Chapter 109

The Holy See has no friends.

I'm not talking about the Pope's personal social relationships. I'm talking about the state diplomacy of the Western Church's headquarters.

Due to its geographical conditions, Apennia was frequently invaded. In the past, it was plundered by Schwarzwald, recently it was attacked by Elance, and these days, Sierra has been subtly making advances.

It was the sorrow of Apennia, which had failed to become a unified nation.

"Everyone! Please, let's unite in the name of the Pope!"

"No."

"No, why! At this rate, we're going to lose all our homes!"

"You're going to use this as an opportunity to get on top of us? Not a chance. Who do you think would do something that benefits others?"

The Holy See tried to organize an alliance to counter this, but only ended up realizing that it's not easy for a shepherd to gather a flock of sheep.

Perhaps they had overlooked the fact that the fist is closer than the law.

Faced with the threat of the great powers, the nations of Apennia were divided and did not unite.

"Wouldn't it be better to just side with Elance?"

"Elance is a setting sun. If you look at the situation, Sierra is on the rise now!"

"No, but still, considering the Pope's face, isn't everyone being too harsh?"

"So does the Pope have the power to protect us?"

The Apennian nations, realizing that it was difficult to defeat the neighboring thugs, chose to side with the one with a chance of winning rather than fighting back.

It was much better to be hostile to the Pope than to have their country embroiled in war.

In the first place, they weren't loyal enough to stand with the Holy See anyway.

The Pope was indignant upon receiving a letter that amounted to, "So what can you do? What can you do other than cower in Ratio?" but there was really nothing he could do.

In the old days, when the church's authority was strong, he might have tried excommunication, but now, not many countries are afraid of that.

In the end, the Holy Alliance led by the Pope was powerless even before it was born.

It was a troublesome situation where everyone had turned their backs on Pope Astro.

It was then that the Black Company caught the Pope's eye.

"A foreign mercenary captain? Can he really be trusted?"

"Judging by the achievements he has made in a short time, he seems to have a knack for training soldiers."

"Investigate that friend named Leon Gryph."

Pope Astro was satisfied after receiving the investigation results. The Black Company had proven its military might in the war in the south even in a disadvantageous situation.

Not only that, but its mercenary captain, Leon Gryph, was also an exemplary figure who kept faith and sincerity with his employers.

Despite having had several opportunities to betray them and become an absolute monarch, isn't he still keeping his contract with Fasa?

A mercenary captain who doesn't betray is as rare as a dragon.

After reviewing these conditions, Pope Astro decided to make Leon Gryph an alternative.

***

"So His Holiness desires the Black Company."

"I have heard the story well."

I leisurely placed my clasped hands on my knees.

It's the new contract I've been waiting for.

How could I not be happy?

The Pope wants to expand his influence in Apennia, and I have the power to grant that.

Moreover, Ceras proposed a huge reward if the contract was signed. Titles, territories, fame, influence, and so on.

It's a proposal so sweet it could rot your teeth. I feel like I'd be losing out if I didn't accept it.

But instead of accepting the proposal right away, I left room in the contract.

"I understand that it's a good proposal, but this is not a matter I can decide on my own. Could you give me some time to consult with others?"

"Consult? Aren't you the commander of the mercenary company, Duke Gryph? Is there a need for that?"

"That is correct. I am the mercenary captain. But currently, the Black Company must protect not only Fasa but also all the member states of the Southern Alliance. I cannot recklessly make such a decision on my own."

"...I understand the situation. However, please handle it as quickly as possible. The longer it takes, the less reward you'll be able to get."

Ceras took a step back, hinting at the existence of other contractors.

But I've grown too much to be scared by such words. I returned silence as an answer.

I know that various mercenary companies have been running rampant in Apennia these days.

But if it was a problem that could have been solved with them in the first place, the Holy See wouldn't have contacted me.

They all have some flaws, so they came looking for me.

Therefore, this contract is entirely in my favor.

This is great.

It's a chance for the mercenary company to take another leap forward.

***

People gathered in the meeting room of Fasa City Hall. The eligibility to participate in this meeting was limited to those who were involved in the founding of the Black Company. In other words, only the people of the Signori family like Matriarch Costanza, Randolfo, Emilio, and me, and Theo.

Even Eleonor and Selvi, who could be called the closest aides of the mercenary company, could not attend, which says it all.

The atmosphere in the room was that serious, and the faces of the attendees were also serious.

"The Pope has appointed him."

"To be precise, he appointed the Black Company."

"That's the same thing."

Matriarch Costanza had a very displeased expression. Fortunately, the dissatisfaction was not directed at me, but at Pope Astro.

"Just when we're starting to get our finances in order, it's a sight to see everyone coveting our precious household goods. I don't like it."

To Matriarch Costanza, who is in charge of Fasa's finances, the Black Company seems to be a part of the household goods.

How grateful of her to value us, who have nowhere else to go, so highly.

While Randolfo was calming down Matriarch Costanza, who was grumbling about the Pope, Emilio stepped forward.

"So, what are you thinking of doing, Duke Gryph?"

"Fortunately, the situation of the Black Company right now is better than ever. The instability in the rear has also stabilized as the war has ended, so there's nothing to worry about."

"By that you mean?"

"Pope Astro's proposal is a good opportunity for the mercenary company to take another leap forward. There is no reason to refuse."

Southern Apennia has been completely pacified by the Black Company. There are no more forces to threaten the rear, nor are there any hostile forces. This means it is safe to withdraw troops.

The nations that have joined the Southern Alliance have had their military rights taken away in exchange for recognizing their autonomy, so it won't be difficult to suppress them in case of an emergency.

Now that the trade routes of the Golden Sea have stabilized, the treasury will be filled just by sending ships.

But that alone is not enough to return to Siberia and aim for the throne.

It's due to Fasa's limited capacity.

One plus one is two. No matter how many times you recalculate it, it doesn't become three.

No matter how many other small nations are added to Fasa, even if Fasa's sign is changed to the Southern Alliance.

Fasa's national power does not increase several times over immediately.

In the first place, weren't we struggling to secure the manpower for a single mercenary company until just a while ago?

On the other hand, the status of the Holy See is different. Ratio, where the Holy See is located, is a global city engaged in international exchange as a holy site of the Western Church.

If the Southern Alliance is a regional league, the Holy See can be compared to an international league. There is that much of a difference in weight class.

Moreover, the Holy See has already presented many benefits through Ceras.

Both short-term and long-term.

Both in terms of wealth and fame.

Anyone can see that accepting Pope Astro's contract is much more beneficial than refusing it.

"I agree and I understand. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I would do the same."

Emilio agreed.

In fact, from the Signori family's perspective, there is no reason to oppose the new contract.

A merchant should naturally run towards the possibility of making money. Especially if a jackpot is expected.

War is a misfortune for some, but for others, it's a way to make money.

"I understand that the Holy See's contract proposal is beneficial to the mercenary company. But I'm not sure if it's also beneficial to the Signori family."

Just then, Matriarch Costanza said with a bright smile. It seemed she was having a hard time holding back her mischievousness.

"Wouldn't this be a good thing for the Signori family as well?"

"How so?"

"Because it's a good opportunity to expand our banking business into Ratio."

"Banking?"

The people of the Signori family looked at each other.

"Think about it. Currently, most Apennian nations have turned their backs on the Holy See. In this situation, do you think the Holy See's finances are sound?"

"No. I don't think so."

"The Holy See currently needs someone to take care of its treasury. Think about it. What if the Pope uses the Signori family's bank?"

"Haha. That's a thrilling thought."

They could become the Pope's treasurers.

At those words, a shiver ran down the spines of the Signori family members.

Being so crazy about money is a talent in itself, but it's also understandable.

The Holy See collects enormous taxes from the Western Churches around the world.

The value of the profits and credit gained from managing it would be immeasurably vast.

How great would it be to enter the international stage with such elevated status.

Emilio stepped forward on behalf of the Signori family members.

"I understand Duke Gryph's intentions well. However, as the mayor of Fasa, I cannot help but be concerned about the contract with the Holy See."

"Is that so?"

"It is already well-known that Sierra and Elance are eyeing Apennia. I'm worried that the south might get embroiled in the Pope's war by mistake."

Randolfo glanced at Emilio, and Matriarch Costanza remained silent.

As the atmosphere was about to become serious, Emilio smiled and continued.

"But as the Signori family, who invested in the mercenary company, we have no reason to oppose it at all. The Signori family fully trusts Duke Gryph's abilities and promises to actively support the war effort."

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor."

***

It was encouraging to have secured the promise of full support from the Signori family in the secret meeting.

No matter how many troops you have, it's all for naught without supplies. But the supply capacity of Fasa has already been proven in the last war. As long as no one plays any tricks, there won't be any holes.

I went straight back to Ceras and told her I would accept the Holy See's contract. Ceras was surprised.

"Have you already made a decision?"

"...How long did you think it would take?"

"To be honest, I thought it would take a few days. Thank you for making a quick decision. Thanks to you, we won't be wasting any time."

"There's nothing as precious as time."

I said that, but my stomach churned.

If I had known, I should have let them stew for a bit. Then I might have been able to get better conditions.

The problem was that I had misunderstood the sense of time of the people here. Well, I can't do anything about what's already passed.

"How long will it take to mobilize the troops?"

"A week will be enough. With that much time, I can have them all lined up in front of Fasa."

"That quickly?"

Ceras was surprised that the mercenaries could move so quickly. I nodded calmly.

They are elite soldiers trained in the fight against Tospol and the coalition. I am confident that their level of training and discipline is the best in Apennia.

"Then, as soon as the mobilization is complete, Duke Gryph, you will accompany me to Ratio. We will go for an audience with His Holiness."

"Bishop Ceras, are you coming with us? It hasn't been long since you were appointed to the diocese."

"Don't worry. I can protect myself, so please don't be concerned. That is also my calling."

Ceras understood my question as a matter of personal safety. Dangerous things always accompany travel.

Of course, I had no doubt that Ceras would be safe. In fact, anyone who attacks Ceras would be in more danger. Who would touch an inquisitor and be safe?

That's not what I'm worried about. It's just that I'm uncomfortable acting together with an inquisitor.

It was clear that there was some unpleasant relationship between my Descendant of a Demon trait and an inquisitor.

If I can't keep Ceras in Fasa, there's no point in the elaborate act I put on.

But I can't refuse to accompany her either. Because participating in a war is strictly the right of a bishop.

In Warlord Saga, a cleric means a person who prays during work hours and goes around cracking people's heads during leisure time.

The reason Ceras is following me is probably because the Holy See can't fully trust me, so they're attaching a monitor to me.

It seems I'll be having an uncomfortable journey during this expedition.

"Then I have a lot to do, so I will take my leave first. Please prepare yourself as well, Bishop."

"Understood. May blessings be upon you, Duke Gryph."

We parted after only exchanging formal greetings. With a slightly light heart, and a slightly heavy heart.

Suddenly, another thing I had to do came to mind.

"Ah. I should solve the problem first before I leave."