Global Game: Developing a Knight Clan-Chapter 91 - 90: York’s Growth, Eliminating a Hidden Danger

Chapter 91: Chapter 90: York’s Growth, Eliminating a Hidden Danger

On the way back.

The bishops were all buzzing with excitement, as if they’d been shot with adrenaline.

But there was one exception among them: Bishop Aemon.

This particular man was naturally suspicious and indecisive about many things.

This was evident from his so-called ’compromise’ and sympathy during the great upheaval the Truth Church had previously undergone.

Now, his expression had quickly settled back into a state of calm contemplation.

Meanwhile, the four bishops surrounding him were speaking to the current Viscount, York.

"Even now, this all feels like a dream."

"The dream of generations of Believers in Truth... To think that we would be so fortunate as to witness it!"

"Alas, if only..."

"If our Lord had performed a Miracle sooner, or even sent an Oracle through other means as he did this time, the Church would never have fallen into its current state."

An elderly-faced bishop lamented, but another shook his head.

"That may be so, but how can we mortals possibly comprehend or imagine the affairs of Deities?"

"There are too many rules and restrictions for Deities to descend upon the mortal world. If that weren’t the case, the Oakland Continent would never have known its current, relatively peaceful life."

"We should feel lucky compared to the ancient times. If the Deities hadn’t established contracts and rules with those Heretic Gods for the sake of our peaceful and happy lives, things would be very different."

"Besides, just as Lord Tyr said, isn’t this great calamity for the Church also a test from the God of Truth?"

"Thinking of it that way, our current situation isn’t so bad. Without the worldly power struggles, we Believers in Truth can serve our Lord with greater devotion. That’s a blessing in itself."

The other bishops agreed with his words.

After all, the God of Truth had already shown a Miracle and was now preparing a grander mortal design.

If it all succeeded, it would be an absolutely wonderful thing for the Believers in Truth. At this stage, nothing was more important.

And just as the group of bishops was busy rationalizing everything in their minds, Bishop Aemon chose that moment to speak to York.

"Compared to all that, I think Your Excellency the Viscount’s fortune is what’s truly enviable."

"To receive the recognition of such a noble Majesty at your age, and to even enjoy treatment comparable to a Holy Son... it truly puts the rest of us to shame."

York was a little surprised to hear Bishop Aemon say this.

After all, in York’s impression, this man was not easy to talk to; his personality was rather difficult.

But as they say, it’s hard to be rude to someone who’s being polite.

Therefore, York smiled humbly and replied:

"Your Excellency Aemon, you flatter me."

"In my eyes, this is all thanks to His Majesty’s benevolence and mercy. Otherwise, I might have returned to the embrace of the Deities back when I was first developing the land. How could I possibly be standing here joking with all of you now?"

York’s words piqued the interest of all the bishops present.

"Your Excellency the Viscount met His Majesty at the very beginning of your pioneering? That must have been several years ago, then?" one of the bishops asked, his expression showing his astonishment.

York felt there was no need to hide anything, so he smiled and said:

"That’s right. As of today, it has been one thousand, three hundred, and five days."

"Your Excellency the Viscount remembers it so clearly?"

"I ought to remember the day I received His Majesty’s favor. Don’t you all agree?"

"That’s true."

All the bishops nodded.

If it were them, they would also surely remember such a fate-changing day.

Bishop Aemon also praised him.

"There’s a good reason Your Excellency the Viscount received this Majesty’s favor. Such a pious heart is truly precious."

"In that case, it makes sense that His Majesty was able to form a pact with our Lord. When our Lord descended, did he not teach us to be benevolent and merciful to the people of the world? This Majesty must be the same."

"To have met this noble Majesty, Your Excellency... it truly makes one envious. I mean that sincerely."

A trace of wistfulness appeared on Aemon’s aged face as he continued:

"With such a benevolent Majesty’s Descent, we Believers in Truth also share in the glory."

"I just wonder if Your Excellency the Viscount could tell us the specific details of your divine encounter? It would help us better understand and admire His Majesty’s Divine Grace."

Although Aemon’s tone seemed normal and reasonable,

Oleg, who was at his side, sensed a hidden meaning.

"Hah!"

"Aemon, your paranoid nature hasn’t changed one bit."

"What? Are you still doubting this Majesty, and even the Oracle sent down by our Lord?"

Faced with Oleg’s indifferent gaze and sarcasm, Bishop Aemon remained unfazed.

He simply said calmly:

"Oleg, isn’t your view of me a bit too biased? I have never once doubted His Majesty or our Lord’s Oracle."

"I merely wish to better understand and admire the Divine Grace of this Majesty from another world. How has that become a blasphemous act in your mouth?"

"We don’t understand His Majesty’s personality, let alone his taboos. In the future, we will inevitably have to answer His Majesty’s Divine Call many times."

"Learning about His Majesty through His Excellency the Viscount to avoid disrespect and blasphemy—can this also be considered blasphemy by you?"

Oleg’s expression remained calm upon hearing this, but his tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Aemon, do you really think we need such nonsense and explanations between us?"

"We both know perfectly well what’s true and what’s not."

The other bishops fell silent as they watched the two clash.

At the same time, they each had their own thoughts and opinions.

As for York, seeing this scene put him on high alert.

’These bishops are a crafty bunch. If Oleg hadn’t pointed it out, I might not have thought of this. It seems I’ll have to be more careful around them from now on.’

York was young and inexperienced, after all, so this incident served as a wake-up call.

And as York was thinking this, his wife, Lucia, who was behind him, took it all in.

However, she had remained quiet throughout the entire trip.

She was simply observing these men. With her meticulous mind, she was analyzing the bishops’ personalities, hoping to be of help to York in the future.

But for now, these were trivial matters.

Whether Bishop Aemon was suspicious or not, in Lucia’s view, it didn’t affect the grand scheme of things.

Regardless of whether His Majesty was on good terms with the God of Truth or had his own plans, the fact that he could instantly strip these bishops of their Power showed that he had the Ability to control the situation.

And as His Majesty’s Holy Son, York would surely be safe.

So, as Oleg and Aemon were at loggerheads, Lucia, who was sitting behind York on horseback with her arms around him, immediately whispered in his ear.

The next moment, York immediately interrupted their bickering and said:

"There’s no need for this, you two Bishops."

"Actually, the story of how I received His Majesty’s Divine Favor isn’t some taboo subject."

"At the end of the day, we are all here to serve His Majesty and the God of Truth. You don’t need to feel burdened. Ask whatever you like, and I’ll answer what I can."

With that, York began to slowly recount the process of receiving Divine Favor.

However, York skipped over some sensitive details, such as being granted items. He only spoke of the rapid development of the Swamp Territory after meeting Lince and receiving Divine Favor. Of course, he also mentioned the time Lince met with Tyr.

The brief account took no more than ten minutes.

Upon hearing York’s story, Bishop Aemon’s expression visibly softened.

He said:

"Everything Your Excellency the Viscount has said is truly moving."

"I also apologize for my earlier rudeness."

"It seems things haven’t been easy for His Majesty either."

In Aemon’s view,

no Deity could avoid the restrictions of rules or contracts when it came to their Descent.

From what York said, this Majesty, Lince, had also entered the mortal world by gradually channeling his Divine Power.

And the process wasn’t fast.

This could also explain why this Majesty couldn’t easily make contact with the Church.

Given the state of the Church at the time, if this Majesty had been exposed, especially while his Divine Power was still weak, there’s no telling what might have happened.

After all, this Majesty was not the God of Truth.

Certain people in the Church would have had every reason to be suspicious, or even target him in the name of heresy.

For the Church back then, a Deity’s Descent wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Eliminating a mortal vessel, while very risky, could indeed bring great benefits.

There would have definitely been people willing to take such a desperate risk.

But looking at it now, this Majesty’s timing and approach were perfectly judged.

Furthermore, judging by this Majesty’s attitude toward the Human Race, and especially how he avoided harming Commoners in the Green Vine Duchy,

he was truly a benevolent Deity.

At the very least, his attitude toward humans was extremely friendly.

After all, Evil Gods and Heretic Gods wouldn’t deign to play such conspiratorial games with humans. What was killing a few mortals to them? They were nothing but ants.

Even among the righteous Deities of the Human Race, the attitudes of some toward mortals were not much better.

Therefore, in Aemon’s opinion, a Deity who could treat mortals with such restraint and benevolence could not possibly be an Evil God.

With that, the sliver of suspicion Aemon held—that this Majesty might have usurped the God of Truth’s authority—instantly vanished.

In short, ninety percent of the conspiracy theories in his mind had been dispelled.

Naturally, Aemon’s attitude softened completely at that moment.

He even took the initiative to admit his mistakes and his somewhat blasphemous thoughts.

"It is best that you think this way, Bishop Aemon. You must not doubt His Majesty again."

"Even if His Majesty is benevolent and would not blame you, as mortals and Believers in Truth, we cannot be so lacking in piety."

York said with a smile.

"Of course."

Bishop Aemon placed a hand on his chest in a gesture of sincerity.

Seeing this, York didn’t care whether the man was being genuine or not, but he chose the right moment to say, "Since this matter is settled, let’s put it behind us. We shouldn’t dwell on such unpleasant topics."

"From now on, the Swamp Territory will need the full support of you bishops."

"Rest assured, Your Excellency the Viscount, the Church will give its utmost support!"

"Everything for our Lord!"

"Everything for His Majesty!"