131 Episode 3 Cecilias Counter-Offensive (1/2)

It's not funny. You think I'm going to give it to you?　Don't you think it's a bit presumptuous of you to start with?　You're the one who helped me, and now you're begging me for something. Don't you feel indebted to me?

When Hercule said this, Cecilia tilted her head.

Justice has no righteousness, no mercy, no compassion. There is only interest. Isn't it you who taught us that?

”......

Hercule once asked, ”Why do you lie and use sophistry in politics, Lord Hercule?　Isn't there a contradiction between the Council of Aletheia and the Edict of Aletheia?　In addition to that, Your Majesty often says many other things that contradict each other, don't you? I remembered that I responded in such a way when someone said to me, ”I don't think so.

In politics, morality doesn't matter as long as it works!　I think I said something like that.

But there is such a thing as trust. But there is such a thing as trust. I helped you, ......, and in return, I should help you change the currency, don't you think?　I don't know if you'll cooperate with me after I give you the ordination in the first place. I don't want to be overcharged. Yes, it's a matter of trust.

When Hercule said that, Cecilia nodded widely.

That's true, isn't it?

Isn't that right?

If I had asked for your help in advance and promised you political cooperation in return.

Hercule frowns.

I never asked you for help, did I?

He was locked up and could not even ask for help.

It was only natural.

It is true that Cecilia did not ask Hercule to help her.

She may have been thinking it in her heart, but it was none of Hercule's business.

”So you could have gotten out of that situation on your own?

No, I couldn't. But ...... it was His Majesty's circumstances that saved me. I made no promises at the time. Don't you think it's wrong to give bread unconditionally to a starving man and then, after a while, force him to work to repay the favor you gave him?

Hercule was impressed by the fact that he had the audacity to say that.

Don't you think that the person who has been helped should help the person who has been helped as much as possible when they are in need?

”Yes, I do. ...... I feel very ungrateful to you. But I can't afford it either. As you can see, I have very little power or wealth.

Cecilia said and raised her hands.

Cecilia held up her hands to show that she was so weak that she could only wear shabby clothes.

If you accept my proposal, I promise you my full cooperation. Yes, this is definitely an act of asking for help from me and promising something in return. I swear by God, I promise you.

Cecilia affirmed.

As long as she said ”I swear by God,” Cecilia would not go back on her promise.

Hercule knows very well that Cecilia is a pious girl.

But ......

I'm not sure what to make of that. Do you think High Priestess Medium can provide me with a reward worthy of ordination?

Hercule said sarcastically, and Cecilia chuckled.

Hercule frowns.

Cecilia chuckles, and Hercule frowns, ”You are mistaken, Hercule. I was referring to ordination. I'm not asking you to give me all of it. In the first place, it's not in my power to control everything in the church right now.

Hercule's reaction was just as Cecilia had expected, it was as if he was delivering a prepared speech.

Hercule became increasingly unhappy.

Seeing this, Cecilia smiled happily.

She seemed to be truly enjoying the fact that she was able to manipulate Hercule and take control of the conversation.

It's easy to see why Hercule's ordination is such a problem in the first place. It's because it's a breeding ground for clergy trading. I would like to propose three things.

Cecilia held up three fingers to Hercule.

One, ordination will be in the hands of the mediums. Two, the Emperor of Lemuria has the right of first appointment to the priesthood. Three, the qualifications and standards for becoming a priestess are clearly defined and managed by the medium. That's all. What do you think?

”Right of first refusal?　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. ...... Are you asking for nominal ordination rights?　There doesn't seem to be much merit to me in accepting it anyway, does there?

If you don't like it, that's fine. If you don't want to, that's fine, but then I won't get the credit. I'm too inexperienced to get any real credit without a concession from Hercule. But after that, I promise to cooperate fully with Hercule. All I need to do is to correct the corruption of the clergy, preach the true teachings to the people, and lead those who have gone astray to the right path. I'm not really interested in politics.

What you call even that (・・・・) is all political activity.

Hercule pondered.

Cecilia is basically a good person, and she is very friendly to Hercule.

He has no desire for power and only cares about the Messiah and his followers.

He is truly a pure and righteous priest.

But that doesn't mean he is harmless.

In other words, if Hercule does something wrong, she will get angry.

Cecilia is a girl who basically only says what is right.

She is a logical harassment type of beautiful girl.

She is the natural enemy of Hercule, who has basically only done bad things and has gotten by with lies, excuses, sophistry, and deception.

To send salt to her is to risk strangling Hercule himself in the future.

But it is true that the situation is currently in a state of limbo.

It also annoys me that Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Frarling is still at his mercy.

”The right of first appointment means there is a right of second and third appointment. Do you own them?

I'd be happy to discuss that with Mr. Hercule.

Hmm, what are the qualifications and standards required to be a priest?

That's up to you to decide. However, I would like to avoid doing anything that would undermine the power of Hercule as much as possible. I do not wish to see the empire destabilized.

Hercule thought for a moment and then said ......

He said.

”Fine. ...... But you must consult me. I'm not going to accept it unless it's something I can live with. But I will promise to come to the negotiating table.

Are you sure?　Then let's discuss the details sometime!

Cecilia said happily.

It's our first time working together.

”Yes, Cecilia. Can you come over here for a minute?

”Yes?　What is it?

Cecilia stood up and walked over to Hercule, who was sitting across the desk from her.

Hercule stood up and sat Cecilia down.

”What's going on?

'Actually, this room. It's soundproofed for secret meetings.

The room is soundproofed for clandestine meetings. ...... I'm sure that's an obvious measure.

And it's locked from the inside.

...... What's wrong with that?

Hercule grabbed Cecilia by both shoulders.

I mean, you can call for help, but no one will come.

What?　I'm not sure what kind of ...... help you're talking about.

Hercule forcefully pushed Cecilia down.

Then he took her lips forcibly.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

Then she realized what was being done to her and her face turned bright red.

What are you doing to me?　No, no, no, I'm a priest!