Kays Translations

Chapter 202: Nicolette’s Way of Fighting

While Isamu and the others were beginning their training in piloting the magic giant golem at the “Protectors’ Village,” others in the capital, Klaufendam, were preparing to counterattack in a different way.

“…I see. That’s a good idea.” 

Benedict the high priest said, nodding vigorously.

“Right? Since we won’t get any decisive evidence anyway, we need to hit back in a way that’s not straightforward.” 

Nicolette replied, crossing her arms and sounding displeased.

“And one more thing. Isamu might not like it, but… I’ll use the Orihime-chan’s coin as a symbol.”

“Oh? The symbol?” 

“Yeah. Thanks to the church spreading it indiscriminately, they’ve become quite popular in a short time, haven’t they?”

“Such enthusiasm in their missionary activities…”

In response to Nicolette’s sarcasm, Benedict maintained his expression and replied, 

“Words can be twisted… Well, it’s fine. Thanks to that, we have moves we can make, so I’ll let it slide this time.”

“I appreciate that.”

The “seal” that Nicolette mentioned referred to the Orihime goods that the church decided to create after the divine idol and household altar. This decision was made about three months ago, just before their pilgrimage.

The base was a coin made from a metal resembling pale gold, featuring a relief of Orihime’s profile and paw print designs.

They were compact and significantly cheaper compared to the divine idol. Since they could be engraved with the purchase date and name, they quickly became popular upon distribution.

Because they could be mass-produced by creating a mold, the design changed every month, leading to an increase in collectors.

“We’ll release several new designs for a limited time… but only in certain territories.” 

Nicolette continued.

“Only in certain territories… I see what you’re saying. But is that alright? Matsumoto-dono has instructed us not to increase the designs too much.” 

Benedict remarked.

As Benedict pointed out, in a world like Ethersia where collector’s items were rare, Isamu had previously warned against expanding the designs too much due to concerns over the rising trend of collecting Orihime coins.

“Isamu will probably give a wry smile and acknowledge it. Besides, this time, even if Isamu says no, I’ll do it anyway. I’m not the type to sit quietly while my husband is thrown in prison.” 

Nicolette stated firmly.

Nicolette understood this well.

Knowing that she was not going to hold back against those who had not only ravaged her territory but also wrongfully imprisoned her beloved husband, she was determined to take action without choosing her means.

“Understood,” Benedict replied, confirming Nicolette’s intent with a deep nod.

“Now, let’s organize our strategy for this operation.” 

Benedict said, taking a pen and starting to write on the empty space of the paper spread across the table.

Nicolette and Benedict have two major plans involving the church.

First, they aim to use picture-story shows (kamishibai) as propaganda. The picture-story shows, which were created and performed to promote the activities of the Orihime coin at the same time, have become a quiet sensation throughout the kingdom. In the world of Ethersia, where entertainment is scarce, these shows, featuring illustrations by religious painters and narrated by skilled priests, have been well received by both children and adults.

Following the initial defense battle of Klaufeldt, sequels intertwined with real-life stories, such as tales of archaeological explorations, have already been released one after another. For the nobility and those with a certain level of income, performances by licensed bards are also held, which have proven to be very popular.

This time, the subject of the picture-story show will be the current incident. The story, where the Orihime and get friends thwart an invasion by enemy nations planning misdeeds using the ancient weapon of the magic giant golem, seems to have a great potential for popularity.

Of course, the villains in this story will include the traitorous nobles, such as Duke Yaderud. While they won’t be named directly, the level of anonymity will allow many citizens of the kingdom to guess who they are. Alongside a nation modeled after Zun, these antagonists will be depicted as the epitome of ruthless villainy.

This will be disseminated throughout the churches in the kingdom for a large-scale release. The traitorous nobles will inevitably apply pressure, but since it is church-led, it will hold little significance. Moreover, the creation of the picture-story shows is centered around orphanages; any rash attempts to ban them within their territories will clearly backfire.

In a way, this can be seen as a rather malicious form of retaliation. Isamu, aware of the high potential for the picture-story shows to serve as propaganda, was correct in involving the church and orphanages.

“Make sure to arrange things with the churches in various regions. I will also ask the wives of the Frontier Margraves and our acquaintances in the royal capital about the matter.”

Nicolette instructed.

“Understood. If the matter goes well, it will serve as a final blow… Thank you very much.” 

“This might take some time, so let’s start with the church, alright?”

“I am fully aware,” Benedict nodded deeply in response to Nicolette’s confirmation.

The second strategy involves the use of Orihime Coins to spread rumors. The affordable and compact Coins, available in multiple designs, are becoming established as convenient collectible items. Currently, the patterns designated by the Klaufeldt Church, which is the mastermind behind it all, are being released nationwide, but this will be somewhat liberalized.

This will be known as the “local design” initiative. Local products tend to be popular as souvenirs, and history has shown that they can also become collector’s items.

However, in this world of Ethersia, where the transportation network is underdeveloped and travel is challenging due to the presence of monsters, obtaining coins from other territories is quite difficult. Therefore, there are plans to create a distribution network to transport coins made in each territory to the churches in other regions.

Initially, the Klaufeldt family will provide several magic vehicles, and knights and soldiers from their faction will be supplied for their operation and escort. Although the large cargo wagons may have a lower carrying capacity, using the lightweight coins for transport with the fast-moving magic vehicles is expected to be ideal.

And from this distribution network, they will exclude the territories of the rival nobles.

What will happen then?

In the neighboring territories, residents will grow frustrated as they can obtain various coins from other territories while they cannot get any from their own territory.

At that point, rumors will be spread saying, “Your lord is the reason you’ve been excluded.”

While it’s unlikely that this will lead to a coup or rebellion, together with the picture-story shows, distrust will surely accumulate.

It should be noted that even with coins from other territories, there will be no additional charges for donations, so the distribution work itself will be voluntary.

Since they are not making a profit, the lords cannot force anyone to participate.

Of course, there will be behind-the-scenes arrangements with the local churches to prevent disputes between them.

“So, is the design okay?” 

Nicolette asked.

“Absolutely. We receive daily petitions from the person in charge of the designs, asking if we can increase the variety.” 

“Then that’s good. But let’s start with one design from each territory first. If we increase them all at once, it will lose its significance.”

“…Understood.”

“Phew. I hope we can deal some damage with this…”

“Even if we don’t see immediate effects, it will gradually chip away at the lord’s power and credibility.”

“yes. I hope so… Well, in any case, this all depends on the church’s cooperation, so I’m counting on you, Bishop?” 

With that, Nicolette, who was playfully smiling, addressed Benedict as he prepared to leave the room after finalizing the short-term policy.

Although Benedict held the position of High Priest when Isamu and the others came to Klaufeldt, he has since been promoted to Bishop. 

A bishop is a rank above that of a High Priest, so this is considered a significant promotion of two ranks.

While the official reason for this elevation is finding the divine being, Orihime, it’s easy to imagine that it’s largely due to the unparalleled donations related to the divine objects, picture-story shows, and coins.

“I’m merely in this position through the blessings of Orihime and Matsumoto, so it is only natural that I devote myself to your lord, as his vassal. You can leave it to me.” 

Benedict said, bowing respectfully with a wry smile.

“Well, that’s fine. As long as you’re on Isamu’s side, feel free to rise through the ranks as much as you want.” 

Nicolette replied.

“I will keep that in mind,” Benedict said, bowing deeply once again.

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