King

Even magicians, who had always been suppressed by the church, now came to the forefront and established magician associations with the support of nobles from various countries.

Not only magicians, but also many unpopular professions that originally existed only underground are now gradually entering the world's attention.

For example, wizards and arcane masters who pursue the truth come out from time to time to promote blasphemous theories: gods are just powerful beings and are not omnipotent.

Now most of these guys are hiding in the Mage Association. The mages' associations all over the continent have almost become the headquarters of blasphemers.

There is no way, who can let magic research also pursue the truth? To become a great magician, overcoming the fear of gods is a prerequisite.

It is always easy for people with the same philosophy to get together. It is not surprising that there are blasphemers among the Mage Association.

As for the nobles who were driving all this behind the scenes, they just let it go because they wanted to cause trouble to the Holy See.

As for belief in gods, tithes were the test. It is obvious that everyone's love for gold coins is much higher than their belief in gods.

Only free people living in the cities were able to pay in full, mainly composed of merchants, craftsmen, handicraftsmen...

"The truth is not important, the problem now is that the Holy See has crossed a line and we must give them a warning.

Let Earl Pierce go ahead and do it. The Blood Moon Horn matter should not be delayed for too long. No matter who it is, anyone who appears in the rebel ranks will be killed without mercy.

As for the Holy See, even if it breaks a hole in the sky, the kingdom will support it.

Things have reached this stage, and it is difficult not to offend the Holy See. Then simply follow the trend and cut the taxes sent to the Holy See by 80%.

As an excuse for Archbishop Tyron to look at it, he could rebuild churches in the southeastern province, or he could provide relief to refugees..."

Caesar III said domineeringly.

It can be seen that he is a good leader and can really take matters into his own hands.

Perhaps it is because of this spirit of responsibility that we can convince everyone. This allowed the Alpha Kingdom to maintain political balance even as the royal family's power declined.

Compared with this responsibility, withholding church taxes is actually a small matter.

After all, after so many years of violation, the taxes sent to the Holy See have been getting less and less.

At its peak, the Alpha Kingdom contributed more than 10 million gold coins every year to the Holy See in tithes, indulgence scrolls, and donations from believers, exceeding the kingdom's own financial revenue.

Up to now, this number has been cut off by two zeros. The remaining hundreds of thousands of gold coins only showed to the outside world that the Alpha Kingdom Church still surrendered to the Holy See.

The main reason is that I am worried that I will push the Holy See into a panic and cause a fatal situation. After all, it is an ancient organization that has been passed down for tens of thousands of years, and its heritage is deeper than any other kingdom.

…

Of course, Hudson was unaware of the high-level game that took place in the royal capital. As a new little aristocrat, the level of the circle he comes into contact with is really too low.

It can be said bluntly that most of the small and medium-sized nobles do not know that the domestic church is controlled by the big nobles, and they have essentially parted ways with the Holy See.

Even if they were lucky enough to notice this, their reason would tell them to forget it. There is no black and white in the world of aristocrats. You must be confused when you should be confused.

Regardless of whether it was the nobles involved or the Holy See, they were all pretending to be confused on this issue.

It will do no one any good to pierce the window paper before the moment of falling out.

Hudson, who was in high spirits just now, is now in a dilemma. Earl Pierce's order to speed up the march was once again sent to him.

If it were just these, it would obviously not be enough to make him hesitate. This is not the first time he has refused, and Hudson has long been used to not buying it.

The key to the problem lies in the conditions they have set. If he could arrive within two days and report the defection of a noble from the Fifth Army, not only would he be able to help him manage the title of baron, he would also be given priority in choosing fiefdoms.

The benefits are huge, but the consequences are also endless. Accepting this olive branch is equivalent to betraying the camp of the minor nobles and defecting to the command of Earl Pierce.

Traitors are the most hated in any world. Hudson was sure that as long as he took this step, he would be stinky in the aristocratic circle, and even the reputation of the Koslow family would be damaged.

The consequences of refusing the solicitation of a powerful count are also very serious.

Perhaps due to previous commitments and the face of the nobles, Earl Pierce would not target him openly, but secretly it was hard to tell.

If nothing else, Hudson's military exploits alone will be re-examined. The strategic significance of preserving food and grass will most likely be ignored, and only simple killing of enemies will be counted.

Even if you can get a fiefdom, it will only be a knight leader at most. Either the most rubbish knight collar, or the hottest knight collar.

"Uncle Siludi, Hudson appreciates the count's kindness.

Please tell His Excellency the Count to speed up the march. I will try my best to complete it. But now that the manpower has been reduced and a large number of wounded have been added, I am afraid that I will not be able to march thirty miles a day.

As for reporting the nobles of the Fifth Army, I am very sorry, but this is not in line with the spirit of chivalry..."

After much hesitation, Hudson finally reluctantly refused.

People should look forward. If the military merit is gone, it can be established again; if the territory is gone, you can wait for the next opportunity; if the reputation is gone, it will be gone forever.

If you can reach the sky in one step, get the fiefdom of one or two counties, and become a prince, your reputation will be bad.

The baron, who was just the lord of a town, was still at the bottom of the aristocratic circle, and was not worthy of Hudson betraying his integrity.

After all, there are only zero and countless betrayals. Once you betray your companions, you will never be trusted again.

Even if you follow Count Pierce wholeheartedly, you won't be truly accepted. There is a high probability that after the effect of buying bones for a thousand dollars comes into play, an opportunity will be found for him to be used as cannon fodder.

Similar things have happened countless times in history. Once a traitor loses his value, it is rare for him to die a happy death.

"Hudson, you have to think carefully. Opportunities like this don't come every day..."

Knight Siludi persuaded sincerely.

It can be seen that he does not want Hudson to accept the bribe of Earl Pierce, but he only opened his mouth to persuade due to his status.

Hudson didn't bother to delve into the specific reasons. Human nature can never stand the test. Except for your parents, I guess few people want you to live a better life than him.

Originally, this military merit was enough to make people jealous, but if he became a fiefdom baron by betraying his teammates, it would be more than just jealousy.

"Uncle Siludi, thank Earl Pierce for my kindness, but Hudson really can't bear this gift!"