Chapter 34: Lord Dardell

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"Status Open!"

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Name: Toma Roxfall
Species: Human
Information: Male, 8 years old, healthy
Title: Apostle of Deuro
Rank: S
Attribute: None
Blessing: Brewer of Divine Sake
Level: 101
Skills: Sake Brewing Knowledge - Level 3, Quality Improvement - Level 1, Dexterity - Level 1, Discernment - Level 1
Life: 310 (620)
Stamina: 425 (850)
Mana: 460 (920)

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As I displayed my status, Lord Dardell leaned in to inspect it. He studied it for a good ten seconds without moving, and I could feel a nervous anxiety building inside me. Would his age-worn eyes see through my status display and expose the truth?

Suddenly, Lord Dardell let out a chuckle.

The sound startled me, making me jerk my shoulder reflexively. Whether he noticed my reaction or not, Lord Dardell slowly rose to his feet. What is he going to do?

"Greetings to the Apostle."

Lord Dardell lowered himself onto his left knee, bowing his head. This was the obeisance of reverence—a gesture of the highest respect, reserved only for royalty or deities.

"Uh…"

Following Lord Dardell’s lead, the temple knights and maidservants behind him also knelt in respect.

Lord Dardell is a cardinal, after all. A cardinal is supposed to advise the Pope and oversee the temple knights. But here he is, kneeling before a child like me?

"……"

"Toma."

My father's voice broke me out of my stunned thoughts.

"…Yes?"

Ah, he wants me to have them rise.

"Lord Dardell, everyone, please raise your heads."

Lord Dardell resumed his seat. The real discussion was about to begin. I prepared myself mentally.

"As for the Apostle—"
"Could you please refrain from calling me ‘Apostle’? Just call me Toma."
"…Then, Toma-sama."
"You don’t need to add 'sama,' either."
"My apologies, but that I cannot omit."
"Alright, if you must…"
"May we proceed with our discussion?"
"…Go ahead."
"First, we wish to take Toma-sama to the main temple. However, I understand that this is not possible. Is that correct?"
"I have a mission to brew and spread Deuro-sama’s sake across the land. Therefore, I cannot leave Ashud Territory for the foreseeable future."
"We understand."

I was half-expecting to be forcibly taken, but I’m glad he understood.

"We have a request for Lord Roxfall."
"For me? What is it?"
"We wish to expand the temple here in Ashud Territory."

Expand the temple? Is it because I’m here?

"Additionally, we seek permission to station temple knights within Ashud Territory."
"Hmm… that is…"

My father governs Ashud Territory, and having an armed group within the territory that he cannot control would potentially infringe upon his right to rule.

Understanding this, Lord Dardell bowed his head in respect.

In a large territory, hosting ten or twenty temple knights might not be a big issue. However, our territory is small, and we have a modest guard of only about thirty soldiers. Lord Dardell would likely intend to station more than just a couple of knights.

A temporary stationing might not be a problem, but if it’s for as long as I remain here, it could mean several years, which might interfere with my father’s authority.

In this kingdom, it’s expected that a lord will govern the land and protect the people. If another armed force is stationed here, it could imply that the lord is unfit for his duties.

"If we cannot bring Toma-sama to the main temple, we cannot sit idly by. Might we be permitted to assign temple knights as Toma-sama’s protectors? I vow that we will impose no other burden on Lord Roxfall. Please consider accepting them."

My father frowned, clearly deep in thought.

"I will consider allowing temple knights to reside here. If we can agree on the specifics, I will accept them."
"Thank you very much."
"However, we have not yet finalized the arrangement."
"I’m certain Lord Roxfall cares deeply for Toma-sama's safety. I am confident we can reach an agreement."

He seems quite confident. Perhaps he’s experienced in negotiations, or maybe it’s his age giving him an edge.

During the ensuing discussion, it was determined that the Pope of Nilgneed faith would formally recognize me as an apostle. Typically, such a ceremony would be held at the main temple, but due to the circumstances, they would send a certificate of recognition instead.

Furthermore, my father granted permission to expand the temple in Ashud Territory without issue. Since the temple is situated by the forest, they can clear some of the forested land for expansion without relocating villagers.

As for the temple knights' stationing, it was agreed that they would have a limit of fifteen knights permanently stationed and that a guardhouse would be built on one corner of the lord’s manor for them. Although Lord Dardell proposed providing subsidies from the temple for expanding our local forces, my father declined, though he did agree to increase personnel as he had already planned.

And finally…