The Holy Man of Another Century Gospel

Chapter 252 It's all business
At the cathedral, Eric received more detailed information about the battle situation at the Tebni front: some of the church knights guarding the border had been defeated, and the remaining main force had moved to a safe place.

"...Only a portion of the defending troops were defeated?"

"Yes, Your Highness..."

Eric exhaled and rolled his eyes.

Governor Danvers, seeing that the Papal army had been completely annihilated, was so frightened that he rushed over to confirm it.

It must be said that the war between the demons and the church in Tebunet was more complicated than he had anticipated.

—They were evenly matched before, but now they've even been pushed back. How will the church turn the tide?

"What exactly happened?" Eric asked.

Archbishop Norfolk sighed. "The Church Knights' army detached a portion of its forces, intending to outflank the demon army from behind. However, before they could complete the encirclement, the demons suddenly attacked the remaining Church Knights. Due to the disparity in strength between the two sides, they were routed."

Eric paused for a moment, then, after understanding his words, asked in surprise, "So you sent out the main force to flank and launch a surprise attack?"

"……Yes."

"You don't want the front anymore? You gave it to the family?"

"..."

Norfolk's face was full of bitterness. "Your Highness, that's all I know. Only the commander of the knights at the front knows the decisions made. If you directly question the Holy See, you might get more specific reasons."

Eric didn't ask any more questions and asked for a map to look at.

The demons had just broken out of the Qifeng Mountains when they were stopped by the Church's knight army at the border of Tebuniti. They were suddenly defeated. The holy city of Lessier in the center of Tebuniti was not in such a critical situation, since there was still a long way to go, and the main force of the Church's knights was still intact.

Of course, he wasn't in Lessier, so he could still rationally analyze the threat posed by the demons to Lessier, while the Holy See, located in the Holy City, would probably find it difficult to remain calm.

"What's the latest on the demon army's movements, and the Vatican's reaction?" Eric asked.

“It’s not clear yet, Your Highness,” Norfolk replied, “but I think the Church Knights will soon stop the demon army and drive them away, so you need not worry.”

"I'm worried about... well, it's hard for me not to worry."

Eric quickly changed his tune, saying, "I hope the Church Knights' army can eliminate the demons in time."

He found it hard to genuinely worry about the Holy City—it was too easy to defend. Unless the main force of the demons appeared there, they couldn't pose a real threat to the Holy City, especially the inner city.

If the main force of the demons really appears there, Lutia's side can immediately launch a counterattack.

"It was mostly a false alarm."

As Eric emerged from the cathedral, he spoke these words to Natalia, who was waiting in the carriage.

"how?"

Eric told her what he knew.

"Send the main force to launch a surprise attack?" Natalia was just as surprised.

"Hmm... Perhaps in the eyes of the knight commander who made this decision, when the demons discover that a large number of church knights have suddenly appeared behind them, they will immediately collapse and await death."

Natalia shook her head. "Anyone who's fought demons knows their will isn't so easily broken. What are they thinking...?"

Eric climbed into the carriage and told the driver to return to the governor's mansion.

"It's also possible that there's pressure from the rear. We've been at a standoff these past few days, supposedly with the forces at odds. Perhaps the Vatican is eager to see results, so the front lines are just trying to find ways to make breakthroughs, resorting to desperate measures."

Eric has never hesitated to assume the worst about the Papacy, which remained silent and unhelpful during the siege of Lutia.

Natalia nodded, not taking up the topic, but instead asked, "There shouldn't be too much danger over there, right?"

Eric let out a soft breath. "The Papacy will be safe, but the civilians within its borders are a different story. It depends on when the Church Knights stop them."

The carriage returned to the governor's mansion, and it was almost dark. The two still went to see Danvers.

"Your Highness, what's the situation over there? Does the Holy See need our support?"

"Governor Danvers underestimates our Church of Yera. They're just a bunch of wandering demons who happened to find an opportunity."

Eric still sided with the church when it came to outsiders, saying, "In a few days, the governor will probably receive news that they have been wiped out or driven out completely."

Danvers laughed, “Please forgive me, Your Highness, I have had very little contact with the Lessier Church and know far less about you than I do about the Ocean Goddess Cult.”

The two sides had essentially reached an agreement on matters related to supporting the Lutia front before he hurriedly left, and there was nothing to add at this point. Danvers inquired about their subsequent visit arrangements, and the two also took the opportunity to ask about his understanding of the intentions.

"It's all business, Your Highness."

When they said this, both of them were already seated in the restaurant.

“As long as you offer a high enough price, there’s no one who wouldn’t want to support Lutia.” Danvers looked at the two of them. “Even if it means borrowing money, we will recruit soldiers and gather provisions to send to Lutia.”

“If we were really treating this as a business transaction, Princess Natalia and I wouldn’t have needed to travel this far in person,” Eric said, glancing at Kasha who had come downstairs for dinner. “What we need are people like you, willing to take a slight loss in the short term for the sake of long-term benefits.”

"Ha, you're right. Let me think about who else is quite enthusiastic..."

With Danvers' cooperation, or rather, introduction, Eric and Natalia's visits over the next few days went quite smoothly, with most talks ending quickly.

"With the full support of Governors Danvers and Austin, there's little need to worry about supplies at the front," Eric said.

Natalia nodded. "Next, we need to focus on solving the manpower problem."

After all, Danvers and Austin couldn't provide many troops, especially since both sides needed to retain a considerable number of troops for self-defense.

"Those high-value murlocs from the archipelago..."

Natalia took a deep breath. "So, we'll go to the Archipelago first, and then disembark from Kogano?"

Eric nodded. "Perfect timing. Danvers also said he has connections with the rulers on the largest island of the Archipelago Nation. With his connections, we'll have far fewer difficulties."

That place is neither imperial territory nor does the fish-man worship Yera. He and Natalia would be nothing there, just two humans. There are already many difficulties to imagine, not to mention how many more they would only discover after they got there.

“We can only pray that Danvers’ influence among the murlocs is as great as he claims,” Natalia whispered.

"I hope so."

The two had met most of the nobles and wealthy merchants they needed to meet here, and were preparing to depart for the archipelago nation in a few days, aboard the Queen Vermeer.

The latter had been staying here for a long time, and had sold everything they could. Another group of merchants boarded the ship, preparing to sell the goods they had purchased from Westwind Harbor to the fishmen or pirates of the archipelago nation—the island was not only inhabited by fishmen, but also by many humans.

Before leaving, Eric kept a close eye on the situation in Tebniti.

Since the Papal Knights' army was routed at the border, there has been little news from that side, and Eric can only speculate about the movements of that demon army.

When he received more specific information, he discovered that the whole thing was spiraling out of control in a bizarre direction, with no way back.

"...What do you mean by saying that the entire Church's knightly army has been recalled to the Holy Capital to guard the Holy City?"

Eric glanced at the letter in his hand, then looked at the Archbishop of Norfolk.

"It means exactly what it says, Your Highness..."

"That demon army is wreaking havoc across Tebunith, harming civilians, and the Holy See is just doing nothing about it?"

"Yes, Your Highness, yes, please read on, it's all in the letter."

"I saw it. They sent a cavalry unit to drive them away. Is that what you call managing them?"

Archbishop Norfolk pursed his lips. "Your Highness, you should understand the importance of the Holy City. That demon army certainly couldn't conquer Lesser, but even if a single arrow were to hit the inner city gate of Lesser, it would be a huge stain on the Church's reputation." Eric asked in surprise, "But the demons didn't attack Lesser?"

He waved the letter in his hand, "They're harming ordinary people."

The letter almost brushed against his nose, and Norfolk shrank back. "Because Lesser is surrounded, they dare not go there."

"So the church knights should go out and wipe them out?"

"Once a hole appears in Lesser's defenses, the demons will attack the Holy City."

"Do you think demons can fly? Their intelligence network is so efficient. Besides, if the demons gather outside Lesser City, wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity to wipe them out in one fell swoop?"

Norfolk wiped his brow. “This is different, Your Highness. We… no, the Holy See cannot risk the Holy City.”

Eric took a breath. "Let me put it this way, the Church had already lost all face when that demon army broke through the defenses and entered Tebunet. It's still possible to salvage the situation by eliminating them early on, but if we let them run rampant, I can't imagine what those believers who were originally proud to live in Tebunet will think."

Norfolk was also somewhat annoyed by his words. He restrained himself and opened his mouth a little, just enough to express his dissatisfaction without affecting each other's dignity.

“Your Highness, it’s no use telling me this. I’m in Westwind City. How can I command the Holy City’s army of church knights? If you have any complaints, you can write to the Holy See. I’ll have someone send it to you right now.”

Eric looked at him for a moment. "Alright. I just think the Archbishop of Norfolk has frequent contact with the Vatican, so his words carry more weight than mine."

Norfolk subtly backed down a bit more, saying, "Your Highness's status is evident, and the Holy See will certainly give your suggestions serious consideration."

Eric didn't say much. He borrowed paper and pen and wrote a letter. When he was about to hand it to the messenger, he realized that this was the first time he had contacted the Vatican directly since they stopped replying to his letter.

"I wonder if this letter will even reach His Holiness the Pope," he sighed.

"Your Highness, what you're saying... Your letter will surely be presented to His Majesty."

“It’s hard to say. The current situation in Lesser might be because His Majesty has been misled,” Eric sighed heavily. “Our great Pope will never stand idly by while his people suffer persecution!”

Regardless of whether he was being sarcastic or not, Norfolk didn't dare to respond.

When Eric changed the subject, he spoke up, asking at the opportune moment as the conversation was about to end, "I heard that Your Highness is about to leave Westwind City?"

"Well, in two days I'll be setting off for the Archipelago. There shouldn't be any churches of our Yela Church on those islands, right?"

“It is regrettable, Your Highness, that the glory of the Most Holy God has not yet reached that unblessed land. If given a choice, I would also like you not to venture there,” Norfolk said.

Eric shook his head, said nothing more, and left after a while.

He came alone after receiving the letter. He returned to the governor's mansion and talked with Natalia about the Papacy's incomprehensible decisions. The day was over.

The Queen Vermeer wasn't the only ship heading to the archipelago, but considering they'd be at sea for several days, they preferred a larger ship with a better environment, or even better, a familiar one.

In addition, Eric is waiting for replies from several parties.

That evening, he received a letter from his uncle.

Edgar said that the magic academy in the suburbs remained unchanged, its main structure still completely encased in that impenetrable layer of amber crystal.

In recent days, some moon elves have appeared outside the academy. They seem to be able to see inside through some kind of magic, but when questioned, they remain silent and simply wait outside.

Although Edgar had a general idea of ​​what had happened over there, his words were still filled with barely concealed anxiety and worry. Eric could only write back to comfort him, even though he himself felt the same way when he thought about the situation there.

On the evening before he left Westwind, Eric received a letter from the Papacy.

In fact, he was quite polite in his letter. He neither mentioned the Yin-Yang Pope nor expressed dissatisfaction with the Holy See. Instead, he directly stated his suggestions on how to deal with the demon army. Therefore, the reply he received was also quite polite.

Despite the polite words, Eric read the letter twice and still couldn't be sure whether it meant "I'll do as you say" or "I'll stick to the old ways."

He quickly realized that this was almost certainly written by a monk from the Papal Palace, just like the ambiguous letters he often had the Convent of Saintess reply to on his behalf.

Eric's reaction was to do whatever he wanted. After all, the demons couldn't possibly conquer the Holy City or threaten the safety of the Holy Maiden's Monastery. Even if he lost face, it wouldn't be him who lost face; it would only be the pity of the harassed civilians.

The following morning, amidst the cheers of countless citizens at the port, Eric and his party boarded the Queen Vermeer and departed Westwind City.

Although Natalia had become completely accustomed to the feeling of being on a ship after spending ten days at sea, she had the foresight to stay near the deck and the ship's railing when she boarded the ship again after living on land for a while.

The three people's rooms remained unchanged. Eric went in to take a look, then went back to the deck to stay.

However, Kasha had thoroughly enjoyed her time in Westwind City these past few days and was quite tired of playing, so she rested in her room after boarding the ship.

"Is your highness all right?"

Natalia leaned against the ship's railing, turned to look at Eric, and indicated that she was alright.

“Your Highness seems to be fine,” Eric smiled. “As long as you don’t keep thinking about that kind of thing, you shouldn’t get seasick again.”

Natalia looked down at the sea again. "The problem is, whether we're on a ship or on the same ship, it's hard not to think about it."

Eric couldn't help her; she had to adapt to the awkward period of just getting on the ship on her own.

Fortunately, when Natalia woke up the next day, she had already recovered to the state she was in on the ship.

The Archipelago is a scattered archipelago in the southwest of the Gaia continent. Each island varies in size and is located at varying distances from one another.

The nearest island they could see today had already been occupied by fishmen, while the main island of the archipelago they were heading to would take three or four days to reach.

Looking at the map, the islands of the Archipelago Kingdom, large and small, are pieced together in a shape that seems to have split off from Goddess Bay. Unfortunately, there is only one main continent in this world, so the theory of continental drift has no place here. At least when Eric mentioned it to Natalia, she found it hard to accept.

"Okay, that's what I read in a book... that's the general idea."

"Are these the books you brought on board this time?"

"Huh? No. It's a book I read before."

"Ok."

Eric looked at Natalia, who seemed slightly disappointed, and asked, "Is Your Highness bored?"

“A little.” Natalia leaned forward slightly, feeling the sea breeze on her face. “Although I know this voyage will be much faster than before, time doesn’t pass in the blink of an eye, and it’s still a bit hard to get through.”

"Can't those books about archipelagic countries help Your Highness pass the time?"

She hesitated for a moment and said, "Those books are more like they're for adventurers, about where there are sea monsters, where there are treasure caves, or what's hidden in the crater of the main island. They're interesting for passing the time, but I'm afraid they're not very practical."

“Perhaps it can be used as a topic of conversation,” Eric said.

Natalia turned around, leaning against the ship's railing. "Then I know enough."

Eric nodded, stared at her profile for a while, and then looked away without saying anything, his gaze drifting to the boundless sea.

Nearby and in the distance, islands of all sizes appear and disappear. The Queen Vermeer will not stop along the way, so the route is directly to the main island. However, it passes by quite a few islands along the way. When they are close, Eric can see the snow-white rocks swaying on the beach.

At such times, like those sailors, his mood would unconsciously improve.

Of course, some people may feel bad.

"Don't those sirens have any shame at all?" Natalia looked at the sirens flaunting their allure on the beach and enticing sailors to jump ship, her face full of disgust.

“They are fish-people, Your Highness. You cannot judge them by human moral standards.”

The captain spoke, and like the sailors, he openly peered out from the ship's side.

However, he wanted to see more than just things that would make him feel better.

"Once we get past this island, we'll reach the main island of the archipelago nation early tomorrow morning."

(End of this chapter)