Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 142: The Church

TL: Etude

After a heartfelt conversation with the female advisor, Paul asked her to go back and rest first.

In the room, only he and Austin remained.

Paul turned to the naval commander and asked, Whats your opinion on wizards and magic?

Austin honestly replied, I never thought they were too bad before, but I did feel they were all arrogant and cold, looking down on ordinary people. However, seeing Ms. Ladis performance, our preconceived notions about them are wrong, at least partly. According to what you said, she proactively asked to accompany you after foreseeing danger. When attacked, and the assassin was clearly targeting you, she didnt flee alone but stayed and fought alongside you.

I wish others would think like you do.

Dont worry too much, sir. Compared to the religiously fervent south, we in the north are relatively tolerant towards these legendary matters.

Oh? Please explain.

According to the elders, even during the witch-hunting campaigns, we followed the principle of presumption of innocence. Unless direct evidence was found proving a persons harmful activities, even if the courts declared someone a witch, they couldnt be executed. There were wrongful cases, but far fewer than in the south.

What about those suspected but without evidence?

Im not sure about other places, but here, we detain them for 30 years. After long-term observation, if theres no suspicion of using magic to escape, they are released.

Paul couldnt help but laugh and cry, How merciful we are here!

Its uncertain whether people here even live to 30 years. Now, if accused, they pretty much lose their entire life.

In reality, no witch-hunting campaign has lasted for 30 years. Usually, theyre released after a few years.

Has there ever been a record of capturing a real witch?

Public records always claim so, but who knows the truth.

Paul was curious, I dont understand, why is there such a big difference in how the Church handles things in the north and south?

Austin took a sip of water and began explaining to Paul, Firstly, the Church, as a huge entity, is full of internal chaos. There are conflicts between the central Vatican and local churches, and among various denominations with different ideologies. These are complicated and cant be explained in a few days and nights. There have been multiple internal wars between denominations, and local churches have often openly defied the Vatican. Local churches also dont always agree with each others methods.

Secondly, the Churchs ruling power is strongest in the Holy District and radiates its influence across the continent from there. But here in the Northwestern Bay, a marginalized region of civilization, its influence significantly wanes. The local lords here are barbaric and brazen, with religious devotion just above the passing line no offense, Im not referring to you.

As the saying goes, You need to look at the master before beating the dog. These lords wouldnt want their subjects to be randomly tied up and burned by outsiders. Its not out of love for their people, but more to maintain their authority no offense, Im not referring to you either. So, after a few friendly and cordial negotiations, the adjudication rights went to the Church, but the execution rights were firmly held by the lords.

Paul asked, Doesnt the Vatican headquarter care? Wouldnt they send an army to subdue us?

This area is technically the territory of the Kingdom of Ordo. Theyd have to get past the king first. And for the same reasons as the lords, the king always protects his vassals. For monarchs of major countries like the King of Ordo and Emperor of Gabella, the Vatican headquarters has always shown sufficient rationality and tolerance. Have you heard about the archbishop dispute during the reign of Rodney XV? It was a huge issue, but in the end, they compromised. Even if the king left us to fend for ourselves, the winters in the northwest are a nightmare for all armies.

Paul then asked, But Ive heard that the Vatican once punished a monarch by making him stand barefoot in the snow for three days and nights.

Austin replied, That was the ruler of a small country in the south. There are many small countries in the southern part of the continent with numerous conflicts. The Vatican doesnt even need to intervene directly; just stirring up discord can bring down a royal house.

Paul, deep in thought, resting his chin on his hand, said, From what youre saying, I suddenly feel that the Church is quite weak.

He became indignantly, When I first invented firearms, Dean Leonard and Father Anderson came to investigate whether I was researching witchcraft and even threatened me with the Inquisition. I was actually scared by them and showed them the military secret of firearms.

Cough! Austin coughed, Count, if I may speak frankly, considering the Grayman familys power at that time, their threat wasnt empty. Your concession was wise.

Paul agreed with him, Right, at that time, we only had a few hundred people and a dozen guns.

Austin continued, All the respect and tolerance are earned by the king and the great lords through their strength. In this world, it ultimately comes down to who has the stronger fist, so

So what?

Please allocate more military funding to us!

The next morning, Paul visited the shipyard to inspect the newly built sailboats, accompanied by Austin and Ladi, chatting along the way.

Miss Ladi, did your companions in the adventure team know about your other identity?

They knew.

At this, a touched expression appeared on the female advisors face.

But not only did they not betray me, they continued to care for me like family. I owe them for life.

Ah, who would have thought that this female scholar, who usually seems so composed, harbors such a soft heart.

How did they find out?

It was during an unexpected incident. I used magic, and they figured it out on the spot.

Austin, who was nearby, praised, To risk exposing ones identity to save a companion, who wouldnt want such a teammate?

You flatter me, Commander.

Paul suddenly smacked his forehead, I just remembered, at the church in Port Fran did you do something to me?

Ladi blushed, Im very sorry, my lord. But it was also because you had good intentions, thinking of saving the unconscious mayor, that my suggestion magic worked on you. Otherwise, I wouldnt have succeeded.

Ha ha! Paul, feeling a bit embarrassed, scratched the back of his head, I didnt realize I was such a good person.

As they talked, they walked into the shipyard area. In the distance at the port, the tall masts of two sailboats were already prominent.

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