Chapter 181: Church and State

Blackwood looked at the figure that walked into the underground council room below the Cathedral. Alfred’s golden hair seemed to absorb the light of the world whilst his blue eyes had a hypnotic effect on anyone he looked out, them not wishing to look away.

Blackwood couldn’t help but chuckle when he saw him.’His appearance must be blessed by Sol.’The air of confidence and majesty surrounding him was suffocating, his pride threatening to consume everyone. Taking a seat in the Archbishop’s seat as if it was the most natural place for him, he interlocked his fingers and rested his chin on the arch he created with his hands.

"Greetings, Holy Men of the Church." His voice was as sharp as it was cold. "I thank you all for coming, but I currently am on a timer and don’t really care for pleasantries and meaningless flattering, I’m not here to kiss your ass after all. So let us dispense with them."

Alfred said his piece and before anyone could say anything he continued, leaning back in his chair. "Now then. The main church and my Empire, to say we have had a... turbulent relationship these past few years would be an understatement and I know some of you are here to ensure that it no longer exists." His eyes fell on a couple of bishops including Blackwood who chuckled as he looked back into his eyes.’He truly has a good information network.’

"But, I don’t see a need to be at odds with the church and beach use of the respect His Holiness has shown me with my title as Blessed One, I am willing to respect the authority of the Church. As long as you respect mine." Alfred sat in silence watching those elements who had come to strip his power, not letting a single reaction escape his eyes. All but one showed hesitation or annoyance, but Blackwood remained sitting with his friendly smile looking at him.

Clapping his hands he flashed an equally friendly smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. "So. Here is what can be done. The reforms that started between the late Archbishop and me shall not be undone. They have become an integral part of my Empire and to reverse these changes will not only require a complete upheaval of my government but may also indirectly lead to the deaths of many of my subjects, something I’m sure you holy men would not like to see."

"Now, I won’t let you reverse any changes I have made with the Church’s authority here, so you all mus be asking what I am willing to allow." Alfred paused. He let the silence linger. He could see many becoming more restless with each second and discarded them from his memory. Only those who remained calm were the ones he truly had to look out for.

"A place on my council. I’m sure many of you are looking at this thinking nothing will change, after all the late Archbishop sta on it. But what I am proposing is different. A new branch of government. A new head for religious and Educational affairs. This is my concession, and hope that you men will take the time to think about it."

Alfred knew it was a risk to offer such a thing, but it was the best play he could make at the moment to appease the more radical elements in the room. Keeping his enemy close whilst bogging them down with the work that would be required from creating a new branch of government would buy him time.

If a less radical person took charge who was willing to keep the status quo then it was fine, nothing would need to be done. His eyes fell on Blackwood, the man whos appearance and attitude had not changed since coming.’If the more radical of them take charge, I need to delay any action they can take.’Alfred knew a break form the church could be a real possibility if that came to be, but he wasn’t strong enough yet.

The full might of the Church didn’t just include the Holy seat, it was every nation who followed its teachings. Snowid would pounce on the chance to destroy him and Nogrovod would help to remove Alexie’s ally. The Gotics and Lisaponic were a wildcard whilst Alexei would be forced to either stand aside under a holy decree or use the chance to take the land without being known as an alliance breaker.

It was a risky game, but Alfred felt confident. If Alexei could take over Nogrovod and reform the Silesian Empire, there was a chance to get him on his side. That would force the Severians in but he hoped they would be too busy dealing with both the Ammerians and Bactrians during any planned crusade of his Empire to have an impact.

Blackwood looked at Alfred and struggled to hide his smirk.’It’s a meaningless position but also not.’He couldn’t help but respect the young Emporer. The church already had a place on his council but with this, it would move them away from the main dealing of the church.’And we can’t refuse without a good reason. On paper, it’s giving a massive amount of power to us after all.’

He clicked his tongue behind his smile. Raising his hand Alfred looked at him and gave a small nod for him to talk. "Your Majesty. Whilst this is a prestigious offer, I do wonder. When you say we shall be in charge of religious affairs, does this also include how the Followers are dealt with? After all, this falls into that category."

Alfred chuckled at his words. "Of course. But I’m sure as men who follow the teaching of Sol you would follow his example and show restraint. After all, he punished himself and his son equally as harshly. The Followers are simply misguided souls who fell for Khor’s corruption and are waiting to be brought back into Sol’s light."

"And if heavy-handed measures are required. After all wasn’t it the Followers who killed the Archbishop?" He quickly placed his hand on his chest and spoke softly, "I simply ask because I wish to protect you, the Empire, and its people."

Alfred didn’t let his smile fall but his eyes went sharp again. It was the one thing he couldn’t really argue against properly. The Church had the justification and motivation to remove the Followers from his lands. Raven’s death was the one thing they could play on to force a greater presence.

"I understand the Followers seem dangerous to the Church and even my empire. But I wonder when you ask this, how heavy will your hand be? Does it extend to the farmer who only works the field, a noble who looks after the lives of thousands?" Alfred’s paused his eyes turning murderous and his voice holding a deep chill. "Or an Empress who is a guiding light for them."

Blackwood didn’t buckle under Alfred’s threat and continued to smile. "I believe that is a hard question to answer right now?"’It’s best to retreat for the time being.’Alfred saw the bishop back down and smiled at him, but Blackwood laughed on the inside.’A very big weakness.’

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Esmond sat in his restaurant being served by Daisy. His eyes looked down at the tea as it was poured into his cup but hundreds of thoughts were behind them. Despite this, his attention snapped up as he saw the tea stop halfway in its cup and a figure take a seat opposite him.

"Evening, Count." With no discernable features, Esmond felt confused for a second about who he was but quickly realized. His plain black cloak and forgettable face were something that screamed ordinary, but it was thanks to this that he could make a guess. Adding to the fact that only one organization in the Empire had the power and knowledge to appear before him so easily and boldly, made it easy.

"That will be all Daisy." Esmond sent her away with the woman bowing her head leaving the two alone in their private booth. "Now tell me. Why would a man of the Church come here? Surely you have better things to do."

"Count." The man smiled and reached into his pocket. Taking out a small piece of cloth that had a red stain on it, he threw it before Esmond. The old man took it between his fingers scrutinizing it before throwing it back on the table. "I believe the church and you had a truce. Leave our people be and we will leave yours. So tell me, why are they snooping around now."

Esmond remained emotionless as he looked at the man. Taking a sip of tea he remained unbothered. "I don’t know what you are on about."

"I’m sure." The two sat in silence, Esmond closing his eyes and sipping his tea calmly. The man before him also sat with a smiling face, his eyes not leaving Esmond for a second.

With a sigh, he put the cup down. "Tell me. Did you find anything that can link me to this?"

"No."

"Then why are you here."

The man rested his hands on the table and leaned forward. "The truce is over. Orders from above."

"Is that so." He smacked his lips. Ever since Raven had taken power he made a deal with the more hidden elements of the Church to not interfere in their operations if they did the same with the runnings of the Empire. It had always been loosely followed but for someone to tell him it was over was a declaration of war. "It was rather polite for you to tell me."

There was a noticeable shift in Esmond’s demeanor as he said that. Gone was the emotionless face he wore, in its place a snake ready to devour what sat opposite him. The church operative smiled seeing this, but he couldn’t help but feel the sweat on the back of his neck.

"They assumed it was better to be upfront about this." Taking a gulp, the pressure on his body increased with each second. "That was all." Getting up quickly he wished to escape. Sitting before Esmond was bad for his mind.

"haaa. It seems my work will increase." Esmond quietly muttered but his smile betrayed the tired words. He felt excited. To finally be able to rid himself of the pest that lingered in the EMpire was always a welcome opportunity.