Chapter 562: Chapter 562: Suggestion_1 560

Emperor Reinhardt’s icy gaze was firmly fixed on Cardinal Noputon.

Unfortunately, Noputon ignored it completely.

Recently, every time Emperor Reinhardt heard news about the North Territory, he could not suppress his inner rage. Perhaps subconsciously, his fear of the North Territory even surpassed his wariness of the Church.

Now Noputon claimed to seek cooperation with the St. Hilde family, and this immediately touched the most sensitive nerve of Emperor Reinhardt.

If Noputon and the North Territory joined forces and succeeded, wouldn’t the royal family be marginalized?

Even now, the North Territory presented a threat to Emperor Reinhardt. If they were to collude with the newly appointed Pope then who would have final say in the Empire?

A tangible pressure slowly spread, making the air in the hall seem stagnant.

Though Noputon felt the unmasked killing intent of the Emperor beside him, he still casually savored the champagne in his cup.

The cunning Cardinal had long seen through the Emperor’s bluffing nature, knowing his threatening demeanor was all for show.

Sure enough, after a stalemate, seeing no signs of Noputon backing down, Emperor Reinhardt humphed in anger, coldly saying:

“Cardinal Noputon, after much consideration, I’ve decided that as Emperor, I should not tolerate blasphemers like Gregory staying atop the Holy Mountain.”

Noputon smiled, saying, “Your Majesty, you’ve made a wise decision!”

Emperor Reinhardt forced a smile, asking, “So, what is your plan?”

Noputon immediately replied, “Your Majesty, there is a routine meeting of the Cardinals at nine o’clock the day after tomorrow. I will attend and propose impeachment against Pope Gregory.

I hope you can assemble an elite squadron of knights ready to storm the Holy Mountain at my signal before the Temple Knight Regiment reacts, and take control of Gregory before he does something irrational.”

Emperor Reinhardt thought for a moment and replied, “Alright.”

At this moment, Baron Heidegger, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke, “Cardinal Noputon, the royal family’s assistance this time is conditional.”

Noputon was taken aback but still asked, “What condition?”

Emperor Reinhardt was also surprised, looking at Baron Heidegger in confusion.

Baron Heidegger gave Emperor Reinhardt a significant look, then said,

“The position of Archbishop of the Eastland is currently vacant, right? We hope that the new Archbishop of the Eastland can be appointed with the consent of His Majesty.”

Noputon frowned and turned to look at Emperor Reinhardt.

Emperor Reinhardt immediately realized and nodded vigorously, “Yes, that’s my condition!”

Noputon hesitated, “Your Majesty, you meddling in the Church’s personnel affairs seems a bit improper…”

Baron Heidegger immediately retorted, “Then Your Majesty’s involvement in the impeachment of the Pope seems equally improper.”

Noputon sighed and conceded, “Alright, the appointment of the Archbishop of the Eastland will be decided by you, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Reinhardt laughed, raising his wine cup and declared,

“To our successful cooperation!”

“To our successful cooperation!”

Bang!

The three tall wine cups clashed together, followed by the merry scene of host and guests.

…

Night deepened.

The small-scale banquet at the Prime Minister’s manor also came to an end.

Cardinal Noputon was the first to say goodbye, leaving quietly under cover of darkness.

However, Emperor Reinhardt did not leave in a hurry. Instead, he walked around the manor with Baron Heidegger following him.

Under the bright moonlight, the face of Emperor Reinhardt fluctuated between light and dark, as if he was mulling over something.

“Heidegger, next time give me a heads up about such matters.”

“Yes, Your Majesty! This time it was mainly because Noputon arrived so suddenly, and he is currently unable to appear in public, thus causing you trouble.”

Emperor Reinhardt nodded, not overly criticizing Heidegger, but asked:

“When you initially agreed to arrange this secret meeting with Noputon, was it because you were worried he might defect to the North Territory?”

“Yes.” Baron Heidegger looked at the Emperor’s expression, asking, “Your Majesty, did you not want to replace Gregory?”

Emperor Reinhardt nodded, saying: “Indeed. I do not like this Noputon. If it weren’t for his approval from the Cardinal Corps, hmph, I wouldn’t bother with him!”

Baron Heidegger sighed inwardly and patiently explained:

“Your Majesty, Noputon’s rise to power is actually the most beneficial for us.”

“Oh? Why?”

“First and foremost, he is at odds with the St. Gregrian family of the Westland.

Secondly, he will not become close to the North Territory. Don’t be fooled by his claim that if you won’t help him this time, he will make contact with the North. This is just an excuse to provoke you. The North Territory’s recent actions have completely offended the Church. If Noputon doesn’t want to lose public support, after he assumes power, he must take a tough stance on the North, even seeking retaliation.

Furthermore, we have taken the opportunity this time to acquire the appointment authority of the Eastland Archbishop. If you deliberate carefully on your choice for the Eastern Duke, control of Eastland will naturally be returned to the royal family.

So, if you want to suppress the church after this war, the west, north, and east territories will all firmly stand behind you!”

After hearing Baron Heidegger’s words, Emperor Reinhardt’s expression eased considerably, and he nodded in approval:

“Hmm, not bad! Just be sure to report to me next time, don’t act on your own accord.”

Seeing that Emperor Reinhardt was still hung up on this point, Baron Heidegger nodded somewhat helplessly: “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The two walked further, and Emperor Reinhardt suddenly spoke up again:

“Heidegger, besides the Church, I’m also worried about another force.”

Baron Heidegger naturally understood who Emperor Reinhardt was referring to, and responded: “You’re referring to the North Territory?”

“Yes.” Emperor Reinhardt narrowed his eyes, dangerous light flickering in his gaze. “Their actions this time were utterly out of line! Especially with the imminent massive invasion of the Orc Empire, they are simply gambling with the fate of the Glorious Empire!”

Baron Heidegger thought for a moment, saying, “Your Majesty, if you want to weaken the power of the North Territory, it’s not difficult.”

“Oh?” Emperor Reinhardt immediately perked up, eagerly asking, “Do you have any good ideas?”

“Your Majesty, the seemingly arrogant North Territory is in fact all reliant on one person.”

“Who?”

“The Protector of the North, Count Angler!”

Emperor Reinhardt acknowledged with a nod, saying: “That young man indeed has some skill, do you have any tactics to deal with him?”

But Baron Heidegger shook his head, saying, “Your Majesty, whether in politics or military, Count Angler is a once-in-a-century talent. It would be a great waste to destroy this gift from the Supreme Lord to the Empire. It would be better to draw him to our side and let him serve you!”

“Draw him in? How would you do that?” Emperor Reinhardt furrowed his brow, “He is the husband of Duke St. Hilde after all.”

“Who knows if Duke St. Hilde will ever wake up…” Baron Heidegger said in a low voice, “Plus, Your Majesty, what you can offer him greatly surpasses what the North Territory can.”

“Oh? What can I offer him? He does not come from Holy Knight Family, so he cannot be granted a Duke title, and as for the Marquis title, the St. Hilde family can give that to him.”

Baron Heidegger solemnly said: “Your Majesty, have you forgotten about the position of Empire Protector?”

“Empire Protector?” Emperor Reinhardt suddenly narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Baron Heidegger spoke gravely, “This position doesn’t require one to be a member of the Holy Knight Family. I believe Count Angler would not refuse.

As long as Count Angler leaves the North Territory, there will naturally be nothing to worry about there anymore.

A North Territory Duke who sleeps and won’t wake up, a Marquis Garcia whose ambitions lie elsewhere, what kind of storm could they stir up?”

Emperor Reinhardt fell silent, and after a while, he said:

“I’ll consider it.”