| Author: Sasaki Ichiro | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mab | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Silva | |
Translator’s Note:
I don’t think the author understands geopolitics that much. I mean, I’m just a translator with zero political knowledge, but I’m a pretty darn good translator (I think). So if it sounds confusing, blame it on the author. I tried my best.
The Theocracy of Eunice is located in the southern mountainous region of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom.
While currently, the Cilento Central Kingdom is the capital and the leading country of the federation that forms the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, back when Cilento was just a small nation amongst the northern countries, the one nation powerful enough to call itself the legitimate successor of the lands was the Theocracy of Eunice. Now, its territory has become the unofficial second capital of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom.
Although the Eunice Theocracy might be considered a medium-sized country in terms of land area and national strength, it occupies a unique position in which all its citizens are members of the Saintess’ Church. All the buildings are religious facilities, making it a truly religious state through and through.
The whole continent is under the dominion of the Cardinal Rose Superempire, which is composed of superior variations of humans, demi-humans, and demons — commonly referred to as transcendent beings. More specifically, the fate of the whole world rests in the hands of those who occupy the Round Table, decided solely by the God-Emperor, sometimes referred to as the God Ancestor.
However, while these superior beings establish a general direction for the way of life of the living creatures on the continent, they are mostly indifferent to the management, politics, or individuals of each nation. They also generously allow freedom of religion, hence why the cult-like operations of the Eunice Theocracy are reluctantly tolerated, as they deem it to be yet another ego of man.
Using this as its moral justification, the Eunice Theocracy has remained resolutely neutral, not only against other countries but also against the intervention of its leading country, the Cilento Central Kingdom. (While this sounds good on paper, it is essentially an open rebellion backed by their religion, their political power over other countries, and the military might of the Guilds.) In other words, it is as if an independent state exists within the Imperial Kingdom. So far, the suzerain state, the Cardinal Rose Superempire, has maintained silence about this issue as they deem it to be Livitium’s internal matter.
As a result, the Cilento Central Kingdom, the leading country of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, finds itself in a position where it is unable to intervene with Eunice Theocracy’s swelling arrogance as the holy state becomes an inviolable territory.
The Saintess’ Church, as its name implies, venerates the legendary Saintess Snow, who supposedly lived 150 years ago (and is nominally still alive to this day), making her an absolute figure within their doctrine. Similarly, they revere shrine maidens whom they consider the predecessors of the Saintess. They create idols1 in concrete forms, such as paintings and sculptures, demonstrating the prestige of the faith to both followers and the general populace. On a more worldly level, the Saintess’ Church also monopolizes the training and use of Healing Art, the only effective means of treating severe illnesses and injuries beyond what a physician can handle, thus giving them significant leverage in dealing with other nations.
By the way, the status of shrine maidens, practitioners of Healing Art, falls outside the usual ranks or positions held by regular clerics (meaning they have only a nominal position without real authority).
Speaking of ranks, the Pope is the highest authority, followed by General Bishop, Cardinal, Archbishop, Bishop, Divine Official, Priest, Deacon, Missionary, and Acolyte (with further subdivisions in practice). Within the country and temples, these ranks are differentiated by the form and color of their liturgical garments, making it easy for members of the faith to recognize their status.
The capital city of Eunice Theocracy is the municipal city of Sant’Angelo, with a population of just over 15,000 people and serving as the headquarters of the Saintess’ Church. Be it the splendid cathedral in the center of the city or the private houses and the streets, everything is constructed primarily using white marble, giving the city its unique look. And the majority of the residents of this city are devout church members.
While indeed being a religious nation, the theocracy felt somewhat distinctive. They promoted an open-minded approach without overtly conflicting with other religions, nations, or ethnic groups. Entering and exiting the city of Sant’Angelo was just a matter of simple screening and paying a toll, and a surprisingly large number of foreigners came and went — most of which were pilgrims, religious scholars, wealthy people seeking healers, and members of adventurers’ guilds from various countries. With touts and street vendors clamoring for the tourists, the holy city showed a scene that was common to cities everywhere.
♢♦♢♦♢
In his office, Cardinal Lawrence was finishing the last of today’s paperwork with a pen in his right hand and a piece of bread with apple jam in his left. His ability to multitask might be seen as deft by some, while others could deem it sloppy.
“Hm. It’s from the Archbishop of the Imperial Capital. He’s requesting high-ranking healers to be dispatched regularly to attend to Clara’s daughter who just arrived there…is it. Do we really need to give so much attention to a girl not qualified as a shrine maiden?”
Lawrence frowned, recalling the disappointing report sent to him by a priest who had assessed the girl’s disposition. “Sure, Count Aulanthia provides substantial donations befitting his status, but dedicating promising shrine maidens to a dud is a waste of resources. The Empire is sending their exchange students to the academy next year, with a member of their imperial family among them. It might be more beneficial to focus our resources there.”
If only Clara’s daughter had shown any talent as a shrine maiden… Lawrence dismissed the thought.
Clara, the Shrine Maiden Princess, was a beauty admired by many in his generation. Despite his personal feelings towards Count Aulanthia for bringing her back to secular life and fathering a child with her, Lawrence didn’t mix personal and public matters. Establishing a foothold against the Deva Kureha Faith and the Graviol Empire was his priority.
“—Your Eminence. Egmond Buyer, Aulanthia’s Guild Master, has also requested our cooperation for Princess Syltianna’s treatment.”
His secretary, a stunning woman with black hair rumored to be his mistress, hesitated as she spoke.
“Egmond? …ah.”
The cardinal slightly narrowed his eyes as he recalled the shrewd and unscrupulous face of Egmond Buyer, a man with a monocle he had met a few times. This Guild Master of Aulanthia seemed more reminiscent of a sharp-witted merchant than an adventurer.
It’s worth noting that in the Theocracy of Eunice, which lacked significant military power aside from a few palace guards and ceremonial troops, law enforcement often relied on mercenaries from other countries. As a result, the country maintained close ties with various mercenaries’ guilds and adventurer guilds.
“That man took the trouble to address me directly. Is he expecting our actions…?”
(Is he seeing something in Clara’s daughter too? What’s so valuable about that failure?)
He kept the latter thought to himself.
“Speaking of which, we’re also sending exchange students to the Imperial Academy, aren’t we?” the cardinal remembered.
“Yes, a few shrine maidens and deacons. Priest Cestlavie2 wishes to transfer to the higher grades as well,” his secretary confirmed.
“That prodigy who advanced at the seminary at age 9? He’s 12 now and already a priest. He could have secured a decent position by staying in the temple. But wanting a different path shows his immaturity, despite his intelligence.”
“I wonder. He hails from a deacon’s family on the borders, so he has no significant support within the Church3 . No matter how exceptional he is personally, the highest position he could aspire to would likely be a high priest in a provincial temple. Perhaps that’s why he’s trying to form connections in the academy, to gain influence over the Church in the future.”
“Hah, that does sound like him. Just let him be.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s not an issue. Whether he succeeds or fails, it’s his personal responsibility. If he ever comes asking for a scholarship, we can consider it then.”
With a nonchalant shrug, Cardinal Lawrence concluded his paperwork with a casual flourish of his pen. In truth, he couldn’t care less about the young priests; their fates were not his concern.
“That wraps up today’s work.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Your Eminence.”
“It is hard work, indeed. With so much paperwork, it’s hard to tell whether I’m a clergyman or a bureaucrat.”
In response to Cardinal Lawrence’s self-deprecating comment, his secretary turned her professional demeanor into a more feminine expression. “Well then, how about we go for a drink to clear our heads?”
Lawrence stood up from his seat. It’s usually the man who makes that invitation, he mused, as he gently pulled her by the waist.
“I’m not against it. But since I can’t exactly go out for a drink, my room will have to do.” He rubbed his stiff shoulder, a result of the day’s paperwork, as they left the office together.
By the time the lights in his office were turned off, the issues regarding Syltianna and Cestlavie had largely faded from the cardinal’s mind.
Author’s note:
Finally, the name of the last boss, Cestlavie, appeared. He is the last piece that Jill needs. He doesn’t show up now, though.
Translator’s note:
I think I know exactly what the author is going to do. Let me clarify the situation, hopefully you notice the big, glaring red hint:
The Saintess’ Church is dying to get another religious icon like Clara, that’s why they are disappointed that (fake) Syltianna has no talent in healing art;
Supposedly, Cestlavie wants to gather some support from outside the Church to leverage his position within the Church, which is why he decides to go to the imperial academy;
Jill aka the real Syltianna aka the real daughter of Clara with real talent in healing art is also going to the imperial academy.
…yeah, Cestlavie is the last piece indeed. I know what you’re doing Author, I know.
