Chapter 170: Power and Responsibility
After mulling it over for a moment, Duane asked a question he was rather concerned about.
"Your Excellency, Bishop, I would like to know—if I were to join the Holy Radiance Court, what responsibilities would I need to assume, and what authority would I gain in return?"
Whether one was of the Nobility or a commoner, joining a faction inevitably required an analysis of the potential gains.
If it were merely for the sake of vague slogans like "for justice" and "for the light," that would be far too impractical.
’It’s not that I don’t want to pursue the light or uphold justice. I can do all of that as a Lord, so why would I need to join the Holy Radiance Court?’
Clement wasn’t the least bit surprised by Duane’s question, as many nobles had asked the very same thing.
’It seems that benefits and power are what these nobles care about most.’
"As a member of the Holy Radiance Court, you would receive the Church Court’s support. This includes powerful Combat Techniques, profound Magic, precious Secret Medicines, comprehensive training guidance, and the unique Blessing of the Holy Radiance Court."
Duane asked quizzically, "A unique Blessing?"
"It is a Secret Technique of the Church Court. At present, it requires myself, Priest Lucien, and several other Priests to perform it together. It can awaken a Warrior’s potential without any side effects, granting them a temporary boost in power."
A sudden thought struck Duane: ’Could the King’s recent increase in strength be related to this "Blessing"?’
However, regardless of whether it had side effects or was even real, this thing was of little use to Duane.
The same went for the Combat Techniques, Magic, Secret Medicines, and so on; they were all optional and held little appeal for him.
"And what about my duties?"
Clement said, "You would need to uphold the honor of the Holy Radiance Court and remit five percent of your Territory’s tax revenue in exchange for this support. Of course, seventy percent of that portion will be transferred to His Majesty the King by the Holy Radiance Court."
"Additionally, you would need to permit the Church Court to build churches in your Territory, and allow my Priests and Knights to spread its teachings and administer justice."
Duane’s lips twitched. ’After all that beating around the bush, they’re actually after my Territory’s tax revenue.’
’Although five percent seems small, this is just the beginning. Who knows if they’ll raise it later once the Holy Radiance Court’s influence grows?’
’And allowing their Knights to administer justice... wouldn’t that encroach upon the authority of the Nobility?’
Duane chuckled. "Perhaps, Your Excellency, Bishop, you aren’t fully aware of the situation on Black Forest Island. When His Majesty named me Baron of Black Forest Island, he specifically granted me a twenty-year exemption from paying any taxes to the Kingdom. He also gave me full authority over all matters concerning Black Forest Island."
Clement was taken aback. He truly hadn’t heard about any of this.
To be precise, Eric had given him the authority to invite members of the Nobility to join and had laid out the corresponding terms. As for who to invite and how, the King did not interfere.
In his view, even though Duane might receive a handsome compensation from the Akutas Kingdom in the future, it wouldn’t change the fact that Black Forest Island was impoverished.
Therefore, Clement had thought he would surely agree, but unexpectedly, Duane didn’t seem very interested.
"So, your answer is...?"
Duane shook his head. "Although the Holy Radiance Court is a fine organization, I have no intention of joining within the next twenty years."
Clement looked regretful upon hearing this. "This is a loss for the Church Court, but an even greater loss for you."
Duane laughed and shrugged. "Perhaps so."
Then, changing his tone, he added, not wanting to close the door completely, "Who knows, I might change my mind in a year or two."
Clement nodded slightly. "In that case, I have one more request, which I hope you will grant, Baron."
"Go on." Duane had no idea what else he could want.
"I hope you will permit us to build a church in your Territory to spread love and peace, and to assist you in building a compassionate domain," he said earnestly.
Duane’s expression didn’t change, but he now understood. ’This is likely their real objective.’
’First, they get the Church to establish a branch in a noble’s Territory, then they slowly infiltrate and increase their influence.’
’This allows the Holy Radiance Court to grow stronger, while also enabling His Majesty the King to better monitor the various members of the Nobility.’
’After all, the Holy Radiance Court is currently an extension of the crown’s authority.’
"What do I get out of it?"
Duane stopped beating around the bush. "Or rather, what do my people get? Your Excellency, Bishop, love and peace are all well and good, but my subjects can’t survive without food."
"Black Forest Island is plagued by Demon Beast invasions. Your subjects and Guards are likely often seriously injured. I will dispatch a Knight Commander with a squad of Church Warriors to help defend your Territory. At the same time, I will assign a Priest to heal your soldiers and subjects, alleviating their pain and helping them recover better and faster!"
Clement wasn’t finished. "Furthermore, the Church Court will sell high-quality, effective Magic Potions through its various churches. By allowing a church to be built in your Territory, you will naturally gain the eligibility to purchase these Magic Potions."
Duane was actually quite interested in this condition.
"Is Your Excellency, Bishop, planning to send Priest Lucien to Black Forest Island?"
Lucien was a Level 5 Mage; not only was her power considerable, but her knowledge was also extremely vast.
"I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Priest Lucien is far too important to the Church Court; she will remain in the Royal Capital permanently."
Clement shook his head. ’A small place like Black Forest Island... how could we possibly send the Church Court’s second-in-command there?’
"However, you can rest assured that the Priest I assign will be at least a Level 2 Mage."
’A Level 2 Mage... they’ve likely just learned a basic Healing Technique.’
Duane was slightly disappointed. He then asked, "And the Knight Commander you’ll be assigning, along with the squad of Church Warriors? What is their level of strength?"
"The Knight Commander will be at least an Advanced Warrior. As for the ten Church Warriors, they will all be at least Basic-level Warriors."
For a Baron’s Territory, a contingent of this size was a considerable force.
However, they posed no threat to Duane whatsoever.
If he could manage them properly, this group from the Holy Radiance Court could become a great asset in developing his Territory.
The only thing he needed to be wary of was preventing them from undermining his authority as the Lord.
Duane was quite confident on that front.
After all, he had already established a strong image in the minds of his subjects.
"I agree!"
Duane smiled and nodded.
’Refusing everything outright isn’t a good idea. After all, the King is likely behind this matter.’
’Making strategic use of resources is one of the essential Skills for a Lord.’
A smile spread across Clement’s face. "Thank you for your support, Baron!"
Duane smiled and changed the subject. "However, I have my own conditions."
Clement was not surprised. "Please, state them!"
"First, if the Holy Radiance Court wishes to send any new personnel to Black Forest Island in the future, they must have my consent. Otherwise, I reserve the right to expel them."
"But of course. You are the master of Black Forest Island; that is your right!"
"Second, all members of the Church Court must abide by the rules I set down. In the event of a Demon Beast invasion, they must follow my command to protect the populace."
Clement hesitated for two seconds before nodding quickly. "Our purpose is to combat evil forces, which naturally includes these invading Demon Beasts."
"Good!"
Duane said with a smile, "One last thing. Black Forest Island is financially strapped. While I can provide a rather large castle to serve as a church, I will still require the Church to pay rent. A year... hmm, let’s say fifty Gold Coins. It’s not much!"
He planned to rent out Daniels’s castle to them for their church.
Fifty Gold Coins was a trivial matter to Clement, an initial investment he could easily accept.
’As long as the church is established on Black Forest Island and expands its influence, integrating with Duane’s Territory, a mutual dependence will form between us later on.’
"None of that is a problem, Baron!"
Clement said with a smile, "In that case, I believe we can sign a contract. As soon as my Priest returns, I can arrange for the personnel to be dispatched to your Territory."
"Of course!"
Duane glanced at Raymond and Manny, who were following at a distance. "If possible, I would hope that the Knight Commander sent to Black Forest Island is Lord Manny. After all, we have a decent relationship, and I can vouch for his character."
In reality, his relationship with Manny wasn’t very good at all, and he had no idea what the man’s character was truly like.
However, Duane knew that this heir of the Haydon Clan was not particularly clever and was rather in awe of him, especially after witnessing the battle yesterday.
This awe stemmed in large part from a recognition of his strength.
’A person like that would be easy for me to control.’
Clement, however, had a different line of thought. ’Since the Baron is familiar with Manny, sending him should lead to positive developments.’
"I will discuss this matter with Manny."
Clement didn’t agree immediately. "After all, Lord Manny is the heir of the Haydon Clan. I must respect his wishes."
"That’s only natural!"
Duane said with a smile, "In that case, once I return, I shall await the arrival of the Church Court’s Knights and Priest on Black Forest Island!"