Volume 7 Chapter 7: Secret Maneuvers

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Author: 夜州 (Yashu)

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Having arrived in Genesee, Bishop Harnam split up with Cain and the others, and relaxed while chatting with the priest over a cup of tea in the reception room.

“The bishops and priests from each country are all gathering already.”

“Is that so… I was going to return soon though. Moving in a carriage is hard on an old man like me.”

In fact, Bishop Harnam had actually happily conversed away with Cain, forgetting fatigue at being able to be accompanied by an Apostle of the gods.

And the trip in a carriage that was so hard on an old man was actually more comfortable than normal thanks to Cain watching out for him and casting magic. Not taking the trouble to explain all that to the priest though, the two of them continued talking.

“It really was a sudden bit of news… It’s a pity about the Pope-sama, but there’s nothing to do about that now. I can imagine it must be a long journey for you bishops despatched to the other countries. By the way, Bishop-sama… which cardinal do you…?”

Bishop Harnam’s eyes narrowed slightly at the priest’s words.

In truth, the pope election was about the political power of the four cardinals. No matter how much a person of character they were, the one with the most votes from the priests and bishops would be elected as the new pope.

That an information war would break out beforehand was obvious. However, the bishop had no intention of telling anyone who he’d throw his vote for before he arrived at the ballot box.

Especially since bishops who had been despatched to other countries also had all the votes from the priests managing all the churches in the towns there. Since there was no way all of them could return to Marineford, the bishops returned to the country as their representatives.

“…I will not speak with you about that. I also have the votes of all the priests despatched to Esfort. I will not simply go around talking about it.”

“…I am terribly sorry. Speaking of which… Bishop Harnam, your older brother is Cardinal Denter. So…?”

Bishop Harnam frowned at the priest’s words, and stayed silent, implying he had nothing more to say.

Perhaps caving under the bishop’s pressure, the priest broke out in a cold sweat, and giving up on an answer, he apologised.

“On a different note, please take care. Bandits have been appearing lately, and I heard that they even attacked the church’s carriages. The temple knights are patrolling, but they haven’t caught them yet…”

“Oh how tragic… That kind of people here in the Holy Country of Marineford… What about the victims…?”

“They… a number of priests have already fallen prey to the bandits’ hands… I heard they even attacked a bishop-sama.”

The priest’s face distorted, and he explained the current goings-on with a sad face. He explained how the bandits were likely targeting people who were walking around with some extent of wealth due to the pope election, which happened only once every couple of years, or even decades. Since they were walking around with the expenses for the adventurers escorting them to stay in inns and such, which was not a small sum, and the Magic Bags the adventurers themselves used to carry their assets around in sold for quite the high price, many of them were being targeted.

“That is a serious affair. We will have to watch out too. Although I don’t think it will be a problem, since my bodyguards this time are quite excellent…”

“So, you have excellent bodyguards. That’s a relief. But still, I heard there’s quite a few of these bandits, so please take care.”

“Sorry for making you worry. Thank you for the information.”

Thankful for the information, the bishop spoke a little about the expansion of the religion in Esfort, and after a little more chatting, he retired to his room.

Now alone in the room, the priest took out a bottle of alcohol and a glass from a cupboard, and leaned back on the sofa, relaxing.

He took a sip of the alcohol, savouring its taste.

“I knew he wouldn’t let information leak so easily… hey, are you there?”

He called out in the deserted room, and a black shadow appeared on the other side of the window.

“…I am here.”

The priest had a completely different expression than he had had until then.

“Harnam is an enemy. ––Dispose of him.”

“As you wish.”

“Oh, and apparently his escort is excellent. Don’t slip up.”

“…As you wish.”

“That’s all. Please tell the Cardinal-sama about me.”

“Of course. I am sure he will be happy. Then.”

With those last words, the black shadow disappeared.

“Muhahaha. I’ll have this problematic old man of a bishop voting for someone else disappear. Then, the day when I become bishop will be near.”

Now alone, the priest’s laughter rang out.

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