The Holy Man of Another Century Gospel

Chapter 262 Unwavering

After Sterling finished his business and returned to the governor's mansion, he quickly invited the saintess and the Grand Princess to his study. Thereupon, he received their suggestion to request the dispatch of a combat advisor to the Lutia front.

He agreed after a brief consideration, and even asked the two princes to draft his letter to Memphis, reasoning that they were more familiar with Memphis and could skip the unnecessary formalities and get straight to the point.

Eric and Natalia exchanged a glance, their expressions contrasting, and then agreed. They began writing letters to Memphis right there in Sterling's study—Eric wrote, while Natalia continued her conversation with Sterling.

"Governor Sterling, how is the conscription going?"

"There's still a long way to go. Everyone knows who the real target of this conscription is. Apart from those who have no other choice, who dares to go to the battlefield to fight against the demons? The problem is that such soldiers are unsatisfactory in many ways."

Sterling shook his head, then said, "I've heard that Your Highnesses have recruited quite a few merfolk in the Archipelago. It's a really good idea, and I'm getting a little tempted myself."

Natalia smiled. "This is Her Highness's idea. Her Highness and I stayed on the main island of the Archipelago for more than half a month, and we also discussed and coordinated with the two governors, Reentani and Kus, for a long time before we were able to get this matter started."

Sterling glanced at the saintess, who hadn't stopped writing since picking up her quill, and asked, "Could you two share your experiences with me?"

"To be honest, there's nothing special to share. Just make a plan, set a goal, and execute it. If problems arise, solve them. That's all," Eric said without looking up.

Sterling then looked at him, “The time before winter is as valuable as the experience of the two princes.”

"My suggestion is that you can first turn your attention to the ancient battlefields."

Eric finally looked up. "There are quite a few adventurers over there. The training they need to become Imperial warriors is much less than that of civilians."

Sterling said thoughtfully, "I'm afraid there aren't many adventurers willing to join the army. If they really had that desire, they wouldn't have gone there in the first place to pursue those elusive ancient treasures."

"You need to come up with something concrete."

Eric dipped his brush in ink and continued writing.

"I spent more than half a year in the ancient battlefield and know what those adventurers are really pursuing: although everyone dreams of getting rich overnight, those adventurers who have been in the ancient battlefield for a while are actually quite practical. Give them a reasonable reward and they will obediently risk their lives."

"Your Highness is not very old, but you have indeed been to quite a few places."

Sterling glanced at the letter he was writing while sighing, and another kind of feeling arose in his heart.

"In that case, I will send a conscription officer over today."

Eric paused, thought for a moment, and said, "I suggest you set up a training camp directly outside the ancient battlefield. There's no need to bring people back. Once they're trained, they can be sent directly to Grandia."

Sterling looked at him. "Is it mainly to attract more adventurers to join?"

“On the other hand, it also saves a lot of time,” Eric said.

Sterling nodded, picked up a piece of paper, thought for a moment, and quickly began to write.

Eric finally finished writing his letter, blew on it, quickly scanned it to make sure there were no problems, and put it over to Sterling. Then he glanced at what Sterling was writing, which should be an order to his subordinates.

Ultimately, the task of recruiting soldiers from the ancient battlefield still had to be carried out by his subordinates.

After writing the order, Sterling asked Eric to take a look, while he picked up the letter to Memphis and read it aloud.

“No problem,” Eric said, putting down the warrant. “The governor sent a recruiter to recruit soldiers, and he can use my name to attract adventurers. Although it’s not appropriate for me to say this, I’ve been there for more than half a year and I have some reputation.”

Sterling smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. But will the Church mind?"

Eric shook his head. "I don't mind."

Sterling took back the warrant, added a couple of sentences, and then said, "I've also read His Highness's letter. There are no problems. Send it to Lutia as is."

The governor showed complete trust.

As the maid took the letter away, Natalia said, "I believe Lutia will reply soon."

Sterling nodded. "Winter is just around the corner, we can't afford to waste any more time."

“We will stay until we have at least established a genuine working relationship between the Governor and Lutia before we leave,” Eric said.

"Is the next stop for Your Highnesses Tallinn, Dorne?" Sterling asked.

“That’s right.” Natalia nodded. “However, given the current situation, we may need to adjust our plans. Perhaps the best option is to have Governor Igor align himself with Governor Sterling.”

Sterling hesitated for a moment, "I know Igor well and we trust each other. If this is all the princes intend, I'd rather talk to him myself."

Eric and Natalia exchanged glances, both somewhat delighted. "That would be even better, of course."

“Dorn borders Arsha more extensively, so perhaps I can entrust him with the entire responsibility of defending against Arsha, and free up troops to deal with the demons of Tebnity,” Sterling added. “This would also be a pretty good exchange for Igor.”

“That’s something for Governor Sterling and Governor Igor to coordinate themselves,” Eric thought for a moment. “That way, our itinerary might be able to bypass Dorn.”

"Head straight to Gradia?" Sterling asked.

“No,” Eric shook his head. “We plan to visit the southern countries first.”

"The southern kingdoms?" Sterling asked in surprise. "Would they be willing to support the Empire?"

“I’m afraid we’ll have to go there and see for ourselves to know,” Eric said. “In addition, we will pass through Arsha. If possible, Princess Natalia and I will do our best to clear up any misunderstandings and resolve the border crisis as soon as possible.”

Sterling paused for a moment before speaking, "I don't want to discourage Your Highness, but Arsha has always been hostile towards us, so it's best if Your Highness doesn't have too high expectations."

Eric laughed, "The old king is dying, and a new king will take the throne. Maybe things will change."

Sterling didn't try to persuade them any further, but simply told them to be careful and to feel free to ask if they needed anything before they set off.

"Of course, we won't stand on ceremony."

Leaving Sterling's study and returning to her room on the top floor, Natalia asked, "Are we really not going to Dorne?"

Eric walked out onto the terrace, leaned against the railing, and looked at her. "Does Your Highness have any concerns?"

Natalia also came out of his room. "I wouldn't call it doubt, but I feel we should at least go to Tallinn in Dorne and see Igor."

Eric quickly realized that Natalia was more concerned about the post-war issues.

“Since Your Highness has said so, let’s go then.” He said to her, “Anyway, the way to the southern kingdoms is through Arsha.”

Natalia frowned and smiled slightly. "Couldn't Your Highness be a little more resolute?"

“Ultimately, I was accompanying Your Highness on this trip south; you were the one in charge,” Eric replied.

Natalia sighed. "But I also feel that resolving the border crisis as soon as possible would be more beneficial to the current situation."

"So you mean, should we go to Arsha first?" Eric asked.

Natalia looked at him and then nodded.

"Couldn't Your Highness be a little more resolute?"

“…I knew you would say that.”

Natalia rolled her eyes, turned around and leaned against the railing. "It's not time to leave yet. Let's make a decision in a few days. Maybe things will change."

Eric responded.

“Also…” Natalia turned to look at him, “Doesn’t Your Highness think that Sterling is being a little too cooperative?”

“Yes. I guess he already knows the true attitude of the front lines, or rather, Memphis,” Eric said.

Doesn't he mind?

"Judging from his actions, he doesn't seem to mind that much. It has to be said that this is really rare."

Natalia took a slow breath. "I think so too. Can we consider him another Earl Edgar of the South?" Eric paused, then shook his head. "I'm not sure how to put it. But I am very grateful that Your Highness regards my uncle as a benchmark of nobility."

Natalia just smiled.

It took more than a day for letters to travel from Whitehorse to Lutia. Two days later, Sterling invited Eric and Natalia to his study to tell them that he had received a letter from the Military Council.

Upon opening the letter, the two men learned that the Military Council had accepted their proposal, and a team of military advisors, handpicked by Memphis himself, had departed from Lutia and was en route back to Guradia.

“I need to get moving on my end as soon as possible,” Sterling told them. “Otherwise, we simply won’t have any troops to send to Gradia.”

"Unfortunately, we can't help much with the recruitment of soldiers for the time being. The recruitment of fishman mercenaries in the archipelago has only just begun and is far from stable."

Eric looked at the governor behind the desk. "Governor Sterling should focus more on adventurers or refugees."

"I think so too."

Sterling sighed. "As Your Highness suggested, I have sent several of my most trusted men to the ancient battlefield to oversee the recruitment. As for the refugees, I am also considering relaxing the recruitment criteria... After all, most of the refugees who fled from the north with any strength have already been incorporated into Duke Edgar's army."

Eric smiled. "You mustn't forget that Lutia is now the main battlefield for resisting the demons."

“I understand, I understand.” Sterling shook his head. “I’ll think of another way myself.”

Natalia and Eric exchanged a glance and Natalia said, “Her Highness the Saintess and I are planning to leave White Horse City for Arsha in two days. Before that, if Governor Sterling needs our assistance or assistance, please feel free to ask.”

Sterling thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"I can't think of anything right now. But Your Highnesses, is there anything I can help you with regarding your travel preparations? Money is not a problem, and I can also provide some escort soldiers."

Eric also said that it was unnecessary, "The Kingdom of Alsha is also one of the parishes of the Church of Yela. Even though the Holy Capital is surrounded by demons now, no one should dare to lay a hand on me."

Sterling didn't say anything more.

Eric looked at Natalia, who paused for a moment, and then he said, "Since we don't have many days left, we'd like to take this opportunity to talk to the governor about post-war arrangements."

Sterling looked at the two of them, his arms crossed. "What does Your Highness mean?"

Natalia took a breath. "Although it's a bit early to talk about this now, has Governor Sterling thought about what will happen after the demons are driven away?"

Sterling shook his head and smiled. "Just like you said, isn't it too early to be thinking about this now?"

Eric began, "Reaching a consensus on certain issues sooner will save a lot of effort in the future."

Sterling turned to him. "For example?"

“Cogano’s relationship with the nascent empire,” Eric said.

Sterling remained silent, then looked at Natalia. "Is this actually what Your Highness wanted to ask?"

“I cannot deny it,” Natalia replied, “but I am not the only one wondering how Governor Sterling will choose in the future.”

Are there any examples I can refer to?

Sterling asked, but before Natalia or Eric could speak, he had already thought of the answer himself, “Hmm… Memphis, Edgar, Austin, and Danvers, I’m afraid they all made the same choice.”

“Although not exactly the same, the direction is similar.” Eric explained as he mentioned his uncle.

Sterling nodded slowly, then looked at Natalia, "Then please explain to me the direction they have chosen, Your Highness."

The explanation is quite simple: it simply means ensuring that the governors fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to the central government of the empire.

When explaining the benefits obtained in exchange, Natalia did not mention Memphis's desire to make Gradia independent, but instead emphasized the permanent family governance rights that the governors would receive, to remind Sterling of how powerful Sterling's power would become in the future, standing on the side of the Empire's center.

"This is equivalent to us gaining legitimate governorship power, and this power being passed down through bloodlines like a noble title?"

Sterling looked at the Grand Princess on the other side of the desk, and took a breath after she nodded.

"Such an exchange is indeed hard to refuse..."

As he said this, a hint of hesitation, which he couldn't hide, flashed across his face.

Eric frowned.

He looked at Natalia, who was still persuading him, using the same tactics she had used to convince Governors Rentani and Kuss.

"...A powerful empire at its center will not allow the demons to invade the south a third time...I know Governor Sterling is more concerned about the safety of the southern border, but facing an empire that has become even stronger, does Arsha really dare to make any moves again?"

"Your Highness truly... speaks to my heart."

As if to shatter some thought deep within his heart, Sterling slammed his fist against his palm, looking at Natalia, "In that case, what reason do I have to refuse?"

Natalia smiled and immediately looked at Eric. He hesitated for a moment before giving her the same smile.

"In the future, the Imperial Central Army, marching south along Hero's Avenue, will appear in Kogano in the blink of an eye, just like when the Hero King was in power more than five hundred years ago."

Eric looked at Sterling and said, “Perhaps by then, Arsha will not only cease to be a threat to Kogano, but will instead become the Empire’s southern border once again.”

Sterling stared blankly, somewhat dazed. "Arsha's return... Will that day really come?"

“We have to take things one step at a time. As long as we’re heading in the right direction, that kind of future is just a matter of time,” Eric said.

Natalia's gaze lingered on Eric's face for a moment, finding it hard not to notice his earlier hesitation, and his subsequent words surprised her even more.

The Empire's central army will appear in Kogano in an instant... Is this to intimidate the Arsairs, or to intimidate Sterling?
After a long silence, Sterling took a deep breath and said, "Since Your Highness says so, then I begin to look forward to that future."

Eric smiled. "Let's work together."

Natalia remained silent after leaving Sterling's study until she returned to her room and voiced her doubts.

“Sterling’s reaction was a bit strange, so I was a little concerned.”

Eric explained, "The prospect that His Highness showed him was clearly not in the same direction as his original plan, so he hesitated."

Natalia frowned and exchanged a glance with him. "Was his original plan the kind of situation Memphis was worried about?"

"Take this opportunity to seize Grandia...?"

Eric took a slow breath. "Sterling knows Memphis will fight him to the death, so he probably won't be that bold. I estimate his plan is to loot a bunch of things and leave. Don't forget, the Empire's largest granaries are located there. If Sterling can easily empty one or two of them, he won't have to worry about food for the next few decades. And Memphis should be able to accept this level of loss and won't fight him to the death."

Natalia was silent for a moment. "This is just His Highness's guess, isn't it?"

Eric shrugged. "If I had real evidence, I would have stabbed Sterling to death just now."

"..."

Natalia pursed her lips tightly. "But since Your Highness has said so, I can't help but suspect Sterling's true intentions."

"Be on guard. What Sterling thinks isn't important; what matters is what he does."

Eric looked at her. "And he has clearly been impressed by the other possibility His Highness offered. What we need to do is continue to push him in the direction we want in every way."

Natalia plopped down in his chair, covered her face with her hands, and let out a wail.

"So annoying—"

Eric wanted to laugh, but felt mostly helpless.

He remembered that there was no plot related to Sterling's ambush on Gradia in "The Crown of Thorns", but too many things had changed in this world. For example, Natalia, who should have always been on the front lines of Lutia in the game, was now following him to the south, stomping her feet and complaining that she was so annoyed. He couldn't be sure that Sterling was definitely a good person.

“Write a few more letters to Lutia, reminding Memphis to be wary of this possibility.”

(End of this chapter)