Chapter 76: Warhammer: What Do You Mean You Conquered the Zerg? Chapter 76
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Protagonist:
Lin En
Lena
Before leaving the Church, an Acolyte of the State Religion came before Lin En and respectfully saluted:
"Governor's Excellency, Archbishop Goodwin invites you to his Administrative Hall, saying he has important matters to discuss with you."
Lin En instinctively wanted to refuse his invitation.
Just thinking of Goodwin's Pure White Eye, which seemed to see through everything about him, made him feel uncomfortable all over.
No one likes the feeling of running around naked, especially in front of a dirty old man.
He pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Carter beside him.
"Carter, do you think I should go?"
Carter was somewhat surprised.
He hadn't expected Lin En to solicit his opinion.
But he displayed the quality a Chief Executive should have, answering in a low voice:
"You must go."
"The weight of the State Religion in Brevis is absolutely far greater than you understand."
"Archbishop Goodwin is a truly wise and capable person."
Lin En looked into Carter's eyes.
In those eyes, there was no flattery or scheming, only a near-stubborn "loyalty."
Lin En nodded, then turned to the State Religion Acolyte and said:
"Alright, please lead the way, Acolyte."
He followed the Acolyte toward the Administrative Hall deep within the Church.
Carter watched Lin En's back, falling into short-term contemplation.
This new Governor actually took the initiative to solicit his opinion.
Instead of ignoring him like other Governors, only lowering his proud stance when facing utter desperation.
To seek his opinion, beg for help.
Would he bring new changes to Brevis?
Carter didn't know, but he was willing to believe.
Because Brevis had been silent for too long.
It needed change, needed someone to inject new blood into it.
Archbishop Goodwin's Administrative Hall was located on the Middle Level of the Church's main tower.
The room was not large, decorated simply, forming a stark contrast with the splendor of the Church's exterior.
There was only one Desk, several Chairs, a Bookcase filled with books, and an Emperor's Portrait hanging on the wall.
When Lin En entered, Goodwin was sitting behind the Desk, holding a silver Wine Cup in his hand, the cup containing a pale red sweet liquid.
He tilted his head back and drained the fine wine in one gulp.
Then let out a satisfied Sigh.
"Ah~~~~~~"
Lin En was somewhat speechless; he hadn't expected that this Archbishop, who had been solemn and sacred during the Mass just now and possessed Pure White Pupils.
Was actually an old drunkard in private?
This appearance of his was an effect not achievable with less than two jin a day.
Goodwin saw Lin En, and a smile appeared on his face.
Not the standard solemn, kindly priestly smile, but one carrying a bit of cunning and a bit of smugness.
"Come, come, come, sit."
He pointed to the Chair opposite.
Lin En sat down, cautiously observing Goodwin.
Goodwin poured himself another cup of wine, took a small sip, and smacked his lips.
"The reason I called you this time is actually nothing much."
He set down the Wine Cup, his Pure White Eye looking at Lin En.
But this time, that Gaze no longer had that "seeing through everything" Oppression, instead appearing very peaceful.
"It's just that you've newly arrived, and presumably there are many things about Brevis you don't understand."
"Most of what those people outside tell you is true, but not the whole truth."
Lin En listened silently.
"But you must trust your own Judgment."
Goodwin paused, then said meaningfully:
"No need to worry about your true Identity."
"You are the true Divine Chosen recognized by the God Emperor."
"The State Religion has always been very tolerant toward the God Emperor's Divine Chosen."
Hearing these words, Lin En felt like sitting on pins and needles.
Not care about your true identity?
Tolerance?
Between the lines, why does it feel like he's "pointing" at me?
This old thing, does he know something?
He looked into the other's eyes, and the feeling of being seen through surged again.
Lin En's back began to sweat.
He hated this feeling, as if his privacy was forcibly exposed under the gaze, with a sense of helplessness.
Just as he could no longer sit still and was preparing to find an excuse to slip away.
Goodwin suddenly "pfft" laughed out loud.
That smile was like a child whose prank had succeeded.
"Hahahaha, were you scared?"
He pointed at Lin En, laughing bent double.
"You little grot, weren't you quite arrogant on stage just now?"
"Holding the scepter high, bathed in Divine Grace, acting like 'I am Heaven's Mandate.'"
"Wasn't it great when you were worshiping me?"
"Why are you timid now?"
Lin En: 「... 」
The veins on his forehead bulged, but he still maintained a strained smile on his face.
This old thing, don't let him catch any leverage.
Goodwin laughed enough, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"Alright, no more teasing you."
He waved his hand, his expression becoming calm again.
"Go, child."
"Go do what you should do."
"Remember,"
He performed an Eagle Salute.
"The Emperor is with us."
Lin En quickly stood up and returned an Eagle Salute.
Then, he left Goodwin's room as if fleeing.
Until the moment he walked out of the Administrative Hall and closed the door, Lin En finally breathed a sigh of relief.
This old thing is too terrifying!
He wiped the sweat beads from his forehead.
The other party definitely discovered something; just now was a kind of warning.
But at the same time, he had a feeling in his heart.
Archbishop Goodwin might not be an enemy.
His last few words are worth pondering carefully.
The carriage back to the Governor's Mansion was a luxurious Heavy Armored Vehicle.
The interior was spacious, the decoration luxurious, and the soundproofing excellent.
Lin En, Gus, "Isud", Dou Dou, Butcher and others rode in the same vehicle.
The vehicle started and drove away from Church Square.
The interior was completely silent.
Gus tried to speak several times, but didn't know what to say.
Everything that happened today was too much of an impact on him.
Lin En glanced at Gus, then suddenly spoke:
"Gus."
"Here!" Gus quickly sat up straight.
"How is the task I gave you?"
"Not bad, Chief Executive Carter's information is easy to collect."
He thought for a moment, organized his words:
"Chief Executive Carter is very famous in Brevis."
"Nicknamed 'Iron Heart' Carter."
"Because he is upright, iron-hearted, and only recognizes dead logic."
Gus began to recount what he had collected about Carter:
Carter was born a commoner of Middle City, joined the PDF when young, starting from the lowest-ranking soldier.
He fought bravely, was strictly disciplined, and was soon promoted.
Later, he gained the favor of a former Governor and was transferred to work at the Governor's Mansion.
That Governor valued Carter's loyalty and ability, promoted him all the way, and he eventually became Chief Executive.
Unfortunately, that Governor later died of illness.
But Carter was not affected by this.
Relying on his own ability, and that stance of "only loyal to the Governor," he stabilized his position in Brevis's complex power game.
Every governor, past and present, whether incompetent or capable, chose to retain Carter.
Because Carter never took sides, and did not participate in the struggles of the Noble Council, the Industrial Alliance, and other factions.
He was loyal only to the office of Governor itself.
Whoever sat in that position, he was loyal to them.
Moreover, his administration was extremely strict.
The PDF Forces under his command were among the few PDFs in Brevis not infiltrated by the Noble Council.
The soldiers wore only PDF rank insignia, and were not allowed to wear any insignia of other factions.
Therefore, Carter was also called the Governor's Loyal Dog.
He was a role both feared and yet unable to be won over by the Noble Council and other factions.
After listening to Gus's account, Lin En fell into thought.
Loyal to the "office," not to the "person"?
That sounded very ideal, but in real politics, it was often very difficult to achieve.
But Carter had done it.
Moreover, judging from his performance in the church today, he seemed to truly be expressing loyalty to Lin En.
Lin En needed reliable allies.
Carter might be a good choice.
End of Chapter
