In the Name of the Queen

Since Roland had spoken, Bridges had no reason to stop him, so he asked Jess to take the "drowned" bishop and several attendants on board.

The ship slowed down slightly to allow the rescue boat to dock.

The rope ladder was thrown down and hit the rescue boat, making a dull sound.

Bridges stood on the edge of the deck without saying a word, looking at these clergy coldly.

He was a devout believer of the goddess of abundance, and he had no good feelings for the believers of the goddess of light. The farce of these people falling into the water was obviously directed and acted by themselves, and he would not have a good face.

Fortunately, the governor had a sharp eye and saw through these people's tricks on the spot, so he didn't have to worry about being deceived by the charlatans.

As they spent more time together, Bridges's impression of Roland became better and better.

The queen always has to get married, why can't it be Roland?

Roland has no family background and is an authentic old Sussex man. No matter how you think about it, he is a very suitable candidate for the prince.

Once his mind changed, he looked at Roland and liked him no matter how he looked at him.

Besides, Roland is a lucky star, and going out with him is always troublesome.

Bridges is not afraid of trouble, but he is more afraid of calm.

How can he show his ability without trouble.

Unfortunately, this operation is in the inland river, and the Sovereign cannot go upstream to put the cannon into the mouths of the fools in the Val City-State.

But it doesn't matter, the sailors are still warriors when they go ashore.

Bridges is determined to make achievements in this trip to Val Lake.

We must not lose to the army!

In the cabin, Roland and Sif met the bishop who fell into the water and two entourages.

Although the fact that he deliberately fell into the water was exposed, the bishop was not embarrassed at all, and even began to introduce himself in a familiar way.

"Governor, I am Bishop Heitingson of the Court of Light, this is Pastor Andrew, and this is Miss Christine."

Roland and Sif's eyes passed Bishop Heitingson and fell on Christine behind him.

The Court of Light advocates equality between men and women, and there are precedents of women serving as bishops or even popes, so it is not surprising to bring a priestess with them.

But their intuition tells them that this Christine is the protagonist of this trip.

Roland judged based on Christine's temperament and the name of Heitingsen.

And Sif's judgment is even more reasonable and well-founded.

Christine ranks seventh in the female charm ranking.

She is not wearing priest or nun clothes, but ordinary casual clothes.

Women who can be on the Magic Mirror Charm List are not ordinary people. Although Miss Christine is not an extraordinary person, she is not an ordinary person just by looking at her aura.

Uninvited guests are also guests. Since the other party is smiling, Roland will not turn his face black directly. He smiled and introduced himself and Sif's identities, and then said with a smile:

"Bishop Heitingsen, I respect the belief in the Goddess of Light, but the Earl and I are loyal believers of the Goddess of Plenty after all. It is not convenient to keep you on the ship. If you have anything to say, you can just say it directly."

The words are polite, but in fact, the relationship between the believers of Plenty and the believers of Light is not harmonious.

The colleagues are enemies. If the other party's existence affects their own missionary work, it's impossible for them to have a good relationship.

Having said that, Heitingsen didn't want to beat around the bush, but lowered his voice and said:

"Governor, if I guess correctly, you should go to Val Lake to observe the ceremony of the resurrection of the Holy Spring of Light, right?"

Roland and Sif looked at each other, both a little confused.

They knew that the Holy Spring of Light was the product of the frequent miracles of the Goddess of Light in the past.

There are only three Holy Springs of Light on the mainland. The holy spring on the shore of Val Lake has been dry for thousands of years and has long been forgotten.

Can this be revived?

"Well, do you think the believers of abundance will go to observe the miracles of other religions?"

Roland teased half-jokingly.

"Since it's not a ceremony, does the Governor want to destroy it with so many troops?"

Pastor Andrew behind the bishop asked coldly.

Roland was stunned.

Sif was also stunned.

Although it was easy to cause misunderstandings for them to lead the army to Val City-State to pick up people during such a sensitive period, such things could always be explained.

Even if he had bad intentions, it was not the turn of a mere white-robed priest to say anything, right?

Before Roland could lose his temper, Heitingsen could no longer sit still.

He stood up suddenly, pointed at the priest's nose and angrily said, "How dare you talk to Lord Roland like that? Andrew, apologize to Lord Roland immediately, and then go back to the confessional."

Although he was a little angry, Andrew did not dare to talk back to the bishop. He apologized to Roland and left.

After watching this good show expressionlessly, Roland cast his eyes on Sif and asked softly, "Count, what do you think?"

Sif smiled sweetly, but spoke mercilessly.

"The script is good, but the acting is average. Although Pastor Andrew's face was red, his eyes looked relieved when he was angry, as if he had completed a difficult task."

"Bishop Heitingsen was angry on the surface, but there was not much fear and anxiety in his eyes. As for Miss Christine, her expression was calm, as if she was rehearsing."

"If I guess correctly, Bishop Heitingsen wanted to use this performance to warn us not to have any bad ideas about the Holy Spring Resurrection Ceremony, right?"

"Absolutely correct!"

Without waiting for Heitingsen to speak, Roland gave full marks.

"Director Sif, you are right."

Faced with Roland's flattery, Sif raised her head proudly and looked at Bishop Heitingsen with a bit of teasing and mockery.

Since they are pagans and they are playing this trick in front of her, why should they be polite to them.

Although Heitingsen was thick-skinned enough, he still felt uncomfortable facing such ridicule.

He took a deep breath and tried to adjust his mood. He wanted to retort a few words, but Roland helped him explain.

"Sif, don't be so mean. Bishop Heitingsen came to negotiate with us after all. Although his acting skills are a bit poor, his intentions are good."

"Bishop Heitingsen, our trip has nothing to do with the revival of the Holy Spring, and we don't want to watch the ceremony. If there is nothing else, I won't waste your time."

"I promise not to interfere with the Holy Spring Revival Ceremony, and please don't interfere with our actions, Bishop."

Say not to waste the other party's time, but actually remind the other party to leave.

Roland's words were very impolite, but Heitingsen's basic goal was achieved, and he didn't want to stay any longer. He stood up suddenly and prepared to leave.

Just as he turned around, Christine, who had remained silent all the time, suddenly asked: "Mr. Roland, why did you mobilize hundreds of transport ships to sail like this? I wonder what business you are doing?"

"Sorry, this is a business secret."

Of course, Roland would not show his cards just because of a word from the other party.

The relationship between Fengrao and the Temple of Light cannot be said to be incompatible, but at least they are disgusted with each other.

You can't be too polite when talking to pagans, otherwise the other party will think you are afraid.

Facing Roland's somewhat cold attitude, Christine also looked at him coldly.

"Mr. Roland, it's better to say some things in advance. Saving the victims on the shore of Lake Val is part of the Holy Spring Resurrection Ceremony. Destroying the rescue operation is indirectly destroying the Holy Spring Resurrection Ceremony, which is to be an enemy of the servants of the Goddess of Light."

Roland frowned slightly and looked at Sif.

It turns out that there is no good when you go out, and trouble comes as soon as it comes.

What does the Holy Spring Resurrection have to do with these refugees?

Roland instantly figured out why the Temple of Light did this despite his complaints.

Political achievements.

With the resurrection of the holy spring, the acceptance of refugees, and the promotion of propaganda, it is possible to create a man-made saint.

Roland looked at Christine and vaguely thought of a possibility.

This image, this temperament, this cold and arrogant little expression.

Isn't this a ready-made saint?

I understand, I understand everything.

Roland smiled and asked: "I don't like what Miss Christine said. How could I be an enemy of the Light God Court? I'm just a little curious, how do you plan to settle these refugees after receiving them."

Hearing Roland say that he didn't want to be an enemy of them, Christine breathed a sigh of relief and said calmly: "Take them back to the Wende Empire and settle them near the City of Light."

"I'm a little curious. The Val City-State is at least more than 2,000 miles away from the Wende Empire. It's winter now, and there are so many old, weak, women and children. How to ensure their safety?"

"The goddess will protect them."

Christine said calmly.

Roland's expression was a little stiff.

So there is no plan, just take people on the road?

But it is not surprising to think about it. Although the Temple of Light is powerful, it is a religious institution after all. It is really difficult to deal with without a strong administrative system and a flexible standing army.

Roland extended his index finger, his eyes were stern, and he said loudly: "A team of more than 30,000 people is walking in the wilderness at around zero degrees or even lower. Do you know how many tents are needed?"

Christine was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

Roland took a step forward, extended his second finger, and said aggressively, "From here to the Wende Empire, passing through the Weimar Federation, the Kingdom of Pruden and other countries, what is the security situation in these countries, how much protection do you have? If you encounter thieves on the road, how to deal with it?"

This question did not stump Christine. She looked at Roland without giving in, and said coldly:

"We have 700 temple warriors, enough to protect their safety!"

700, right? That's fine.

No wonder he came to scare him and tried to compromise. It turned out that he was short of manpower.

Hearing that Christine had revealed her true feelings due to Roland's arrogant attitude, Heitingsen was so anxious that he wanted to rush over and cover her mouth, but it was too late.

Heitingsen's old face was really dark this time.

Christine was a good child in every way, but she was too young and was deceived by Roland, the little fox.

Bishop Heitingsen knew that he could not show weakness now, and snorted to remind Roland, "Governor, Miss Christine's 700 temple warriors are not ordinary warriors. They have received strict military training, are well-equipped, and have devout faith. They can fight for the goddess to the last man."

"Even if there are thousands of criminals with ulterior motives, they have to consider the bravery of the temple warriors."

His meaning was very clear. These 700 people were not ordinary warriors. They were fearless and brave. If they fought hard, thousands of ordinary troops might not be their opponents.

Andrew's acting, Heitingsen's stubbornness, and Christine's attitude made Roland outline the general situation in his mind.

The signs of the Holy Spring's revival usually appear suddenly, otherwise they would have spread all over the continent.

Because the incident happened suddenly, the nearest Bishop Heitingsen and the candidate Saint Christine rushed to the city-state of Val with all the troops they could mobilize.

There happened to be more than 30,000 refugees there, and they could perform a perfect redemption ceremony with them, giving the revival of the Holy Spring a sacred veil.

As long as this play is performed well, Christine's halo as the holy savior will be full.

It will be difficult for the saints of other religions who compete with her to turn the tables.

The plan was good, but unfortunately they were unlucky. They saw Roland's huge fleet when they went out.

After considering the balance of power between the two sides, the wily Hettingson designed this good show.

Andrew plays the bad guy, and he plays the red face.

If Roland was not the one leading the team today, most of the others would settle for peace with the mentality that one thing is worse than one thing less.

After all, offending the Holy Palace of Light is really unbearable for normal people.

Those who are brave enough will at most ask for benefits and compensation from Hettingson.

Thousands of people went out in force, so they couldn't go back empty-handed.

But it was Roland they met.

Everything else can be discussed, but not these 30,000 people.

Hettingson didn't know Roland's bottom line. He also heard about Roland's flexible acting style, so he smiled and said:

"Sir Governor, the Holy Palace will never let you make this trip in vain. Your expenses will be fully covered by the Holy Palace and we will compensate you double."

Roland did not speak, but turned his attention to Sif.

All the information that should be obtained was available, and he wanted to see how Sif would deal with it.

To deal with this complex situation, it is more effective than reading a hundred books.

Sif did not make a hasty decision, but said softly: "I have a suggestion, please seriously consider it. The Holy Spring Resurrection Ceremony requires the salvation of refugees, and I support it. Afterwards, we will take away the refugees to help you resettle them, and we will share the resettlement costs equally. "

Roland clapped his hands and applauded.

Behind Christine is the Wende Empire and the Divine Court of Light, and behind Sif there is the Sussex Empire and the Divine Palace of Plenty.

In terms of the power behind it, Sif does not lose at all, and even has an advantage.

In terms of current strength, there are 3,500 men versus 700, and Roland also has destroyer artillery support.

If there is really a conflict, the small broken boats of the Light God Palace will immediately sink to the bottom of the river.

No matter how good the temple warriors are, they can't even think of taking advantage here.

Since the strength is superior, it is natural to take advantage of it.

The cost of resettling these refugees is not a small sum, and it would be great if someone could share it.

Christine's face changed suddenly, and her voice trembled with anger, "What did you say?"

Sif calmly looked at Christine's chest, proudly raised her chest, and said loudly:

"According to your immature plan, it would be great if half of the 30,000 refugees could reach the Wende Empire. What you are doing is not rescuing people, it is clearly mass murder!"

"I'm saving your reputation by taking on the refugees."

“Kristine, you don’t want to be called the ‘Bloody Saint’ either, do you?”

Kristine’s expression changed instantly.

Although the media was not yet developed in this era, it was not so backward that tens of thousands of people died on the road without anyone noticing.

If no big country or force intervenes, just do it.

But now there is the Sussex Empire represented by Sif.

She bit her lip, clenched her fists, and said unwillingly: "Count Sif, what you do will cause major diplomatic conflicts, and even conflicts between two major religions. Can you bear historical responsibility?"

"Then can you bear the sin of causing tens of thousands of deaths?" Sif asked without answering.