▽▽▽ Side: Sargi Shidan ░░░
“Have you heard about the new temple?”
“Yeah, I heard. They say it will be the Deuro Temple.”
“Hehehe, I smell money.”
The three companions are chatting cheerfully while drinking Affelpop.
We are a group of swindlers and con artists, the Kaijin Gang. And I am the leader of the Kaijin Gang.
It has been twenty years since its formation. Now we are sneaking into a temple. I truly realize that temples are like trees that bear gold. Hehehe.
“We can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity. After all, this involves the Apostles. The rights to this will generate an immense fortune.”
“However, we can’t neglect the main headquarters. Maybe we should send half to the Deuro Temple.”
“Yeah, let’s go with that.”
With my suggestion, five members will remain at the main headquarters, and four will be sent to the Deuro Temple. I too will blend in as a priest at the Deuro Temple.
I heard only Deuro followers can transfer to the Deuro Temple.
I immediately forged my status to become a Deuro follower. No one has ever discovered my disguise before. I am the best con artist.
▽▽▽ Side: Grand Archbishop Goliath ░░░
“This is an unexpectedly difficult situation.”
“I never thought the Haten would fall so easily.”
The Haten, which we had dispatched to the Kingdom of Kurudia, has been completely wiped out. I had allocated more than half of the Haten’s forces to that country, yet communications have completely ceased.
This has thrown off my plans a bit. But not everything is bad.
Maclaren and Arthur were the ones who had sent the Haten to Kurudia. Maclaren, especially, had been commanding Bishnow, and due to that, all of the Haten forces under Bishnow’s command were sent to Kurudia. Now that the Haten has been obliterated, Maclaren is left completely exposed.
Originally, the forces within the Haten were split—50% Maclaren, 30% me, and 20% Arthur.
Now, my faction controls 80%, Arthur holds 10%, and Maclaren is down to 10%. Arthur also sent the Haten to Kurudia and lost many subordinates.
In other words, I now hold all the domestic intelligence. Hehehe.
This Holy Kingdom of Catriais is, as the name implies, ruled by the Holy King. However, the Holy King has no real power. The true power lies with us, the three Grand Archbishops.
The Haten’s change in power presents a good opportunity. We only need one Grand Archbishop. We don’t need Maclaren or Arthur anymore.
I have already begun undermining their factions. Maclaren’s group is in turmoil due to the Haten’s defeat. I’m taking advantage of this and pulling them into my faction.
Arthur’s side is more troublesome, as they have many muscle-headed individuals. But not everyone is like that, so I’m working to break them apart from there.
Both Maclaren and Arthur are fools, which makes things easier for me. Hehehe.
▽▽▽ Side: Lord Dardale ░░░
My health has been good these past few years. The cold sensitivity and shoulder stiffness that had troubled me for so long have greatly improved. I believe this is thanks to the medicinal wine that Lord Thomas created.
It’s already been four years since I first met Lord Thomas in the Ashwood Territory. Those four years passed in the blink of an eye.
I have now surpassed seventy and have turned seventy-one. It may be time for me to step down from this position.
The Holy Pope is also considering abdication, so I think I should retire to align with that.
The current Holy Pope is an excellent person. However, there’s no guarantee the next Pope will be as exceptional.
The position of Pope is not hereditary. The Cardinals elect the Pope. Only the Cardinals have the right to vote in the Papal election.
The problem is that there are no strong candidates for the next Pope. Half of the Cardinals are upright and virtuous individuals, but the other half are rumored to be involved in less-than-reputable activities. I would prefer the former to become the next Pope.
Before Lord Thomas enters the Bard Kingdom, he will come to the main headquarters. He will offer thanks for the decision to dedicate the newly constructed temple solely to Deuro.
But the truth is, there is another reason for his visit. I will accompany Lord Thomas to the main headquarters. While my health has improved, long trips are still a bit taxing.
Nonetheless, being involved in Lord Thomas ‘s great work has been the greatest joy of my long life. It may be improper, but I find it immensely enjoyable. I wish I could serve by Lord Thomas ’s side a little longer.
