Chapter 86 - The Council (1/2)
When the five other commanders of the noble families entered the hall, each sat on the throne whose symbol carved at the top correspond to the coat of arms of their respective family.
”Shall we begin?” The Elf with white hair and tattoos on the upper part of her face inquired. This was Nico Sallow.
All the commanders nodded without saying a word, and then Oliver left the hall.
”What business is so important to bring us together so urgently? I thought our next trial meeting was not until next week.” Shanks Ballard, the owner of much of Suzano City, questioned.
”Demons.” Amanda Hangen replied. The woman leaned forward on her throne, resting her body on her archaic gavel.
Soon after her answer, buzzing among the commanders themselves began. Not wanting to waste any time, she began to explain.
”They are in Vasconcelos, or at least they were. There have already been two first-degree contacts and also several other incidents caused by their presence.”
”Tsk!” A man with gray hair and beard clicked his tongue. He wore a stylish outfit, entirely black except for the inside of his cape, which was red. ”Why should we bother with that? That's exactly the kind of problem we fund the Cardinal Church for.”
”Yes, but w—”
”If we're having problems with this kind of plague, why should we continue to keep this Church standing?” Erick Smakusa continued to criticize, interrupting Hangen.
Understanding the political strategy Erick wanted to use, Ayumi interfered with his speech. ”Mr. Smakusa, you should know well why we keep the Cardinal Church up to this day, no?”
”What do you mean?” He asked, clenching his eyes.
Then the Elf stood up and began walking to the center of the circle in the hall.
”The Cardinal Church is a major player in getting the general population out of further trouble, without wishing to belittle our adventurers and, of course, the Daren family.” She explained and pointed to a man with white hair, dark skin, and a proud smile, sitting on one of the thrones.
”It is... I do not disagree that our adventurers and the Daren Family do a good job; however, I judge that it is a great waste for us to fund a foreign organization.”
”Mr. Smakusa, you would be right, if not wrong. Although it originated on another continent, the Cardinal Church has already established roots here and gained many believers.” Ayumi gestured as she conversed.
”Yes, that is true, but the Sakan Religion has been gaining many adherents in the South as well.”
”Forget that, Mr. Smakusa. The agenda of the moment is not religions.” Jimbe Collalto, the oldest member of that generation of the council, accosted the discussion.
”Well then, explain the situation in Vasconcelos, Mrs. Strogueher.” Erick Smakusa said, disappointed while resting his head on his right arm.
”One of the first-degree contacts with the demon was public. Although a Secular managed to stop him, he apparently managed to escape.” Yamazaki explained, omitting that it was Luke who managed to kill the demon's receptacle.
”How public was that?” Nico Sallow inquired, seeming interested in the meeting for the first time.
”Enough that I learned about it before I even got here.” Jimbe answered her. Although his family mostly takes care of agriculture in the Empire, the old man has ears for all corners of the continent.