Chapter 167: Blackmailing The High Priest

[Oswald Clover]

Age: 73

Race: Human

Current Rank: High Priest

Divinity Talent: Medium

Notable Information: A mediocre, spineless priest who values his own life above all else. Possesses genuine compassion for others but has a particular weakness for luxury and money.

- - - -

A smile flashed across Roderic’s face.

Although the elderly man wasn’t wearing his usual religious robes, it was the same High Priest who’d healed Gareth’s severed limbs!

’Well, would you look at that,’ he thought, rubbing his hands together. ’Just who I need to talk to.’

Without hesitation, Roderic changed direction and approached the table.

The elderly man was in the middle of a conversation with one of the merchants, laughing heartily at something he’d said.

’’Excuse me,’’ Roderic interrupted, a friendly smile on his face. ’’Mind if I join you?’’

The merchants turned toward him.

Upon recognizing who he was, their expressions immediately changed.

’’Y-Young Master Roderic!’’ one of them exclaimed, hurriedly rising from his chair.

The others quickly followed suit, each bowing politely.

’’There’s no need for that,’’ Roderic said, waving his hand dismissively. ’’I’ve only come to speak with this man here.’’

The merchants exchanged a few glances.

Each stepped back without another thought.

’’In that case, we shall excuse ourselves,’’ one said, bowing respectfully once more.

Roderic smiled, glad they understood his intentions.

Meanwhile, the elderly man simply stared at him.

’’The young master of the Whitemane family,’’ he remarked, raising an eyebrow. ’’What brings you here?’’

Roderic glanced back at the man before sitting down.

’’I could ask you the same thing, Your Eminence,’’ he replied. ’’I see you’re enjoying yourself at least.’’

As he spoke, Roderic gestured toward the mug of beer sitting in front of the elderly man.

The old man’s expression darkened slightly.

’’And what’s wrong with that?’’ he asked before taking another sip.

Roderic chuckled faintly.

’’Nothing, nothing,’’ he replied, waving him off. ’’I just thought people of your faith weren’t supposed to indulge in such things.’’

The elderly man simply stared at him for a moment.

Then he let out a deep sigh.

’’Just get to the point, young master,’’ he said. ’’What is it you want from me?’’

Roderic smiled appreciatively.

’’Straight to business, I see.’’

He leaned forward slightly.

’’One of our knights was severely injured during the recent battle,’’ he began. ’’Our doctors have done everything they can, but I’m afraid his injuries are beyond their abilities.’’

The elderly man didn’t look one bit surprised.

’’And?’’ he asked.

’’I was hoping you could help him recover,’’ Roderic said, maintaining his smile.

For a moment, the old man remained silent.

Then he shook his head.

’’Surely you know the rules, young master,’’ he replied. ’’We cannot interfere during a war.’’

Picking up his mug, he emptied the remaining contents in one go.

Roderic clicked his tongue inwardly.

’Stubborn old bastard.’

Still, he wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

’’Even if I were to announce that you’re breaking the rules of your faith right here?’’ he asked, gesturing toward the empty mug.

The elderly man stared at him.

Then, much to Roderic’s surprise, a challenging smirk appeared on his face.

’’Go ahead,’’ he said cockily. ’’Even the Pope enjoys a drink occasionally. At most, I’ll receive a slap on the wrist.’’

Roderic’s expression fell right away.

’So much for that.’

He’d been grasping at straws to gain some leverage over the man.

Unfortunately, it just wasn’t good enough.

’Do I have no choice but to kidnap him then?’ he thought. ’I could always kill him later so no one knows...’

He immediately dismissed the thought.

’Their paladins will come swarming over. If they figure out I did it, the territory is doomed.’

Roderic leaned back in his chair, his mind racing.

The next thing that came to mind was a bribe.

But before he could even offer it to the man, a familiar voice sounded from behind.

’’Y-Young master... hic...’’

Roderic turned around with furrowed eyebrows.

Standing a short distance away was Finn, dressed in civilian clothes with dust and scrapes covering his body.

The blond boy had tears streaming down his cheeks, his small shoulders trembling as he sobbed.

’What the fuck is this now???’

Roderic genuinely couldn’t comprehend what he was seeing.

However, before he could say anything, an idea suddenly flashed through his mind.

A wide grin flashed across his face.

He immediately crouched down in front of the boy.

’’What’s wrong, child?’’ he asked, his voice filled with concern. ’’Did this man do something to you?’’

Finn glanced at him.

For a brief moment, the two exchanged looks.

Then Finn nodded, enthusiastically at first, before quickly toning it down.

’’Hic... Y-Yes... hic...’’ he said between sniffles.

The High Priest stared at them in complete bewilderment.

’’What?’’ he asked slowly.

Meanwhile, several nearby merchants had begun glancing in their direction.

Roderic noticed them immediately.

His mind began racing.

’Now, what would be something believable enough to get this old bastard into trouble?’

It didn’t take him more than a second before his mind filled with examples from his previous world.

His expression grew even more concerned as he leaned closer to Finn.

’’Tell me, child...’’ he began softly. ’’Did this man touch you in bad places?’’

Finn’s eyes widened slightly.

Then he immediately nodded.

’’Y-Yes!’’ he cried. ’’And afterward... hic... he wanted to kill me too!’’

Roderic froze.

’...’

’Okay, now we’re going a little overboard.’

The High Priest nearly jumped out of his chair.

’’WHAT?!’’ he shouted, his face turning bright red. ’’Lies! Complete lies! I’ve never even seen this child before!’’

By now, almost everyone outside the inn had turned toward them.

Whispers began spreading among the onlookers.

Roderic slowly stood up.

His expression was solemn, but inwardly, he could barely contain his amusement.

He placed a firm hand on the High Priest’s shoulder.

’’I’m afraid these are some very serious accusations, sir,’’ he said somberly.

’’Accusations?! This is absurd!’’ the old man shouted, trying to pull himself free. ’’I haven’t done anything!’’

But Roderic’s grip on his shoulder was made of iron.

’’Of course, of course,’’ he replied, nodding sympathetically. ’’But I’m afraid I’ll have to take you into custody until we can get to the bottom of this.’’

The High Priest’s jaw dropped.

’’YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS!’’ he shouted loudly, drawing even more attention.

Roderic simply smiled.

’’Oh, I’m very serious,’’ he whispered, leaning closer. ’’Unless, of course, you’d prefer everyone here to know you’re a High Priest.’’

The old man froze on the spot.

His gaze moved between Roderic and Finn.

Seeing both of their smiles, a shiver ran down his spine.

’These two...’

He clenched his teeth, realizing exactly what was going on.

’’Now, now,’’ Roderic said. ’’Why don’t we find somewhere more private to discuss this?’’

His grip tightened on the old man’s shoulder.

A painful groan left the man’s mouth as he slowly nodded.

Roderic’s smile grew wider.

’’Good. I’m sure we can come to an understanding.’’