Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 200

“Are you asking for the Cardinal to wear them?” Deacon Michelino repeats what I say as if to confirm it.

“Yes. I would like the Cardinal to try on these pioneer shoes.”

“May I ask why?”

“To raise awareness of the importance of the pioneering project among people inside and outside the Church.”

“Hmmm.”

With that, Deacon Michelino falls silent and then begins to explain slowly.

“It’s understandable that you, as a layperson, are unaware, but the attire worn by the Cardinal has highly religious and political significance. There are specialized positions responsible for selecting and procuring the color and material of the sashes, as well as the types of accessories. Great nobles and merchants from all over the country donate high-quality items. These items also need to be inspected to ensure they aren’t malicious magical artifacts, and there are political adjustments both inside and outside the church to determine what is appropriate for the Cardinal and the church. I hear that after this fierce selection process, the clothes worn by Cardinals are already decided for the next few years. To get involved in that process, one would need incredible local connections and achievements. To be honest, I don’t think that’s very feasible.”

When I initially receive orders for the Guardian’s Shoes, several come from great nobles, so I imagine it would be similar for the Cardinal. However, for someone as important as a Cardinal, it seems the system is more entrenched in customs and vested interests than I had anticipated.

I had previously likened getting a Cardinal to wear shoes to convincing a minister to wear a tie through a high-ranking official, but listening to what Deacon Michelino says, it might be closer to getting a member of the royal family to don a costume. In other words, it’s incredibly difficult.

“Is that really all you’re asking? That might be a bit difficult.”

“More than a bit,” Deacon Michelino replies. “Indeed, Kenji, your recent achievements are remarkable. Your knowledge and insight are both exceptional. However, aside from a few bureaucrats in the royal capital, this recognition is confined to a very narrow area. Even within the Church, those who are familiar with your accomplishments are limited to our small faction under Father Nicolo. Unfortunately, I must say that you lack the status, rank, and reputation necessary to intrude upon the Cardinal’s selection of attire.”

Once again, it’s about status.

Perhaps it’s the downside of only supporting the Adventurer’s Guild reforms and the church’s development projects from behind the scenes. Whenever I try to undertake something significant, I encounter the barrier of insufficient status.

I wonder if Jilboa of the Sword Fangs Legion feels the same way.

An awkward, unfocused sense of irritation and frustration washes over me.

“However, Kenji’s shoe sales generating income for the church is a groundbreaking system. This alone will make Father Nicolo very happy. We will contact you, so please wait for our reply.”

In the end, all I can say in response to Deacon Michelino’s intercessory words is, “Please.”