Chapter 1422 - 604: Alfred’s Report (Part 2)

Chapter 1422: Chapter 604: Alfred’s Report (Part 2)

"Very well." Archbishop Vicma finally nodded. The green jewelry on his chest, the emerald Griffin imbued with the God of Justice’s divine power, was shining brilliantly. He uttered just one word and then fell silent.

Alfred gritted his teeth, almost using his body directly to withstand Vicma’s imposing presence.

This statement, he must say.

He was no longer just an ordinary Paladin; he had now risen to the rank of Temple Knight Commander. As Ingrid had said, Alfred now had a certain degree of fame, which in simpler terms meant he had the authority to participate in discussions.

At this time, continuing to be reclusive, hesitant, or indecisive would not only be detrimental to his future but would also significantly affect the entire Old World’s opinion of him!

As a Temple Knight Commander, he must have his own opinions, his own views; otherwise, he would have agreed when Archbishop Vicma previously proposed increasing the staff.

Since he did not agree, then he must bring some substance; otherwise, being unwilling to be a mere figurehead while also not providing anything substantial would make his actions very suspect!

The Church would not feel secure entrusting the entire parish to such a person.

After a moment of silence, the empty Holy Relic Hall felt rather oppressive.

Since the Empire’s establishment, countless heroes and martyrs’ relics had quietly surrounded those seated here.

"Alfred Damian Veen?" Archbishop Vicma spoke.

"Yes!" Alfred replied softly.

"Tell me, what is our Justice Church’s core doctrine?" The Archbishop continued to inquire.

"Justice knows no distinction between rich and poor, justice requires a price." Alfred was unsure of what the Archbishop was thinking, so he had no choice but to repeat this core doctrine, which was already engraved on his soul.

"But the standards of justice are different for different people, under different circumstances. What some see as justice, others may not. But we know, the masses are always ignorant, conformists; truth is always in the hands of the few. When faced with a dilemma, if you were a Shepherd Leader, how should you handle it?" Vicma enunciated word by word.

Alfred now truly felt troubled. This was a very difficult question to answer, not only for Alfred but for the whole Church, and even for many nobles and bureaucrats, it was tough to produce a perfect solution.

The Temple Knight Commander opened his mouth slightly, feeling a bitterness, unsure of how to respond.

"No need to rush your answer; consider this my assessment of you." Vicma indicated to Alfred not to hurry: "Think it over carefully, and answer when you’re ready."

Alfred couldn’t help but recall the time when, as a small Paladin in Nord, he was sent to the Church to avoid disputes over his inheritance, as he was not the eldest legitimate son. Back then, Nord’s Regional Archbishop Innocen admired him and personally baptized him; he once saw Archbishop Innocen as a father-like idol.

But after learning that Laine was going to Marinburg, he resolutely decided to follow Laine. Many things happened in between; it’s not something easily explained in just a few words.

"As Shepherd Leader, you are a model for the entire parish, also the person in charge; your existence ensures everyone fulfills their roles in the parish. I’m just a Temple Knight Commander; I’m not qualified to be a Shepherd Leader, nor do I dare entertain such a thought..." Alfred considered carefully and finally responded conservatively.

"Hmph! Don’t try to fob me off with those Church platitudes!" Archbishop Vicma coldly waved his hand: "This is the Holy Relic Hall! Feel free to speak your mind!"

Alfred flushed with embarrassment, looking down and thinking for a while, then tentatively said: "Is my age the issue? I’m only thirty-four years old now; becoming a Parish Shepherd Leader would indeed fall short of expectations? People view me as an idol and hero to worship, but I can’t always rely on my personal prestige to handle problems?"

"Becoming a Shepherd Leader in your thirties is indeed rare, but not unheard of; you are already qualified enough. That plot of land has already been granted to you. No, think again; short of expectations, whose expectations are you falling short of?" Vicma shook his head lightly.

Whose expectations am I falling short of? Alfred wiped the sweat from his forehead with his hand, mulling over Archbishop Vicma’s words thoroughly in his heart.

That’s it! It’s correct!

The Emperor and the Church’s opposition on the Royal Chief Grand Wizard issue, Laine’s arrival, his presence here for duty reporting, why the first two questions were asked, and the doubts regarding the position of Shepherd Leader—all these issues are linked to the core of this question.

Whose expectations? If you were Parish Shepherd Leader, whose expectations should you be carrying?

"His Majesty Vicma, is the question of whose expectations referring to the expectations of all the people in the Ancient Church District under your jurisdiction, combined with the Church’s expectations, which together constitute the expectations carried by the Shepherd Leader?" Alfred raised his head.

"Hehe~ Very good." Archbishop Vicma finally nodded approvingly: "Now I understand why you were able to find your place in the kingdom belonging to the Lady of the Lake across the mountain."

"Please, Your Majesty Archbishop, enlighten me." Alfred knew Vicma had more to say, and he promptly seized the opportunity to respond.