The One Closest to God (2)
At Rockefeller's words, Bishop Verkis showed a slightly surprised expression.
"Build it anew?"
"Yes, build it anew. To be more precise, I think it would be an expansion."
The place where the two were was the central church of the Lyon Diocese, called the 'Lyon Cathedral.'
It was a place with no major flaws, as it was built more splendidly and magnificently than church buildings in other dioceses.
"Do we really need to go that far? Even if we expand, it won't be a small expense."
Rockefeller laughed as he spoke.
"Haha, if money is the problem, you don't have to worry."
Money?
To Rockefeller, money was his power and authority, which he could print as much as he wanted.
"While you, Bishop, have been waiting for us, I and the Lyon Guild have grown greatly as one alliance. All the guild members are united in supporting me, and the Black Label's affairs have been resolved well, so expanding the Lyon Cathedral here is nothing."
From Bishop Verkis' perspective, expanding the cathedral was not an easy task.
It was all about money, after all.
However, when Rockefeller told him not to worry about it, he had no choice but to change his mind.
'If we expand at this time, we will definitely attract the attention of the church.'
Somewhat convinced, Bishop Verkis opened his mouth.
"If you're going to help that much, I have no reason to stop you. But are you really okay with it? It's not a small business."
At that, Rockefeller responded only with a smile.
"What's the big deal about money for the sake of Bishop and St. John? Don't worry about money at all, and I hope you will build the Lyon Cathedral even bigger and spread the fame of your Excellency the Bishop."
Bishop Verkis, with a satisfied smile, nodded.
"If that's your wish, I'll do it."
"Proceed with the expansion right away. It's not difficult to raise funds from the guild."
At that moment, something came to Bishop Verkis' mind, and he asked Rockefeller for another favor.
"If you don't mind, while we're expanding, I'd like to have a mural painted with St. John in it... What do you think?"
"Why would I object? I welcome it."
"I heard there's a very talented artist named Andro in the Empire. He's deeply religious, and there are many rumors about him being a master of the empire who has produced numerous masterpieces. I want to call him and ask him to work on the mural."
"I think I've heard about him too. They say he's a polymath in various fields with the talent given by God. If we hire such a person, I think we can better express St. John."
"The believers here will love it. How happy would it be to see St. John, who is in their hearts, in person?"
"That's right."
Then, Rockefeller came up with an idea and suggested it to him.
'Where did I see this?'
"Your Excellency the Bishop. I just thought of this, but how about this? When painting the mural, put the mural on the ceiling and include St. John leading to heaven, you, the Bishop, and ordinary believers like me."
Bishop Verkis seemed to like the idea.
"That's a good idea. Putting mural paintings all over the ceiling... It's a wonderful idea. Let's do the mural work like that."
While Bishop Verkis was enjoying himself,
Rockefeller was planning the next step.
'In fact, there's a reason for giving so much.'
It was none other than the fact that raising the Bishop's position within the church would greatly coincide with his own interests.
'You have to become the leader of the church for the picture I'm drawing to be more perfect.'
Andro, the painter, would come to the Lyon Cathedral and paint a ceiling mural, but Rockefeller was already picturing the imperial society after the Crown War in his head.
'I've given enough carrots without a stick. Shall we get to the point now?'
"Your Excellency the Bishop. The Crown War is coming soon. Although the church will have nothing to do with the upcoming Crown War, if Your Excellency rises to a higher position, I have a favor to ask."
As Rockefeller mentioned a favor, the momentarily happy Bishop Verkis gave him a questioning look.
"You have a favor to ask if I do well?"
"Yes, that's right. It's not too difficult for me to help Your Excellency to this extent, but there's one thing I can't change in the current situation."
Bishop Verkis became curious about what he was trying to say.
'What on earth is he asking for?'
"What is it?"
It seemed like it wouldn't be an easy request.
Well, he wouldn't have offered to cover the church expansion costs so easily otherwise.
'It doesn't seem like an easy request. I'll have to listen first.'
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Rockefeller began to order what he wanted.
'Honestly, you should do this much, right?'
"Depending on the situation, it could be a big deal, but in some ways, it might not be a big deal."
Rockefeller continued.
"I would like you to stop the suppression of Ismail, who is currently branded as a heretic by the church, and help restore their honor within the church."
At those words, the expression of Elise, the secretary who had come with Rockefeller, wavered for a moment.
Her gaze lingered on Rockefeller for a moment.
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