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Chapter 306: Cardinal Lanchi Draws a Clear Line Between Public and Private Affairs
Chapter 306: Cardinal Lanchi Draws a Clear Line Between Public and Private Affairs
Perched amidst the northern reaches of the Protoss Empire lies the bustling hub of Iwabako Mountain, a pivotal nexus of transportation. Nestled amidst undulating mountains, the city is bisected by a meandering river that brings with it a burst of vitality each spring. The architectural style of this mountainous locale is predominantly crafted from stone and timber, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural landscape.
However, this year, the climate has taken an unusual turn, with an unseasonable chill gripping the land. Even the southern regions of the empire, renowned for their year-round warmth, have reportedly experienced snowfall as winter set in.
Now, in early March, there seems to be no let-up in the cold snap, and intermittent heavy snowfall transforms the city's architecture into a whitewashed wonderland, seamlessly blending with the snowy surroundings and icy mountain ranges.
Perched on the westernmost edge of this mountain city-state is the Maglev Railway Station, christened "Rock Junction." It stands as one of the busiest transportation hubs in the entire city-state and the northern region. The station itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, seamlessly blending modern technology with traditional stone craftsmanship, resulting in a structure that is both sturdy and impervious to the bitter winds.
As a train pulls into the platform, the screeching of brakes and the metallic grind of wheels on rails echo through the station.
Within one of the carriages, by the window, Cardinal Lanchi sits with a book in hand.
"It seems we have entered the restricted area." Lanchi muses aloud, closing his book and gazing out at the slowing scenery outside.
According to their itinerary, they were to disembark at this city and, after undergoing inspections, transfer to the next train. Or, to be more precise, all passengers arriving at this station had only two choices before them after their identity checks: continue northward to the border frontlines or turn westward toward the northwestern province bordering the Kingdom of Aiserterran.
"To be honest, I've never been here myself." Ysidre stretches and covers a yawn with her hand.
When the three bishops embarked on their missionary journey, the Silver Armor Baptist Church opted for the relatively orderly and conservative southern shore, while the Extinction Bishop chose the chaotic western edge near the front lines. Meanwhile, the Mourning Bishop ventured to the eastern side of the imperial capital, a region fraught with complex aristocratic entanglements but also known for its wealth.
Each of the three bishops claimed roughly a third of the territory, with the imperial capital, Helrom, serving as the pivotal junction.
From where Lanchi and Ysidre currently were, heading northward, they would find no more Silver Armor Baptist clerics; instead, they would encounter clerics of the Extinction sect, garbed in deep gray, and those of the Mourning sect, clad in deep blue. Even further north, in the restricted area, only the Extinction clerics remained.
"Why didn't you choose the east?" Lanchi asks, his curiosity piqued.
Although these were not topics to be discussed casually in public, the fact that no one else could understand their conversation made it safe to do so.
"The eastern nobles hold considerable power and influence, and among them are many formidable individuals," Ysidre explains, her arms crossed. "The relationships and factions there are firmly established. Going there would mean either currying favor with those powerful nobles or forging numerous cooperative relationships with them."
With just over a month remaining until the public election in the imperial capital, a significant portion of the votes lay in the hands of the nobles in the upper house and the officials in the lower house.
While choosing the east would seemingly offer a substantial advantage in terms of critical votes, it was clear that Ysidre's personality was ill-suited to cozying up to the empire's power brokers. If they dared to rebuff her, she might, in a moment of pique, end up killing a noble or two.
After all, even the families of eighth-rank Guardians would not be able to stop her if she decided to take a life; no one could restrain her.
"If I do that, then my chances of becoming the representative of the Protoss Empire for the Resurrection Church would be ruined."
"I'd rather choose the north over the east any day."
"I see." Lanchi nodded, understanding her reasoning.
With his help as a guide, the Baptist Church could easily gain a large amount of support from the southern nobility and officials without lifting a finger.
The key now was to understand the developments within the Extinction Branch in the north and the Mourning Branch in the east.
Information from the east was readily available thanks to informants from the Baptist Branch, but the north, with its tight control on information, posed a challenge. Even with the presence of Baptist clerics in charge of intelligence, there was a significant delay in receiving updates.
This was why Sigrid, as a member of the Baptist Church, had decided to come and see the situation for herself.
More importantly, if the two of them could cause some chaos, they might be able to deal a severe blow to the reputation of the Extinction Branch in the north.
"Speaking of those imperial nobles in the east, what is their attitude towards the war?" Lanchi asked, curious about their stance.
He wasn't entirely sure if the information he had gathered about the east was accurate, as some insider knowledge couldn't be obtained through mere inquiries.
Sigrid, having chosen the south, should have a better understanding of the differences between the three territories of the empire.
Lanchi had also heard that some of the great nobles relied on war to solidify their positions, as their family status was built upon their military might. There were also rumors of these nobles plotting against each other, unable to back down, and some families had already invested heavily in military industries, waiting for the war to break out.
"There are all sorts of attitudes, but once the war starts, most of the eastern nobles will be a hindrance. For them, their personal interests always come first, so essentially, they are anti-war."
"..."
"I'd rather not deal with those powerful nobles in the east. I chose the conservative south instead, where the people are more resolute in their beliefs."
Sigrid clearly looked down on the powerful easterners and had no interest in their influence or wealth.
However, her eyes lit up as she considered something, and she turned to Lanchi,
"Logically speaking, the eastern nobles should become aware of the name 'Rocky McCassy' soon enough."
"Why is that?" Lanchi inquired.
"Quite a few nobles want their children to enroll in the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, the best school in the Protoss Empire," Sigrid explained.
Hearing that Rocky McCassy was the current principal would likely earn him some favor.
"I always keep a clear distinction between public and private matters. Don't expect me to use my position to do you any favors," Lanchi reminded her.
He didn't want his sacred profession to be misused by Sigrid for the Baptist Church's gain.
There was a clear line between what was personal and what was related to his position.
The Protoss Royal Magic Academy was his personal property and shouldn't be used for the Baptist Church's affairs.
"Tsk, my affinity with you just dropped."
Sigrid clicked her tongue.
"Hey, didn't you say that the character of Sigrid is separate from your real self? Why would my affinity with Sigrid drop?" Lanchi asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Because Sigrid is a very willful young lady," she replied.
"..."
Lanchi wanted to say something but stopped himself.
He was curious about the true age of the members of the Baptist Church, but he feared that if he asked, Sigrid might decide to leave the team.
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PS: There's a small Easter egg in this chapter—Lanchi, Hubert, and Freyan Cat Boss with a beloved doll.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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