Chapter 603: Alfred's Report (Part 2)

By this time, Alfred was sweating all over, but he knew he couldn't show any hesitation or appear to be thinking too much. Otherwise, he would leave a very bad impression on Archbishop Vekmar.

This was not the kingdom of Bretonnia, nor the Freya's ancient cathedral district of the Mousillon duchy. This was the Cathedral of Justice!

Vekmar could easily deal with Alfred as if crushing a small chicken!

Fortunately, the first question was easy to answer. Alfred pretended to think for a couple of seconds before replying immediately, "From what I know, Ryan hasn't planned to support anyone. He hasn't done so from the beginning."

"Really?" Vekmar gripped his command staff and casually questioned, "You better not be brushing me off! Our Lord discerns truth from falsehood. You've been in the church for over twenty years; you know what to do, right?"

"It's true." Alfred nodded, the blond-haired, blue-eyed Templar Knight Commander earnestly said, "Ryan isn't particularly familiar with any of the three candidates. If he knows anyone best, it's the Great Alchemist Gelt, but they've only met a few times. He met High Chancellor Odo of the Light College last time he was in Brunswick, but only once. As for Herman, they haven't met at all. He's here because of the Emperor's invitation."

"So, he's familiar with Gelt, but why wouldn't he support him?" asked Grand Master Hans Leitdorf of the Templar Knights.

"His interaction with Gelt was due to the Emperor's decrees," Alfred explained briefly. "Ryan has been very busy. Since last year, he's been preparing to reclaim Mousillon, launching a blitz on Spitepeak in February, and it took more than half a year to fully reclaim Mousillon. Then, after returning to his domain, he was busy with reforms, then his firstborn son was born, followed by negotiations to reclaim Mousillon's former territory in southern Lyonnais. He hasn't had the time to connect with Gelt. He's here as a spectator and to enjoy the Winter Festival. However, he does have a good personal relationship with Emperor Karl Franz."

This explanation made Vekmar and Leitdorf nod involuntarily. Indeed, they knew Ryan was very busy, and Alfred's words were reasonable and convincing.

Although the Church of Justice had a stance on the Royal Chief Wizard position, they preferred seeing Ryan and Karl having a good relationship, as Vekmar didn't want a war between the two human nations. They supported Ryan and Karl Franz's friendship in this matter.

"We understand," Vekmar nodded. "It's good that he's not getting involved."

Alfred breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he had passed this hurdle.

Reflecting on this, Alfred couldn't help but admire Ryan as a remarkable figure. As for the second question, Ryan had rehearsed this with him while they soaked in a hot spring, so Alfred was prepared for this conversation with the archbishop.

"I believe that Luthor Huss has many correct views and opinions!" The Templar Knight Commander spoke firmly, surprising everyone. "In some ways, I share his thoughts!"

Grand Master Leitdorf's mouth dropped open. This kid! Does he have a death wish?!

Luthor Huss had been nearly excommunicated for his outspoken views at the Church of Justice's council meeting, saved only by Archbishop Vekmar. Did Alfred think Vekmar would protect him too?

"Oh?" Archbishop Vekmar's tone became peculiar as he gripped his command staff. "In some ways? In other ways, you disagree with him?"

"Yes, I think he's too eager. He wants everything done at once. I agree that the church has some issues that need addressing, but we can't do it his way. According to Huss's ideas, we would excommunicate thousands of clergy and affect tens of thousands of church personnel, impacting four free cities and ten provinces of the empire. It's ridiculous," Alfred calmly relayed Ryan's perspective. "So, I think Huss's suggestions have merit, but we shouldn't implement them as he suggests."

Listening to Alfred's impassioned speech, both Vekmar and Leitdorf's expressions changed.

The archbishop nodded slowly. He had asked many people privately about this issue.

Some had continuously kowtowed, pleading for mercy, and said nothing.

Some cursed Huss, calling him a heretic, thinking he had fallen into chaos.

Others staunchly supported Huss, criticizing the church council led by Archbishop Vekmar, believing themselves to be the true embodiments of justice.

"So, you think our church has always had problems?" Vekmar asked.

The atmosphere in the reliquary grew tense, with two pairs of eyes fixed on Alfred.

The silence was oppressive.

"No approach can be everlasting and always effective," Alfred said seriously. "We must face problems without exaggerating them. Huss's views are radical, but that doesn't mean there are no issues in the church."

"Very good," Vekmar finally nodded. The green jewelry on his chest, a symbol of the god of justice's power, glowed brightly. He said one word, then fell silent.

Alfred gritted his teeth, enduring Vekmar's imposing presence.

He had to say this.

He was no longer an ordinary paladin. Now, as a Templar Knight Commander, he had some renown. As Ingrid said, Alfred had gained the right to speak in discussions.

If he continued to be evasive or hesitant, it would not benefit his future and would significantly affect the Old World's perception of him!

As a Templar Knight Commander, he had to have his views and opinions. Otherwise, he should have accepted when Archbishop Vekmar offered to send more personnel.

Since he didn't accept, he needed to present something substantial. Otherwise, if he neither wanted to be hands-off nor provide concrete solutions, his actions would be highly suspicious!

The church wouldn't trust him to manage the entire district.

After a while, the atmosphere in the spacious reliquary was oppressive.

Since the empire's founding, the remains of countless heroes and martyrs had surrounded those sitting here.

"Alfred Damian Vain?" Archbishop Vekmar spoke.

"Yes!" Alfred responded quietly.

"Tell me, what is the core doctrine of our Church of Justice?" the archbishop asked.

"Justice knows no rank; justice requires a price." Alfred was unsure of the archbishop's thoughts, so he recited the core doctrine ingrained in his soul.

"But justice's standards vary for different people and situations. Some people's justice may not be seen as justice by others. However, we know the masses are ignorant and follow trends, while the truth is always in the hands of a few. When faced with a dilemma, as a patriarch, how should you handle it?" Vekmar asked deliberately.

This question was challenging and was not just for Alfred but a broader issue affecting the entire church and many nobles and bureaucrats who struggled to find a perfect solution.

The Templar Knight Commander's mouth opened slightly, unsure how to respond.

"Take your time answering; consider it a test from me." Vekmar motioned for Alfred not to rush. "Think carefully before you answer."

Alfred remembered his time as a young paladin in Nord. Not being the firstborn son, he had been sent to the church to avoid inheritance disputes. The local archbishop, Innocent, had personally baptized him and had been like a father figure to him.

But upon learning Ryan was going to Marienburg, he resolved to follow Ryan, an experience that couldn't be summed up in a few words.

"The patriarch is the leader and overseer of the entire district, ensuring that all parties perform their duties. I'm just a Templar Knight Commander, unfit to be a patriarch and unworthy of such expectations..." Alfred thought carefully before cautiously responding.

"Don't give me that church talk!" Archbishop Vekmar waved his hand coldly. "This is the reliquary! Speak freely!"

Alfred blushed, bowing his head and thinking for a moment before cautiously saying, "Is it because of my age? I'm only thirty-four, and becoming a patriarch is beyond my years. People idolize and revere me, but I can't always rely on personal prestige to handle matters?"

"Becoming a patriarch in one's thirties is rare, but not unheard of. You have sufficient qualifications. That district has been assigned to you, and you need to consider again what you mean by being unworthy of expectations," Vekmar said.

Unworthy of whose expectations? Alfred wiped his sweaty forehead, carefully chewing over Vekmar's words.

That's it!

The emperor and the church's opposition regarding the Royal Chief Wizard, Ryan's visit, his reporting here, the previous two questions, and the doubts about the patriarch position—all these connected to this core issue.

Unworthy of whose expectations? As a patriarch, whose expectations should you bear?

"Your Excellency, does 'unworthy of expectations' refer to the expectations of all the people in the district and the church? The combination of these expectations is what a patriarch should bear?" Alfred looked up.

"Hmm, very good." Archbishop Vekmar finally nodded approvingly. "Now I understand why you found your place in that land of the Lady of the Lake across the mountains."

"Please, Your Excellency, enlighten me," Alfred urged, sensing that Vekmar had more to say.

"As a patriarch and a vassal of the entire ancient cathedral district, you must uphold and protect your people, ensuring fairness, justice, and openness. Only then can your rule be sustained, which is to meet the people's expectations."

"But also remember, your position as patriarch and Templar Knight Commander comes from the church, from us, from me, and your childhood friend Ryan! What's the use of a disobedient patriarch and vassal?"

"You must find your role, knowing what you can and cannot do, with a

 balance in your heart," Vekmar continued. "Overly siding with the people's expectations, like Luthor Huss, who abandoned his stance, believing himself a great reformer, is trying to destroy everything he values. If we did as he suggested, I would have long been expelled from this cathedral!"

"He only raises problems, as you said, without knowing how to solve them or handle the ensuing issues, aiming for an impossible one-size-fits-all solution. Thus, he has left the church's control and cannot be a patriarch."

"Conversely, closing oneself off, ignorant of the outside world, and being a puppet, is also unacceptable," Vekmar nodded. "Don't think I'm unaware of some comments within the church? Always claiming everything as the Lord's will, enforcing rules without regard to the situation or the faithful, while others busy themselves with penance and prayer, oblivious to the outside world? Such people are unfit to be a patriarch! They are destroying the Church of Justice's reputation and prestige!"

"I have already removed more than eighty clergy members who are only suitable for the battlefield, not for being patriarchs. The church doesn't need such fools; they belong in more useful and appropriate places."

Sweat was now streaming down Alfred's cheeks, soaking his meticulously groomed hair and sticking it to his face and neck, making him very uncomfortable.

"Remember these words, Alfred," Grand Master Hans Leitdorf spoke gently to his knight commander. "You need to find your way of handling issues and balancing them, given the unique situation in Bretonnia. We can't teach you; you must find it yourself."

"Yes!" Alfred carefully bowed his head.

"As for Luthor Huss, make sure not to take a stand or express any opinion on his matter," Archbishop Vekmar nodded calmly, his bald head reflecting the light in the reliquary, his comet-shaped beard slightly shaking. "Remember, Luthor Huss is useful for many reasons. If used well, this mad dog can effectively counter those idlers. He will open many doors, and we can respond to the calls for change and reshuffle the church. You only need to manage your district and fief. If asked, say you don't know or have time to know about matters across the mountains."

Alfred suddenly understood why Vekmar had saved Luthor Huss from excommunication and disagreed with expelling him. He had this plan all along!

How cunning!

The Templar Knight Commander didn't say more; he simply responded, "Yes."

"Very well, the position of patriarch of the Freya's ancient cathedral district is entrusted to you, Alfred. May you serve faithfully under our Lord's guidance!" Archbishop Vekmar clapped his hands, and Grand Master Hans Leitdorf brought forth a large tray, signaling Alfred to step forward.

The tray held a set of purple-red patriarchal robes, including a chasuble, belt, a regular robe made of silk brocade, a collar, a short white garment, a four-cornered hat, and a patriarchal staff shaped like a double-tailed comet.

"Yes!" The Templar Knight Commander felt deeply moved by the set of robes. His eyes were slightly dazed, and he quickly swallowed hard, stepped forward, and took the large tray.

As he was about to express his gratitude, Archbishop Vekmar suddenly grabbed his arm. "Before that, I have one more thing to say."

"Please, Your Excellency," Alfred felt a chill in his heart, knowing his momentary lapse had been noticed by Vekmar. He lowered his head in response.

"In the future, avoid taking reckless actions like carrying a torch to ignite explosives." The usually stern archbishop suddenly smiled. "In other matters, you may do your utmost, even risking severe injury or disability. We can have the Church of Life perform miracles to regenerate limbs. But if you die, where will we find another childhood friend of Ryan's to be a patriarch in the Lady of the Lake's domain?"

"Understood!" Alfred took a deep breath and loudly affirmed, then knelt to accept the appointment.

From this day forth, he was the appointed patriarch of the Freya's ancient cathedral district and the entire western region of Bretonnia!

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