Volume 6 Chapter 16-2 Reports, Contacts, and Consultations are Indeed Important
Alan sighed, and Randy furrowed his brows, "Is that really the case?"
In Randy, Catherine, and Liz's minds, it was merely a win-win proposal for the Church and Victor.
However, for Alan, it was quite a significant matter.
"Listen carefully, Randolph..."
Taking a deep breath, Alan spoke of the delicate relationship between the Church and the state.
The plan was to seize the manors and, in return, provide increased subsidies.
This was the proposal currently put forth by the kingdom to the Church.
This included increasing subsidies to penetrate the core of the Church, such as elementary education and orphanages.
Alan continued, discussing how Cedric and Lucian aimed to damage the nation by thwarting that plan.
To launch projects and enhance the Church's capabilities.
To carry on its activities as before without additional subsidies.
And there emerged issues raised by Victor and the Church regarding their dealings.
Both Lucian and Cedric had spotted this as soon as possible.
But due to the turmoil surrounding Waldner, they parted ways without discussing it with Randy.
"So, you've received a letter from His Excellency, I see."
"I never thought you all were considering the same thing, Randolph."
With a sigh, Alan rested his forehead on his fingers clasped on the desk, worried that "the kingdom might misjudge when to pull back."
The manors were originally not kingdom land but the property of individuals or various lords.
When the state seized them, those connected to the donors were likely not pleased.
Adding to this was Saint Catherine's impending demonstration attack.
It would likely inflict a more severe blow to the kingdom's government than Cedric or Lucian anticipated.
"I have a bit of an uneasy feeling about this..."
"They asked for it, didn't they? They meddled in someone else's affairs."
To Randy, who snorted, Alan seemed slightly indecisive as he replied, "That's true, but..."
"Well, it's fine. I'll discuss this matter with Lord Lucian at least once."
Changing the topic, Alan turned his gaze to Randy and said,
"So... From now on, make sure to thoroughly report, communicate, and consult."
"Okay, okay."
Alan let out a deep sigh as he met Randy's shrug.
"Speaking of reports, I've got things regarding Ellie's body."
Randy continued about the various aspects of the investigation done yesterday.
He explained as concisely as possible about the sealed ruins, the ancient king, Ellie's body location, and their plan to retrieve it during the next eclipse.
"...Hmm. It's hard to believe."
"There's an already unbelievable phenomenon right before our eyes."
Randy grimaced, and Liz, who caught his eye, also smiled wryly.
"Understood. I'm curious about the goals of the [Pilgrim of Truth]. According to Saint, it was said to be the revival of Lady Eleonora."
With arms crossed, Alan looked pensive again.
"Is something bothering you, old man?"
"No. It's still just conjecture. You all focus on the matters at hand."
Alan deflected with a laugh, but Randy pouted, "What gives?" Alan shook his head, signaling he wouldn't elaborate further.
"More importantly, you're heading to the town, right?"
"That's right. I had left everything to the port town, but this town comes with new products that need some collaboration."
"Collaboration is fine, but... then, please deliver this to the town mayor."
Alan pulled out a single letter from his drawer.
"What's this?"
"It's a request to the town mayor, so you... no, all of you don't act recklessly, along with some guidelines for town construction."
"Guidelines?"
Alan frowned at Randy, who raised his eyebrows.
"If I let you all do as you please, the town might turn into an impregnable fortress."
"That'd be fine. The [Pilgrim of Truth] needs to be on guard as well."
Randy pouted, wishing to actually install cannons on the walls.
"Only because of the threat of the [Pilgrim of Truth]. Creating something that dangerous would be like saying, 'Please come and take a look.'"
Alan shook his head and continued, pointing out the danger if a fortress was created and it was taken by the [Pilgrim of Truth].
"As long as we can't eliminate infiltration, a regular town would be better. Besides, we don't want war. We just want a town where the residents can live happily and safely."
Alan smiled and added, "A fun and bright atmosphere is the best defense."
"Is that really it?"
"That's how it is."
Randy nodded and said, "Got it," as he stood up and left the room.
────────
After calling out to Cory, the two quickly boarded the carriage and took nearly a day to reach the new town.
Before them, chasing the setting sun, lay the possibilities of a new town.
"As part of the kotatsu project, we will also cultivate cotton..."
"That means heat-retaining innerwear too, right?"
Just as Liz said, it was getting warmer, but they also wanted to create a workshop for heat-retaining innerwear.
However, Randy had something even more ambitious in mind.
"I want to set up a design workshop for Clarice."
"That sounds great! It would be nice if we could also develop fibers other than cotton..."
"For that, we need the power of His Excellency."
With Braubelg handling shipping, they could easily obtain not just cotton but also silk and hemp.
"The dreams are expanding."
"Indeed, it sounds a hundred times more enjoyable than an impregnable fortress."
Randy began to understand the meaning of what Alan had said, as dreams and possibilities expanded before him.
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