Chapter 67: A Letter from the Church
“Master, another one of these has arrived from the Church.”
“The Church? Again…”
In the office of the Baumgarten Mansion in the Royal Capital. As I was reading through the letters and other documents that had piled up over the week, Klaus brought me an extravagantly made letter.
Truth be told, I’ve received letters from the Church many times before. They’re all asking the same thing: Won’t I join the Church? They want me, with my Sage’s Gift, to join them. They probably intend to use me to treat injuries and illnesses, thereby raising the Church’s prestige.
It seems the current Church lacks high-level Healing users, because there are even cases where people rely on the Church, pay hefty donations, and still aren’t cured of their injuries or illnesses. For the Church, it’s a complete loss of face.
That’s probably why they’ve set their sights on me… But I’ve never really liked the Church, so I haven’t joined.
Apparently, if I were to join the Church, a certain percentage would be deducted by them, but I would receive payment when performing treatments at the Church’s request.
However, if I joined the Church, there might be times I couldn’t heal people as freely as I do now. My current practice of healing nobles is an example of that. I’d have to turn them down, saying, “If you want to request my services, please go through the Church.”
If I wanted money, joining the Church would be the quickest way, but I’m not short on funds right now. The Church holds no appeal for me anymore.
“Well, I suppose I’ll read it. Let’s take a break after this. Prepare tea in the living room.”
“Very well, Master.”
“Let’s see…”
Now then, what could be written here? Another demand to join the Church? Or perhaps a complaint about me treating nobles without their permission?
“Hmm…”
Such stiff, formal language, as always. It’s making my eyes glaze over. It’s enough to give me a headache.
“What is this…”
“Master?”
“Yeah, read it. I don’t get it.”
“Are you sure, sir?”
“I don’t mind.”
After reading the letter from the Church, Klaus looked at me with a troubled expression.
“What do you think?”
“It says they are prepared to welcome you, Master, into the Church as a future Papal Candidate… Doesn’t this mean the Church views your accomplishments very highly, Master?”
“My accomplishments?”
I don’t recall doing anything particularly special…?
“You treated the nobles, did you not, sir? All of them were individuals the Church could not fully cure. That serves as proof that you are superior to the Church, Master. The Church must be desperate to have you join them, regardless of appearances.”
“I see…”
“And considering the timing of your recent Promotion to higher peerage, Master…”
“Is the Kingdom against me joining the Church…?”
“Most likely.”
In other words, the Kingdom and the Church are in a tug-of-war over my affiliation.
The Kingdom wants me to remain unaffiliated with the Church and be able to act freely. If I were to join the Church, they’d have to consult the Church for everything.
And the Church, for its part, desperately wants to secure me, an exceptional Healing magic user. After all, I’ve already proven that I’m more skilled than those currently affiliated with them. To maintain their prestige, they must be eager to make me join the Church.
“So, what will you do, Master?”
“I won’t join the Church. At least, now is not the time. My relationship with the Kingdom is going well for now.”
Besides, I have a feeling this could be a good card to play if the Kingdom ever makes an unreasonable demand. It would be a waste to play it now.
“Write a letter of refusal to the Church for me. Now then, let’s take that break. I’m heading to the living room.”
“Very well, Master.”
◇
In the living room, Cornelia-san and Lily-san were there, along with two maids. It seemed they were currently studying tea party etiquette. Probably for practice. Both of them were wearing old-fashioned, wide-sleeved dresses.
The dresses they were wearing were ones our deceased mother had brought with her as part of her bridal trousseau. No wonder they look old.
“You’re working hard.”
“Dee.”
“Onii-sama! Are you done with your work already?”
“Yeah. Now, both of you, continue your studies.”
“Ehh…”
“Now, now, Lily-san. This is necessary to become a noble lady, you know?” Cornelia-san chided.
“Ugh…”
“When you’re done studying, how about we go shopping? So, Lily, Ria, do your best.”
“Shopping?” Lily-san chirped.
“Oh my! Is that alright?” Ria exclaimed.
“Yeah. I still have plenty of the congratulatory money I received when I was promoted to Viscount. Besides, Mayonnaise sales are booming. You don’t have to worry about money. You can buy whatever you want.”
“Yay!”
“Thank you very much, Onii-sama.”
“Not at all. It’s an older brother’s duty to dress up his little sisters.”
Saying that, I watched over Lily-san’s education as a lady, teacup in hand.
Lily-san might complain verbally, but her attitude towards her lessons was dead serious. She probably understood that if she couldn’t do it, she’d be the one embarrassed later.
Surprisingly, Cornelia-san is good at teaching others; they might make a good pair.
I’ll splurge on presents for the two of them.
At that time, I was thinking such carefree thoughts.
Little did I know that shopping with young girls would be such an ordeal…