Spear of Longinus

Long-term threats, Count Mirhousburg Schmalen.

Short-term threats, the newly appointed monastery dean Andreas.

Actually, one's background can be inferred from their name.

The more it is derived from the Bible or from classical names in Greek mythology, it is definitely associated with the church. Because when entering the church to obtain a holy office and serve as a priest, they may take on new names to express their ideals and aspirations.

Among them, if it's not from the Bible, it's from ancient sages. Andreas is a name derived from ancient sages.

The so-called holy office and priesthood, the former refers to the narrow seven-level holy office system, from major ranks to minor ranks, from priests to exorcists, and acolytes. While the priesthood is more widely known among the people, ranging from the pope to the priests.

The current Grand Duke of Lozarengia is named Diodorak, which actually comes from the Eastern Roman Empire, and there are countless connections between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Roman Empire. Just from the name, one can see that the relationship between the Grand Duke of Lozarengia and the church is very good.

Grand Duke Diodorak has his eyes on Countess Conosa, wanting her to marry his son.

But this is undoubtedly very difficult.

"In any case, you should first receive knights from various places, respond with care or impose strong punishment to show your wisdom and authority," Joan suggested.

This is the greatest threat now.

Conosa nodded, then pinched the hem of her skirt and looked at the man beside her.

"Damian, could you also stay and accompany me for the reception?"

Currently, the people of Gothingen are not afraid of the Countess, but the military power in Damian's hands is greatly feared by them.

Damian sighed, and nodded in agreement.

After half a day of reception, Marian, who used to be Scoke's mistress, walked in.

After chatting warmly with Conosa for a few words, she unexpectedly turned the topic to Damian: "This kid was only able to enter the monastery with my help. It's a pity, in the end, he still took my manor."

"Oh… didn't I return all the land to you?" Damian's expression stiffened.

"I see…" Conosa couldn't help but feel a little better towards Marian's attitude.

After a few pleasantries, Damian got up to bid farewell to Marian.

"Lady, didn't we agree not to touch that wealth recently?" Damian frowned, feeling that Marian was thinking too much.

"But someone has set their eyes on me. Recently, there have been people coming to propose to me from time to time. Damian, you have to help me." Marian shook her head helplessly.

The life of a widow is always easily intruded upon by others.

"No problem. Next time, I'll bring the army to patrol near your estate." Damian nodded.

In Marian's manor, Scoke's wealth is stored. If Marian, the widow, is easily coerced into remarrying by anyone, resulting in a change of control over the estate, it would be a serious problem.

"Don't worry. Let me handle it, and I'll give you some life experience." Marian said softly.

"Don't be in a hurry to shoot your bullets at those country lasses with your Spear of Longinus. Young man, you haven't experienced the pain of being threatened by those women. You don't know how many people have fallen because of illegitimate child problems on the road ahead."

She touched Damian's face and chuckled, "Not to mention, I can see that you and the countess have mutual feelings, which is not a problem in itself, but just like those illegitimate child problems, it's also a problem."

Damian felt a bit embarrassed.

He understood the references Marian made.

The so-called Spear of Longinus actually refers to the spear that once pierced Jesus's side, leaving a wound called the Holy Stigmata. But that's not the issue.

The issue is that in the Middle Ages, whether it was the Church or common literature, they depicted this Holy Stigmata as the shape of the female genitalia. And, in the Middle Ages, the vast majority of the saints who left behind the stigmata were female, which formed a kind of bizarre culture.

That is derived from the stigmata, comparing men and women to the Spear of Longinus and the stigmata, and then extending to… something everyone understands.

There were nuns who claimed to have dreamed of the Archangel Michael, who repeatedly pierced themselves with a mighty spear.

Obviously, this is a erotic dream under Christian culture. Only those who live in such an atmosphere understand its meaning.

So what Marian meant was, you lad shouldn't go around fooling with women while you're young and strong, or you'll get into trouble.

And the problem of illegitimate children is simple, it's a very mundane topic.

Those who can fall from power because of illegitimate children are definitely not the nobles. For example, the nobles from Normandy, who even have more than one wife, let alone illegitimate children.

The main issue for the nobles falling from power because of illegitimate children must not only be the illegitimate children. Illegitimate children are just a catalyst.

Therefore, halfway through the conversation, Marian pulled out a strange little thing.

It seemed to be wrapped in silver with two small teeth inside.

"When you pierce a woman with your Spear of Longinus, remember to hold this thing in your hand. I've heard it works wonders."

Although people in the Middle Ages were under the rule of Christianity, the ignorance and backwardness of culture and society led to stupid superstitions among the common people.

Just like this thing.

People believe that when you wrap the teeth of a 6 or 7-year-old child in gold or silver and hold it in your hand while using a long spear to pierce the stigmata, it can effectively prevent pregnancy.

Such mysterious things, full of nonsense, never ceased to be popular in the Middle Ages.

"I… will try it."

After thinking for a while, Damian accepted the thing.

Not because of superstition, mainly because this thing was made of real silver.

"By the way, why are you telling me all this?" Damian asked strangely.

But Marian pointed to her ankle and said softly, "Which woman would leave a man's handprint on her ankle when wearing a skirt?"

Damian was momentarily speechless.

…

After returning from Bovendon Castle, Conosa also knew she couldn't treat her meritorious subjects unfairly. So she allocated a batch of goods and people collected and purchased by merchants to Damian.

Especially the two blacksmiths, they could be very helpful after coming to the Free City of Gothingen.

At dusk, Jeffrey, who was avoiding trouble, brought the Chivalrous Bandits and sneaked into the Free City under the cover of night.

"How did you come back? What happened?" Damian hurriedly got up.

Jeffrey held a leather pouch and said calmly, "Many unusual bandits appeared in the southeast forest. I suspect they might be the vanguard of the enemy!"