Chapter 43: Kingdom Crisis 2
TL: Etude
The weather at sea is unpredictable, changing from clear skies to a sudden overcast.
No wonder I saw so few ships at sea today. I really should have asked an experienced old fisherman about the weather, Grayman lamented. Turning to Queller, he said, Let me take you back to the inn in my carriage. It might rain on the way, and at least the carriage can provide some shelter.
Queller gladly accepted: That would be great, thanks, brother.
The two got into Pauls carriage, and the coachman drove them towards the inn in town.
On the way, Paul was still pondering the issue of the force behind Jars. He felt the most likely candidate was the Church, given the substantial reason: the previous king of Ordo had had significant conflicts with the Church.
The conflict was the age-old struggle between ecclesiastical and secular power.
The year when Ordos archbishop passed away, as per tradition, the Church and the countrys high-level officials would communicate to agree on a candidate satisfying both parties. The Church would then issue an announcement, and the countrys officials would publicly acknowledge it, pleasing everyone involved.
However, that time there were two strong contenders:
One was a bishop from Ordo, who joined the monastery at a young age and started serving in rural churches. He diligently worked for decades, rising to the position of regional bishop. He was well-respected within the kingdom and a close friend of the old king, making him the most popular candidate for the archbishopric.
The other was a foreign bishop parachuted in by the Church. He hadnt been in Ordo long but had served in the Holy Sees theological school and taught students from across the continent.
King Rodney XV wasnt a fool; both publicly and privately, he supported the native candidate, also his close friend, for the archbishopric.
The Church wasnt foolish either. The relationship between the Ordo bishop and the king was well-known. If their archbishop and local nobility formed a clique, it would complicate things, so they staunchly supported their foreign candidate.
The two sides clashed countless times, both overtly and covertly, over the archbishopric. Rumor has it that during a private, amicable meeting, an agitated King Rodney XV accidentally placed his dentures on the Church envoys face.
Eventually, a compromise was reached: the Churchs candidate became the archbishop, but future regional bishops in Ordo would prioritize natives, with half of them appointed based on the royal familys recommendation.
Though a compromise was reached, a feud had begun, and Rodney XVI, the succeeding king, spent considerable effort repairing relations with the Church.
Therefore, Paul speculated that the Church might be behind Jars, but then he doubted this.
Historically, in power struggles between the Church and secular rulers, the Church openly excommunicated rulers who opposed them or found a compliant noble in that country, declaring them the legitimate ruler recognized by the Lord of Light.
Simple, brute, and effective. Reportedly, the Church had once forced a monarch to stand barefoot in the snow for three days and nights using excommunication.
Secretly pulling strings wasnt the Churchs style. Perhaps the Church felt its influence waning and couldnt afford a direct confrontation, thus changing tactics. But there had been no indication of Jars being particularly passionate about the Church.
Could it be the Gabella Empire? Unlikely, as Ordo and Gabella had intermarriages for generations, maintaining strong ties.
While Paul was lost in thought, Queller beside him sighed, That Jars is overly ambitious. If he takes over Ordo, he might have ulterior motives for the Horn Bay Alliance. I dont understand what those merchant associations are thinking, putting money over national interests. I hope the council takes some action.
Seizing the moment to impress, Paul cleared his throat and spoke with feigned profundity, Queller, a philosopher once said this: with sufficient profit, capital becomes bold. If theres 10% profit, it will be everywhere; with 20% profit, it becomes eagar; with 50%, it takes risks; with 100%, it dares to trample all human laws; and with 300%, there is not a crime which it will not scruple, nor a risk it will not run, even to the chance of its owner being hanged. (Karl Marx)
I havent heard of that, but it does ring true, Queller shrugged in agreement. In our Horn Bay Alliance, which is built on commerce, although we have laws that seem perfect to outsiders, everyone must adapt to them while also learning how to exploit their loopholes.
Born into a prominent family, Queller was no stranger to such matters. He leaned back, hands behind his head, Thats why, after I turned 16, I dreamt of becoming an adventurer, roaming the world freely and unconstrained, away from those tedious rules and regulations.
So you came to the Northwest Bay for adventure?
Exactly, and my father even sent the Lichman Adventure Team to find me. What a great opportunity! I really want to join them. Queller suddenly became excited.
The Lichman Adventure Team? Are those the people from the church the other day?
Yes, that group is quite famous in our south, having resolved many crises.
Paul asked, a bit puzzled, Is an adventurer just another term for a mercenary?
No, no, no! Queller waved his index finger to negate Pauls assumption. While both get paid to solve problems for others, adventurers have their own moral standards and a set of professional codes.
Moreover, there are Adventurers Guilds in various countries and regions, acting as specialized institutions. They provide services like issuing commissions and handling rewards, and also monitor adventurers to ensure they adhere to professional norms and local laws.
By comparison, mercenaries have fewer restrictions, accepting lower-grade commissions. Theyre often active in wars between countries, willing to kill and plunder for money.
Could you tell me more about the Lichman Adventure Team? What are their skills?
Oh, I only know the four members who came to rescue me. The girl with pink hair is Meru Haimer. Shes petite but incredibly strong, and her weapon is the uncommon flail. Shes the group leader.
The young man with blue hair is Dean Isaka, skilled with daggers and very agile, responsible for reconnaissance and tracking.
The young man with yellow hair is named Kade, a sturdy greatsword wielder.
The girl with green hair is called Ladi. Shes quite unique, a scholar by profession. She joined the adventure group to travel and expand her knowledge. But shes also highly skilled, serving as a crossbowman in the team and knowledgeable in some medical fields.
Paul asked curiously, A scholar who uses a crossbow? Thats rare.
Exactly! Queller slapped his thigh, Dean once claimed that Miss Ladi could hit a fly at 150 meters. I think he was boasting. Its impressive enough for a girl to use a bow and arrow.
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