Chapter 69: Coup D'etat
It was not even dawn yet. Bishop Mikhail was awakened by a violent banging on his door.
The fact that someone was knocking on his bedroom door at this time of night was enough to make Bishop Mikhail realize that the situation was not good. He answered the door without even preparing himself.
"What's going on?"
"I'm sorry. I have something I want to inform you urgently."
"Please come in."
"Yes"
The one who opened the door and entered was Bishop Mikhail's assistant, Priest Ruminas. His face was red with excitement.
"What is going on?"
"His Eminence has been killed"
"What!?"
Bishop Mikhail was surprised at the news of the Pope's sudden death, but he was even more surprised by the report that followed.
"While he was resting, he was stabbed in the chest with a sword by a knight escorting him."
"What do you mean!? Why would a guard stab His Eminence!?"
It was an impossible situation. Bishop Mikhail, who had been upset simply because the Pope had died, was at a loss as to what was going on.
"We don't know the details yet."
"Where’s that knight!?"
"He killed himself"
"...No way, the Anti-Hero Alliance?"
Bishop Mikhail felt that the blood on his head had suddenly cooled down.
"It is highly likely. And it was not only His Eminence the Pope who was killed, but also the cardinals."
"Who?"
"That's……"
"You don't know?"
"I haven't been able to confirm it yet, but probably everyone."
"What!?"
Not only the Pope, but all the cardinals. The upper echelons of the church, and for the church country, this means that there is no one who is in charge of the country's administration.
"It is fortunate that the situation is not yet known to the public at this time. I think we should take steps to prevent confusion while we still can."
"How do you propose to do that? With all the cardinals dead, there will be no one to make decisions."
"Therefore, I wondered if we should quickly set up a temporary body to replace the Cardinals."
"That's true, but there's no one to make that decision."
No one can make decisions. If that happens, neither the church nor the church country will be able to move.
"The highest rank in the hierarchy that I know of is you, Bishop Mikhail."
"Me?"
"Is it wrong?"
"It may be true in the order."
There is a strict hierarchy in the Church. Bishop Mikhail was indeed first in the order, except for the murdered pope and cardinals.
"Somebody has to control this situation. Why don't we do something formal after things calm down?"
Priest Ruminas tried to persuade Bishop Mikhail, who was showing hesitation. This is not the time to take time.
"...That's right. Calming the church is the top priority right now."
Containing chaos is the top priority. Bishop Mikhail knows this. He decided to take command temporarily.
"Then, I'm calling representatives from the Knights Order and the Mages Order. Besides that, several officials should be contacted."
"Yeah, that would be very helpful. We will discuss it immediately.
"Yes. I will take you to them."
In the meeting room where Bishop Mikhail was guided, people from each department had gathered, just as Priest Ruminas had said. Once Bishop Mikhail has taken his seat, the discussion can begin immediately.
"What about the known victims? Does anyone know?"
"Ha. I will report about that."
Bishop Mikhail's question was answered by Claude Forge, one of the two deputy commanders of the Knights Order of the Church.
"Please."
"The victims known at this time are His Eminence the Pope and all the Cardinals. Do you need their names?"
"No. I know who they are."
"Then, I'll continue."
"There are still other victims?"
Initial reports said the only casualties were the Pope and the Cardinals. Bishop Mikhail is surprised to learn that there will be more casualties.
"Yes. The Knight Commander and the Mage Commander are also dead."
"...All the people died to the escort knights?"
"Mage Commander was killed by an attendant mage."
"It's the same thing. Where did you get the information that it's the Anti-Hero Alliance?"
It shows that the situation in which they were killed was the work of the Anti-Hero Alliance. Even so, the uptight Bishop Mikhail tried to confirm the truth of the information.
"The captive has testified to that."
"Has anyone been caught?"
"Yes, only one person. Others have killed themselves or been killed by other guards on the spot."
"I see……"
There are as many perpetrators as there are victims, most of whom are also dead. Although they were criminals, they were members of the church. Bishop Mikhail's heart sank further.
"That person said it was hard that they were the only survivors, and that they decided to take the risk so that they could make it bloom in the end."
"Why the Pope and Cardinals instead of the Heroes?"
"The root of the matter is in the church. That's what he said."
"I see……"
The church summoned the hero. Even for Bishop Mikhail, this claim is convincing.
"According to the testimony, they are the ones who started the whole thing, but that is not credible."
"I agree"
"May we proceed with the investigation?"
"Of course. But is it possible?"
If it had been possible, this would not have happened. It is a natural concern. And the answer to that question, as expected, was not promising.
"The Anti-Hero Alliance has been identified for a long time. How far has it progressed? I think it depends on that."
"And the one who's caught?"
"Of course, he will be subject to severe interrogation, but that may not be possible."
"Why is that?"
"I was surprised to hear the names of the people who committed the crimes during the interrogation. It seems that they are only connected to a small group."
They don't know who the Anti-Hero Alliance are, or who's in it. If so, it's nearly impossible to clear everything out.
"Still, we can't not look into it."
"Of course. So, to what extent am I allowed to exercise my authority?"
"Ah, right. The authority of the Order, is it an interim decision-making body before deciding on it?"
"That should be done by Bishop Mikhail."
"I personally have a problem. It should be a collegial system as before."
"But was the council a good one?"
"Claude-dono, you shouldn’t say that."
Claude's statement is a criticism of the Cardinal Council. Bishop Mikhail had some thoughts about it, but he didn't want to curse the dead.
"I beg your pardon. Let us continue as before. Bishop Mikhail will be the most senior, and under him will be the organization that will replace the Cardinal Council. Do you want to know who are in charge of the various departments here?"
"...I know who is in charge of each department, but why am I the top?"
"Even though the principle is consensus, if things get out of hand, someone has to make a decision. That is the role."
"Then doesn't that make me stand like His Eminence the Pope?"
"We're trying to make it look like what it used to look like, so of course that's what we're going to do."
"It is an honor to be in the same position as His Eminence, the Pope."
"Even if you don't take it seriously as such. It is only provisional. The selection of the Pope will be decided according to the customs of the Church. Until then, it is provisional."
"...That's right"
Bishop Mikhail knows this in theory, but he feels uncomfortable as if he is taking advantage of the Pope's death to seize power.
"Bishop Mikhail, things won't move forward if you keep on talking like that. Shouldn't you decide on your role and move quickly?"
Bishop Mikhail, who was showing an indecisive attitude, was urged by Claude, who looked impatient, to make a quick decision.
"...That's certainly true. Understood. Then let's establish it as a provisional decision-making body."
"Then, first of all, could you give me permission to move the Knights with the authority of the deputy commander? The content is to investigate the Anti-Hero Alliance and maintain public order. Even if it is said to maintain public order, the opponent is unknown at this point, so there will be confusion. It's just a matter of strengthening the security to hold it down."
"Okay. Does anyone have any objections?"
Claude was originally the deputy commander. If the leader is gone, it's natural to move the knights as the deputy commander. No one complains.
"Sorenne-dono, is it necessary to do the same for the Mage Order?"
"In a situation like this, I think it would be best to get approval."
When questioned by Bishop Mikhail, Sorenne replied assent.
"Then, Sorenne-dono will have the authority to act as the Mage Commander. Is there anyone who has any objections?"
Sorenne Louvier is also the deputy commander. There should be no objections.
"The Mages are also to be given escort duties. There is a possibility that they will go after the hero candidates."
"Yes. I think it is necessary. What do you think, everyone?"
"Bishop Mikhail, if there is a problem, we will discuss it. I understand that you want to form a council, but now is not the time for that."
One of those asked for their opinion said.
"Is that so?"
"Time will tell."
"……I understand"
Bishop Mikhail was reluctant to admit that it was a state of emergency, but he did not realize at the time that he would be forced to dance around the word "emergency".
◇◇◇
The Pope and all the cardinals were assassinated.
The Council, which consisted of these men, was the leader of the Church and the center of ecclesiastical politics. They were all wiped out in a single night. As a nation, nothing could be more embarrassing.
The situation was received with astonishment and eventually turned into a mockery of the Church. One of the reasons for the turn to ridicule is not a bad thing.
The Church, which was supposed to be in turmoil after losing its center, did not show any turmoil at all in its governance, apart from the spiritual aspect. That margin also afforded room for ridicule.
In the end, the Cardinal Council and others were of no use whatsoever, just because they boasted of their power, and the national government was turned by the practical people under them.
And another cause.
Those who ridiculed the Church Country did not understand. That the situation had shifted the power of the Church Country overnight. It was so vivid that they saw it as nothing more than an assassination attempt.
There was no way they could have known that in another world this would be called a coup d'etat.
"The results of the investigation of the Anti-Hero Alliance have come in."
"So soon?"
Bishop Mikhail raised his voice in surprise at the report of Claude, the deputy commander of the Knights.
"To be honest, it's like stealing credit. It seems that the results of the investigation came out a long time ago."
"……What do you mean?"
"A report was found on the desk of the Knight Commander. It contains the names of those who participated in this assassination. If he had taken action sooner, he would not have died himself."
"Why didn't he do that?"
Bishop Mikhail could not understand the thought of the Knight Commander, who was holding onto the names of the members of the Anti-Hero Alliance and doing nothing.
"I am sorry to say this, but I think that the Knight Commander was trying to crush them."
"Do you have any reason to think so?"
"One of those mentioned was one of the most central figures in the Order."
"But that doesn't mean..."
"In other words, there was something that the Knight Commander had his eye on."
"That's how..."
He hides important things due to his feelings. After all, Bishop Mikhail cannot understand the thoughts of the dead Knight Commander.
"This is my own opinion, but I have detained the people listed in the report. There are three people in total, and so far all but one have denied it.”
"I see. Please continue your investigation."
"Also... I think there may be a report from the Mage Order. Perhaps it's in the hands of the Mage Commander, just like the Knight Commander."
"Sorenne-dono?"
"……There is."
In response to Bishop Mikhail's question, Sorenne replied affirmatively, though hesitantly.
"Did you hide it?"
"No, it's not like that. I wanted to wait until I had done some corroborative research."
"What are the results so far?"
"I think there is no doubt that there is one."
"Do you think other people are not?"
"That's... I can't say for sure."
They denied it. But it is commonplace for criminals to deny it. And it is sometimes more difficult to prove otherwise than to prove that they are.
"I see"
"If that's the case, they should still be detained. The Knights did. If only the Mage Order didn't do it, dissatisfaction would arise."
Claude complained that Sorenne's response was unfair.
"Sorenne-dono"
"...Understood. I'll detain everyone on the report."
She cannot refuse. Sorenne knew that if she did so, she would be taken into custody as well.
"How many people?"
"Eight people"
"That's a lot."
"No, the Knights are just the ones who are involved in the matter and many are already dead. The total number is about the same."
Most of the attacks were carried out by members of the Anti-Hero Alliance who were knights.
"That's right. I understand."
"The Anti-Hero Alliance case is not complete, but can we put an end to it now?"
Even though the interrogation was about to begin, Claude suddenly said something strange. The face of the person who says that is quite a serious expression.
"Why?"
"They are the ones who did not take part in this case. I thought that they would not cause any trouble in the future. Am I being too naive?"
"No, if your guess is correct, you should go and settle things."
This is not so much a matter of reticence as it is a practical concern that the church cannot function as an organization if it remains in a state of doubt and suspicion for so long.
"I don't think we can make a decision right away. We will continue to interrogate those we have captured and try to get a full picture."
"……Yeah"
"May I speak next?"
Asir Regnier, the head of the ritual office, asked to speak next.
"Go ahead."
"I would like to hold the ceremony of the Pope's election."
"Already? Isn't it too early?"
"If it were only the absence of His Eminence the Pope, I would not be in a hurry. However, at this moment, it could be said that the Church Country is without an administrator. In fact, it seems that people are saying that behind our backs."
"……I see."
The current system is only temporary, this is what Bishop Mikhail himself said. If they want to have the appearance of a state, they have to create a formal organization. For that, the Pope, the head of the Church, must be chosen.
"Fortunately, it has no effect on the administration itself. So, on the contrary, as long as we can achieve spiritual stability, it will calm the Country."
"You can certainly say that."
"Yes. Therefore, I would like to perform the selection ceremony as soon as possible."
"But shouldn't we wait until things are a little more settled before handing it over?"
"Hand over?"
At Bishop Mikhail's words, Asir returned the question with a puzzled look on his face.
"If we hand it over halfway through, the new Pope will have a hard time."
"...I think that worry is unnecessary."
"Why?"
"There is no doubt that the new Pope will be Bishop Mikhail."
"……What?"
Bishop Mikhail was surprised at Asir's words. The reaction of Bishop Mikhail was more surprising to those around him. They all know that there is no one else who is qualified to be the Pope.
"I can’t say for sure. But from what I'm feeling right now, I'm pretty sure it's a no-brainer."
"I will be the pope... that's..."
Needless to say, the Pope is the top of the Church. Even if he has the feeling that he will be one day, when it suddenly appears in front of him, he is more hesitant.
"I don’t think you have any complaints about rank or popularity?"
"But"
"It's for the sake of the church. Right now, in an emergency, only Bishop Mikhail can rule this situation."
"But……"
"Whoever is able to do it must perform the ceremony of selection. Are you ready to proceed with the preparations?"
"That's... well."
It's strange to oppose because you might be chosen. Bishop Mikhail has no choice but to agree. And this consent is the same as agreeing to become the pope.
"Then, let's proceed."
"I'll report next."
This time it was the head of the construction department.
"What is it?"
"The old monastery remains in ruins, but I would like to proceed with the renovation."
This is not a cleanup of an incident, but a new matter. The Construction Authority has brought it up.
"Renovation?"
"Yes. Making it a monastery again won't leave a good impression, so we're going to move it to a different facility."
"What exactly are you planning to do?"
"A relief center"
"What is that facility for?"
"It will be a combination of several facilities. It is not just an orphanage that takes care of children without parents, but also helps those who are poor and will have trouble living tomorrow. So it's a relief center."
"......That's all well and good, but."
It's a great idea. However, Bishop Mikhail is not so naive as to think that charity alone will be salvation.
"We don't take care of them all the time. We will determine the period of time they can stay. Within that period, we will give them a job."
"A job?"
"We will build a vocational training center within the facility. We will hire a craftsman to teach them. They won't become full-fledged professionals, but we hope it will give them a chance to find a job."
"That's a good idea"
"Thank you very much. We would also like to establish a school in addition to the above. Not a school like the academy, but a place of primary education where everyone can learn. Not only those in orphanages and relief centers, but hopefully we can give those who want to, the opportunity to learn."
"That's……"
What popped into Bishop Mikhail's head was the knowledge of another world he had heard of before.
"I don't think it will take shape soon. That's why we want to start early."
"...Is it you?"
"No, I'm from the Construction Department. The idea came from the Monastery. I thought it was a good idea, so I'm asking for permission to build it."
"I see. I think it's a good idea. But do you have the budget for something like that now?"
In order to renovate, it costs money to operate the post-renovation relief center. Bishop Mikhail wondered if the church could afford it.
"Let me talk about that. I'm Sefrim from the Budget Department."
"What is it?"
"The budgetary allowance has been made."
"How is that possible?"
"The deceased cardinals have accumulated a lot of money. The methods vary, but most of them are what can be called unauthorized accumulation. We are confiscating all of it. Just the ones we are tracking down now easily exceed the annual budget."
"Such a thing... but you managed to figure it out in such a short period of time."
It is a good report, yes, but doubts are rising in Bishop Mikhail's mind.
"Not for a short time. What the Cardinals were doing was an open secret. They just couldn't make it public."
"Ah, I see……"
"If we put that money toward the construction, we can get started right away. What would you do?
"That's……"
"Shall we take a vote, then? Is there anyone who opposes this matter?"
No one raises their hand. Even if one doesn't agree, one can't raise one's hand if one can't find a reason to oppose.
"All in favor of the motion?"
Not all of them raised their hands in unison, but they reached the majority.
"It's not unanimous, but the majority agrees. Bishop Mikhail."
"...I understand. Please concretize the proposed plan."
"Yes"
A sense of discomfort grows and grows in Bishop Mikhail. The Church that Bishop Mikhail knows is not this kind of organization. It was an organization that was extremely stove-piped and would not initiate anything new without instructions from the top. Such was the organization.
However, the exchange in front of him now is the exact opposite of that. They are actively trying to move forward with projects in other departments, and the budget department has come to the rescue with urgent budgetary measures.
Is it possible for an organization to change so much just because the Council is no longer in existence? Such questions are being raised.
The meeting proceeded without regard to Bishop Mikhail's inner conflict. After the meeting, Bishop Mikhail said he had something to say to Sorenne and stayed there.
Only three people remained in the conference room: Bishop Mikhail, Sorenne, and his assistant, Priest Ruminas.
"What is it? What is it that you want to talk about?"
"That's... Sorenne-dono also seems to be feeling a sense of incongruity."
During the meeting, Sorenne had a dubious face the whole time. Bishop Mikhail had noticed that.
"...Is that what you mean?"
"Can you tell me if there is something that bothers you?"
"What are you going to do about it?"
"If it becomes a problem, we have to take action."
"Can we do something about it?"
Sorenne questioned Bishop Mikhail's words.
"You know something about it, don't you?"
"...This is nothing more than an imagination."
"It does not matter"
"There are 3,000 knights in the Order. The Mages Order has considerably fewer, but still 500 mages."
"Yes. I know that."
"The number of Anti-Hero Alliances that permeated such an organization is less than 30 people. Isn't it too few? Everyone in the monastery was tainted by the Anti-Hero Alliance."
"...There are others. I know that possibility."
They know it's impossible to find out all the Anti-Hero Alliance groups.
"Yes. But the Knights and the Mages cannot be the only one that has an Anti-Hero Alliance in it."
Only the knights and mages were exposed. Sorenne suspects that it is also strange.
"You think it must be spread throughout the Church?"
"That's right. Bishop Mikhail doesn't seem to notice, but in the church organization, the head of each department has been replaced without us realizing it."
"Eh?"
"The same goes for the knights. It seems that the people under the deputy commander have changed. In the first place, deputy commander Claude rose to the rank of deputy commander, but that was the limit and he was called the deputy commander for many years. will become the next Commander of the Knights."
"......Why did that happen?"
"In the midst of the chaos, this happened all of a sudden. An organization that was called a provisional organization was about to change into a formal organization."
"Even if that's the case, wouldn't it be fine if it would make the church better?"
Priest Ruminas, who had been silently listening to their conversation, interrupted here.
"Ruminas?"
"The church has been reborn. It's what the church should be. Isn't that what Bishop Mikhail has always wanted? Please don't disappoint us."
"......I see. So you are too, aren't you?"
Why did the change of organization occur? The core of the church is now occupied by those who gathered on the night of the chaos. They were supposed to be in charge of each department, but from what Sorenne said, that was not the case.
Who was the person who gathered these people and told them that he was the representative? Bishop Mikhail recalled it.
"What are you talking about? I just want the church to get better, and I believe Bishop Mikhail will make it happen."
"...What if I can't do that?"
"...We'll do it again until we can."
"I see……"
He was just being carried along. Bishop Mikhail understood from the words of Priest Ruminas that he could be replaced by any number of people.
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