Gospel of Blood

Charlotte didn’t elaborate on the reasons for her polite refusal. She merely adopted a look of sadness and self-reproach when mentioning “a year ago” and “her own heart.”

The incident in Borde had caused quite a stir. A Bishop had been dealt with, and the one who signed the investigation order was likely the Archbishop before her. This Archbishop probably knew everything.

Charlotte didn’t need to say much, just a hint would suffice to show that her trust in the church had been shattered due to the Bishop incident. Thus, she had a reason to refuse the church’s offer without it being her fault.

Sure enough, after Charlotte mentioned “a year ago” with an apologetic expression, the Archbishop also appeared to be reflecting sorrowfully.

He sighed slightly and said,

“I am truly sorry for everything that happened in Borde… I understand your choice.”

Charlotte lowered her head, her expression tinged with some self-reproach.

“I’m very sorry, Archbishop. I came to the church today for confession because I realized I am not as devout as I imagined…”

“I am not qualified to be the Holy Court’s Saintess, not even a part-time one.”

“My child, no one is perfect, nor is any believer. Even the most devout followers make mistakes. You have done very well.”

“I understand your heart. Since you do not wish to become a Saintess, the church will not force you.”

Hearing this, Charlotte felt relieved. She had managed to sidestep the church’s invitation.

After chatting a while longer with the Archbishop, discussing some theological matters, Charlotte took her leave.

Before departing, she personally donated two hundred thousand gold tana as a contribution from a faithful follower.

The Archbishop accepted it graciously, praising her devotion.

Two hundred thousand gold tana was no small amount. Even a duke of the kingdom would only donate tens of thousands at a time when praying at the church. This hefty donation would surely leave a good impression.

Under the warm smiles of the church clegies, Charlotte boarded her carriage and left Lutetia Cathedral.

Once inside, her pious demeanor faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

The Archbishop’s summons and invitation were both an attempt to strengthen ties with Castell and a form of outreach. Though she had found a reason to refuse, it was still a refusal. Even if the Archbishop wasn’t angry, her relationship with the church was bound to be affected.

There was no avoiding it. She couldn’t really bring the church’s power into her territory. She still had to cooperate with the Nez Clan to reclaim the Starfall Kingdom and divide the Roman Duchy. At that time, she might even have to oppose the church.

Becoming a Saintess would be a constraint, giving the church a reason to act against her. Even the king and nobles could become her enemies, as they wouldn’t want the church’s power to grow.

But being a holy believer was different. Even if she said one thing and did another, as long as she wasn’t caught, the church couldn’t do anything. With her anti-divine spell, Charlotte had considered joining the church and causing internal disruption.

However, once her “Faith Network” was activated, she knew that option was impossible.

If she wanted to expand her power, she was destined to oppose the church eventually. It was just a matter of when to break ties.

Now wasn’t the time. The church was powerful. Even after refusing the church, she had to maintain surface relations.

Thinking this, Charlotte sighed softly.

Honestly, her feelings towards the Holy Court were quite complex. Despite the Bishop incident, there were many good clergies within the church, like Priest Raoul, who was a respectable elder. The teachings of the Holy Court weren’t evil, they were actually righteous and great.

With the “time travel”, Charlotte wasn’t sure about her relationship with God Harald. She didn’t dislike the Holy Court, but the Holy Court considered bloodbornes evil and the True Ancestor of Blood a terrifying Evil God. From this perspective, they were natural enemies.

Charlotte’s expression turned serious again.

Refusing the church’s goodwill had its price. The North had been drawing too much attention recently. Her activities when fusing with the ancient statue weren’t subtle, and now this refusal. The church would likely focus on the North.

If the church truly wanted to increase its influence over Castell, they wouldn’t give up easily, even if she refused.

Thinking this gave Charlotte a headache. She wanted complete neutrality, but reality often made it impossible.

“It seems I must plan carefully to buy myself more time to grow.”

Charlotte sighed as she pondered her next steps. The wind doesn’t stop even when the tree desires peace.

She inherited Castell, defeated the coalition forces of two duchies, and became a significant power in the Crescent Kingdom.

Castell was prosperous and could rival a ducal territory. After becoming independent, it would be the thirteenth significant force in the kingdom, disrupting the delicate balance between nobles, the church, and the monarchy.

It wasn’t just the church eyeing Castell. She needed to think carefully about her choices and alliances to maximize her interests.

Under many secret gazes, Charlotte returned to her estate.

She ignored those spying on her. If she was correct, no nobles visited or invited her because they were waiting to see the church’s stance. After all, she had the church’s mark.

More boldly, the Archbishop’s offer to make her a part-time Saintess might have already been leaked. Her refusal would soon be known by all.

As if to confirm Charlotte’s guess, the day after she refused the church’s invitation, new guests arrived at her estate.

More precisely, she received an invitation.

“Duke Gaston’s banquet?”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow at the finely crafted invitation presented by the respectful noble messenger.