Tensei Shitara Slime Data Ken
Part V On this day, the world is shaken to its core.
The disappearance of the monster "Natural Calamity" - class "Storm Dragon Verudora" has been confirmed. Although it might have been sealed 300 years ago, it was still a Natural Disaster-class monster. There is still a possibility that it is feigning death, waiting to reappear as a new threat in another location. However, it was only after 20 days had passed since the reports of the missing dragon, before the Western Holy Church declared that the "Storm Dragon Verudora" had completely ceased to exist.
Earl Nidol Maigam was furious.
[How ridiculous is this!!]
Recalling the Cardinal's words not too long ago, he couldn't help but explode furiously. The words of Cardinal Nicolas Schpeltas. That sheer memory made the Earl worse.
["Storm Dragon Verudora" no longer threatens the mainland. As such, the payment of the emergency relief fund we have provided until now, will end on this day. ]
After saying that, the Cardinal unilaterally rejected further talks. It was a conclusion that he had encountered, other than being arbitrarily summoned, at the end of a 3-hour wait. There is no doubt that support funds to date have been very helpful. The territory under Earl Maigam was a vital defensive border as it was located beside the Great Jura Forest, right at the border of the Falmus Kingdom. However, this fact had absolutely nothing to do with the Western Holy Church being based on nearby lands.
Even when the "Storm Dragon Verudora" was sealed, it remained a huge threat to the people. But this was also true for the demons in the region. Or rather, it could be said that it had a greater influence on them. With the threat holding them back now gone, it would definitely cause an increase in demonic activity. There is now a greater need than ever to strengthen the guards at the border, but it is at this time that the Church has chosen to cut off their support. This was what caused Earl Nidol Maigam to become extremely angry.
The Western Holy Church might have its own reasons, but for Nidol, this had nothing to do with himself. From this, he had to consider the best way to protect his territory. To hire mercenaries, you also need money. As for the adventurers of the Freedom Association, they were unreliable when needed. The church was his last choice, but they already refused to help. And his last hope, the Kingdom …. Recalling the face of the King, Nidol was just desperate. Even as long as the "Storm Dragon Verudora" existed, the Kingdom had never sent any help. It seems they believe when a threat disappears, the cost to national defense will simply vanish.
If the Earl was not careful, it would result in heavier taxes. Nidol grimaced when he thought of that prospect. He racked his brain for countermeasures while riding a carriage towards his own territory. Too busy while worrying about the impending danger of the demons, Nidol did not have the luxury to think of anything else …
Nidol is not alone in his troubled contemplation.
The Falmus Kingdom was roughly a medium-sized country. Therefore, no matter what happens, it can depend on the border. Thanks to such circumstances, the country has no sense of danger. As Nidol had predicted, many government ministers wanted to save the budget for national defense.
However, the other small countries near the border of the Jura Great Forest were unable to do the same. Since there was no one to go to, they had no choice but to rely on themselves and produce countermeasures. Every day, kings and ministers from each country would enter a prolonged urgent meeting to strategize and gather information. The minister of the small Kingdom of Burmund, Baron Belyaad was also one of these men.
[There's only one reason I've called you here. About the "Storm Dragon Verudora", I assume you've heard of it?]
Baron Belyaad questioned the man in the room, as if it was the most natural thing to do. Despite being low, he was a man with always vigilant eyes.
[Of course, Baron. ]
The man quietly confirmed with a hoarse voice.
[Hmphc. As expected of a Guild Master! … to say the least. ]
Baron Belyaad arrogantly continued as if saying those words.
[Alright then, can't you let me hear about the countermeasures the guild has made?]
[Right now, there are no plans to make any moves. ]
[What? I didn't hear it very clearly …. You mean you have no intention of making plans?]
[Yes . We don't feel the need to do it. ]
The man named Guild Master replied nonchalantly. He looked like he did not understand why the Baron was so angry. On the other hand, while Baron found the man's attitude unpleasant, he tried not to show it on his face as he continued to speak. Although, it was hard to tell whether he had really succeeded in his efforts.
[To say there was no need to act, I found it a bit strange. What it means to lose the "Storm Dragon Verudora", is that we can expect the demons to become even more active once again! And apart from that, you said no precautions would be taken?!]
[You did talk about some strange things. Planning such things is the duty of the state. We're from the Freedom Association. Do you know that we are not volunteers?]
That is the truth. The Freedom Association is not bound to serve one country. Compared to workers who came from a country, the livelihood of its guild members was not guaranteed. However, minimal social status is ensured, as well as rights granted to citizens. Therefore, their only obligation is to pay a fixed amount of tax.
To clarify, chefs originating from a country will be granted full rights of citizens, but will assume the obligation of paying the appropriate amount of tax. Instead, the state would guarantee the chef's social status and assets. In the case of the chefs of the Freedom Association, only semi-nationality would be granted, but the tax would be relatively cheap. The taxes were paid to the Freedom Association, which in turn would guarantee the identity of the chef. However, the chef needs to ensure his own personal assets and safety.
A chef from a country was allowed to open a shop inside the security of the royal capital surrounded by walls, and it was also possible for the children of that chef to inherit the shop. The Freedom Association will not be granted those rights, and will only be allowed to open stores on the outskirts of the country, such as free markets. And even if a shop was set up outside the royal capital, the children of that chef would not be allowed to obtain inheritance rights.
Such treatment differences are the origin of a widespread tendency to look down on the autonomous Freedom Association. This system was not limited to the Burmund Kingdom, and was commonly used in almost all other countries around it. But from another point of view, it can be said that the Freedom Association is an organization that has overcome the limitations of a country, and also has the ability of the organization to surpass the entire nation … While it is unknown whether intentional or not, the current state of the Freedom Association suggests that they only work under other countries, ostensibly concealing their activities.
[Protecting citizens' wealth is a state obligation, right? Likewise, the Association will protect our guild members. We each have our own problems. ]
This shameless remark from the Guild Leader caused the veins on Baron Belyaad's forehead to erupt. It was clear that the Guild Leader was taking advantage of this situation.
[Omong empty !!! From the Freedom Association, how many mercenaries can you bring out? What about adventurers who are proficient in battle? How many men can you hand over to defend this city!!!?]
The Guild Leader sighed resignedly.
[I don't want to cause misunderstandings, but we are not a voluntary organization. If a contract is made between your country and our Freedom Association, we can mobilize 10% of our total workforce, and if a further amount is requested, it will only be a matter of price. ]
The population of Burmund Kingdom is 1 million. Included in that number were about 7,000 guild members, excluding family members. In the event that arrangements to mobilize reinforcements were made official, 10% of the Freedom Association members (in this situation, 700 people) would be assigned under state command.
This system generates legal force for the contractor, but in turn prevents excessive taxes levied from the contractor. Of course, since it was in the Freedom Association's interest to reward its members for their losses in taxes, this kind of agreement was expected. For example, if every guild member would be taxed, it was impossible to cope with the losses. The reason for that was because at least half of the guild members were non-combatants.
Everything about this system was known and understood throughout the Kingdom. For that reason, under ordinary circumstances the Freedom Association would not be forced to do anything, however. The demons would start to move Of course, that was a strong enough reason to act. However, the real reason is that …
[I give up . Hey, Fuse. Do you really need me to speak my mind?]
Guild Leader, no, Fuse was a little surprised his name was called. And then, for the first time, he looked at the face of Baron Belyaad properly.
[Area where the "Storm Dragon Verudora" was sealed which was once unapproachable. Now that it was possible to make a direct route through the place, there was a possibility that the Empire in the east would start moving. ]
[Component! They had always held back, and whether because they were afraid that the seal on Verudora would be canceled or something else, I don't know, but now there has been a change in the Empire that has been silent until now !!! You know this too, right? If they could pass through that forest, this Kingdom would be swallowed up in no time. Not to mention, the Western Holy Church will not help at all! Before long, the unorganized countries near the Jura Great Forest would be placed under the control of the Empire!]
[So the Church will not lift a finger .. but of course they will not. For them, the conflict between men is not so interesting. After all, extermination of demons was their belief. ]
[As you say. At the very least, the help of one single Holy Knight would cause the Empire to be cautious .. Even if they were to only guard against demons in our place, it would give us much-needed time. ]
[That is unlikely to happen .. when it comes to the Church, they will definitely not bother to interfere in matters unrelated to them, even if the country will fall apart. Those who follow the creed of the Church will not necessarily save everyone. ]
Fuse looked at Belyaad's face as if he was pondering. He thought to himself, 'He looks so tired, this guy …'. It was understandable that Baron Belyaad seemed to be aging at once in the past few days.
They were both childhood friends. Although only a Baron he was still a noble, and thus would cause various inconveniences if the public knew of their friendship. Since they need to conjure up the impression of a relationship with only mutual benefit, they usually always act as if in bad terms.
With such a small country, they would not be able to cope with this difficult situation. However, it is not impossible that everything is worrying. Although it was certain that movements were detected within the Empire, it was uncertain that they would attack. If it was only a demon, countermeasures could still be carried out.
[Isn't it too early to determine whether the Empire will attack? Anyway, one thing I can do for you is to conduct a personal investigation into this. Don't expect too much, but I will try to find out more about the current situation in the Great Jura Forest and track down any changes in the Empire. ]
[I'm sorry about this …. You are a savior. ]
Indeed, it was not set on stone that the Empire would move. If they really intended to attack, then there would be a military movement on a large scale. They wouldn't be too soft to come up with a small battle figure. Using the strength of the military forces that exceeded 1 million, they would trample the neighboring countries simultaneously. If that was the case, the preparation would take time. At least 3 years …. Although it was not close enough, there was still less time to make the necessary arrangements.
[After all, what I need to do is gather information. There's no time. I'm going to go!]
[I leave it to you ..]
The two nodded at each other, and said goodbye. There are mountains of tasks to do.
Cardinal Nicolas Schpeltas smiled faintly as he looked at the figure of the departing Earl Nidol Maigam. Suddenly, a loving smile appeared on his face as he spat out a word, saying,
[Parasite!]
Parasites that have no faith in the Gods, but only flocked towards the wealth, authority, and power of the Church. That's how Nicolas judged Earl Nidol Maigam. But he was never alone in such thoughts. All who belong to the Church share the same ideals. They all followed these words, though,
[If you believe in Gods, then you should devote yourself to the Holy Ruberios Empire and become a true believer!]
The Western Holy Church was an established religion of the Empire led by a respected Pope. The Holy Ruberian Empire was also the headquarters of the Church, where every citizen was made a follower of that religion. For the adherents of the Church, no matter how much the stranger spoke of the faith, it was considered nothing more than a worthless facade. Gods are more important than others. That was the reason why compassion was not necessary for those who denied Imperial citizenship under the pretext of a bond of duty and whatnot. Such is the consensus among Cardinal Nicolas and all those who are members of the Western Holy Church.
At first, Nicolas thought, "Every one of those unbelieving heretics must die!" . But there was one person who had insulted, and changed that way of thinking. "Other Worlder" Hinata Sakaguchi. He said,
[It's no use. Breaking the will of those who believe in other gods will take a lot of effort. Instead, you just need to lend a hand to accommodate them. This way it will be more effective!]
[Let us be known to the public as “group straight” that protects people from demons. After all, since war is something the world will never lose, it is better to lend aid where it is needed! Satan is the common enemy of mankind, but do humans need to fight among themselves?]
[There is no need to go out of our way to make enemies. The masses are like sheep, so only the act of saving them in difficult times will turn them into believers. Isn't that the purpose of religion?] * Hinata speaks in all three dialogues
He was a pragmatist, constantly. Despite being an atheist, he did not deny religion. He intended to use it as much as possible. Even Nicolas felt his appearance to be unwavering determination. He looked at Nicolas with cold eyes that made him shudder.
[We don't have to do anything but wait. Wait for the strength of other countries to fail! For that moment, we have to support. ]
When he whispered these words into his ear, shivers had flowed in his body. Is it from ecstasy, or maybe terror …?
Nicolas has obeyed. Therefore, the position of the Church has changed greatly. Even before he came, the Church did have a great influence, but in just 7 years, it had become an irreplaceable existence among many countries. By these achievements, Nicolas had risen from Bishop to Cardinal. It was all thanks to him.
[Well, as he said, even parasites might have their uses. ]
Nicolas considered what he would do from now on. It was unknown whether the Empire would make a move or not, but the demonic activity would only increase. There is no doubt things will be busy. For the first time in a long time, she thought that it was not a bad idea to try contacting the woman again. * The Ruberios Empire and the Empire are two separate states
The person who was now the leader of the Imperial Guards under the direct command of the Pope, the Captain of the Holy Knight Hinata Sakaguchi …