Chapter 569
After my meeting with the Emperor, I invited the Northern Grand Lords to my mansion. Naturally, to restore the unique Northern culture, it was essential to seek the opinions and advice of the locals.
In reality, it would be more fitting to invite them to the County of Wiri, since it relates to the North, but come on, it’s my honeymoon! Traveling all the way to Wiri is a hassle. So, I simply hosted them in the Capital. After all, this restoration project is centrally managed, so meeting in the Capital doesn’t cause any issues on the surface.
Moreover, the Grand Lords preferred gathering in the Capital over the North anyway. It just goes to show, people prefer the center of power.
“So, about the restoration project?”
As soon as the Northern Grand Lords gathered at lightning speed, I briefed them on restoring the unique Northern culture, and Baron Barandi voiced his concerns on behalf of the group.
“The North has only been embraced by the benevolent Empire for two years. Given that most commoners still remember their former lives, doesn’t putting Northern culture front and center create confusion?”
It’s a valid reaction from an imperial noble, questioning if it’s wise to restore an alien culture amidst the ongoing integration of the nomads into the Empire.
Cultural differences can certainly serve as a metric for distinguishing regions and nations. If the North maintains its unique culture, the gap between the Empire’s heartland and the North could widen dramatically, making it a sensitive matter for any ruler or lord.
Despite that, the Emperor decided to move forward with restoring Northern culture.
“It’s alright. The Empire encompasses everything; that’s the nature of the Empire.”
Inside the Empire’s walls, anything goes, right?
Did Kefellofen possess vast territories from the start? No, he snatched land through war and integrated various cultures into the Empire’s core. Coexistence of multiple cultures is the norm for the Empire.
While Northern culture is uniquely foreign compared to other settled nations, the Emperor also holds the title of Khan. With an appropriate military presence, he can control the North and ensure the Northern nomads are plentifully provided for with supplies from the mainland. As long as he maintains this simple strategy, the North’s likelihood of breaking away from the Empire is extremely low.
“Your Majesty the Emperor has declared his respect for Northern culture, just as he became Khan. As the rightful successor, you share that sentiment. The Northern culture is not a poison undermining the Empire’s unity but rather a flower that can enrich it.”
“What an admirable sentiment befitting your majesty, the guardian of the divine mandate and overseer of the continent. Such thoughts are beyond someone like me to even consider.”
Baron Barandi, who had shown some initial doubt about the restoration project, nodded in agreement with a brighter expression.
Although he raised questions about the cultural restoration, Baron Barandi himself is a nomad at heart. The Empire recognizing and restoring his way of life meant he had no reason to be opposed or hesitant.
“‘Commoner’? Not at all. The most crucial role in this restoration project will be played by you, Baron.”
With that, I moved on to the crux of the matter with the now brighter Baron Barandi.
“Me, you say?”
“Yes. You are the sole priest of the Northern beliefs, after all.”
“…Oh, right. That’s true.”
At my words, Baron Barandi blinked for a moment before eventually nodding along, albeit belatedly.
‘This dude is insane.’
His reaction sent a chill down my spine. Could it be he’s reached the point of forgetting that he’s a priest? A priest, no less, who has adapted way quicker to imperial norms than any nomad.
No, wait. It wouldn’t be forgetting, just a shock at having to perform the priestly duties after so long. Having spent years merely as a figurehead, it’s understandable he would feel that way now.
“The Dawn Sect has decided to recognize heresy, and among those heresies is the faith in the Eternal Blue Sky. Shouldn’t we restore a faith that isn’t to be shunned but acknowledged?”
Thus, I steeled my emotions and continued talking—
“That’s right. Faith and devotion to the Eternal Blue Sky are fundamentally intertwined with Northern culture.”
The expression on Baron Barandi’s face remained disturbingly indifferent. It was as if he couldn’t care less whether it got restored or not.
This is confusing. The heads of the settled faith—both the Emperor and the Pope—are passionately pushing for the restoration of the faith, yet the very nomadic priest involved here is totally apathetic. Something feels seriously twisted.
‘Will this actually work…?’
I genuinely worry whether this faith restoration is even possible.
Originally, I hoped to comprehend the traditions and doctrines of the faith through Baron Barandi, who’s served as the family priest for generations. Since he holds the title of current priest, I figured a simple Q&A session with him would give me all the insights I needed.
But judging from how he is now, it seems Baron Barandi might have forgotten both tradition and doctrine. Even if there are dietary restrictions or forbidden behaviors associated with the faith, he would probably just say, “The sky is merciful; it’ll forgive us.” He’s totally lost it.
‘…Guess I’ll just have to ask the god directly.’
On the bright side, I can talk directly to the deity involved. If worse comes to worst, I could ask the Eternal Blue Sky about forgotten traditions or even create a whole new doctrine altogether.
In exchange, I would inadvertently become the honorary priest, unable to wiggle out of that role.
‘How irritating.’
Being the person to communicate with the god and establish a faith doctrine? Even if I deny it myself, that’s pretty much a job befitting a priest, at least in the eyes of the world.
Fortunately, I managed to avoid the official addition of “Priest of the Eternal Blue Sky” to my title.
“I have a fair knowledge of the traditions and doctrines. After all, I should eventually succeed the priesthood and have been studying that for a long time.”
Unlike some priest who’s just a namesake, the daughter is genuinely growing into someone suited for the role.
“Well, it looks like I owe a debt to the young lady. After all, Baron, you’ve been busy managing your territory, so it’s only fitting to feel sorry for you taking on additional tasks.”
“Yes, I will help as much as I can!”
Baron Barandi, even if he has plenty of time, knows that he’s utterly useless at helping while also proclaiming he’s busy managing. Our Baron is a decent priest at heart, except for that little faith hiccup.
It’s best not to ponder too hard on what’s left if you take faith out of the priest.
“By the way, I heard your young lady is currently staying in the Capital with Count Idridrafen?”
“Oh, yes, that’s correct.”
“If anything happens, she can always drop by the mansion. She’s welcome to come hang out with Count Idridrafen as well.”
“Th-thank you…”
Upon mentioning Ainter, I took joy in seeing Shati blush in embarrassment.
‘Gratitude, huh?’
I’m the one who should be grateful. If things had gone south, we would’ve had an absurd theocracy with a Minister cum Priest running amok.
Politics and religion must remain strictly separate. Theocracy isn’t a state any sensible person should aspire to.
“Please convey my regards to the Baron.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After seeing Shati bow deeply and leave, I headed toward my office, which was tucked deep within the mansion.
Even without an official title, the young lady is already taking on responsibilities. Thus, no matter how much I’m on my honeymoon and taking parental leave, I should at least contribute somehow.
‘Need to secure the renovation budget for the shrine.’
For instance, there’s the restoration of the Eternal Blue Sky’s temple, which was completely flattened during the last tribal extermination war.
Many shrines ended up burned down in the chaos of that firecracker show, so while restoring them all would be impossible, setting up a few in the major centers of each Grand Marquisate would be enough to save face. Having just a random church standing around is akin to calling it a cult, not a proper religion.
‘Looks like I need to play the pity card.’
If I’m going to move a budget capable of simultaneously constructing 13 temples, I’ll inevitably have to kneel before the Minister of Finance.
If it looks like he’s going to refuse, I should bring Pedi along. The sight of the little one crawling around in front of that cold-blooded minister would surely soften even the cruelest heart.
…
‘Something seems off.’
Thinking it over, it’s odd. The Emperor threw this national project at me, so why on earth do I have to gather the funds myself?
‘Is this really a national project?’
Is that crafty Emperor tampering with the names of the initiators to throw the blame on me?
*
Since the announcement of the Holy Council, chaos has swept across the continent.
Yet, this turmoil is merely growing pains on the path toward a better future. If we can’t endure this pain, the sect won’t grow, and eventually, the pains will settle over time.
“I feel like I’ll die first before that happens.”
A bitter smile escaped me at the mutterings of my mentor, the Cardinal and Secretary of the Growth Department.
It’s certainly true the mentor looks progressively more haggard by the day. The more conservative and moderate forces who are displeased at the council’s findings can’t vent their frustrations on the Pope, the head of the sect, so they blame my mentor for not supporting the Pope properly.
It’s quite tragic. That the Pope, who did the right thing, faces resentment while my mentor, just serving him, takes the flak instead.
“Master, truly I…”
“Be quiet. The next Pope must maintain neutrality.”
My mentor shook his head resolutely the moment I opened my mouth.
I understand fully. Unlike the Pope and cardinals, who must wield political influence, the next Pope needs to stay entirely above any political squabble. To embrace a diverse range of believers, the Pope must never show any personal bias.
“At times like these, I find the Pope’s duty quite resentful.”
“What can we do? It’s unfortunate that the founding Pope set such a strange precedent.”
Unintentionally, a chuckle escaped me. The antics of the founding Pope carry a power that can draw out a smile even in dark times.
“Whoever gets their arms severed first wins!”
“I’ve forgiven you, brother. Yet that inner faith of mine insists I must enlighten you still.”
“Your Holiness, how about facing off against me while we both channel divine power? The Lord will guide the righteous to the heavens.”
These are the legendary sayings passed down within the sect about the founding Pope. He left a significant impact during his tenure as the Pope, which has led subsequent Popes to remain strictly uninvolved in politics. Even the slightest sign of political intent would invoke fears of the founding Pope’s return.
“…Master.”
Regardless, I straightened my mouth, which had been twitching away in amusement, to speak seriously.
“What’s this about now?”
“I will begin a pilgrimage to the sacred grounds.”
At that, my mentor diverted his gaze from the paperwork to me.
“Didn’t I just tell you to hold your tongue?”
“A pilgrimage is an obligation of the believers. Is it odd for the next Pope to gather his thoughts while visiting the sacred grounds?”
“It is indeed strange at this time.”
I know well. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue to go on a pilgrimage, but directly after the council’s announcement, it would likely appear as if I’m trying to reconcile and placate the believers who oppose the council.
That’s why I want to take action. Within the bounds of what I can do, I aim to assist both the Pope and my mentor without breaching any customs.
“Master.”
“What now?”
“Did you ever tell me not to do something?”
My confidence visibly embarrassed my mentor.
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