216th Chapter: Did You Enjoy the Donation? (2)
The one approaching with a big smile was Ghislaine.
Porisco instinctively averted his gaze and quickly racked his brain.
‘What is this crazy guy thinking?’
He suddenly turned a perfectly normal person into a saint. And not just any saint, but a ridiculous one who supposedly received revelations from the goddess.
It would probably be recorded as the first time in history. No joke, this is really going to be in the history book.
He wanted to shout and give him a hard time about what he was doing right now, but…
‘There are too many eyes watching!’
It was a dilemma. He needed to reveal the truth but his mouth just wouldn’t cooperate.
The eyes of the poor and the Temple Knights looking at him were sparkling. It felt like honey was dripping everywhere.
‘Is this… the power of a saint?’
He wanted more of that awe-filled gaze. If he had never experienced it before, it might not have mattered, but now that he had tasted it…
He didn’t want to go back to a life of boredom where nothing was ever fulfilled.
‘But can I really go on like this? Won’t I have problems later? It feels like my rumors have spread throughout the capital…’
His rationality insisted this was a bad idea, but his greedy selfishness kept urging him that it was okay.
Then suddenly, a thought struck him.
He had momentarily forgotten his predicament in excitement, but looking back, this was a golden opportunity.
‘If I can maintain this public opinion… the Archbishop won’t be able to act recklessly against me! Becoming the next Archbishop is as good as confirmed!’
If the rumors of him being a saint spread further, the Archbishop wouldn’t even be able to excommunicate him. Forget excommunication; he might not even be able to touch him at all.
But since he didn’t know the exact circumstances, it was risky to be overly optimistic. Porisco’s mind began to whirl.
“Saint? You seem a bit unwell,” Ghislaine said as he walked closer, and the Temple Knights positioned themselves in front of Porisco.
Seeing this, Ghislaine said with a slight awkwardness, “Hmm, I was going to discuss the future donations… Should we just go back?”
“Oh, no! The Baron here has ‘helped me with’ a significant matter, we can’t just leave it at that. What are you doing? This is Baron Penris! Quickly, escort him to the temple!”
At Porisco’s words, the Temple Knights bowed slightly to Ghislaine and stepped aside.
Soon, the two were on their way to the temple in a luxurious wagon pulled by six white horses.
As they traveled in the wagon, Ghislaine asked with an innocent expression, “So… did you enjoy the donation? We used quite a bit of food.”
Porisco didn’t reply immediately. He needed to understand the other party’s intentions before getting dragged along.
He did like donations, but not on such a grand scale. What he envisioned was a simple, modest bribe.
‘What is he thinking? I heard there was plenty of food, but is he really making such a huge expenditure in a situation like this? Just to spread that sort of rumor? Why?’
“To spread a rumor? Why?”
He was naturally suspicious and greedy. He was someone who had climbed to the position of bishop through all sorts of scheming and politics.
Although he had now fallen into a difficult situation due to excessive greed and the archbishop’s checks, that didn’t mean he would be easily fooled.
After all, someone who had aimed for the next archbishop position and formed factions within a huge church wasn’t to be underestimated.
Porisco stared silently at Ghislaine with a skeptical gaze.
“You really don’t need to be so wary. I’m just trying to help you, my bishop.”
“Help me… you say?”
“Yes. You seem to be in quite a difficult situation lately, right? I heard your relationship with the archbishop isn’t very good.”
‘What is this? How does this brat, who’s only been in the North, know about that? Did a noble from the Crown Prince Faction tell him?’
Porisco had surely been bribing nobles, so the rumors could have circulated.
He had used bribes because he couldn’t ignore the nobles’ public opinion, but the archbishop’s influence was stronger, so it had little effect.
“Who did you… hear it from?”
“I just learned it by staying in the capital for a few days.”
Ghislaine was well aware of Porisco. It wasn’t due to experiences from a past life.
Understanding the importance of information, he had planted plenty of spies throughout the capital. Based on the information they gathered, he formulated a new plan.
Under Ghislaine’s command, the spy Lowell manipulated the rumors and incited the people to create the current situation.
Seeing Porisco still unable to shake off his suspicion, Ghislaine continued.
“Over time, the rumors will fade. There are still many who have yet to drop their suspicions. It would be unwise to miss this opportunity.”
At Ghislaine’s words, Porisco’s lips twitched.
This little brat knew exactly what he was doing regarding his weakness.
“Fine. You wouldn’t have done this for nothing… what do you want?”
“Well… I’ve mentioned it before.”
“Are you talking about the priest Piote? It seems like you’ve gone overboard for such a lowly priest…”
Porisco still held onto his suspicion. If he only wanted Piote, there was no need to go to such lengths.
Even half of that enormous food supply would have been enough to send him away happily.
Ghislaine nodded in agreement.
“That’s right. I have other requests as well.”
“Please, tell me what they are. I will listen and judge.”
Despite the difficult situation, Porisco struggled to maintain control. Once you got entangled in such matters, it was hard to escape.
Certainly, he was a greedy priest who had been through various trials.
Ghislaine hesitated theatrically.
“It doesn’t seem like something to discuss in the wagon. Let’s talk once we arrive at a quiet place.”
‘This brat…’
Porisco gritted his teeth, trying not to show his irritation. It was clear he was toying with him.
Still, he was the one at a disadvantage now. He had no choice but to calm his anger and kept his mouth shut until they reached the temple.
As soon as they arrived at the temple, Porisco scanned the surroundings and feigned anger.
“Now, properly tell me what you want! Why did you incite such a thing!”
“To make you an archbishop.”
“Wha, what? You… what did you say?”
“I mean it literally. It’s to help you overcome this current crisis and reach the position of archbishop.”
At Ghislaine’s relaxed words, Porisco momentarily lost his composure.
The archbishop position had been his life goal. He had been tirelessly bribing and serving others to reach that point.
But the archbishop was trying to eliminate him for another heir.
‘If this brat helps me, it could be possible. If I can completely manipulate the public opinion outside… Even if I don’t receive the title of saint, I should easily step over the archbishop!’
“I may not have a title, but stepping on an Archbishop is easy!”
If I manage to release food in my name a few more times, public opinion will solidify. And right now, there’s only that little brat in front of me who can make that happen.
I mean, he’s the so-called Food King of the North!
All I have to do is say that I’ve prepared it in advance through ‘revelation.’ No one can verify it, and no one can refute it in the name of God.
But can I really trust that brat in front of me?
“It’s dangerous… very dangerous.”
Porisco had an ominous premonition. If things went wrong, it could backfire spectacularly. It was too risky to accept outright.
If that brat messes up his words, he could fall into a situation far more troubling than now.
“What’s in it for you if you make me… an Archbishop?”
“There’s plenty of benefit. When I’m in trouble, I’ll be able to receive the Church’s help a lot in the future, won’t I? It’s about loyalty between us.”
‘This crazy guy…’
Quick-witted Porisco understood Ghislaine’s words. He meant that he’d put a leash on him and use him whenever he needed.
If this were any other time, it would have been a proposal that would have set him ablaze with anger and made him kick Ghislaine out.
If they were to get such a proposal, the Church would have allied with the nobles long ago.
“Don’t make me laugh, Baron. Don’t you know that religion and politics can’t coexist? You think I’m going to sit here as a puppet for you to manipulate at will?”
“Come on now, that’s not what I mean. I’m just saying we should be friendly when we need each other.”
“Stop with those sweet nothings! How dare a mere Baron like you…?”
As Porisco tossed aside his manners and came on strong, Ghislaine chuckled and interrupted.
“Then are you saying you’ll just die as you are?”
“…”
“You’ll end up dying, not as a martyr, but as a greedy pig who died in disgrace.”
They both knew what they needed from each other. Ghislaine reminded Porisco of his situation once more.
“I’ve heard the Archbishop is quite cruel… you might even be branded a heretic. That’d be the worst kind of death.”
“…”
“I think there might be a misunderstanding… I’m trying to save you, Bishop. And I have every right to demand compensation for that. Is there anything more valuable than your life?”
“If I refuse, what do you plan to do?”
“If you don’t want to, that’s your choice. I can easily get Piote to ask the Archbishop and acquire the supplies. If we direct the food that way, it shouldn’t be difficult. But… well, you’ll surely end up dead.”
‘Oh, no.’
That would really be the end for him. Leaving aside his life, if the Archbishop got the food and was called a Saint?
He wouldn’t even be able to die comfortably, no matter how much he was hurting.
Porisco broke out in a cold sweat, thinking it over. Accepting meant becoming that brat’s dog, while refusing meant death.
But he didn’t want to die. He didn’t want to die, and he wanted to keep the Archbishop’s position.
On top of that, he wanted to keep hearing the title of Saint. That experience was truly the most thrilling moment of his life.
What if he could keep experiencing that? What if the rumors spread even further, reaching beyond the kingdom?
‘The Archbishop is not the problem. As long as I get rid of that brat in front of me, no one will dare touch me. I could be treated like a Saint!’
Watching Porisco roll his eyes around, Ghislaine silently laughed.
‘He’s just dripping with ambition, isn’t he? He wants it all, doesn’t he? Still, given his suspicious nature, he’s quite cautious. He won’t be easy to handle.’
Originally, Ghislaine hadn’t intended to push this far. He only wanted to give a suitable reward and bring back Piote for now.
He knew he needed the Church’s power to prepare for future turmoil, but the person he had in mind was a different sinful Priest.
But learning of Porisco’s situation made Ghislaine adjust his plans and accelerate them a little.
It has been pulled.
After some time observing Ghislaine’s expressions and deep in thought, Porisco eventually let out a deep sigh.
‘If I refuse, there’s no way to resolve the current situation. Even if I save my life, knowing the Archbishop’s temperament, excommunication is guaranteed. But if I fall into this guy’s trap…’
Just as he was torn between his thoughts, a voice from outside interrupted.
“Bishop, Count Norton has come to see you.”
“What?”
Count Biloah Norton, the eldest son of the kingdom’s Chancellor, and the brother of Marquis Branford’s wife. Essentially, he was Rosalyn’s uncle and one of the core nobles of the Crown Prince faction.
“Uh, please show him in quickly.”
Although he had guests, Biloah was a noble whom even Porisco could not treat carelessly.
His family pedigree was outstanding, and he also served as the Chief Justice of the capital, effectively leading the royal officials, which made him quite formidable.
After exchanging formal greetings, Biloah turned to Ghislaine with a feigned expression of surprise.
“Oh, isn’t that Baron Penris? What brings you to the temple?”
“It’s been a while, Count. I was discussing how the Bishop and I could help the less fortunate.”
“Wow, I never knew a young man like you had such deep intentions. Truly the prosperity of the kingdom. I actually came to see the Bishop regarding a matter of the royal family.”
Hearing that brought a puzzled expression to Porisco’s face.
What could the royal family possibly want with him?
‘Could it be… because of that rumor? Have they already come looking for me?’
If he was truly recognized as a Saint, the kingdom would support him. Places with Saints could not be easily interfered with by other kingdoms.
Biloah then directly addressed the benefits Porisco would receive.
“So, if the Bishop is recognized as a saint by the church, we’ll craft a sacred relic to preserve your holy body and holy blood from the royal treasures, which includes the Dragon’s Bone… and we’ll prepare a private chamber for you in the palace… and construct a new temple named after you on a new site…”
The staggering proposal nearly left Porisco speechless. The bribes he had received until now felt like pocket change.
He should have been treated this way all along. He felt like he had lost half his life.
Glancing subtly at Ghislaine, he found her smiling warmly and bowing her head.
“Congratulations. Soon, your name will spread throughout the kingdom. So then… shall we continue the donations as per the ‘revelation’, Bishop Porisco?”
‘Heh, heh heh, I completely forgot how big of an opportunity this is since I was in a rush.’
A title of Saint was something he would barely receive even after a lifetime of healing the poor with divine power.
It was fundamentally expected that divine power should be used for the welfare of people.
And no priest had the patience to endure a lifetime of hardships while dealing with the impoverished.
For this reason, the path to Saintship was both hard and painful, with most titles being received posthumously.
‘But could I really gain the name of a Saint this quickly and easily? Getting it after I’m dead is useless. I need to enjoy it while I’m still alive!’
Even if he couldn’t secure the title due to interference from other bishops, it’d be fine. Just spreading the rumor that he was a Saint would allow him to survive and eventually become an Archbishop.
‘I’ve been overthinking due to doubts. If I securely rise to the Archbishop’s position and gain the royal family and nobles’ support… I can handle that guy however I want.’
There was no need to hesitate foolishly. The most important thing was his life. First and foremost, he needed to overcome the imminent crisis.
Porisco turned to Ghislaine with a benevolent smile and said.
“I would gladly accept the donations, Baron Penris.”
He decided to sail in the same boat as Ghislaine for now.
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