Chapter 210 - Chapter 209: The Church's Crisis
The third day of the second week of the Month of Fire.
The Great Cathedral of Sarbengeal.
It was the day Mika and Cleiria formally signed their engagement contract.
The engagement between Kistil and Nerisfeene had already been broken in form.
However, this was merely a matter of appearances, and thanks to Ixel, the deception had been completed without a single hitch.
In other words, Mika now had three fiancées.
(...Yeah, you're a proper scoundrel.)
If someone had three fiancées, anyone would surely label them a scoundrel.
Everyone would do it.
I would do it too.
It's only natural.
Because I am aware of it, my mood sinks even more.
"It's a rare sunny day, so the main character shouldn't be making such a face."
As Mika hung his head, Urbano spoke up.
This was Mika's waiting room.
As usual, Mika was dressed in a pure white toga-like outfit and had already finished his preparations.
Haiden, Ixel, and Urbano, Cleiria's three older brothers, had come to Mika's waiting room.
"Well, I expected this would happen from the time of the commemorative party."
Urbano wore a smile full of mockery.
"............I never even dreamed of it."
"Oh? That's a bit too much like you're looking down on nobles."
That was Urbano's words: If you think about why nobles treat people specially, there is only one answer?
There is, of course, a reason for treating someone specially.
The number one reason is that it brings profit.
But there are various kinds of profit.
Profit that benefits the Marquis (old man) personally.
Profit that benefits the Leventein house.
And, Mika was judged as the latter.
"I made it public at the party, didn't I? It's like saying he's family."
"I can't say I don't understand that logic... but you're overestimating him."
If the Marquis wanted to incorporate Mika's combat power into the Domain Army, there was no need to make him family.
He could just make him a subordinate.
Or rather, that is what a normal person would think.
Why does the Marquis (old man) want to secure Mika even by making him family?
"I have been checking Mika-kun's movements for some time. Father regularly sends me investigation reports, and I read them too."
"Huh?"
At Haiden's words, Mika's eyes went wide.
Investigation reports?
And regularly?
"I also had a fair grasp of his activities as an adventurer. Whether to make him a subordinate or draw him into the family... I suppose Father has been thinking about that for a long time."
Although he said nothing during the interview with the Marquis (old man), it seems he had been aware for a long time that Mika was an adventurer with a nickname.
He said they had been considering it for years, taking into account his reputation at the Magic Academy and his reputation as an adventurer.
(I figured they were trying to make me a subordinate... but I couldn't have predicted they'd try to make me family.)
Nobles marry other nobles, right?
Considering the Marquis (old man)'s position, I thought he would first consider marrying Cleiria to royalty.
When Mika said that, Haiden shook his head.
"I think it's simply because they already have enough power. I think that is a correct judgment."
The Leventein house does not seek power to strut around in the capital.
They seek free discretion for border defense.
They possess sufficient combat power and are allowed to use it as they please.
That kind of power.
"So, the plan is that our marriage will be enough to strengthen them. In fact, Big Brother Haiden has taken a Duke's daughter as his wife."
Urbano added.
Apparently, Haiden's wife is a daughter of a Duke's house.
And, the Marquis (old man)'s wife, Soinlage, is also from a different Duke's house, apparently.
(Even if she is from a collateral branch, royal blood runs through her. No wonder the King trusts her so much.)
Royal blood does not necessarily run through every Duke's house, but one is not given the status of a Duke for ordinary achievements.
From the King's perspective, the Leventein house, especially the Marquis (old man) and Haiden, must feel almost like family.
And Ixel seems to often guard the King directly as part of the Royal Guards.
He is one of the few guards who can speak casually with the King.
And, a very unfortunate reality.
Mika is being incorporated into such a Leventein house.
Mika let out a massive sigh... and then stopped himself.
The three people here are Cleiria's brothers.
If Mika, who is about to get engaged, acts like this,
"What is wrong with my sister? Hah!?"
He wouldn't be able to complain if he was threatened like that.
It's not that he has a problem with Cleiria.
It's that he has a problem with the Leventein house.
...But he can't say that either.
Seeing Mika like that, Urbano made a disappointed face.
"You've made three fiancées, yet you're surprisingly not that steady. Well, I felt the same way during the party."
"Huh!?"
How do you know that?
Mika suddenly looked at Ixel.
But Ixel himself had a cool expression.
"We try to share secrets as much as possible. Especially the inconvenient ones."
Saying that lightly, Urbano made Mika show a foolish face with his mouth wide open.
"The next head of the house has approved it. Isn't that reassuring?"
When Ixel said that without shame, Haiden made a bitter face.
"Really... This is only for this time. Since Father pushed it through so forcefully, I swallowed it this time, but this is truly too much."
Haiden also knows that Mika's engagement break was a deception.
But apparently, he hasn't told the Marquis (old man) about it.
"We share secrets among ourselves, but we don't leak them. Even if the King asks."
At Ixel's words, Haiden and Urbano nodded.
It seems these three have made a special agreement... something like an alliance.
It didn't seem like simple trust as family or brothers.
"Our goals are aligned for the sake of the Leventein house. I pity Mika-kun, but I understand Father's judgment that he is necessary for the Leventein house. So, we will turn a blind eye to this. After all, it will only be for a few years, right?"
If Mika actually marries Cleiria, there is no legal problem with him taking several wives afterwards.
If he behaves too unscrupulously, there might be a need to consider it, but Haiden and the others also know that the Marquis (old man) was too forceful this time.
So, it seems to be the result of considering how to draw Mika into the Leventein house without making him hate them too much.
"You should feel relieved that a reasonable head is likely to take over in the future," Ixel said.
But Mika had no choice but to wear a complicated expression.
Although the Great Cathedral has a large chapel that can hold hundreds of people, there is also a separate small chapel.
It seems Mika and Cleiria's engagement ceremony will be held in that small chapel.
Well, even though it's called small, it's a very splendid chapel that can hold about a hundred people.
Haiden told him that initially, there was a proposal to hold the engagement ceremony at the Royal Castle.
Of course, the one who suggested it was the King.
But apparently, he managed to decline it by saying it was an internal matter.
Hearing that story, Mika felt his soul was about to fly out of his mouth.
(...Even if she is a Marquis's daughter, why hold a commoner's engagement at the Royal Castle?)
It felt like everyone was saying whatever they wanted, and Mika, the person involved, was being tossed around.
(Just like before, they could have done it at the Leventein house's separate residence in the capital...)
This was an engagement ceremony where they were summoned all the way to Sarbengeal.
Moreover, the Marquis (old man) plans to stay in the capital for about two weeks after this.
For the usual audience with the King around the end of summer.
As a result of various intentions intertwining, Mika and Cleiria were summoned to Sarbengeal, and then the Marquis (old man) would go to the capital.
Honestly, I think, "Aren't you an idiot!?"
I won't say it because it's scary.
Why do it in Sarbengeal while skipping school when the Marquis (old man) could just do it when he comes to the capital?
By the way, Mika has not yet told his family about this engagement.
Or rather, he has no intention of telling them.
If the members of the Noisheim house, who are commoners among commoners, learn that they are related to the Leventein house, a high-ranking noble family, they might faint.
Amalia would definitely end up bedridden.
So, yesterday I secretly went to the Village Head's house and told only him.
The Village Head turned pale too.
(Because... Even if they are family, there's no way they can attend.)
Mika looked at the people in the chapel.
Mika was meeting everyone for the first time, but Haiden and the others had introduced them just now.
Viscount Allcosa, Viscount Myureaol, Viscount Brycosroa, Baron Limpēre, and six other heads of noble houses.
All the heads of noble houses in the Hailhord Region were gathered.
This is the level of whether it's better to be thrown into Amalia and Loretta's hellish cauldron.
Even Mika felt like he was about to spit blood!
While thinking such things, the engagement ceremony began.
It seems the Archbishop (Wagnare) himself will officiate.
Well, since it is the engagement ceremony of the Marquis's daughter (Cleiria), it is only natural.
Normally, parental consent is required for engagements before adulthood, but this time Amalia's signature is not needed.
Why?
Because the Marquis (old man) has approved it.
Really, they are doing whatever they want, these nobles of this country....
The law means nothing.
With that and that, the ceremony began, and Mika stood before Archbishop (Wagnare).
Kararebas was waiting a little distance away to assist with the ceremony.
Both were wearing dignified ceremonial robes for the occasion.
Then, led by the Marquis (old man) and Soinlage, Cleiria entered.
Cleiria wore the same pure white toga as Mika and looked straight ahead with a smile.
A slightly stiff expression.
She was probably making it because she was nervous.
She walked slowly through the full attendees to the front of the chapel.
When she came in front of Mika, Cleiria turned to face Wagnare alongside Mika.
Wagnare had a gentle expression that one could not imagine from the stern face they met at the Great Cathedral in the capital.
They offered prayers to the gods, and following Wagnare, Cleiria and Mika recited the prayer together.
They had already done it once, so they were used to it.
(...Lie. I am extremely nervous.)
There is no way one wouldn't be nervous in such a situation under public scrutiny.
And, more than anything, it is truly embarrassing.
Really, I'm no good at this kind of thing.
(Love, romance, marriage... I have no connection to any of them!?)
I might be told what am I saying now, but do I really intend to get married in the future?
I think such things.
I was fully displaying my useless man status.
While thinking such messy thoughts, the ceremony ended safely.
After this, Cleiria will return to the mansion, and tomorrow she will head to the capital with the Marquis (old man).
Mika is returning to the capital on his own.
Honestly, I still can't forgive the forceful engagement with Cleiria this time, nor the broken engagement with Kistil and Nerisfeene.
I simply cannot face the Marquis (old man) for a week in this state.
So, at the stage where I coordinated the schedule with Cleiria in advance, I had already informed them that we would act separately.
And so, Mika changed clothes in the waiting room and equipped his usual adventurer gear.
Knock, knock.
Just as Mika put on the Magic Bag, the door was knocked on.
"Yes. It's open."
When I called out, Kararebas entered.
"Oh, Priest-sama. Long time no see. Thank you very much today."
"No, no, Mika-kun too. Long time no see. It was quite something, with everything."
What Kararebas was saying was probably not just this engagement.
Including the church incident that triggered it, everything.
"Actually, the Archbishop wants to talk to Mika-kun. Do you have time?"
"Archbishop Wagnare? Yes, I have time."
What is it?
By the way, the Archbishop should have helped with the engagement deception.
He even came to the Great Cathedral specifically to rescue Mika.
I hadn't had a chance to thank him directly, so I hadn't been able to say it, but being able to talk to him directly is welcome for Mika as well.
"I don't have any urgent matters after this, so what should I do? Should I wait here?"
"No, if your schedule allows, you are to be guided to the office. Please."
It seems they will guide him immediately.
Mika was guided by Kararebas and entered the Archbishop's office.
"Thank you very much today. And, although it is late, thank you for your help with various things."
When Mika bowed deeply to express his gratitude, Wagnare shook his head.
"I did nothing. Nothing happened. That is the most important thing."
I was taught the trick of covering it up.
It seems there is no need to say thank you or do anything at all.
(...Could it be that he is a person who usually has many secrets?)
He seems to be very used to handling hidden matters.
We were offered sofas and sat down as three.
A young deacon-like person brought a slightly reddish-colored water.
"It is red wine diluted with water. It is something commonly drunk at the church."
Kararebas explained to Mika, who looked at it with interest.
It is sometimes served on special days at orphanages, and since it is diluted quite thinly, it is said that children do not get drunk even if they drink it.
Not only red wine, but herbs are also put in the pitcher, making the scent and texture refreshing.
"Oh, really."
When I took a sip, there was a mint-like feeling...
Indeed, this might be good for the summer.
(Good. Does Nerisfeene know the recipe?)
Previously, she didn't seem to care much about those around her, so the possibility of her not knowing is high.
Besides, would Trys know?
I think such things, but I soon remember the purpose of coming here.
"You said you had something to talk about."
When Mika said that, Wagnare nodded once.
"Do you know about the current state of the church?"
"About the church?"
Mika shook his head.
It seems to be quite a mess, but he knows nothing specific.
"There is no need to tell you, but the church has been in a terrible state from top to bottom for a long time."
Wagnare made a somewhat pained expression.
"Those who were in the church in past generations, and everyone currently involved in the church, left it as it was. Because of that, I have caused you a lot of trouble."
Kararebas also lowered his head a little.
As if regretting his own powerlessness.
"However, taking that incident as a trigger, the Kingdom Army has entered and is thoroughly eliminating the rotten parts. The information I provided was for that, and it seems the country was originally conducting undercover investigations."
"Is that so?"
Wagnare nodded.
"It seems the country could not move due to lack of information, but it seems they judged that enough information was gathered by combining it with the information I had."
The Kingdom Army has cut into churches throughout the kingdom, dragging out rotten deacons, priests, bishops, and even members of the Church Knights Order (Temple Knights) one by one.
They are conducting thorough interrogations, and those whose investigations are complete are being thrown into hard labor.
"The Pope and the Cardinal of the Pope faction have been sentenced to beheading."
Wagnare said it with no emotion.
Apparently, the Pope and the Cardinals of the Pope faction had been doing whatever they wanted to such an extent that it wasn't worth it unless they beheaded them several times.
Still, they clung desperately to the bait of "I will reduce your sentence," and talked about the evil deeds of others like water.
Everyone does not talk about things unfavorable to themselves, but otherwise, they are very cooperative.
It seems that since everyone else is doing the same thing, the evil deeds exposed are accumulating far beyond the reduced sentence.
"The Bishop of Runesarm and the Commander of the Church Knights Order (Temple Knights) there have already been beheaded. The small fry who supported them have all been sentenced to hard labor. They will never be free again."
Apparently, he heard from Kararebas about Nerisfeene and thought Mika would be concerned about the bishops of Runesarm.
He explicitly stated that they were decided to be sentenced to hard labor until death.
Hearing that, Mika let out a deep breath.
(...With this, Nerisfeene's safety is secured. The reason for me to protect Kistil and Nerisfeene has been lost.)
Kistil's father is Yorkades.
Nerisfeene is the church of Runesarm.
There are no longer people chasing the two of them.
Still....
(Is it my ego that I don't want to let go?)
By the ethics cultivated in the environment where I was born and raised, it can be said to be an abnormal desire.
Even though it is legal under this country's laws, Mika himself thinks so.
He himself feels that it is 'abnormal'.
"Are you alright?"
Noticing Mika's solemn expression, Wagnare asked.
"Yes, it's nothing."
Mika tried to compose his face and reached for the cup.
As he drank the water in the cup, he felt that the heat accumulated in his chest was slightly soothed by the mint's refreshment.
"So, in a few months, we have drained most of the pus... but there is one problem here."
Wagnare looked at Mika with a serious expression.
"We are short-handed."
"Hah... Well, that would happen."
Everyone from top to bottom has been dragged out evenly.
Of course, we would be short-handed.
"Reform of the church itself is necessary, but there are no talents to advance it soon."
"Well, there are few capable people, right? That's right."
Currently, the Cardinals who were anti-Pope are struggling to support it, but it seems they cannot do anything.
Originally, there were about twenty Cardinals, but now there are fifteen.
Moreover, the Pope is not even present.
It can be said to be the greatest crisis since the founding of the Church of Light.
Well, that is also self-inflicted.