The Courtesan

Chapter 61

He smiled brightly, taking my hand in his.

“If I am no longer a prince, then I can live a free life with my wife. If she wants to take her throne back, then I wouldn’t be her setback anymore.”

This man… has lost his mind. Thinking that, I snatched my hands away.

“So, you don’t mind the deaths of many more?”

“Ariana, don’t go thinking I am a cruel man now. Of course I care about my people. I have been taught to do so since the day I started to reason. However, it was in the past that the royal family was adored and revered. Now, if the church wanted to oust us, saying it is the will of Zerus, then the people will not object. They don’t care about me, Ariana.”

He spoke nothing but the truth. Underneath his maniacal thoughts of love towards me, he actually had sense. And maybe, too much sadness for one person to bear.

“... I will help you.”

“Hmm? Help me do what?”

“I will help the royal family with their problems against the church of light.”

“Oh. Aren’t you concerned about the war?”

“The war seems okay, so far so good. I have no power and cannot do anything about this. However, if I contribute well here, I’ll be accepted by your parents and maybe they would support me when I claim the throne.”

“That’s such a great idea! I love it! Let’s do it!”

“Y-Yes.”

Once again, I felt like I was being tricked. It was my imagination though since I was the one that brought up the topic of the church.

“So, what’s the most important problem you’re confronted with?”

“I guess it would be the influence of the church. They’ve won over everyone, including the nobles and many in the royal family.”

“Have you tried shaking that?”

“It’s almost impossible. It’s like the church has charmed them.”

The Zerramond I knew was called the land of the free because people believed in their own power rather than any higher power. It was the reason Kalvin was so unrestrained. In contrast, the people of Casella believed in many gods and dictated their morals according to their religion.

“The way I see it, there are three things you can do. One, introduce a new religion. You must support this new religion and make sure it grows in influence too. Two, you regulate the power of the church. You pass laws that state that religion may not be higher than important laws. Something like religion is not a reason for relief in judgement. Three, fight the church head on by yourself. Looking at it, you were considering the third option because you had power in your strength.”

“Of course. Your husband is powerful.”

“You know religion trumps brute strength itself. Your troops, how are you sure they are not dedicated to Zerus?”

“... You’re right about that.”

“Do you really want them to raise their sword against their families and friends for your selfish ambition?”

“That’s their duty to me, their leader!”

“You said it yourself. The royal family is declining in influence.”

“Urgh… this is why it’s a pain.”

“From the beginning, you never wanted to deal with the problem, did you?”

“... O-of course not. Why would you think that, my dearest?”

“... You’re lying to me.”

“Argh, you’re right! I didn’t want to anything. Those people in the church, they’re so frustrating. Susanne is always nagging to do something about it but I don’t want to…”

“Susanne? Your cousin?”

“Oh, you remember her? Yeah, she has been placed in charge of me. I was declared unstable and bewitched by the church when I wouldn’t take another wife. Those bastards just like to run their mouth.”

Wait, what?

“Then… if I show up in the capital, they’ll burn me for necromancy?!”

“Bloody hell… did I worry you?! I’m sorry. I’ll make sure no one can hurt you, I promise.”

“But you just said you weren’t going to do anything about it.”

“Fine! I’ll do something about the church. I’ll do anything you ask so please… don’t leave me.”

“... If you don’t disappoint me, then I might stay a little longer.”

“Okay,” He said happily, kissing my hands.

I had said such big words but how exactly am I going to do it? It wasn't my strong point to scheme or make elaborate plans. They always fall through for important reasons that could not be ignored. But I always kept my word.

“Speaking of which, where did this religion originate from?”

“Hmm, the church of light has been around for a long time but if I had to guess… I think the founders migrated from Perimas.”

“Hm? Is the church a strong religion in Perimas?”

“Not that I know of. Their influence is the strongest in Zerramond.”

“Is their pope perhaps of Zerramond descent?”

“Yes. They have been around for a long time. What are you trying to say?”

“It’s a slim possibility but what if it’s a ploy to take over the kingdom without resorting to war?”

“That… actually sounds possible. Perimas is a huge nation but in terms of Military strength, Zerramond still triumphs over them. If this is a ploy, I’d say it’s a brilliant one.”

“It sounds ridiculous though.”

“As ridiculous as them doing as they please in Zerramond? I think not. If I think of it that way, I might be able to convince the royal court that the church is an actual threat!”

“I know you’re excited but they will not believe you easily.”

“They’re my family. Leave me to convince them. I’ll also get to those laws. However, the plan about the new religion, is it a good idea? Isn’t that leaving a weakness for us in future?”

“No. It has many advantages. It will keep the church of light in check and help settle the power balance. The people of Zerramond already believe in a higher power. To take that away will be cruel and will do more harm than good. It is necessary.”

“Alright. I’ll leave that to you then.”

“M-Me?! I’m not a religious person.”

“... That is true. What should we do then?”

“I’m sure at one point Zerramond would’ve believed in a god. Do you not have a record of him?”

“I might be wrong but we used to have one. Back when the continent was wrought with war, the people believed in Valhus, the god of justice. When the war ended and people focused on growing the economy and security, the temples of Valhus was left desolate.”

“Good! We can revive that. I just need records and a miracle.”

“A miracle?”

“A demonstration of the power of a god. Since we want to serve the god Valhus, then we’ll need to demonstrate overwhelming strength.”

“Suddenly that sounds dangerous. You aren’t even fit to hold a sword yet.”

“I’m learning!”

“I know that but I’ve noticed how uncomfortable you are around Lion. Are you sure you want to continue?”

“Yes. It’s frightening to be touched by a man so freely. Every single time I am torn by fear and anger.”

“You are angry?”

“Unimaginably so. I have suffered so much at the hands of men that I hold deep resentment for them. I may not express it but the burning desire to destroy those men who humiliated me grows every day.”

“Do you hate me?”

“... No.”

“That’s good. Then, I’ll give you a valuable piece of advice. That anger, make it your weapon. Sharpen it and when it is time, brandish it against your enemies. Let it make you stronger, not weaker.”