CHAPTER 304: CHAPTER 155: WHO APPROVES? WHO OPPOSES? (DOUBLE-LENGTH)

However, in the past, he had a reputation but no real power, and no matter the election, the title of Pope could never fall to him.

The limit for Saint Patrick was to be a Bishop of the British Province.

But with Duncan’s support, it was completely different.

At this time, the Governor suddenly summoned Saint Patrick to the Gaul Region, and it was the core diocese of the Arian Sect. Just a little guess would make the Governor’s intention clear.

This was using secular power to forcefully push Saint Patrick into position.

Making him one of the potential candidates for Pope.

Saint Patrick could choose not to come, but since he had already arrived, his attitude was very clear.

"Let’s go."

Saint Patrick sighed lightly. He did not crave power that much; the virtues of a saint were exceptional, most were canonized after martyrdom, and those living saints generally had great achievements.

If his position wasn’t tenable, Saint Patrick’s Day wouldn’t become the later National Day of Ireland.

Saint Patrick was also left with no choice.

If he didn’t stand up.

The relationship between the Governor and the church was bound to break down, eventually leading to bloodshed and sacrifices. After all, the Governor’s position leaned towards polytheism, not wanting the church to dominate, as divine power would overshadow royal power.

But if he stood up, he had to contend for power with others in the church, leaving no room for retreat.

Since heresy is more detestable than paganism!

Either stay in the British Province for life, watching Duncan slowly wield a knife against the church, or step up to compete for Papal authority, trying to think of a way to coexist.

From what Saint Patrick has learned of Duncan over this period.

If one day, divine power threatened royal power, Duncan would certainly wield the slaughterblade without hesitation, causing rivers of blood and rolling heads.

When that time comes, it would be a religious war, unclear how many would die.

A saint can be morally coerced.

A gentleman can be deceived openly.

Whether Saint Patrick liked it or not, from the moment he proactively sought Duncan, he was forcibly placed upon and bound to Duncan’s chariot.

Want to jump off the chariot? You can!

But then the chariot will roll over the bodies of monotheistic fanatics.

If you sit quietly, there’s still room for negotiation.

Saint Patrick adjusted his purple robe, although it was to be changed soon, he remained a saint who needed to present his most devout attitude in greeting other church bishops.

Inside Paris Cathedral.

With the heavy doors opening, two fully armed generals threw open the doors, welcoming the arrival of Saint Patrick.

Here, besides church bishops, elders, and deacons, there was a whole squad of heavily armored personal guards, their cold eyes watching others, seemingly ready to draw swords at the slightest disturbance.

Duncan’s valiant figure stood under the cross, donned in a splendid king’s armor, with his right hand on the handle of the Oathkeeper’s sword.

This time, he did not carry the Sword of Oath and Victory.

At some point, the Oathkeeper was already surrounded by a faint holy light, as if blessed by angels. Others could not see it, but hermits with supernatural power could.

This was the recognition of the weapon by God’s angels, completing a holy baptism.

No matter how it came.

Now, it was one of the church’s sacred relics.

Its legend was already widespread among the people.

Inside the cathedral, the clergy of the Arian Sect all rose to greet Saint Patrick’s arrival, even if from a different faction, a saint still commanded a noble status.

Creak!

The heavy door closed tight.

With heavy footsteps sounding, the fully armed personal guards sealed all entrances and exits.

At this moment.

Duncan finally rose, gazing downward at everyone present, stepping down from the dais, taking Saint Patrick’s hand, and looked around before saying slowly, "I propose that Saint Patrick become the Archbishop overseeing the British and Gaul Provinces."

"Who agrees?"

"Who opposes?"

The entire cathedral fell into dead silence, Saint Patrick showing a slight bitter smile, this Governor was indeed too domineering.

None of the clergy dared to speak.

"Very good."

Duncan nodded with satisfaction, releasing the grip on the Oathkeeper’s sword handle, which made others breathe a sigh of relief.

Had they been killed by the Oathkeeper, they wouldn’t even know if they counted as martyrs.

Before leaving, Duncan whispered beside Saint Patrick, "I don’t care how you manage the church. From now on, you are the sole Archbishop of the British and Gaul Provinces. You can command a small squad of Frankish Holy Knights and deploy a minor garrison."

"But if there is bloodshed because of a faith conflict."

"You should know what I’ll do!"

Saying this, Duncan’s eyes slightly narrowed, revealing a trace of terrifying killing intent.

Royal power unable to suppress divine power would lead to religious bloodshed conflicts.

This was a threat.

And a promise.

Duncan had delegated some power to Saint Patrick, so he must suppress the entire church, otherwise, if he had to personally act, it wouldn’t be as simple as today.

Many people would die.

Even if the church believers’ bones were tough, cutting them down would still kill them, the most extreme means would be physical eradication.

Creak.

The heavy cathedral doors opened once more.

Duncan’s figure departed, behind him was a line of battle-hardened personal guards. As he mounted his horse, a ray of sunlight also shone through the window into the cathedral, as if the holy cross inside was enveloped in a faint glow.

Now all choices were no longer in Duncan’s hands, he merely served as the final arbiter.

Saint Patrick sighed softly.

He no longer had a choice, from the moment he entered the cathedral, he could only advance towards the Papal position.

This was the most fundamental conflict.

Is it power bestowed by the divine to the king, or divine power granted by the king?

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