Chapter 1423 - 604: Alfred’s Report (Part 2)_3

Chapter 1423: Chapter 604: Alfred’s Report (Part 2)_3

"Mm." Vicma nodded, "As the Parish Shepherd Leader, and also the vassal of the entire Ancient Church District, you must maintain and protect your people. You must be fair, just, and transparent, so that everyone feels convinced and respected; only then can your rule continue. This is bearing the people’s expectations."

"But at the same time, you must also remember where your position as Shepherd Leader, including your position as Temple Knight Commander, comes from. Who gave you the power to rule this land? It’s the Church, it’s us, it’s me, and also your childhood friend Laine! What use is a rebellious Shepherd Leader and vassal?"

"Therefore, you must find your role yourself, understand what you should and should not do, and have a gauge in your heart. Oversimplifying by siding with the people’s expectations, like Luther Hus, who completely abandoned his position, imagining himself as a remarkable reformer and changemaker acting solely for the Church’s good, is trying to destroy everything he treasures. Had things gone his way, I would have been expelled from this Cathedral long ago!"

"He only raised problems without addressing how to solve them or how to deal with the resultant issues. He just wanted a one-step solution, which is simply impossible! Hence, he bears the people’s expectations but has entirely drifted out of the Church’s control. Such a person cannot serve as a Shepherd Leader."

"Conversely, shutting oneself away, knowing nothing of the outside world, and acting as a puppet is equally unwise." Vicma nodded, "Do you think I’m unaware of some internal Church remarks? Using our Lord’s name as a banner for everything, claiming every action is our Lord’s will—blindly enforcing the Oracle without considering circumstances, and when there’s no Oracle, busying oneself only with penance, prayers, and confessions? Such individuals are unfit to be a Parish Shepherd Leader! They are tarnishing the reputation and prestige of the Justice Church!"

"I’ve already dismissed over eighty clergies for this reason. These individuals belong on the battlefield, not as Shepherd Leaders. The Church does not need these fools; they are to prove their worth and usefulness elsewhere!"

Alfred’s sweat had already trickled down his cheeks, and the meticulously groomed hair of the Temple Knight Commander was soaked with sweat, sticking uncomfortably to his face and neck.

"These are the words of the Archbishop himself, Alfred, remember them well." The Templar Order Grand Master Hans-Retdorf softly addressed his Knight Commander, "You need to find your own way to handle matters and balance between the two. Brittania’s situation is unique; we cannot teach you, you’ll have to figure it out yourself."

"Yes!" Alfred replied prudently, bowing his head.

"As for Luther Huse, remember never to stand out, nor to express any opinions." Archbishop Vicma nodded calmly, his bald head reflecting in the Holy Relic Hall’s candlelight, twin-tailed comet-shaped beard slightly swaying, "Bear in mind, Luther Huse is useful to keep; this mad dog can be strategically used to strike those resting on their laurels. He will open many gaps, at which point we need only respond to the call and act accordingly to reshuffle internally. You merely need to manage your parish and fiefdom. Should anyone ask you, say you’re unaware of matters beyond the mountains and haven’t had the time to understand."

Upon hearing this, Alfred felt enlightened; no wonder Archbishop Vicma kept Luther Huse and disagreed with expelling him from Church Membership — he had such a plan!

How cunning indeed!

The Temple Knight Commander said no more, only responding once again, "Yes."

"Very well, the position of Shepherd Leader of the Freya Ancient Church District is now entrusted to you, Alfred. May you loyally serve under the guidance of our Lord’s Radiance!" Archbishop Vicma clapped his hands, and the Templar Order Grand Master presented a large platter, signaling Alfred to approach.

This is a set of crimson purple Shepherd attire, including a ritual scarf, belt, silk water ripple daily wear, tie, short white coat, four-corner hat, and twin-tailed comet-shaped shepherd’s scepter.

"Yes!" The Temple Knight Commander felt profoundly touched by this set of attire, his heart overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes slightly dazed, eagerly swallowing a mouthful of saliva as he hurried forward, receiving the large iron platter.

He was about to express gratitude when Archbishop Vicma grasped his arm, "Before that, I have one more word to say."

"Please instruct, Archbishop." Alfred’s heart trembled, knowing his moment of distraction was noticed by Vicma, he could only bow his head in response.

"In future, do not carry a torch alone to ignite explosives." The usually stern Archbishop suddenly smiled, "In other matters, you can devote yourself, even if severely injured or disabled, we can have Life Church to perform Divine Skill Limb Regeneration, but if you die, where can we find another childhood friend of Laine to serve as Shepherd Leader on the Lady of the Lake’s territory?"

"Understood!" Alfred took a deep breath, responding loudly, before kneeling with both legs to accept the appointment.

From today, he is the Shepherd Leader appointed by the Justice Church for the Freya Ancient Church District, as well as the entire Western Brittania!