Chapter 90: Ludolfs Reformation (1/2)

Ludolf had been hard at work on his academic refutation of the church's corruption and abuse of power. So much so that his manifesto had grown even larger than Martin Luther's from Berengar's previous life. After collecting evidence of the Church's sins and its wrongful attempts to dominate secular affairs, Ludolf compiled it together in a well-written thesis completely disputing the Church and its insidious actions. He had spent nearly a month gathering what he needed in an attempt to reform the Church for the better. Now that he had finished writing his paper, the priest brought it to Berengar's attention for review and possible alterations.

Berengar smiled as he read through the manifesto, which spoke many of his ideals, and unlike Luther, he spent a large amount of time focusing on the necessity for Church and State. From an academic standpoint, the work was solid; from a theological standpoint, it was brilliant. After reading through the whole thing, Berengar placed down the paper and looked at Ludolf, who had been silently waiting in patience for Berengar to finish it as he sat upon the seat of power in Kufstein. After placing down the manifesto with great care, he approached Ludolf and patted the man on the shoulders.

”My friend, it is a work of brilliance; I am truly inspired after reading it. This must be distributed across the German-speaking regions and Europe as a whole. With my press, it can be mass-produced much like the bibles we have been distributing and spread to the hands of true believers everywhere!”

Ludolf smiled greatly upon hearing the massive praise he received; he too agreed that the work needed to be spread; as such, he did not hesitate to agree to Berengar's suggestion of mass producing and distributing it across the German-speaking regions of the world.

”Thank you, Berengar; I must say I would never have walked this path without your guidance. It is truly an honor to be your friend!”

Berengar grabbed the paper and placed it in Ludolf's hands before complimenting the man further.

”The pleasure is all mine; now shall we head to the press and begin the process?”

Ludolf nodded and agreed to Berengar's request once more, and as such, Berengar and Ludolf marched down to the press, which was now located within its own factory run by his propaganda department. Berengar's elite guards flanked the two men as they did so. Despite being in the safety of Kufstein, Berengar had made many enemies, and he could never be too careful when it came to his safety.

The average citizens looked upon the men as they marched into the city under construction and into the industrial district where they entered the press, where the foreman was more than happy to greet them. As always, the man was a boot licker and showered Berengar and his guest in compliments upon arrival.

”My Lord, it is an absolute pleasure to witness your immaculate visage enter the factory! Tell me, how can I help you on this glorious day?”

Berengar could not help but sneer at the man's remarks; he was not the kind of man who desired to be around sycophants, never the less the man was good at his job, and as such, Berengar kept him in place.

”I need a special production line dedicated to the mass production of this work. Can it be done?”