The One Closest to God (1)
Joshua, who was sent to Black Label, intended to wrap up his work in Lyon before returning to his territory in Montefeltro.
"I did entrust the Montepeltro territory to Mr. Carter for now, but...?"
Once the Crown War is over, the Gold Vein War will soon erupt.
With various matters keeping Rockefeller busy, he couldn't find peace of mind.
"More importantly, Joshua, who was sent as a Black Label, seems to be doing well."
In his private room in the Ghetto Nuovo area of Lyon, Rockefeller read a letter from Joshua.
"I'm not particularly good at this kind of thing, but it seems Joshua enjoys it."
Joshua, who made a fortune by investing in trading ships seized by pirates, sent a letter to Rockefeller, mentioning that this time luck was on his side, as he didn't invest in a trading ship that was stranded in a storm.
"That can only be attributed to good luck."
Considering the circumstances of trading ships being seized by pirates, there was a high likelihood of various outcomes. However, in the case of the trading ship that left at a very inconvenient time, the probability of encountering a storm was too high, so Joshua said he didn't invest in that ship.
"Joshua is wise. No matter how much profit it brings, if you don't manage the risk properly, it can disappear in an instant."
The name of the trading ship that Joshua didn't invest in was Morning Glory. It had been seized by pirates before but later came back like a miracle, bringing enormous profits to the investors who eagerly awaited its return.
"Luck? There's no such thing as eternal luck in this world."
But human's terrible greed goes beyond that luck. In the end, the lucky ship met a tragic fate, being shipwrecked in the storm.
"What is this Marsepauder? Anyway, it's unrelated to me since Joshua didn't invest in it."
After reading the letter that Joshua sent, Ellis, who serves as his secretary, was standing in front of him. She seemed to have something to say to Rockefeller.
"If you have something to say, please go ahead."
"Well... Bishop Verkis insists on meeting with you, Rockefeller, to continue searching for the Marsepauder."
The reason he had returned to Lyon was also related to matters involving the clergy.
Upon Ellis' words, Rockefeller stood up and prepared to go outside.
"Let's go together. I was actually planning to meet Bishop Verkis anyway. After all, the reason I came back to Lyon is to meet him."
"Yes."
The two of them immediately left the shop and headed to Lyon Cathedral, where Bishop Verkis was located.
Upon hearing that Rockefeller had come to see him, Bishop Verkis , who had been eagerly waiting for him, welcomed him warmly.
"I didn't expect it to be so difficult to see your face! If someone sees us, they'll think we're lovers."
"I apologize for neglecting you, Your Grace, due to guild matters. I deeply regret it."
"No need. Union integration can keep you busy too. It's all fine."
Bishop Verkis, who smiled, seemed anxious.
In the first place, there was a reason he had expelled his own family members and installed Rockefeller, an outsider, as the guild leader.
"So, is the Black Label's work going well?"
"Yes, the work there has been successfully completed. Currently, my third younger brother, Joshua, is managing that area."
"As expected, family is the best. Can't trust anyone else."
"Yes, and to be of help to Your Grace in various ways, I have expanded the business in many directions. Now I can assist Your Grace without hesitation."
Upon hearing those words, Bishop Verkis couldn't hide his joy.
"It's truly a joyful sound. I have been waiting for this for a long time."
Rockefeller also had things to be grateful for about him. He silently waited for him without saying a word while he was busy with various matters. Even though he could have gotten annoyed if I kept him waiting, I'm really thankful that he trusted me and waited until the end.
"By the way, I heard you were looking for me."
Once Rockefeller finished speaking, Bishop Berchis Verkis him a seat and sat down facing him.
"Well, as you know, the situation within the church is rather unsettling these days."
Upon hearing the story, it seems that the Pope's health is not in a good state.
Though it wasn't something immediate, for Bishop Verkis, who has big dreams, this seemed like the last opportunity for him to make a comeback.
"I recently corresponded with His Holiness, and it doesn't seem like our relationship has deteriorated that much. It would be really good if things could be resolved at this moment, don't you think?"
Bishop Verkis held a relatively low position within the church hierarchy. Instead, bishops and archbishops from other dioceses were receiving more attention.
"So, I wanted to have a talk with you. By now, shouldn't I also show something? There might be a big opportunity coming soon, you know."
Rockefeller showed a moment of contemplation upon hearing those words.
Then he spoke, "Of course, Your Grace. It would be a very good thing if you were to receive recognition within the church at a time like this."
"What good could come out of it?"
Rockefeller was able to come up with a good idea upon hearing those words.
Anywhere in the world, it ultimately comes down to being noticed easily through money.
So, Rockefeller shared his thoughts with him.
"Your Grace, how about building a new church to spread the will of St. John widely? Let's build it even bigger and grander than now."
Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi. Access 5 advance chapters with the Imperial Dalants Tier ($10) or 10 advance chapters with Dwarven Sovereigns Tier ($18) or 20 advance chapters with Goblin Dollars ($35). For every $25 collected on Ko-fi, I will release an extra chapter. Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button! Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Happy reading!
