Reincarnated into a Game As the Hero’s Friend - Chapter 219.2
“Please continue to make arrangements with the church.” (Crown Prince)
“Yes, of course.” (Council Member 2)
The previous incident had seriously aggravated the church’s position. For this reason, it was asking for active cooperation in reconstruction work of the areas currently damaged in the royal capital, as well as in the collection of information in Coltrezis territory and, conversely, in the spread of information.
Rebellions without popular support rarely succeed. The only exception to this rule would be when the people who were suppressing the rebellion did not have the support of the people.
The current Bain kingdom was not without discontent, but there was little misgovernment, and Coltrezis House was one of the major players creating this discontent towards the kingdom side unilaterally.
The church would certainly agree to cooperate with the kingdom’s plan, since it only needed to spread information about Coltrezis House’s ill doings in their territory.
Of course, the church had its own agenda. Even though it was undeniable that church officials were involved in the demonic forces, it was more convenient to say that the main culprit was the eldest son of the Coltrezis House rather than that the High Priest was the main culprit.
There was already the case of the trial of the Hero Mazell and the Saint Laura, and if a High Priest was found to have joined the demon army, the church’s position inside the Bain kingdom would be at risk. Therefore, the church was actively working to manipulate information that it was Coltrezis House who was at fault.
If Welner had the opportunity to know of the church’s plan, he might have uttered a warning from a previous life: An organization is a creature that puts the protection of the organization first.
“Speaking of which, I heard that in some of the surrounding countries, Lord Welner is gaining the alias of The Demon General’s Killer.” (King)
“I would like to see his face when he hears that phrase.” (Crown Prince)
Foreign Minister Eckvoort’s statement is responded to by Commander Hindelman, 2nd Knight Commander, and a few of them burst into laughter. If Welner himself had heard it, he might not have understood who they were talking about.
But his work at the Great Temple of Finnoi, a religious center, and his successes in Anheim have already become well-known among those in the neighboring countries who have an ear for such things. This successful defense against the Demon Army may reinforce that reputation.
“I don’t see any objection to having Lord Welner join you in your mission to subdue Coltrezis House, either.” (Crown Prince)
“I have no objection as well, but I think we should be careful with the reins.” (Filsmeier)
First Knight Commander Filsmeier responded. This was probably in part due to Welner’s behavior up to this point, which had a somewhat negative impact on him.
In this world, Welner had been fighting in a way that inflicted damage that would normally cause others to be scared in the early modern era, but it was still deemed acceptable since it was used against demon armies. If he used the same tactics in a war against humans, he would attain the reputation of being a genocidal maniac.
That’s why if such strategies were proposed to be used against humans, he would likely be opposed to it, refusing even the proposal itself. Crown Prince Hubert nodded lightly, but did not change his expression, knowing this already. Filsmeier kept his gaze fixed on the prince, watching his reaction and asked.
“Won’t Count Zeavert be a burden to you in terms of his position.”(Filsmeier)
“As a vassal, it is only to be expected.” (Crown Prince)
Ingo bowed his head without changing expression at the Crown Prince’s comment, and some of the people around him smiled wryly. In fact, the reason the Count Zeavert remained a Count was more for diplomatic reasons.
If Count Zeavert became a Marquis, it would not be surprising for other countries to treat him like a Duke as he already held huge power in the country And it would not be surprising if royal blood relatives of other countries would offer to marry the heir apparent (Welner) of a “marquis”.
Ironically, the only unmarried royal in the Bain kingdom was the second princess, Laura, who was also called a saint, so it was natural that some countries would try to have relations with influential nobles if marriage with royalty in the Bain kingdom was difficult. Welner’s value was growing rapidly.
However, if such an application were to come in, diplomatic considerations would inevitably arise. And, although almost everyone in the room would probably laugh at this point, there was a real danger that Welner would quickly resign from his position if there was such trouble coming his way.
This would be a disqualification for an aristocrat, but no one pointed that out any longer. In fact, Welner’s ability and achievements up to this point could not be ignored, and since influential people such as Crown Prince Hubert and Grand Duke Seyfart seemed to be amused by it, the other ministers had given up on it.
And while a sister of a “Hero who vanquished the Demon King” could be rated higher than a nobleman’s blood relative, simply being the sister of a Hero would not be enough to stop others from approaching Welner. From a national perspective, it was inevitable that she would still be regarded as the daughter of an excellent commoner.
As a result, at this point, it was because of this that the Count’s position remained, which would make it more difficult for a higher noble or royalty from another country to approach Welner. In a way, Ingo was also probably the one who was most relaxed about the situation.
“Rumors are spreading in neighboring countries that the Second Princess Laura is to be married off to Lord Welner.” (Council Member 1)
“I would love to see it spread and see Welner’s reaction.” (Crown Prince)
Some of them laughed saying, “For the future, too. She is just the right age”, and it would be no surprise if she were to marry into the Count’s family because Welner had gained more than enough valor for him to be accepted into the Royal Family. But, this could only happen if they had no regard for Welner’s intentions.
Duke Grunding crossed his arms with a complicated expression on his face. It was well known that the Duke adored his granddaughter, so this matter only became a light banter.
“Speaking of which, how is that matter progressing?” (Crown Prince)
“Yes, I think it is important to know that Delitzdam is no longer opposed to it.” (Filsmeier)
“Continue with caution.” (Crown Prince)
Several issues were then discussed, such as how to cover the losses of the Knights and the urgent investigation of the waterways of the royal capital and the discovered ruins.
During this time, other officials were busy performing their duties, including Welner, who, as assistant minister of liturgy, was busy reviewing the balances among the nobles that had arisen as a result of a change in the head of state.