Chapter 602: Alfred's Report (Part 1)

On a snowy morning, Alfred woke up from his sleep. 

The head of the Templar Knights opened his eyes for a while, but the warmth of the bed and the softness of the mattress made him close them again. After several years, Alfred had returned to Brunswick. The last time he had been here was around the time Ryan became a count. Back then, Alfred was just an ordinary paladin.

At the age of twenty-eight, during an archbishop's inspection, he felt insignificant, like an ant. 

"I swore to make everyone see me."

Now, in his early thirties, the paladin from Nord finally saw a turn in his life. He was first knighted as a Templar Knight for his contributions to establishing a new diocese. Then, he single-handedly captured Mousilon, was awarded the district of Freya's ancient cathedral, and became known throughout the Old World. Alfred's name was now recognized by many, thanks to Ryan and Archbishop Vekmar's efforts to promote his achievements. Although not as universally known as Ryan, Alfred had gained some fame.

The snow outside blew against the windows, making a soft noise. Struggling with the decision, Alfred decided to get up. He donned his robe, feeling a slight chill despite the indoor fireplace.

Standing by the window, Alfred gazed over the entire city from the Royal Hotel. 

In the morning, the snow-covered imperial capital had a unique beauty. The magnificent walls and towering buildings, covered in snow, seemed pure, as if the corruption and sins hidden beneath the snow were concealed. But when Alfred looked down, the dirty smoke rising from rooftops spiraled over the streets, and the damp and filthy air from countless chimneys in Brunswick made one's head spin and cough.

In the distance, the golden dome of the Cathedral of Justice stood, not obscured by the surrounding buildings. The holy and magnificent architecture deterred all evil, reminding them of the empire's resilience over two millennia, engraved in the cathedral's murals.

Further out, the wide Rick River cut through the city, crowded with passenger, cargo, and fishing boats. Dockworkers started early, as numerous dock gangs, each with tens of thousands of workers, began their labor.

The trash-strewn streets were already packed, with unclean and ignorant bodies jostling and stepping over each other. The city was always overcrowded, and as weary night soldiers were replaced by bleary-eyed day guards, the gray and black masses of people filled the streets. As light came, pickpockets and cultists paused their activities, and the bustling noises of hawking, footsteps, unloading, and carriages, both annoying and familiar, filled the air.

This was the sound of humanity! Beneath the grand scene, the empire stood proud, having faced countless external and internal conflicts over two thousand years, with the ancient and crowded city still brimming with vitality.

If he could, Alfred would have liked to observe more, but he knew he didn't have the time. Soon, as the head of the Templar Knights, he had to go to the Cathedral of Justice to report to Archbishop Vekmar.

After a brief wash, Alfred changed into his ceremonial Templar Knight attire, which he rarely wore except on major occasions. His usual wear consisted of full plate armor or a monk's robe.

The ceremonial attire had been cleaned and scented by the hotel staff. Alfred donned it, hung his knight's sword at his waist, and prepared to head to the Cathedral of Justice, leaving the Royal Hotel just an hour early.

Clenching his ceremonial knight's sword, blessed by a regional bishop, Alfred felt the tension in his muscles. Now in his thirties, at the peak of his vigor, and newly promoted to Templar Knight Commander, he felt ambitious, recalling Ryan's words to him.

"When you were a paladin, you spoke less, listened more, asked more, and did more."

"Now, you should speak more, listen more, ask more, and do more. You are now independent and need fame and prestige. Let people know and understand you."

Alfred understood these words more deeply now. He had prepared a series of gifts, including specialties from Mousilon, Bretonnian wine, and some fine goods imported from the wood elves. These gifts were carefully prepared for Archbishop Vekmar, his cardinals, curia, and the Templar Knights' Grand Master Hans Leitdorf, as well as several high knights. Though not lavish, everyone received something, showing respect.

The feedback suggested a positive reception, and Alfred soon received a summons from Archbishop Vekmar to report to the Cathedral of Justice. It was likely that the Church of Justice would appoint him as the patriarch of the Freya's ancient cathedral district, a significant honor for a Templar Knight Commander.

As Alfred opened his room door, he was momentarily surprised to see the Norse woman Ingrid standing there. With long brown hair, a strong build, and a tall stature, she wore leather clothes and pants under a fur cloak, giving her an imposing presence as she stood before Alfred. "Where are you going, my lord?"

Ingrid, hired by Alfred, naturally took on the role of his subordinate. She enjoyed maintaining law and order in the Freya's ancient cathedral district and was satisfied with her situation. The barbarian woman had modest ambitions: she wanted to work as a mercenary, get rich, and somehow secure a noble title to change her fate.

"I'm going to the Cathedral of Justice to report," Alfred replied, noticing Ingrid's attire. He shrugged, his hand instinctively touching the pocket of his ceremonial robe. "You have the day off. You can explore Brunswick, shop on Commercial Street, visit a bar, or tour the temple district. Just remember to bring enough money; this isn't Nord, you can't get by without money."

"I know, I know," Ingrid waved dismissively. "I want to see the Cathedral of Justice. I've heard so much about it but never had the chance! Since you're going to report today, take me with you!"

"You? A Norse woman?" Alfred frowned. The Church of Justice had branches throughout the Old World, including all the imperial provinces. But Ingrid's Norse appearance and stature were too conspicuous. Wasn't she worried about causing trouble?

"Why not?" Ingrid asked, somewhat bluntly. "I'm your subordinate. Can't I accompany you when you report?"

"Alright, you can come, but remember, don't listen to what you shouldn't, don't say what you shouldn't, and don't look at what you shouldn't," Alfred relented with a sigh. "If you agree, then follow me."

Eager to see the Cathedral of Justice, Ingrid readily agreed, and a curious scene unfolded: a six-foot Templar Knight and a slightly taller barbarian woman walked through the streets together toward the Cathedral of Justice.

"Not entering through the main entrance?" Ingrid soon noticed that Alfred wasn't heading to the main entrance but was instead leading her down a side street. "They're making you enter through a side door? You're a Templar Knight Commander and a hero who captured Mousilon. How can they make you enter through a side entrance? This wouldn't happen where I'm from!"

"The main entrance isn't opened casually," Alfred replied, his expression growing serious as they neared the Cathedral of Justice. "I'm not qualified."

"Not qualified? You're already a knight commander!" Ingrid found this hard to believe. She thought Alfred was a notable figure in the Old World. Why wouldn't these southerners even open the main door for him?

"This is Brunswick, Ingrid," Alfred patiently explained for some reason. "This is the imperial capital, the heart of the Old World! Here, you encounter a baron every three steps, a viscount every ten steps, and if you throw a brick, you can hit three knights. There are several famous knightly orders in this city, and there are dozens more in Reikland. Here, being a knight commander isn't unusual."

"Oh? Being a knight commander isn't unusual?" Ingrid curiously placed her hands on her hips, a rather crude gesture that made many passing nobles and noblewomen frown, wondering where this barbarian had come from.

"What about Lord Ryan? He's also a knight commander, right? Would the cathedral open the main door for him?"

"..." Alfred had no words. If Ryan were to visit, the Cathedral of Justice would not only open the main door but would likely have a cardinal come out to greet him. But Ryan's status was not comparable to his own.

At this point, explaining further to Ingrid seemed too time-consuming. Alfred felt it could be explained but was unnecessary. Fortunately, the side entrance of the Cathedral of Justice was now in sight, and Alfred led Ingrid through it.

They were greeted by a cardinal who looked quite old, with white hair, a somewhat portly figure, wearing a round hat and vestments. He stepped forward, "Is this Alfred Damian Vain?"

"Yes!" Alfred promptly saluted.

"Welcome, welcome!" the cardinal nodded, then turned his gaze to the Norse woman behind Alfred. "And who might this be?"

"She's my companion, here to see the cathedral," Alfred quickly signaled to Ingrid to remain silent.

"Very well, come along then. The Archbishop and Grand Master Hans Leitdorf will meet you in the reliquary," the cardinal said without further ado.

Following a series of established and elaborate rituals, Alfred was led to the reliquary.

By this time, Archbishop Vekmar and Templar Knights' Grand Master Hans Leitdorf were already seated. After Alfred saluted, a small stool was placed about fifty steps away from the archbishop.

This was Alfred's seat.

"Too far, move it closer," Vekmar said loudly.

The stool was moved to about twenty steps from the archbishop.

"Still too far, closer," the archbishop repeated.

The stool was finally placed about eight or nine steps away. Seeing

 no further instructions, the attendant quietly saluted and withdrew.

"Alright, Alfred, you may report," said Grand Master Hans Leitdorf warmly.

This legendary knight, wearing a full set of dwarven-crafted runic plate armor, had a stern and resolute face.

The Templar Knight Commander nodded, knelt on one knee, and began recounting his experiences. He spoke about his current position overseeing the Freya's ancient cathedral district in Mousilon, the church staff deployed there, and his provisional goal to secure the district's order before considering other matters.

"Very good, you have opened new frontiers in the knight kingdom across the mountains, a comforting achievement for our Lord and Emperor Charlemagne. It is also a significant breakthrough for our Church of Justice. Your small step is a giant leap for the church," Archbishop Vekmar nodded slowly, praising Alfred. "Praise be to our Lord!"

"Praise be to our Lord!" echoed the guards in the reliquary, Grand Master Hans Leitdorf, and the kneeling Alfred, their voices reverberating among the relics of countless human heroes.

"The church will continue to send personnel and financial support to assist you. Our only requirement is that you establish a firm foothold there. Don't worry about anything else for now," Archbishop Vekmar said, holding his command staff. "Can you do that?"

Hearing this, Alfred's expression changed slightly. He bowed his head and softly said, "Your Excellency, I currently have enough personnel and am not short of funds. I am grateful for the church's support, but I would prefer to see these valuable resources used in more necessary areas."

"Oh?" Archbishop Vekmar's gaze sharpened, his tone growing heavier. "And what might be these more necessary areas?"

In an instant, the archbishop's previously appreciative demeanor turned stern and severe, enveloping Alfred in a formidable presence.

Sweat beaded on Alfred's forehead, and he lowered his head in silence.

"You overstep, Alfred," Grand Master Hans Leitdorf said disapprovingly. "What constitutes a more necessary area is not for you to define. If the archbishop says it is for you, then you must accept it. Rain and thunder are both blessings from God! You have no right to refuse!"

"Sigh..." Archbishop Vekmar gestured for Hans Leitdorf to stop, gripping his command staff. "Alfred, since that's the case, I have two questions for you."

"Please, Your Excellency," Alfred felt his heart race, his forehead now drenched with sweat, soaking through his robes.

"Has Duke Ryan Macador of Mousilon, during his visit to Brunswick, expressed support for any candidate for the position of Royal Chief Wizard?"

"And, regarding the reform proposal by the young warrior priest, Luthor Huss, what are your thoughts?" 

"Well..."

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