Chapter 474: Banning The Church
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“It is not a problem, Your Majesty, if you want Watson to be the future king, but if you want to ban all the churches in the kingdom, the bishops and the priests will lose their jobs. One of the four major professions in the Holy Dragon Kingdom is that of priests. If so many people lose their jobs in such a short time, the kingdom will have a large number of unemployed people. Not only will it have an effect on the economy, but there is also the possibility of a riot.”
A white-haired old man emerged from the crowd not long after King Landhar III’s voice faded. Macrotov, the old man, was the leader of the kingdom’s civil officials, and other civil officials followed him.
Hoen led his army to King Landhar III and said, “Your Majesty, in order to save the people, I did not go to the sky to help you in time. It was my fault. Your Majesty, please punish me! Many people in the royal city were injured in the recent disaster as a result of our efforts. But no one has died as of yet. Concerning what Macrotov said just now, I do not think there is anything to be concerned about. After all, the gods will no longer protect us. Priests who have lost the gods’ protection are equivalent to those who have lost their power. It is not advisable to continue to allow a group of powerless charlatans to siphon off the kingdom’s money.”
“Hoen, you did not assist His Majesty in time when he was threatened in the sky just now. Instead, you aided the citizens. Is His Majesty’s life not as important to you as the lives of ordinary people? You immediately came to oppose our proposal now that His Majesty has returned safely. I believe you want His Majesty to die and that kingdom to be destroyed.”
Some of the civil officials mocked and ridiculed Hoen. The kingdom’s civil officials and generals were already at odds with one another. Hoen did nothing to assist in the great disaster that had occurred in the capital. That made them even angrier.
“Of course, His Majesty is more important than the average person. However, as the capital’s general, it is my duty to protect the capital. His Majesty has given me that order. Even if he were in danger, His Majesty said that we would not let the capital fall. What’s wrong with me obeying His Majesty? On the other hand, you didn’t do anything when His Majesty was in danger. Instead, you approach His Majesty and say a bunch of meaningless things. I believe you are the ones who do not wish the best for the Holy Dragon Kingdom.”
Hoen appeared solemn, but in his heart, he felt helpless. He also wanted to protect King Landhar III, but he knew the King did not need his protection. Furthermore, King Landhar III was not coerced into flying; rather, he flew up into the sky on his own. His intention was to use the gods to carry out a plan. Hoen was unaware of the specifics; all he knew was that King Landhar III appeared to have failed.
“How can you say that, Hoen? How can you understand the harm if the church was banned, you short-sighted man? The ramifications would undoubtedly be far greater than the previous Demoness Church incident.”
Hoen and the civil servants were having a heated debate. King Landhar III coughed and interrupted the two sides just as they were about to continue. King Landhar III covered his face with his hand and wore a pained expression after the two groups of people turned their gazes to him. “Quit arguing. I understand that outlawing the church will result in many unemployed people in the Holy Dragon Kingdom, which is not a good thing. However, what can I do?”
King Landhar III raised his gaze to the heavens. “I am already old, and I have just been terrified by the gods’ business. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to live. That kingdom will eventually belong to Watson.”
After a brief pause, King Landhar III returned his gaze to the sky. “I can only ban the church. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Are you being coerced, Your Majesty? Blink if you are being coerced,” Macrotov could not help but say, puzzledly.
When he saw King Landhar III’s actions, Sylvan, who was standing beside him, said, “King Landhar III, do not use such deceptive tactics to entice those ministers. What are you doing?”
When they saw King Landhar III’s actions, they would subconsciously believe Watson had done something wrong.
“Do not be so cruel, Lord Sylvan. I know I was wrong. I will send someone to announce that the church will be closed down.” King Landhar III clenched his fists and looked terrified. The ministers, as well as the people on the streets nearby, were all in a frenzy after his words.
“His Majesty is so terrified of the border count that he actually listens to him. Didn’t you say His Majesty despises the border count? There is only one way for such a situation to occur, and that is if His Majesty is threatened.”
“I have already said that His Majesty has no reason to pass the throne to Watson while the third prince is still alive. Watson must have used the army to threaten His Majesty.”
“Even if Watson is the most brilliant genius in the kingdom and commanded a massive army, he can’t accomplish such a feat. The royal family owns the Holy Dragon Kingdom. Why would a stranger like him want to join in the fun? Perhaps the deaths of the two princes are also connected to him. He must have used a despicable method to become the king. That is something I completely disagree with.”
For a brief moment, many people began to slander Watson, revealing common hatred. They had recently survived an earthquake and lava eruption in the royal city. Everyone was in a state of rage. Initially, they were enraged at the gods who had caused it. However, thanks to the astute leadership of King Landhar III, their fury was directed at Watson.
“Who will be the next king of the kingdom?”
“We are adamantly opposed to Watson becoming King! And we can not agree on a church ban. My father is a bishop. What will our family eat if he loses his job?”
The voices around them gradually became more audible. Sylvan, who knew what King Landhar III was thinking, could not take it anymore. With an angry expression on his face, he reached out and grabbed King Landhar III’s gold-embroidered collar and said, “Frier, you b*stard, take back what you just said.”
“Sylvan, you no longer address me as the King. Aren’t you being rude? Do you want to go to war with me?” King Landhar III wore a blank expression on his face as he leaned in close to Sylvan’s ear, whispering. Then he cocked his head back, his face twisted into a panic. “The border guards are going to attack me. Men! Protect me!”
“Lord Sylvan, I know you are a strong man, but please let go of His Majesty, or I will not be polite to you! The border will not be spared if anything happens to His Majesty,” Hoen said. The soldiers behind him simultaneously drew their swords, and their combat aura whistled.
The generals, as well as the civil servants, gave Sylvan a wary look.
Sylvan gritted his teeth, sensing the discontent in the people’s hearts. He really wanted to punch King Landhar III, but he knew that he would fall for King Landhar III’s trick if he did.
Laughter erupted from the sky just as he was feeling anxious and considering a countermeasure.
“Your Majesty, I have not seen you in a long time, but it looks like your place has grown so lively. This has far exceeded my expectations! Everyone seems to be debating whether or not to outlaw the church. On that point, I will respond to everyone. The church will not be shut down, and all bishops and priests will retain their positions.”
Everyone looked up to see Watson, accompanied by a few powerful dragons, sea folk, and angels, as they slowly landed in the royal city.
