Firearms in a Fantasy World

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

During a routine meeting of the Council of State in April 1994, Cecil, who was in charge of the intelligence department, introduced the latest situation in the Horns Bay.

"Last year, the incident where an archbishop's envoy was thrown from the second floor in Niceport should still be fresh in everyone's memory. This enraged the Archbishop of Horns, Elvis, who ordered the Horns Alliance to hand over the so-called culprit. However, he did not get a satisfactory response, as Niceport has been dragging its feet on handing over anyone. Additionally, the handling of the current bishop of Niceport, Angelo, has also ended up in a deadlock due to resistance from the Alliance Council. It's not just the Alliance; the coastal nations have generally expressed their support for Angelo remaining in his position as bishop."

Paul asked Cecil, "What about the increase in religious taxes?"

Cecil replied, "Each state has only symbolically increased their taxes a bit, but it's far from the amount Archbishop Elvis anticipated."

"Is the Horns Church just going to let it slide?"

"Of course not. The archbishop has united with Collins and other inland states to repeatedly issue statements attacking the coastal nations and even threatened to excommunicate the rulers of those nations."

Governor Ford stroked his beard and said, "It seems the conflict is deepening."

Cecil nodded, "That's one way to put it."

The people present chuckled; they all knew about the eldest son of the Foster family purchasing weapons in the Northwest Bay last year. If a war breaks out, the Northwest Bay would certainly benefit.

However, only Lady Ladia Setia looked serious; she cleared her throat heavily and said, "Everyone, war is not something to be laughed about."

The laughter died down, and everyone suddenly remembered that this beautiful lady was from the Horns Bay, resulting in an awkward silence.

"Um…" Cecil continued, "The rulers of the coastal nations have generally relaxed their arrest of wizards. The long-term high-pressure policy has significantly impacted the normal business environment. Under strong public opinion, the rulers are forcing their local churches to make concessions." He felt this was good news that would ease Lady Setia's worries.

Sure enough, the frown on Ladia's forehead relaxed a bit.

"Not only that, but stimulated by the previous high-pressure measures of the local church, a new religious thought is rapidly spreading among the coastal states."

"A new religious thought?" Paul perked up, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Cecil nodded. "Many are calling for a reinterpretation of the doctrines. Although these heretics… um… new faction believers are still in a chaotic phase of ideas, they share a common point in opposing the church's excessive interference in secular life."

Paul stroked his chin thoughtfully, "That's interesting."

He looked around the room and asked, "What do you think Archbishop Elvis will do?"

"He will definitely not back down easily," Ladia asserted. "I've heard of this archbishop's reputation while in the Horns Bay. For someone so 'devout', heretics are often seen as more detestable than wizards and heathens. However… hum, the Horns Bay Church will eventually face repercussions for its actions."

A look of resentment crossed Ladia's face, which was rare for her, who usually displayed little emotion.

"If this escalates too much, I believe it will inevitably draw the church's headquarters—the Holy See—into the fray."

Governor Ford analyzed, "The offerings from the Horns Bay are one of the main sources of income for the Holy See. They will absolutely not allow chaos to continue there for long."

"Your words remind me of something,"

Hansel suddenly interjected, "Lord Grayman, I think you should be prepared. As the Northwest Bay continues to prosper, the Holy See may strengthen its influence here."

Paul frowned, "What? I made my territory prosperous to feed the people, not to appease those gluttonous clerics." He spoke without reservation, as everyone present were allies.

Hansel shrugged, "Perhaps the bigwigs in the Holy See don't think that way."

"Do you have any good strategies?"

Hansel lowered his voice, "The current bishop of the Northwest Bay, Leonard, has not been well since being imprisoned by Maltz Kent during the Pretender Wars. There are rumors that this old gentleman is nearing his end. This could be an opportunity, and if you wish to seize it, now is the time to prepare."

"I agree with Sir Hansel's proposal."

Governor Ford concurred.

"I also agree."

"Me too,"

Others, including the Public Safety Department head, Ross Hayden, expressed their opinions in favor.

Controlling a bishop of a region—just thinking about it was thrilling.

"Um…" Unlike these "cold-blooded" people, Paul felt a twinge of sadness upon hearing Hansel's words. He had a decent impression of Bishop Leonard, and it would be a pity if someone like him were to pass away.

"Let me think about this carefully…"

If he were to intervene in the bishopric struggle, whom should he support? Currently, the only two high-ranking religious figures in the Northwest Bay with whom he had a good relationship were Anderson, who succeeded Leonard as the head of the North Shore Monastery, and Morrison, who served as the vice president. Morrison was the captive he rescued from the church while fighting against the Shark Gang pirates in Frand Port. Due to a somewhat disreputable past, Paul had leverage over him.

Although the North Shore Monastery was located in a remote area, it was an important cradle for clergy across the Northwest Bay, giving it a very special status.

However, Anderson was too inexperienced; he became the head of the monastery thanks to his teacher Leonard's promotion. Moreover, he was somewhat distracted, often dealing with flowers and plants. Rather than a monk, he resembled more of a scholar.

On the other hand, Morrison was quite shrewd and adept at handling secular matters. He usually managed the North Shore Monastery well. He seemed like a good candidate for support, though Paul was unsure if he could control him after becoming bishop.

Just then, Hansel said, "We can also seek the help of His Majesty the King. There was an agreement between the royal family and the Holy See back then…"

The royal family? Hmm, this could also be a force to leverage. Paul had invested quite a bit to maintain a good relationship with the royal family during the pacification war. According to the information Hansel brought back from Crystal Glare, he had a decent impression of the big shots there.

"Lord Grayman, I thought of another point."

Old Ford suddenly spoke up.

"Once war breaks out in the Horns Bay, it will inevitably affect our trade with the East."

Paul was startled. The governor was correct; a large amount of goods from the Northwest Bay were sent to the Horns Bay, and the merchants there would then resell them to the East. If war broke out, they wouldn't be able to serve as a middle hub.

After some thought, he said, "Then we'll transport the goods to the East ourselves. Without middlemen taking a cut, wouldn't that be better?"

"Exactly."

Governor Ford agreed, having wanted to say that for a while. He added, "However, our merchant fleet is not familiar with the routes to the East. We'll need to dispatch a special exploration fleet to chart the course and survey the ports."

"You're right. Notify Austin to get started immediately! Oh, have him come to Alden Town first."

"Yes, my lord."

"Wait!" Paul smacked his forehead, suddenly remembering something.

"Everyone, besides exploring to the East, we can also explore to the West."

"To the West?" Everyone was puzzled. What was there in the West besides the vast ocean? At most, it would be desolate islands; if lucky, they might discover some natives still living in a tribal age.

In fact, most people present considered the Kingdom of Aldor to be the farthest west in the world.

Only Ladia seemed to understand Paul's point. As a scholar, she had encountered many novel ideas. "Are you suggesting… to verify that theory?"

"Ha ha, exactly!" Paul picked up a pen and drew a circle on the paper.

"Didn't someone propose that the earth is a sphere? Then let's verify it. If it truly is a sphere, we can send out two exploration teams—one east and one west—and they can return to Aldor after making a complete circuit."

"This…" A sense of absurdity rose among the crowd. The esteemed Earl of Alden actually believed in such nonsense?

Some had heard of the round earth theory, but it was merely a novel idea. Anyone with a normal mind would think it impossible. If the earth were a sphere, wouldn't people living on it fall off? No, they would be falling "up" instead. How should that be described?

"Um… Lord Grayman,"

Governor Ford wanted to advise against it.

"I've made up my mind. One east, one west! One east, one west!"

Paul's tone was unwavering.

Well, he was the lord, and everyone had no choice. Decisions made by the lord had to be obeyed.

TL: Paul should 'discover' gravity as well...

(End of the Chapter)

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