Free Web NovelChapter 383: Chapter 84: A Sense of Aloof Independence
With a hint of weariness, he first bowed respectfully to Murphy. "Father."
"Mm." Murphy gave a slight nod and gestured with his eyes for him to sit.
Kaiden sat in the chair across from the desk, speaking only after a moment. "Father, I have several matters concerning the territory to report. The reinforcement of the canal east of New Wood Town is complete, so there should be no issues with summer irrigation. Miss Adela has delivered the final version of the trade agreement with the Imperial government. We have verified it and found no errors; it now only awaits your final review and seal. Furthermore, we’ve received word from Count Laura that the quality of the new season’s yield from the Southern Border Ore Vein is stable, and transportation has been arranged. And..."
He delivered his report methodically, and Murphy listened in silence, giving an occasional nod of acknowledgement.
Kaiden paused, his tone shifting almost imperceptibly. He glanced up at his father’s face, choosing his words with care. "There is one more matter... It’s about Eleanor."
Murphy’s gaze shifted almost imperceptibly, resting on Kaiden’s face as he motioned for him to continue.
Kaiden’s tone grew more cautious. "Eleanor... she has apparently requisitioned several shipments of supplies from the castle storerooms recently, mainly grain and basic healing herbs. The quantities aren’t enormous, but their destination... wasn’t for use within the Monte Territory. According to the deacons’ reports and some faint clues, the supplies seem to have been sent to several neighboring Baron’s and Viscount’s Domains—especially those that have recently suffered from famine or where rumors of Lords raising taxes are widespread. They were used to... provide relief for the local commoners."
He paused to observe his father’s reaction, but Murphy’s face was impassive.
Kaiden continued, "It’s not that the deacons question Eleanor’s kindness; they’re just worried. For one, this outflow of supplies, while not large each time, could affect the territory’s reserves and budget planning in the long run if it becomes a habit. For another, providing aid across territorial lines can easily provoke unhappiness or even suspicion from neighboring Lords, which I fear could lead to unnecessary trouble. And thirdly..."
He lowered his voice slightly. "Given Eleanor’s special status, for her to act this way... isn’t it too conspicuous? The world is in turmoil right now. Could this bring harm to our territory?"
Murphy was silent for a moment before speaking, his voice calm and even, yet carrying an undeniable weight.
"Let her be."
Kaiden was taken aback, seemingly not expecting his father to be so direct.
Murphy continued, "Kaiden, money and supplies... you can’t take them with you when you’re gone. Hoarded in a storeroom, they’re nothing but numbers on a page and goods that will slowly rot. Their true value lies in being used, in circulating, in being traded for something meaningful."
"What is Eleanor trading them for? So that some children won’t have to go hungry tonight. So that a few families won’t have to fall into despair for the time being. So that she can do what she believes is right, within her power, and calm the storm in her heart that rises from seeing suffering."
"That is far more valuable than letting them gather dust in a storeroom."
"As for the displeasure of neighboring Lords, or the attention of outsiders..." A hint of coldness crept into Murphy’s tone. "When has the Monte Territory ever needed to act based on the whims of others? As long as she violates no fundamental laws or morals, let Eleanor do as she wishes. If someone truly gets the wrong idea because of this, that’s their problem. Not Eleanor’s, and not the Monte Territory’s."
He looked at Kaiden, his gaze profound. "Remember, Kaiden, what good are wealth and power if you can’t use them to protect what you deem worthy of protecting, or to allow those you care for to live more freely? They’d be no different from a miser’s hoarded junk. Eleanor’s compassion, and her will to act on it, are far more precious than the grain and cloth she sent out."
As Kaiden listened to his father’s calm yet resolute words, the last of his concerns gradually faded from his face.
He stood and bowed to Murphy once more. "Yes, Father. I understand. I will instruct the deacons to cooperate with Eleanor’s requests. I will also be mindful of managing any potential external reactions to ensure no substantive problems arise for the territory."
"Mm." Murphy nodded, saying no more.
Knowing the conversation was over, Kaiden silently withdrew from the study, gently pulling the door closed behind him.
...
「Holy City. A prayer chamber.」
Faint morning light filtered through stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the gleaming marble floor.
Saint Cyril sat on a high-backed chair, draped in the deep red robes of a Cardinal.
His body was little more than a gaunt skeleton supporting the heavy vestments.
Elizabeth stood before him.
Her simple white robes were immaculate, making her skin seem as white as snow and her figure appear all the more slender and ethereal.
"Elizabeth," Saint Cyril’s voice was ancient and slow. "What of your communion with the Morning Star Bell of late? Are you confident you can awaken it fully, so that its chime will truly resound across every inch of the Church Court’s lands?"
Elizabeth slowly raised her eyes, her dark pupils calmly meeting the old man’s authoritative gaze.
"Your Eminence, I am confident in my ability to awaken the dormant power of the Morning Star Bell."
"However, this confidence does not stem from absolute certainty. The power of a Holy Artifact is vast and unpredictable. The ancient records are vague regarding the true conditions and costs of its awakening."
"All I can do is devote myself completely to understanding it, to resonating with it, to making the attempt. As for whether I can achieve the desired effect at the desired time... I cannot make an absolute promise."
