Chapter 216: Did You Like the Donation? (2)

The person approaching with a wide smile was none other than Ghislain.

Forisco instinctively averted his gaze, his mind racing.

'What is this lunatic thinking?'

He had taken a perfectly ordinary person and turned him into a saint. Not just any saint, but a male saint claiming to have received a revelation from the goddess—an absurdity.

This would likely go down as a historic first. Not a joke, but something that could actually be recorded in history books.

He wanted to yell at Ghislain right then and there, demanding to know what kind of stunt this was. However...

'There are too many eyes on me!'

It was an impossible situation. He needed to reveal the truth, but the words wouldn't come out.

The gazes of the beggars and temple knights around him sparkled with reverence. It was as if their admiration was dripping like honey.

'Is... is this... the power of being a saint?'

He found himself wanting to bask in those reverent gazes even more. If he had never experienced this feeling, he might have been fine, but now that he had tasted it, he didn't want to go back.

He dreaded the thought of returning to his dull, unsatisfying life, where nothing ever felt fulfilling.

'But is this really okay? Won't this cause trouble later? It seems like the rumor has already spread throughout the capital...'

While his rational mind warned him against it, his greedy, self-serving instincts whispered that it would all be fine.

And then, a thought suddenly occurred to him.

In his excitement, he had momentarily forgotten his precarious position. But now, it was clear that this was a golden opportunity.

'If I can maintain this public opinion... the archbishop won't be able to touch me! My path to becoming the next archbishop is secured!'

If the rumors of him being a saint spread far and wide, the archbishop wouldn't dare excommunicate him. In fact, the archbishop wouldn't even be able to challenge him.

However, since he didn't fully understand the situation, it was dangerous to be overly optimistic. Forisco's mind spun furiously as he weighed his options.

"Saint? Your complexion seems a bit off," Ghislain remarked, stepping closer.

The temple knights moved to block Ghislain from approaching Forisco.

Seeing this, Ghislain made a show of looking troubled.

"Hmm, I wanted to discuss future donations with you... Should I just leave?"

"N-no! You helped me with this great work, Baron. That wouldn't do at all. What are you all doing? This is Baron Fenris! Escort him to the temple at once!"

At Forisco's command, the temple knights bowed slightly to Ghislain and stepped aside.

Soon, the two were seated in an opulent carriage drawn by six white horses, headed for the temple.

As the carriage rolled on, Ghislain wore an innocent expression and asked, "So... did you like the donation? I used quite a lot of food, you know."

Forisco didn't respond immediately. He needed to figure out Ghislain's intentions before he could handle the situation properly.

He enjoyed donations, but this was far beyond what he had expected. What he wanted was modest bribery, not something on this grand scale.

'What is he thinking? I heard he has plenty of food, but spending so much in times like these? Just to spread a rumor? Why?'

By nature, Forisco was a suspicious and greedy man. His rise to the position of bishop had been achieved through schemes and political maneuvering.

Even though his excessive greed and the archbishop's scrutiny had landed him in trouble, he wasn't someone who could be easily deceived.

After all, this was a man who had formed a faction within the Church to vie for the position of archbishop. He was not to be underestimated.

Forisco stared at Ghislain with wary eyes, saying nothing.

"There's no need to be so cautious. I'm simply trying to help you, Bishop," Ghislain said with a smile.

"Help me?"

"Yes. You've been in quite a predicament lately, haven't you? I've heard your relationship with the archbishop is quite strained."

'What? How does this brat, who's been stuck in the North, know that? Did someone from the Royalist faction tell him?'

It made sense that rumors would spread, considering Forisco had been bribing nobles as well.

He had tried to sway their opinion because he couldn't ignore their influence, but the archbishop's faction was too strong for it to have much effect.

"Who... who told you that?" Forisco asked cautiously.

"I just picked it up during my time in the capital."

Ghislain was well-informed about Forisco. This wasn't due to prior life experiences, but rather because he had planted spies throughout the capital to gather intelligence.

Using the information these spies had collected, Ghislain and his spymaster, Lowell, had orchestrated the current situation by manipulating rumors and rallying public opinion.

Still unable to shake his doubts, Forisco remained silent, prompting Ghislain to continue.

"The rumors will eventually die down over time. There are still many who remain unconvinced. Missing this opportunity would not be wise."

Forisco's lips twitched in frustration. This young upstart clearly knew his vulnerabilities.

"Fine. You wouldn't have done all this without expecting something in return... What is it that you want?"

"Oh, it's what I mentioned before."

"You mean Priest Piote? It seems excessive to have gone to such lengths for a mere priest..."

Forisco still couldn't set aside his suspicions. If Ghislain only wanted Piote, there was no need for such an elaborate scheme.

Even half the amount of food Ghislain had provided would have sufficed to secure Piote's transfer.

But Ghislain nodded easily in agreement.

"Yes. Though there is something else I want as well."

"Tell me what it is, and I'll decide."

Despite his precarious situation, Forisco was determined to maintain control of the conversation. He knew how difficult it would be to escape if he allowed himself to get drawn in.

He was every bit the shrewd and greedy priest who had weathered countless schemes.

Ghislain, however, took his time, speaking deliberately.

"This isn't a conversation to have in a carriage. Let's discuss it in a quieter place."

'This brat...'

Forisco clenched his teeth, trying not to show his irritation. It was clear the young baron was playing games with him.

But in the end, he was the one in a bind. He had no choice but to suppress his anger and remain silent until they reached the temple.

Once they arrived, Forisco dismissed everyone around them and, feigning outrage, demanded, "Now, tell me what it is you want! Why have you done all this?"

"To make you the next archbishop."

"W-what? You're trying to... make me the archbishop?"

"Exactly. I want to help you overcome your current crisis and secure the position of archbishop."

Forisco was momentarily stunned by Ghislain's calm and confident response.

The position of archbishop had been his lifelong ambition. He had bribed and schemed endlessly to achieve it.

Yet, the current archbishop was trying to remove him to pave the way for his own successor.

'If this brat helps me, it's possible. If I can sway public opinion completely... Even without the title of saint, I could easily crush the archbishop!'

A few more public distributions of food in his name would solidify his reputation. And the only person capable of making that happen was the young baron sitting before him.

After all, this was the man known as the "Food King of the North."

All he needed to do was align their stories, claiming he had prepared everything according to a divine "revelation." No one could verify it, and no one would dare refute the name of the goddess.

But could he trust the person sitting before him?

'It's risky... a very risky proposition.'

Forisco felt a growing sense of unease. If handled poorly, this could backfire spectacularly. It was too dangerous to accept outright.

If the young baron even slightly misspoke, it could plunge him into an even worse situation.

"What's in it for you? Why help me become the archbishop?"

"Oh, plenty. I imagine I'll benefit greatly from the Church's support in the future, whenever I'm in need. It's about mutual loyalty."

'This lunatic...'

Forisco understood Ghislain's insinuation. He intended to keep Forisco on a leash and use him as needed.

Under normal circumstances, he would have erupted in anger and thrown Ghislain out. If the Church had been open to such arrangements, they would have aligned with the nobles long ago.

"Don't be ridiculous, Baron. Religion and politics cannot coexist. Do you think you can make me a puppet archbishop and manipulate me as you please?"

"You're taking this too far. I'm just saying we should be on friendly terms and help each other when needed."

"Enough with your sweet talk! How dare a mere baron presume to..."

Forisco's voice rose in fury, but Ghislain cut him off with a sharp smile.

"So you're just going to die like this?"

"..."

"Not as a martyr, but as a greedy pig, humiliated and disgraced."

Both of them knew what was at stake. Ghislain reminded Forisco of his precarious position.

"I've heard the archbishop is rather ruthless. Don't you think he'll brand you a heretic? That would be the worst possible death."

"..."

"I think you're misunderstanding me. I'm here to save you, Bishop. And in return, I'll claim a fair price. What could be more valuable than a life?"

"And if I refuse?"

"If you refuse, I have no choice. I'll just have to ask the archbishop for Priest Piote instead. It wouldn't be difficult if I redirected the food supply to him. Of course... that would mean your demise is certain."

'No, that can't happen.'

If that occurred, he was truly finished. Not only would he lose his life, but if the archbishop gained access to the food and was hailed as a saint himself...

The jealousy alone would eat him alive.

Forisco's forehead broke out in a cold sweat as he deliberated. Accepting would mean becoming Ghislain's pawn, but refusing would lead to his death.

He didn't want to die. He wanted to survive—and he wanted the archbishop's position.

He also wanted to continue hearing people call him a saint. That experience had been the most exhilarating of his life.

What if he could keep experiencing it? What if the rumors spread even further, beyond the kingdom?

'It's not just the archbishop I'd surpass. If I played this right, no one would dare touch me. I could rival the saintess herself!'

As Forisco's thoughts raced, his eyes darting back and forth, Ghislain watched him silently, a faint smile playing on his lips.

'The greed is practically pouring out of him. He's desperate to have it all. Still, he's cautious enough to be tricky to manipulate.'

Initially, Ghislain hadn't planned to push things this far. His primary goal had been to secure Piote and leave it at that.

While he did anticipate needing the Church's power in the future for the coming tribulations, he had another corrupt priest in mind for that role.

But after learning about Forisco's situation, he had decided to revise and accelerate his plans.

After much internal conflict, Forisco finally sighed heavily.

'If I refuse, there's no way out of my current predicament. Even if I survive, the archbishop will ensure I'm excommunicated. But if I give this brat a leash over me...'

Just as he teetered on the edge of a decision, a monk's voice came from outside.

"Bishop, Count Norton has arrived to see you."

"What?"

Count Bhilore Norton was the eldest son of the kingdom's prime minister and the brother of Marquis Branford's wife. In other words, he was Rozalin's maternal uncle and one of the Royalist faction's key figures.

"Show him in immediately."

Despite the unexpected guest, Forisco couldn't afford to slight Bhilore. Not only was he of noble lineage, but he also held the position of chief justice in the capital, essentially leading the kingdom's bureaucrats.

After a brief exchange of formalities, Bhilore turned to Ghislain and feigned surprise.

"Well, if it isn't Baron Fenris! What brings you to the temple?"

"It's been a while, Count. I was discussing with the bishop how we might help those in need."

"Ah, how admirable of you, young Baron. Truly a blessing for the kingdom. I've come to discuss some matters of the royal court with the bishop."

Hearing that the royal court had business with him, Forisco's expression grew puzzled.

What could the royal court possibly want with him?

'Could it be... because of the rumors? Have they already come for me?'

If he were officially recognized as a saint, the kingdom would back him fully. After all, a saint's presence would command respect even beyond their borders.

Indeed, Bhilore wasted no time outlining the benefits Forisco could expect.

"...Thus, if the bishop is officially recognized as a saint by the Church, the royal court will have a reliquary crafted from dragon bones to preserve your body and blood….. A private chamber will be prepared for you in the royal palace. Additionally, a new great temple bearing your name will be constructed..."

The sheer magnitude of the proposal left Forisco speechless. Compared to this, every bribe he'd ever received felt like pocket change.

This was the life he should have been living all along. It felt like he'd wasted half his life.

Glancing at Ghislain, Forisco saw him smiling warmly and bowing slightly.

"Congratulations. Your name will soon spread across the kingdom. So... shall we continue the 'donations' in line with the 'revelation,' Saint Forisco?"

'Hah... hahahaha, I let the urgency of my situation blind me to how massive this opportunity is.'

Becoming a saint in the Church was a near-impossible feat, often requiring a lifetime of sacrifice and service.

Holy power was expected to be used selflessly for others, and most priests lacked the patience or resolve to endure the hardships required.

This was why sainthood was so rare, often conferred posthumously.

'But to think I could obtain the title so quickly and easily? A title given after death is useless. I need it while I'm alive to enjoy it!'

Even if opposition from other bishops prevented him from officially being recognized as a saint, the rumors alone would suffice to secure his survival and ensure his path to becoming the next archbishop.

'My suspicions held me back. This is my chance to secure the archbishop's position and the support of both the royal court and the nobles. Once I've achieved that... I can deal with this brat later.'

There was no point in hesitating any longer. His survival came first. Overcoming the immediate crisis was paramount.

Forisco turned to Ghislain with a benevolent smile.

"I will gratefully accept the donation, Baron Fenris."

With that, he had decided to board the same ship as Ghislain.

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