Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 344

We are ordering wine equipment.

In essence, what he’s trying to say is, “I know about the printing business.”

I don’t think it’s a secret, but he’s quick to catch on.

Since Leather Street is a closed-off area, it would be difficult for anyone connected to the church to enter, so there must be someone leaking information to Deacon Michelino’s close circle.

Of course, there’s also the possibility that someone on Leather Street was bribed to talk, but there’s no end to suspecting everyone around you, so I don’t consider that.

Moreover, the copper plate printing business has only just begun, and the technology and organizational structure are still in their infancy, so it isn’t a problem if the secret gets out.

In fact, I’d prefer people continue to imitate it and spread the idea.

Perhaps dissatisfied with my seemingly calm reaction, the priest who addressed me walks away, wearing a slightly displeased expression.

Another priest stops eating and asks, “By the way, there’s a new department managing the seals of the church. Are you aware of it, Kenji-dono?”

“Yes, this is from Father Nicolo.”

For me, that’s the only answer I can give.

“The seal of the church is a holy symbol. By allowing its use, money is generated. There’s some debate within the church as to whether this is right or wrong. I’ve heard that Kenji-dono plans to engrave the seal on the Pioneer’s shoes and use it to make a donation to the church. What do you think, Kenji-dono?”

Being asked so directly, the purpose of this celebration suddenly becomes clear.

This is a kind of consultation — to put it simply, it’s a stress interview.

Although I don’t know the names of the clergymen gathered here, there’s no doubt they all belong to the Cardinal’s faction.

It’s unclear whether they’re political opponents of Father Nicolo, but they must at least have some degree of cooperation with him. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be invited to this feast.

“Whether or not this is acceptable is something the church members must decide…”

With that preface, I continue.

“There’s no need to debate the preciousness of the Church’s seal. Its value is the result of the efforts of the clergy who bear the Church’s seal, and there’s no need to debate that it can’t be easily converted into monetary value.”

We need to avoid the argument that it’s acceptable just because it makes money. For an organization like the church, money is power and a means to advance in one’s career, but that isn’t the organization’s purpose.

“For that reason alone, the church seal must be carefully protected. It cannot be allowed to become covered in mud. Just as the church seal is placed high in the church, deep within it, if it’s to be used in the everyday lives of the people, it should only be used on objects considered sacred. Under no circumstances should it be engraved on things like footwear used in toilets. And it’s the church that should decide this. I believe the donation will cover the costs of this investigation.”

“I see, so an investigation is necessary to maintain dignity…”

Perhaps convinced by the logic of my explanation, the priest backs off.

After that, the other clergymen continue to offer endless consultations in the form of casual conversation.

“What do you think about the recent developments?”
“What do you think about improving the efficiency of the church’s investment in the nobility?”
“What do you think about building a relationship between the Adventurer’s Guild and the Church?”

Both of these are topics I have experience with, so I have no trouble explaining them.

At the same time, I honestly didn’t think the church would be so aware of it.

Since I’ve been reporting directly to Father Nicolo through Deacon Michelino, I had the impression that Father Nicolo had a monopoly on information.

Or perhaps Father Nicolo has simply risen in rank within his faction and now needs to make amends with those around him.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

After what seems like hours of questioning by the clergy, Father Nicolo looks around and says,

“Well then, everyone. Is everything alright?”

He solemnly confirms, and the priests nod.

Will I finally be freed?

Although I maintain a calm appearance, I’m completely exhausted and silently wish for the celebration to end as soon as possible.