Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 249

That day, I receive a message from the church, so I set out with Sara and my guard to the cathedral in the first district.

When called by Father Nicolo, there is no way to refuse.

The day of the Cardinal’s unveiling approaches, and I am summoned for the final preparations.

To be honest, I can’t help but wonder why someone like me, an outsider, is being called to a church ceremony that I won’t even be able to attend. However, if there are any defects during the unveiling, it could lead to my physical demise, so I have no choice but to comply.

Once I enter the cathedral grounds, I feel assured there will be no attacks.

Since Deacon Michelino promises to take action, the magician attacks have indeed ceased. It seems that a powerful noble in the city wants to avoid making the church itself into their enemy.

After being led by a priest to a secluded room, I find Father Nicolo, Deacon Michelino, and a number of other clergy members who have been present during the delivery ceremony, all engaged in discussion.

We, who enter late, hunch in the corner of the room so as not to disturb them.

After a while, as the tea we have been served starts to cool, Father Nicolo finally looks up and beckons us over.

“I am Kenji, who has presented the Cardinal’s shoes. I have come at your request—” I greet the other clergy members.

Father Nicolo interrupts, saying, “No need for greetings. I want to hear your opinion.”

“Is that so? I am ignorant about the hierarchy within the church, but…” That is my honest feeling.

The clergy members here are likely talented individuals under Father Nicolo’s leadership, chosen for their practical skills rather than their rank. Furthermore, clergy members are specialists in planning and executing rituals. I can’t imagine I would have anything to contribute.

“I don’t expect anything from you.”

As expected, Father Nicolo’s response is cold.

“The gift shoes are already in the Cardinal’s hands.”

“That is an honor. Our craftsmen will surely tremble with pride at this achievement.” I express my gratitude deeply. I had anticipated that the shoes might go missing due to interference within the church, so I genuinely feel relieved.

Father Nicolo continues without acknowledging my reaction. “The shoes have been tested for poison and magic, and I’ve heard that the Cardinal is currently wearing them.”

“Yes… Wait… What?” Why is the Cardinal wearing my shoes? I thought there were strict protocols, and wasn’t it only planned for him to wear them during the clergy’s explanatory meetings?

Seeing my bewildered expression, Father Nicolo explains with evident annoyance. “The shoes worn at official occasions are strictly determined. However, there’s no such regulation for personal settings. Well, since your shoes are the cheapest among the offerings, it seems he feels comfortable wearing them. It appears they’ve become quite a favorite of his.”

“Really…”

I wonder. What is this? After being threatened and having my life targeted, finally earning the title of supplier to the Cardinal, and now sensing the casualness of it is a bit disheartening.

It isn’t bad news, though. In fact, it could be considered good news.

If you compare the reputation of wearing shoes at official ceremonies to being a favorite for private occasions, the latter suggests a much stronger likelihood of being a supplier to the Cardinal.

Moreover, if the shoes are worn for a ceremony, they are used only once, but if they’re worn on private occasions, they can be worn repeatedly.

In other words, this means that my company’s reputation will rise, and the power of Father Nicolo, who is pulling the strings behind the scenes, will strengthen as well.

But why does the weight of my existence, which could be swayed by the whims of the powerful, feel unbearably light?

Perhaps this is what status and power are like in feudal society, but this unsettling feeling of dissatisfaction is likely to smolder in my heart for a long time.