episode_0013

“Hmm, the Galder Cup is really heating up.”

I always think this, but seeing my actions affect the world is quite satisfying.

I mean, every time I release a manuscript, the country is shaken and the continent is in chaos.

How could a scholar not love this?

Back on Earth, even if I did some really good research, all I got was praise from academia and publication in a journal.

Here, the world reacts to every word I write?

Even though I’m just borrowing the works of great men from the past, not even doing my own research.

“Miss Kalia, we haven’t confirmed which side the lords in each region support yet, have we?”

“No. After all, no one would dare voice their opinion carelessly on such a significant matter.”

The 115 Articles of Refutation had a widespread impact on the Elaine Kingdom and other participating countries.

So much so that it’s expected to severely hinder the way wars are conducted as before.

I mean, isn’t this a problem directly related to religious beliefs?

This world is a fantasy era in the Middle Ages, or rather, around the early modern period.

It’s basic to not even associate with people who are religiously different, even if you can cooperate with people who have different political views.

Because that’s heresy.

Yes, heresy.

What I argued in my writing was, at most, criticism of the corruption of the Order and doubts about the effectiveness of indulgences.

However, differences in opinion on this alone can split denominations.

And having a different denomination means you are a heretic who is evil and must be eradicated.

‘It’s a situation where you can’t tell who is a potential rebel.’

There are no big shots openly declaring their support yet, but perhaps the leaders of each country are thinking these things right now.

Which guy is against me?

Is that bastard going to backstab me?

Is there anyone I can really trust right now?

If it’s for or against the war, it’s easy to know. Since it’s outwardly visible, you can keep it in check or stop it with justification.

But what about the problem of belief?

If it’s hidden, you can never know.

Eventually, they will come to this conclusion.

Rather than being constantly anxious, let’s reveal our position first and distinguish between friend and foe.

“However, I can roughly predict which side the leaders of each country will support.”

“Is that so? Then can you tell me?”

“If you wish.”

At my request, Kalia pointed to the location of the Holy See on the map.

“Of course, the Holy See and the headquarters of the Order will dismiss Mr. Ismail’s refutation as mere nonsense.”

“They already are.”

“Therefore, I think the Helvetian Republic will take the opposite stance. They are like arch-enemies who hinder national unification.”

The Holy See and the Holy Territory they rule are located in the central part of the Helvetian Peninsula.

In order for the Helvetian Republic in the north-central region to achieve the great task of unifying the peninsula, they must destroy them.

Moreover, since the war broke out, the Order has consistently maintained a hostile attitude towards the Republic.

Telling them not to kill people for vain ambitions and to quickly surrender and make a peace treaty.

The Holy Father even went so far as to issue statements of criticism in his official name. Until now, they had endured because the other party was a religious leader, so touching them would ruin their reputation… but a good excuse has arisen?

Then there’s no reason not to use it. They might invade, claiming they will purify the corrupt Order.

“The Elaine Kingdom, which is on the same side, will likely be the same.”

“Because the anti-war factions are linked to the Order?”

“Yes. If the monarch makes a choice, they will at least choose an opinion that is favorable to them.”

Similarly, the Elaine Kingdom was also likely to support the refutation in order to strengthen royal power.

One of the main reasons why the anti-royalist and anti-war factions had gathered to criticize the royal family was, ‘Why are we getting involved in a war that even the Holy Father opposes and inviting trouble?’

They may not actively support the refutation right now, but they will use it diligently as a political card.

When the war situation stabilizes a bit and they have the spare capacity to clean up internally, they might use it as an excuse to purge.

Or they might use it to exploit the Order when funds are lacking.

If they plunder the wealth that has been accumulated in the church for hundreds of years, they will be able to secure more than enough funds to gather and train soldiers.

In this world, the authority of the Order is strong because of the existence of the Goddess, so the church is rarely plundered.

The aftermath is secondary, but the benefits of succeeding are certain.

“Conversely, the Kram Empire and the Nabre Kingdom will naturally support the Order. Especially His Majesty the King of Nabre, as he is a devout believer who even went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when he was a crown prince.”

“There’s no reason to make enemies with the Holy See, which is on the same side, right?”

However, the situation is different for countries that are fighting against the Elaine Kingdom and the Helvetian Republic.

Rather, they will use the refutation to unite internally and strengthen the justification for fighting the enemy.

Anyone who believes this is a heretic!

A traitor who is doing nonsense during the war!

It’s a perfect excuse to take away power or wealth by framing them in that way.

Well, what I’ve said so far is just an assumption.

Depending on the individual beliefs of the monarch or the internal political situation, the story may change.

Still, it is a fact that the choices I predicted are the most beneficial for each of them.

Even if the intermediate process changes, I believe that the big picture result of which side they support will not be wrong.

“Then please pass on any additional information to me. I have a lot of things to prepare.”

“What do you mean? You’ve already finished publishing.”

“If I’m going to take on a teaching position, shouldn’t I have a plan for what to teach?”

I entrusted the information gathering to Kalia and focused on organizing the data again.

I need to be thoroughly prepared to fulfill the task I’ve taken on.

* * * * *

Sure enough, Kalia and Ismail’s expectations were more or less on the mark.

“Cross the border! Let’s cut open the greasy bellies of those who spout the will of God!!”

“If we subdue the Holy Territory, we can also link up with the Highcal Kingdom in the south! Let’s drive out the damn foreign powers with our compatriots!!”

The Helvetian Republic recognized the 115 Articles of Refutation as soon as they realized that it had spread throughout the country.

Rather than treating a document that everyone in the country already knows as a banned book, they judged that it would be more beneficial to acknowledge it.

This would have caused extreme confusion in other countries, but the characteristics of the Republic meant that this was less likely to happen, which also influenced the decision.

These people were already addicted to the drug of nationalism, which was stronger than religion.

Criticism of the Holy See? Fear of the authority of the Order?

That kind of thing couldn’t overcome the anger towards those who dared to hinder the unification of the nation.

Besides, isn’t this not abandoning or defying the Goddess?

We’re criticizing and confronting the pig bastards who claim to be her servants, so there’s no reason to hesitate.

“Can we draw about one more division?”

“It’s difficult. But it might be possible on a regiment scale.”

“Then bring in the recruits who are in training now and bring as many as possible. We need to push with a large number at once to have a chance of winning.”

They even turned some of the reserve forces to the south and began an offensive against the Holy See.

Taking advantage of the fact that there were hardly any troops in the Holy Territory, they attempted to conquer it.

In fact, this worked to some extent and they were able to quickly occupy several regions and strategic points. There was still a long way to go to swallow the entire territory.

“Damn it, do I have to accept this?”

“It’s force majeure, Your Majesty. Shouldn’t we suppress the anti-war forces?”

“I know that. That’s why I’m hesitating to announce it like this. But… I just hate that I have to do it even though I don’t want to.”

Meanwhile, in the Elaine Kingdom, the forces supporting the refutation were unable to act openly due to the King’s procrastination.

The King, who prided himself on being a devout believer, was reluctant to act against his religious beliefs.

However, he understood that it was necessary to win the war and protect his power, so it was not expected to last long.

Wouldn’t it soon turn into a mild version of the Helvetian Republic?

“What kind of evil writing is this? Collect and burn it all! Anyone who shows even a little interest in the contents should be thoroughly investigated!”

“Yo-Your Majesty. These posters have already been circulating throughout the country…”

“Then cooperate with the Order to crack down on it! How can we fight if the interior is shaken during the war!”

In the case of the Kram Empire and the Nabre Kingdom, they maintained a position of thorough suppression and punishment.

After all, it was a thought that would not be good for the country even if it spread, and it was also intended to look good to the Holy See.

The measures were carried out smoothly as public opinion was thoroughly controlled during the war.

In a few months, the refutation would soon be forgotten in people’s memories, and internal control would be carried out smoothly.

There would be no problem as long as nothing happened outside.

“B-Breaking news!! The Artiom Empire has publicly criticized the Holy See!”

“Those guys suddenly?! Why the hell are the pagans doing this!”

“Well, they say they can’t stand by and watch those who seek the right faith being oppressed…”

Yes, as long as nothing happens.

Unfortunately, there are too many guys on the continent who can’t stand to see others doing well, so.