.
It meant: you are the instigator of this affair, so resolve it yourself.
'I suppose I must step forward after all.'
Julian cleared his throat and loosened his voice, which had grown stiff from prolonged silence.
"I deeply agree with the Cardinal's view that this matter cannot simply be overlooked."
A sigh escaped from among the new nobility at those words.
Cardinal Bolivar regarded Julian with an expression of surprise.
"However, I believe we must also refrain from indiscriminate sacrifice. All of you gathered here surely know how horrific the witch hunts of the past century were."
"That was the result of the Pope's arbitrary actions at that time. He was later executed as a heretic, and the Temple offered apologies and sufficient compensation. It is ancient history—please do not dredge it up again."
Bolivar spoke to Julian with a displeased expression.
Julian let out a soft laugh.
"I am not asking to dredge up the past. I am saying we must be cautious because a precedent exists. And fundamentally, the very subject of this debate is flawed."
"What do you mean...?"
"We must first examine why this incident occurred. To speak frankly, the pictures posted on the walls may exaggerate certain aspects, but do they not accurately point out the current state of affairs?"
The Marquis of Lancaster gripped the armrest of his chair as though he meant to shatter it, glaring at Julian.
"Duke Julian of Johannes! Is that something the head of a house devoted to serving God should say!"
Unlike his predecessor, Julian's maintenance of neutrality displeased him, and it seemed he had finally sided with the Emperor.
Indeed, the Emperor's assumption of his father's role at the wedding ceremony was no accident.
Langster's displeasure was evident on his face.
Julian no longer smiled.
He placed his interlaced hands on the table with a cool expression.
"Marquis of Lancaster, when have I ever insulted the Goddess Defria? Do not leap to such conclusions. What I meant to say is that 'some' clergy and priests are tarnishing the Temple's reputation."
Zahidra, who had been regretting his role in Julian's plan moments before, leaned forward.
Julian slowly surveyed the conference room, where only the sound of breathing could be heard.
His sharp gaze pressed down upon everyone present.
"The Temple must now acknowledge this: there are rats gnawing away at the noble Defrian Church in every corner. Of course, this has nothing whatsoever to do with our pristine Pope or the Cardinal present here."
Hearing himself absolved of blame, Bolivar made no further objections.
To contradict now would risk being branded as one of those 'rats' Julian had mentioned.
His earlier fervor—the very momentum that had driven him to march the Knights of God to the Imperial Palace this morning—had dissipated.
Julian lowered his gaze and smiled softly.
It was the same sacred smile he had used to persuade the Montblanc Club.
He continued in a humble tone.
"As one blessed by the Goddess Defria, I have concluded that I can no longer stand idle while 'some' clergy and priests conduct themselves as they do. Is this not a fortunate turn of events? Let us use this opportunity to drive out the corrupt. Let us cleanse the Goddess Defria's tarnished name and restore the Temple's honor. What are your thoughts on my position, Cardinal Bolivar?"
Bolivar stared at Julian in shock.
Watching him smile with such ease, he wondered if this was truly the same man he had known.
Not a single word he had spoken was wrong.
Petitions denouncing the Temple's tyranny had rained down upon the Imperial Palace, and an ever-growing number of theologians had sent protest letters to the Temple.
The Cardinal was well aware that the people's support was slipping away, yet too much had been done to reverse course.
It was human nature to desire the coin before one's eyes even while clutching gold coins in both hands.
So perhaps, as Julian suggested, this was indeed a good opportunity to win back the people's hearts.
If he simply selected a few dozen clergy and priests to make examples of and cast them out, there would be no disadvantage to himself.
Rather, it could become an excellent card to play—one that might eventually elevate him to Pope as a just and impartial Cardinal.
'But if I do that, the Emperor will....'
The Cardinal looked at Zahidra, whose face had already returned to its original benevolent expression.
This was also an opportunity for the Emperor to interfere in Temple affairs.
When the Cardinal hesitated to reach a conclusion, Julian graciously helped guide his choice.
"Surely you are not hesitating to restore the Goddess Defria's honor, Cardinal? I had believed you to be far different from those rats who walk the tightrope between God and wealth. Was I mistaken?"
'Damn it.'
The Marquis of Lancaster's insides burned as he gulped down water. With such words spoken, the Cardinal had no escape.
"N-no, of course not. His Majesty has also been vigilant against corrupt clergy. I agree with the Duke of Johannes's position."
The Cardinal's forced smile was worth seeing.
Zahidra hastily suppressed the laughter threatening to burst forth.
He pretended to deliberate for a moment before finally speaking.
"I shall actively support the Temple's purification as well. We must protect the foundation of our Rotandus Empire, after all."
"No, Your Majesty need not go to such lengths. We can resolve this ourselves...."
"Do not refuse. How about issuing a luxury prohibition edict?"
"A luxury prohibition edict, Your Majesty...?"
"I say it is my edict, but I do not mean to enforce it through military force. Rather, it is merely a recommendation. If our people all come together to reduce gambling and excessive speculation, would that not strengthen our national power?"
"But that contradicts the national religion's doctrine of equal pleasure. Such a thing is impossible."
"No, that's not quite right. There is another doctrine, is there not? The teaching that one may pursue their own pleasure so long as it does not interfere with another's. The corrupt acts of certain priests and clergy are nothing short of fraud. And what greater violation of another's pleasure could there be than that?"
"Your words are absolutely correct, Your Majesty!"
Chelston cried out triumphantly. Led by him, the newly risen nobles voiced their enthusiastic support for the Emperor's position.
This was also a clever stratagem to clearly identify those who sided with Zahidra.
If he continued living as he always had despite making such a declaration, it would be tantamount to declaring himself an enemy.
'Now I can visit Rebecca without worry.'
Julian's only desire was to return home as quickly as possible.
Amused by his own transformation, he allowed himself a subtle smile.
The Marquis of Lancaster, who had been silently observing him, felt sparks ignite in his eyes.
'A smile of victory? Julian of Johannes. You will surely come to regret what transpired today.'
The sound of him grinding his teeth was swallowed by the surrounding commotion.
* * *
"You're still working? I told you not to overexert yourself."
Julian made his way toward the office, where the light still burned, carrying a plate of fruit.
He held out an apple he had carved into the shape of a rabbit to Rebecca, who remained buried in her documents, unaware of his arrival.
Rebecca frowned for a moment before reluctantly accepting the apple he offered.
Crunch—
The sound of her biting into the apple echoed loudly through the quiet office.
"Is this from this year's harvest? It's quite sweet."
"Yes. We had an excellent crop this year. The fruit in particular is especially plump."
Julian closed his eyes contentedly and picked up an apple for himself.
He glanced at the towering stack of documents before speaking.
"Take breaks while you work. It's fine to delegate some of this to Belma. She's been handling things well all this time."
"Julian. Belma is the head maid. She is not the mistress of this household. As I've said before, you need to be aware of the grievances your employees face."
"It seems like I'm asking her to do a lot, but I pay her well for it."
"Money isn't everything. What good is a fortune when there's no time to spend it?"
Julian fell silent, feeling a pang of guilt.
Now that he thought about it, he recalled how those under him were always crying out that they had too much work.
Just today, he had received a letter from Eustaf tinged with tears...
"Then I should grant them leave. Starting tomorrow, I'll select a few people to—"
"I've already done it."
"What?"
"I'm sorry. I handled it unilaterally while you were away. There were so many people who looked like they were about to work themselves to death. There were too many people in unnecessary positions and too few in the places that truly needed them, so I reorganized the personnel on my own authority."
Rebecca located the personnel documents and handed them to Julian.
Julian reviewed the personnel list with a somewhat reluctant expression.
He had never seen a report this thorough before.
The Runaway Countess Returns
E-book publication.
January 12, 2022
Author.
Long Night Sky
Publisher.
Desert Fox
Published by.
Woongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.
Submission Inquiries.
naver.me/54VzzLSn
Blog.
blog.naver.com/wj_fennecfox
Twitter.
@wjt_fennecfox
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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