Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 40.2 - Adding Fuel to the Fire

Yet, Bishop Daniel didn’t even blink and replied with a smile.

 

“Of course, my lord. Since we’ve secured ample funding, you need not worry.”

 

The only benefits I provided were two buildings, the former residences of the magistrate and the tax collector, and a large empty lot near the lord’s manor. 

 

The rest of the projects were to be funded entirely by the papal treasury.

 

Daniel groveling before me and religious projects that cost me nothing—these were the conditions I negotiated in exchange for supporting him. Naturally, judging by his expression alone, he seemed ready to carry me on his back.

 

But then, Daniel spotted someone and scowled, “Why are those wretches here?”

 

The ‘wretches’ he pointed at were priests of the Sun God religion. Though this was another faith’s event, they had attended to offer congratulations.

 

“The Cardinal of Aachen sent them. To build a church.”

 

“A church? Surely… you’re not thinking of declaring a religious free zone?”

 

Daniel was sharp as a devil. It seemed he had thoroughly studied the religious landscape of southern France.

 

“Hey, don’t worry about unnecessary things. Whether it becomes a religious free zone or not, my mother is a devout follower of the God of Abundance. She never wavered, not even in Westphalia.”

 

My mother, Maria, is the one who gave birth to the most powerful figure in this territory. And while the entire family became followers of the Sun God faith, she alone remained devoted to the God of Abundance.

 

Only now does Daniel’s expression relax.

 

“Haha! That’s truly wonderful news. I must meet the lord’s mother at once.”

 

“Are you planning to start a ladies’ prayer group or something?”

 

“Of course! Winning over the mistresses of the household first is the foundation of evangelism. Haha!”

 

Some things never change, no matter the world.

 

In religion, the mother’s role within the family is the most significant. Daniel had already figured that out and seemed ready to act on it.

 

He was probably planning to gather the noble and semi-noble ladies of the territory.

 

And since Daniel knew how to restrain his desires for the sake of his social standing, there was no worry about scandal.

 

“Lead that gathering well. A peaceful household makes for smooth work.”

 

He grinned cheerfully at my words.

 

“May the blessings of the gods be upon the great Lord Marseille!”

 

This guy. He’s already been blessed.

 

⚔️

 

In the lord’s mansion’s reception room, I welcomed the priests of the Sun God faith.

 

They had arrived in Marseille long ago, but I deliberately delayed meeting them. I was waiting for Bishop Daniel’s inauguration.

 

Naturally, it was to show the Sun God priests that the Church of Abundance took priority.

 

Yet, the priests showed no displeasure—only smiles.

 

“If you’re from Aachen, then you must be from the Germania Empire.”

 

“That is correct. But as clergy, our origins hold no meaning.”

 

A standard response.

 

“And it is an honor to finally meet the famed Count Marseille in person.”

 

Seems like strange rumors about me are circulating again. No need to correct them on the “honor” part.

 

“Is the Cardinal of Aachen in good health?”

 

“Yes. They told me to assist Lord Marseille well.”

Using the word ‘assist’… It seems I can push a little harder.

 

“The Church of the Sun God cannot use the budget. This applies to all churches and cannot be changed.”

Despite the firm refusal, the priests’ expressions remained unchanged.

 

“We already expected this. The church will be built using Aachen’s budget.”

Well then. Welcome.

 

“I’ll provide the land for the church. Near the port would be good.”

“No. We’ll build it near the Great Forest.”

“Why? Are you looking for hardship?”

 

Most of the people near the Great Forest are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. Naturally, the Church of  the God of Abundance holds overwhelming influence there.

 

“For a pioneering church to have meaning, we must venture into such places.”

‘Such places’ likely referred to areas where followers of other religions dominate, but the church’s influence is weak.

This was tantamount to declaring an intent to actively proselytize.

 

“Avoid unnecessary conflicts. If violence breaks out over religion, I will exile those involved.”

“We’ll guide them well.”

 

These young priests were full of zeal. That zeal wouldn’t be bad for the territory.

 

These guys seem quite honest. Will they answer if I ask?

I decided to take this chance to gather information I’d been curious about. I wanted to know if followers of Hela, the Goddess of the Death, had infiltrated the Sun God’s Church.

 

“You know of Hela, the Goddess of the Death, right? Have you heard any recent rumors about her followers being active?”

 

“No, that’s…”

 

The priests, who had been smiling until now, stiffened. It wasn’t a forbidden question, but there might be some backstory.

 

“Is it classified?”

“Not exactly, but it’s not pleasant to discuss. Is there a reason you want to know?”

 

“If I’m to declare a region of religious freedom, I should naturally understand the state of other religions, no?”

“I see. Hmm.”

 

The priest, who had been lost in thought for a moment, finally spoke, “Recently, there have been apostates from the Sun God’s Church. They say those people worshipped Hela.”

It’s the same situation as the Church of the God of Abundance. This is clearly an organized move.

‘What are they trying to achieve by creating apostates in other religions? Strange bunch.’

In the Northern Continent, followers of Hela are extremely rare, but I’ve heard there are many deep in the Southern Continent. 

 

Why go through the trouble of making apostates in the Northern Continent, even if it means facing condemnation?

 

Whether he noticed my curiosity or was simply talkative, the priest continued.

“However, we’ve found a common trait among the apostates. They all recently lost their children.”

“Necromancy?”

“Yes. It seems they were lured with promises of reuniting them with the dead.”

“Is such a thing actually possible?”

 

The priest hesitated briefly.

“Resurrection is impossible, but there must be another method.”

So that’s why well-educated clergy would turn apostate—they were baited with their dead children. Most likely, they were given reanimated corpses of their deceased children.

 

“But there must be side effects. Their bodies would rot, and they’d lose all emotion.”

I’ve seen it a few times in my past life.

Devoid of emotion, they harmed people easily and were naturally hunted down as monsters.

 

“Well… it seems that infusing mana can sustain them to some extent…”

“What?”