Of course, this question comes with risks.
But I don’t think it’s a bad bet. The reason is that Bishop Heinemann is a clergyman overseeing the entire Silria region. Within his domain, there is a settlement made up of escaped beastmen slaves. When Wolf and the others were establishing the settlement, they must have investigated whether the persecution of beastmen in the Silria region was severe.
Moreover, the awareness of persecution was felt by nobles in the capital, such as Baron Norden, when they visited the royal city.
“…What do you mean?”
Well, that’s true.
It’s hard to gauge the intention when suddenly asked such a question.
I took a book from my pocket and placed it on the desk. It was part of a series titled “The History of the Kingdom of Orland” that I had borrowed from the church. What matters here is that the author of this book is from the Arieist religion.
“Even though Arieist publishes books like this, I find it strange that there are no books related to beastmen.”
“I see… so that’s what this is about.”
Arieist , which has a long history and teaches the glorification of humanity, considers writing history books to be an important religious act. Therefore, the absence of books about beastmen becomes glaring.
“I apologize, but I am not in a position to answer that.”
Bishop Heinemann shook his head with a neutral expression.
“Is this it?”
I took a gold coin from my pocket and placed it in front of him, but his expression did not change, and he rejected it, pushing it back. It wasn’t about money, then.
However, from his reaction, I was sure there was a hint of something. If he supported the persecution of beastmen, he would gladly speak about it. But he avoided talking about the persecution of beastmen. That could only mean one thing: he did not approve of it.
“Bishop Heinemann, I believe we share the same opinion, don’t we?”
I could see Bishop Heinemann’s expression twitch slightly.
“That is…”
He was still looking at me with a somewhat testing gaze. Perhaps it would be quicker to prove it rather than explain it in words.
I took a small whistle from my pocket and blew into it.
I wasn’t sure if it was making a sound, but it seemed to be fine. Soon, light footsteps could be heard in the hallway. The footsteps stopped in front of the door, and I heard Arte’s voice from behind it.
“Did you call for me, Duke?”
“Ah. Come in.”
The maid, who had been waiting outside, opened the door, and Arte entered.
As soon as Arte walked in, she was surprised to see Bishop Heinemann, and he, too, was astonished by Arte, who walked in proudly without a collar.
I gave the maid a signal to close the door. The door shut, and the room became a private space for the three of us.
I took a cup from the desk, took a sip, and smiled at Bishop Heinemann.
“Do you understand my thoughts now?”
“Yes… I understand.”
Bishop Heinemann sighed.
His poker face, which had been a silent battle of wits, seemed to relax, and his expression became more open.
“I do not hold any prejudice against beastmen.”
This I will make clear. It might be influenced by my past life’s values, but cat-eared girls and wolf girls are cute, right? If I get the chance, I’d love to pet them…
Bishop Heinemann smiled a kind, warm smile.
“Indeed. I share the same opinion.”
I had suspected that Bishop Heinemann was tolerant of beastmen.
“Then, could you tell me again about the relationship between Arieist and the beastmen?”
When I asked, Bishop Heinemann glanced briefly at Arte.
Oh, sorry, I should have told you to sit. I left you standing there.
“I believe she has the right to hear it.”
“…Yes. That’s true.”
I gestured for Arte to sit beside me.
Once she sat down, Bishop Heinemann’s expression grew serious as he began to speak.
“What I am about to tell you must not be repeated.”
“Ah, of course.”
Arte did not say anything but nodded.
Once we had confirmed our agreement, Bishop Heinemann finally opened his mouth.
