The Burden of the Border Diocese

“To provide a letter of recommendation for Holy Trinity Academy, the recommender must possess the qualifications of a diocesan bishop.”

“But aren’t you a diocesan bishop?”

“That’s why I mentioned qualifications.”

Rhys scratched his head in resignation.

“The title of diocesan bishop differs from the actual qualifications.”

“While I hold the title, the only authority I truly command is over the Draelance Cathedral itself.”

“The other border churches operate independently—or, to put it more kindly, they’re left to fend for themselves.”

“After all, we’re already stretched thin just managing our own affairs.”

“The letter of recommendation requires not only a diocesan bishop’s signature but also the certification of over twenty church priests.”

“Including myself, Draelance Cathedral currently has only five priests, which means we’d need at least fifteen more signatures to even make it possible.”

“Are we to find fifteen churches on the border that haven’t yet fallen into disrepair?” Anto slowly murmured.

Rhys continued, “Finding fifteen operational churches isn’t the difficult part.”

“The real issue is that any church still managing to sustain itself has, to varying degrees, accepted funding from other denominations.”

“Their loyalties, therefore, might be divided.”

“Is that truly the case?”

“Yes,” Rhys admitted candidly.

“After all, even our main cathedral in the border diocese accepts funding from the Protestant Rose Church.”

“All the supplies for the churches currently operating are provided by them.”

“While that Rose Bishop claims it’s selfless aid requiring no repayment, everyone knows such ‘free’ things come at the highest cost—the invaluable currency of obligation.”

“Therefore, the initial priority must be to ensure the churches can operate self-sufficiently, even generating a surplus to fund other churches within the diocese.”

“Only then can we maintain the diocese’s influence.”

Anto summarized, “Is that correct?”

“Precisely,” Rhys confirmed, having no further intentions of concealment, for he had little left to hide.

****

“So that’s how it is…” A little later, within a tavern in Draelance, Anto met with Eric and the others once more.

“While I had anticipated the border diocese would require our assistance, rebuilding its order is proving to be no simple feat,” Eric remarked.

“It’s quite troublesome.”

“The immediate priority should be to restore the border diocese’s system from its semi-paralyzed state,” Tikka stated.

Mula retorted, “It’s not merely semi-paralyzed, senior; it’s practically fully paralyzed.”

“If we were to draw an analogy, the border diocese is currently a vegetative patient whose brain still functions, but almost all churches, save for the main cathedral, have slipped from control.”

“To restore the diocesan system, above all else, one thing is universally required—”

“Money,” Anto stated directly.

“And a vast sum of it.”

“Whether for maintaining existing institutions or nurturing new initiatives, funding remains the paramount issue.”

“The assets of Draelance Cathedral are despairingly meager.”

“One might even say they’re quite talented to have survived this long on the brink of constant deficit,” Eric remarked.

“So, what exactly do we need to do? Or, what do you need us to do, Anto?”

“Presently, it seems the focus must indeed be on finances.”

“To achieve self-sufficiency, a clear financial flow is essential.”

“Currently, the church’s income primarily relies on donations from old believers, subsidies from other Holy See factions, and funds provided by the kingdom.”

Anto explained, “According to Rhys, the Kingdom of Draelance seeks to reach an agreement with the church, offering funding in exchange for the border diocese training Holy Light priests to join the army, serving as the kingdom’s Holy Light wielders.”

“This very point is also why Draelance Cathedral is in such dire straits.”

“Ah, I see now.”

Tikka finally understood.

“Since ancient times, the Holy Light wielders of the church have always drawn their power from the scriptures and the knowledge and faith bestowed by the Holy See.”

“To accede to the kingdom’s request would effectively relegate the church to a mere governmental institution—”

“Indeed, that’s precisely why they are still locked in negotiations over this matter,” Ilivy interjected.

“Neither side is willing to yield.”

“Ordinarily, Draelance Cathedral would have no choice but to comply.”

“However, circumstances have changed.”

“With the Demon Lord’s army recently launching a large-scale offensive, the war in the Linders region has made them realize that Holy Light users are an invaluable force in such a conflict.”

“Consequently, their primary objective now is to have Bishop Rhys assemble a guard comprised of priests and nuns to deploy to the front lines, to repel potential enemy assaults.”

“In return, the kingdom is willing to provide a portion of funds and resources for the church’s operations.”

“Bishop Rhys has been diligently working on this matter for the past few days, yet, as it stands, both parties remain deeply divided on the details and the proposed amounts.”

“Meaning, they haven’t reached an agreement,” Eric stated matter-of-factly.

“Under normal circumstances, the kingdom, leveraging its power, would undoubtedly have presented conditions that were both overreaching and impossible for Rhys to refuse.”

“However, it seems your arrival has provided Rhys with greater leverage in negotiations with the kingdom, which is why he sought your help for the border church.”

“Therefore, my next step should be to collaborate with Rhys, learning Holy Light incantations while also undertaking actions that can enhance the church’s reputation.”

Anto rendered his judgment.

“Then, by resolving the current issues and guiding the border diocese back onto the right path—if all these can be accomplished, then we should largely be in the clear.”

“However, when it truly comes time to act, we’ll simply have to take things one step at a time.”

Anto said, a helpless smile gracing his lips.

He then returned to his dormitory under the guidance of Knight Ilivy.

Opening the door and stepping inside, he remarked, “Knight Ilivy, you’ve worked hard.

“You must be exhausted today; please go back and rest quickly.”

“…There’s no need to worry,” Ilivy slowly replied.

“I’ve already pitched my tent outside.”

“Tonight, I shall stand guard for you.”

“Stand guard… but this is within the city itself,” Anto reasoned.

“No one will attempt an ambush here, and besides, there are nuns on night watch…”

“My mission is to ensure Lord Anto’s safety; I must never lower my guard, regardless of the circumstances,” Ilivy declared, her eyes closed.

Anto gazed at the stubborn knight before him, his expression a mix of vexation and amusement.

He harbored a slight dissatisfaction with her rigid, unyielding nature.

Yet, she was undeniably dedicated to serving him, so despite his annoyance, he found himself without further words.