abcnovels
Chapter 906: Speaking With The Cardinal
Chapter 906: Speaking With The Cardinal
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"I see how it is…" The cardinal, an old man around the same age as Ellergest when he passed away, nodded while stroking his long white beard. He had a rather calm and serene expression, wearing simple white and yellow clothes. I thought he would wear extravagant golden accessories or something, but he was surprisingly humble. "I have to admit it, Blake, Elizabeth.
I had contemplated this many times myself. I remember working hard when I was younger for something like this to be done, but I always failed. You see, our church depends in the funds of the government to maintain itself. And of course, of the nobles that donate to us. However, that is never nowhere near as enough.
And we must always prioritize the money into food and other things, so we can keep the children of our orphanages safe and sound… sacrificing the ability to teach them essential things as a result."
"Hm, I guess it is understandable." I nodded. "Money is always a problem with these things. And changing everything worldwide wasn't my idea either. At least not for now.
If, hypothetically, I could provide you with the budget to open a small school in this village for commoners and serfs to attend for free, could you help me find some available teachers of Spirit Energy cultivation or magic formula creation that would be willing to come all the way here?"
The cardinal glanced at me in surprise with his sharp blue eyes and smiled gently. "Hoho, to think you would go to such lengths for the younglings of this village, Blake… I've heard many things about your feats. In this year you've accomplished more than any soldier, hero, or priest has ever done in the past hundred years. And I've also heard you've won the heart of dear Elizabeth here…"
"I've done what I could. I've worked hard, and I haven't done it all alone. My friends here, helped me accomplish all these goals." I smiled. "And we'll continue down this path, until we can free this world from the Demons."
"Such a brave and youthful attitude, you're a true hero." He smiled, pleased. "It seems you do not intend to retire at all despite the things you did. Anybody would at this point, yet you are relentless. Always striving forwards, what an incredible person. For someone so young… Were your parents quite militaristic in your growth?"
"Oh, no, it surprises me that they're so nice and relaxed." Laughed Elizabeth. "He was just born like that, pretty much! A talent, I would say."
"He has to know of what he has become, even though he seems unaware." The Cardinal spoke. "You've become more than just a hero, but a figure of hope, Blake. And also, someone that many nobles have become wary of. Your strength growth is off-limits.
People often takes decades to reach your height, yet you've done so in just a couple of years, or a year if we take only in account your time in the Academy. Many people, especially around the world, desire you and want to recruit you. If you cooperate directly with our church, that might send a message to the rest."
"I don't care." I shrugged. "Why should I? They can think whatever they want."
"So blunt… Hohoh, but a fitting response, yes." The cardinal stroke his beard as he slowly drank tea.
"Anyways, I don't really like talking about myself." I interrumpted their words. "Cardinal, now that I have the money and reputation, I won't stand seeing the children of my village grow to be ignorant. Or even worse, to cripple their spirit orbs and never see their full potential. Can you work with me on helping them, or not? That's all I'm asking."
"B-Blake! Be more respectful, please… He's like an uncle to me!" Elizabeth complained.
"No, no, it's fine." The Cardinal nodded. "Very well, if you insist. I don't have any other option. I have my savings. I can help you with this-"
"Keep your savings, cardinal. I have enough. And soon, we'll have even more once that white dragon is out of the map." I smiled. "For now, please dedicate yourself to find trustworthy teachers. That is all I'm asking out of your kindness."
"Y-You plan to slay the White Dragon of the Mithril Mountains?" The Cardinal gasped. "Did I heard that right?"
"Yeah, we've been preparing for that moment." I nodded. "Right?"
"Yes, we were a bit reluctant at first, but we are here for that too." Elizabeth said. "Once we can slay that dragon and clear the dungeon where it resides, the mountains will be freed for us to mine and make an immense profit off it. Mithril is one of the precious metals capable of resisting the magic and powerful strikes of demons after all.
It is a necessary metal to arm our troops in the north's frontlines."
"And the money we'll make will surely be enough to fund some basic education, perhaps some barracks… Maybe a larger wall, or perhaps even our own knights." I smiled. "I wouldn't mind ascending my entire family into nobles with cheer money alone. Anything to protect them more."
"Y-You're so ambitious." The Cardinal muttered. "Yet somehow, you're not just bluffing or talking delusions. Based in what you've done. I genuinely think there is a big chance… a chance that monster that has cursed the growth of this Duchy for so long to be finally slain…"
"So, Cardinal." I extended my hand towards him. "Do I have your word?"
He looked into my hands, sensing power coming from them. But then he nodded, a Golden Aura similar to the element Anna had surged, as we both shook hands in agreement.
"You have my word, Blake." He nodded. "I think I can find the professors you need between three to seven days. Is that alright with you?"
"More than enough." I nodded, smiling.
Once we walked outside of the church, Elizabeth seemed slightly exasperated about the whole situation. I could understand why, but deep down, I could tell there was light in her eyes. She was very happy.
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