NOVPUBWith a broad smile, Ghislain approached Porisco.
Porisco quickly looked away, his mind racing.
"What is this lunatic thinking?"
Ghislain had suddenly made him a "saint" — a male saint who’d supposedly received a revelation from the goddess. The absurdity of it was beyond words. Porisco could even imagine this making it into the history books.
He wanted nothing more than to shout and scold him, to demand an explanation for such a ridiculous stunt. But...
"There... there are too many eyes on us!"
He was stuck. He knew he should deny the whole thing, yet the words wouldn’t come out.
The gazes from the poor onlookers and temple guards were filled with awe, almost as if honey dripped from their eyes.
"This... this must be... the power of a saint?"
He wanted more of that reverence. Now that he’d tasted it, he didn’t want to return to his former, unfulfilled existence.
"But... is this really okay? Won't this cause trouble later? It seems like rumors are already spreading across the capital...."
His rational mind told him to reject it, but a greedy voice inside whispered that this was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Then, an idea struck him.
In his excitement, he’d momentarily forgotten his own position. This was a golden opportunity.
"If I can maintain this public sentiment... even the Archbishop won’t be able to touch me! I’ll be the next Archbishop for sure!"
With the title of "saint" gaining traction, the Archbishop would lose the power to excommunicate him. In fact, he wouldn’t even be able to challenge him.
Yet, not knowing the exact circumstances behind this development, Porisco knew he couldn’t afford to be too optimistic. His mind churned with calculations.
"Saint? You look a bit unwell, are you alright?"
As Ghislain drew closer, the temple guards stepped forward to shield Porisco.
Ghislain, looking mildly inconvenienced, spoke up.
"Hm, I was hoping to discuss future donations. Should I just leave, then?"
"N-No, of course not! After all, Baron, you helped me greatly. Men! This is Baron Fenris. Escort him into the temple at once!"
At Porisco’s command, the guards respectfully nodded to Ghislain and stepped aside.
Soon, the two of them were settled inside an opulent carriage drawn by six white horses, headed toward the temple.
In the carriage, Ghislain wore a mischievous smile as he asked, "So... did you enjoy the donation? Quite a bit of food went into it."
Porisco didn’t answer immediately. He needed to grasp Ghislain's intentions to avoid falling into a trap.
Though he enjoyed donations, he hadn’t wanted anything on this grand scale. All he’d desired was a modest bribe.
"What’s he thinking? I’d heard he had ample supplies, but in these times, who would spend so much just to spread rumors? Why?"
A naturally suspicious and greedy man, Porisco had schemed and politicked his way to his bishopric. Though he was currently in a bind due to his unchecked ambition and the Archbishop’s opposition, he wasn’t the type to be easily deceived.
After all, he was vying for the position of Archbishop, forming factions within the powerful religious order.
Porisco cast a wary glance at Ghislain without saying a word.
"There’s no need to be so guarded. I did this to support you, Bishop."
"Support... me?"
"Yes. You’re in quite a difficult situation these days, aren’t you? It’s no secret that your relationship with the Archbishop is strained."
"What? How did this upstart from the North know that? Did some pro-royalist noble tell him?"
Considering how Porisco had been bribing nobles left and right, it wasn’t surprising that word had spread.
Although he’d been trying to win over the nobles, the Archbishop’s influence was stronger, so it hadn’t made much impact.
"Who... told you that?"
"I simply learned while spending a few days in the capital."
Ghislain knew plenty about Porisco, not due to past life experiences, but through his network of spies in the capital who kept him well-informed. With their intel, he crafted a new plan.
Under Ghislain’s orders, his intelligence agent, Lowell, had manipulated rumors and incited the people, leading to the current situation.
Observing Porisco’s lingering suspicion, Ghislain continued.
"In time, the rumors will fade. There are still many doubters. Missing this opportunity wouldn’t be wise."
Porisco's lips twitched at Ghislain’s words.
This young upstart clearly knew his weak points.
"Fine. I doubt you did all this out of mere goodwill... what do you want?"
"Oh... it’s the same thing I mentioned before."
"You mean Priest Piote? It seems excessive to go this far for a lowly priest...."
Porisco still harbored doubts. If Piote was all Ghislain wanted, he wouldn’t have needed to go to such lengths.
Even giving away half that food would have been more than enough to release Piote.
Ghislain nodded calmly.
"True. I do have other interests as well."
"Name them, and I’ll decide if they’re reasonable."
Despite the situation, Porisco struggled to maintain control. Experience had taught him that once he lost the upper hand, it was difficult to regain it.
Ghislain paused dramatically.
"This isn’t a conversation for the carriage. Let’s wait until we’re in a more private setting."
"You..."
Porisco gritted his teeth, trying not to reveal his irritation. It was clear this young baron was toying with him.
But for now, he was the one at a disadvantage. He had no choice but to contain his anger and remain silent until they arrived at the temple.
The moment they reached the temple, Porisco dismissed everyone else and, feigning anger, spoke to Ghislain.
"Now, tell me what you want! Why did you orchestrate this whole scheme?"
"To help you become Archbishop."
"What? You... what did you say?"
"Exactly what you heard. I did all this to ensure you survive this crisis and ascend to the position of Archbishop."
Ghislain’s calm declaration left Porisco momentarily speechless.
Becoming Archbishop was his life’s ambition, the very goal he’d endlessly bribed and schemed for.
But the current Archbishop, intent on securing another successor, was determined to remove him.
"If this upstart backs me, it’s possible. If public opinion solidifies around me... even without the title of saint, I could easily outmaneuver the Archbishop!"
Just a few more distributions of food in his name, and public support would be locked in. Only Ghislain, with his vast northern food supplies, could make that happen.
If they simply aligned their story to say he’d prepared the supplies by "divine revelation," no one could question it, much less refute it in the name of the goddess.
But could he really trust this young noble in front of him?
"It’s risky... dangerously risky."
Porisco sensed the potential for disaster. This move could easily backfire. If Ghislain decided to expose him, things could become far worse than they already were.
"And what good would this arrangement bring you, Baron?"
"Oh, there’s plenty of benefit. When I find myself in need, the Church’s support would be quite valuable. Think of it as mutual loyalty."
"This damned scoundrel..."
Porisco caught Ghislain’s meaning immediately. Ghislain intended to keep him on a leash, to be used as needed.
Under normal circumstances, Porisco would have reacted with rage and thrown him out. If he were willing to accept such terms, he’d have allied with the nobility long ago.
"Don’t be absurd, Baron. Religion and politics cannot coexist. Do you think you can place me as a mere figurehead and pull the strings?"
"You’re exaggerating. I’m simply suggesting a friendly alliance."
"Save your sweet talk! How dare a mere baron presume to manipulate the Church...."
As Porisco abandoned any pretense of courtesy and raised his voice, Ghislain interrupted with a smirk.
"Then do you intend to just sit here and die?"
"...."
"Not as a martyr, mind you, but as a greedy pig, shamed and disgraced."
Both men knew exactly what each other wanted. Ghislain reminded him of his vulnerable position once again.
"The Archbishop’s reputation is as ruthless as they come... I’d bet he’ll brand you a heretic, leading to the worst possible end."
"...."
"Seems you misunderstood me. I’m here to save you, Bishop, and in return, I expect fair compensation. Is there anything more valuable than your life?"
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I’ll leave. I could easily approach the Archbishop and secure Piote’s help. Giving him the food instead wouldn’t be difficult. But... it would certainly mean your end."
"No... I can’t let that happen."
If that were to happen, he’d truly be finished. Beyond death itself, if the Archbishop were hailed as a saint for distributing the food...
The very thought made him burn with jealousy.
Cold sweat trickled down Porisco’s face as he deliberated. Accepting Ghislain’s offer meant becoming his pawn, while refusing meant certain death.
But he didn’t want to die. He wanted to live, to rise as Archbishop, to continue hearing people call him "saint."
If he could keep experiencing that thrill? If the rumors spread further, extending beyond the kingdom?
"It’s not just the Archbishop at stake. Once this man is dealt with, no one will dare challenge me
. I’ll be revered like the saintess herself!"
Ghislain could see the greed oozing from Porisco’s calculating eyes.
"So that’s it... he wants it all. But he’s cautious, so he won’t be easy to handle."
Initially, Ghislain hadn’t planned to go this far. His goal had simply been to secure Piote temporarily. While he foresaw needing the Church’s support in the future, he had another corrupt priest in mind.
But once he understood Porisco’s situation, he decided to revise and expedite his plans.
After a lengthy period of internal struggle, Porisco finally sighed deeply.
"If I refuse, there’s no way out. Even if I survive, the Archbishop will surely excommunicate me. But if I let this man gain control over me...."
While he wrestled with his thoughts, a voice called from outside the room.
"Bishop, Count Norton has arrived."
"What?"
Count Billore Norton, eldest son of the kingdom’s chancellor and brother to Marchioness Branford. This made him Rosaline’s uncle and a key figure among the royalist nobles.
"Yes, show him in immediately."
Although a guest, Count Billore was not someone Porisco could take lightly.
Beyond his noble lineage, he also served as the kingdom’s chief justice and led the royal bureaucracy, making his influence unparalleled.
After exchanging formal greetings, Billore cast a glance at Ghislain, feigning surprise.
"Ah, isn’t it Baron Fenris? What brings you to the temple?"
"It’s been some time, Count. I was here discussing with the bishop ways to assist those in need."
"How admirable of you. I hadn’t expected such noble intentions from a young man like you. In any case, I’m here on behalf of the royal family to see the bishop."
Porisco’s face took on a puzzled expression. Why would the royal family have business with him?
"Could it be...? Is this because of the rumors? Did the royal family come to see me as a saint already?"
If he were truly recognized as a saint, royal support would follow. Saints were universally respected, untouchable even by foreign kingdoms.
Without delay, Billore outlined the benefits Porisco stood to receive.
"If you’re acknowledged by the Church as a saint, the royal family will commission a reliquary crafted from dragon bone for your sacred remains. Furthermore, a private chamber will be reserved for you in the royal palace... and a grand temple bearing your name will be constructed on new grounds...."
The offer was so overwhelming that Porisco nearly felt faint. The bribes he’d amassed suddenly felt like pennies in comparison.
This was the life he was meant for. Half his life had been wasted in comparison to this.
Casting a glance at Ghislain, he saw the baron offering a warm smile and a slight bow.
"Congratulations. Soon, your name will resound throughout the kingdom. So... shall we continue with the ‘divinely inspired donations,’ Saint Porisco?"
"I was so desperate that I forgot what an opportunity this is."
The title of "saint" was elusive, often reserved for those who dedicated their lives to healing the impoverished through holy power.
Few priests were selfless enough to spend their lives in the slums, enduring hardship for the sake of others.
For that reason, sainthood was a difficult and painful path, with the title usually awarded only posthumously.
"But I can claim it quickly and easily like this? What good is a title after death? I want to enjoy it while I’m alive!"
Even if he couldn’t officially secure the title due to resistance from other bishops, he’d survive and reach the Archbishop’s position just on the strength of the rumors alone.
"I was overthinking out of doubt. If I rise to Archbishop with royal and noble backing... this young baron can be dealt with easily enough."
Hesitation was pointless. What mattered most was his life. For now, surviving this crisis was paramount.
Turning to Ghislain with a benevolent smile, Porisco said, "I will graciously accept your donation, Baron Fenris."
For now, he was prepared to join forces with Ghislain.
