Gospel of Blood

Chapter 349: ----------------

Chapter 349: ----------------

Become a true Saintess?

Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat.

In the Holy Court, the position of a Saintess is exalted. They can communicate directly with the Gods and are the earthly representatives of the divine. Even the Pope would have to bow to them.

However, not just anyone could become a Saintess. The extraordinary qualifications alone would disqualify most, not to mention the need for God’s approval to become a true Saintess.

To gain the approval of the Gods…

Charlotte felt a headache coming on.

Even with the Gospel of Blood as a cheat, allowing Charlotte to conceal her identity even when facing a Legendary priest, a clergy is one thing, but a God is another.

Charlotte wasn’t bold enough to face a God directly. Not to mention the God’s gaze.

Although her “time travel” hinted at a subtle relationship with God Harald, Charlotte still hadn’t figured out the exact nature of her time travel. To be safe, she thought it best to avoid God’s attention for now.

Moreover, a Saintess has her own duties. Unlike a noble part-time clergy, becoming a Saintess would mean giving up her territorial control…

Thinking of this, Charlotte became puzzled.

If the Archbishop mentioned her vow, it indicated the church’s interest in Castell. But inviting her to become a Saintess contradicted her vow since relinquishing control nullified the vow.

Given the intense power struggle between the monarchy and the church in the Crescent Kingdom, if Charlotte gave up control, the territory would likely be reclaimed by the king, now independent of Borde. If Charlotte became a Saintess, the king would be delighted.

So why did the church invite her?

Did they really value her “qualifications”?

Charlotte didn’t believe it.

Though puzzled, she maintained a grateful and apologetic expression.

“Archbishop, thank you for your kindness…”

“Becoming a Saintess of the Holy Court is an immense honor for any devout follower, but… I am not just a follower, I am also a lord.”

“Although I’ve dedicated my life to our Lord, I haven’t forgotten my family’s honor…”

Charlotte’s meaning was clear: she wouldn’t give up her territory to become a Saintess.

Even though this response nearly revealed her lack of true piety, Charlotte didn’t care.

Again, the church wasn’t blind or foolish. Investigating her actions since her transmigration would reveal her vow was likely a strategy to gain the church’s protection against other nobles eyeing Castell.

Unexpectedly, the Archbishop didn’t look surprised.

Clearly, he knew everything.

He smiled slightly and said,

“My child, I understand your concerns.”

“However… rest assured, the church is not asking you to become a full-time Saintess. You can maintain your lordship while serving as the Crescent Diocese’s Saintess.”

“Becoming a Saintess won’t require you to fulfill Saintess duties or undergo the Holy Gate’s trials in the Theocracy. You can retain your noble status…”

He paused, then added meaningfully.

“The church won’t interfere in Castell’s affairs but will be your strongest supporter, even against royal pressure.”

Charlotte: …

So, they want her to be a part-time Saintess?

But what’s the gain?

Nobles often had part-time clergies, but their roles were usually ceremonial. Could a Saintess be ceremonial too?

Her part-time role as a Saintess might bring a church aura, solidifying her vow and making Castell a future church territory.

Moreover, being a Saintess meant lifelong celibacy, reinforcing her vow.

Additionally, this role would naturally justify more church officials in Castell, strengthening church influence even without direct involvement.

The church didn’t want a Saintess per se but aimed to enhance its influence in Castell through the Saintess role. Had the church noticed the Nez Clan’s actions in the Starfall Kingdom and intended to use Castell as a springboard for suppression?

Or were they interested in the Northern Grand Duchy’s faith? Or maybe… the church already knew something?

Charlotte’s mind raced with many speculations.

The Archbishop gently asked.

“So, my child, will you accept the church’s invitation?”

Charlotte fell into deep thought.

This wasn’t a simple invitation.

It was a transaction.

Using the church’s protection to gain future control over Castell.

The church likely didn’t care about her true piety but sought to use Castell as a base to expand the Crescent Diocese’s influence.

Honestly, this conflicted with Charlotte’s goals. She needed to minimize church attention in the North, not draw it in.

But rejecting the invitation was risky, almost admitting guilt. No noble seeking church protection would refuse such a sincere offer without a good reason. Charlotte needed a suitable excuse.

But what excuse?

Her gaze fell on the bed and chair in the prayer room, and an idea struck her.

She remembered a scoundrel already judged by the church…

With that, Charlotte had a plan.

She sighed deeply and said,

“Archbishop, thank you for your kindness.”

“A year ago, I would have gladly accepted your invitation without hesitation.”

“But now, I cannot deceive my own heart…”

______________________________

Polite Refusal