Only applicants with abilities above level A and those particularly unique are vetted by him and Sif.

Even so, he has been quite busy these days.

The interview process is almost fixed.

Each candidate is first assessed by Sif's [Insight] to determine their stance. Absolute loyalty is not required, but ill-will towards the Governor and the Empress is unacceptable.

Roland has unique insights into loyalty.

He doesn't believe in absolute loyalty or absolute betrayal.

If a leader is not humane, why should subordinates be loyal?

But at least candidates should not harbor malice.

After meeting the last applicant, Sif, exhausted from repeatedly using [Insight], returned to the palace to rest.

Just as Roland also planned to rest, distinguished guests arrived as promised.

Christine, the candidate Saintess, and Cardinal Iga of the Divine Court of Light visited together.

The benefits Roland had been waiting for finally walked through the door.

When guests come bearing gifts, his enthusiasm is like fire.

Roland notified the steward of the Governor's Mansion to prepare a dinner of the highest standard as he wanted to entertain them earnestly.

Cardinal Iga did not reject Roland's goodwill.

What mattered to him wasn't the dinner itself, but Roland's attitude.

The dinner consisted of light and elegant dishes, and to express sincerity, Lisa personally cooked several famous dishes from the Third Era.

Initially, Iga and Christine intended to eat a few bites out of politeness, but they were surprised by the exquisite taste of the dishes and ended up voraciously digging in.

After feasting, Roland invited the two distinguished guests to the study for the main course.

Cardinal Iga was about fifty years old, well-maintained, appearing youthful, akin to someone in their thirties.

After exchanging pleasantries, Iga earnestly praised the dinner and then presented his conditions.

"Lord Governor, previously Blackthorn Bishop promised to bear the costs for settling the Chosen People. The Pope and several Cardinals acknowledged his promise, so rest assured."

"Through rough calculations, fully settling them for three years would cost around two hundred and seventy thousand pounds converted to your country's currency, and I will transfer these funds to you soon."

Two hundred seventy thousand pounds is neither a little nor a lot.

For the Divine Court of Light, this sum is insignificant.

Just an appetizer.

Cardinal Iga proceeded to address the powers and responsibilities of Honorary Knights.

The brief summary is that they receive cardinal-level privileges but are not formally inducted into the order, sparing Roland any difficulty.

Roland's request to appoint priests was also granted.

At least fifty priests proficient in basic healing spells would serve the Governor's Mansion privately.

Roland was slightly puzzled; if it was merely about these matters, either Christine or Blackthorn coming would suffice.

The substantial status of a cardinal isn't lower than Roland as a governor; sending a cardinal to travel a thousand kilometers for these matters is somewhat exaggerated.

Under Roland's questioning gaze, Iga awkwardly cleared his throat and put forth the true request.

"Lord Governor, although Val City State witnessed our divine miracle, the faith here is mixed, predominantly Feng Rao Divine Court, which puts us in a difficult position."

"We don't wish to confront Feng Rao Divine Court head-on, but Miracle City must be secured."

Iga slightly lamented, saying: "If the Land of Miracles falls into the hands of another religion, it would truly be a colossal joke. Of course, we hope for a peaceful resolution, but Feng Rao Divine Court refuses to relent."

"I sincerely hope it doesn't come to warfare, yet we find ourselves unable to retreat."

Roland nodded in understanding.

The Light Miracle not under the Light Divine Court's control—that certainly is an international joke.

Religious figures aren't merchants.

Though they might compromise, when it pertains to faith, they will stand firm until the end.

For instance, a holy war.

That term was stuck on Iga's lips, left unsaid, but Roland understood.

He smiled and said, "Cardinal Iga, if Val City was my territory, I could decide to let you evangelize there, but unfortunately, it's not."

"I believe it can be," Iga spoke calmly, as if Val City State were not an independent nation, but a small house by the roadside.

"The summit at Val Lake is about to convene. If you wish to align with us, the Divine Court will support transitioning all or part of Val City State into your domain."

"What about the continental agreement?" Roland curiously asked.

"As long as all parties to the agreement unanimously find it necessary to amend or annul the pact, it won't count as a breach."

Oh my, if everyone abandons it together, it's not considered abandonment.

Learned something new.

Roland laughed and asked, "Under my name gaining Val City State, and then turning it over to the Divine Court, wouldn't I be at a loss? This would offend quite a few people."

Iga replied earnestly, "You'll have our unwavering support."

"Such as?" Roland asked softly.

"A force of five thousand temple warriors entirely under your command. As long as you don't use them as cannon fodder for consumption, I'll provide training and equipment, assisting in replenishing losses."

Roland's eyes lit up.

Now that's truly staking everything.

Temple warriors are unlike ordinary armies; they are well-trained, well-equipped, and, most crucially, fanatically devoted.

In the era of cold weapons, they're a blood-and-iron force that fights to the last man.

The worth of these five thousand equals fifty thousand ordinary troops.

If he became an Honorary Knight, he wouldn't need to worry about these people's loyalty.

Roland's heart raced, curious as he asked, "I'm curious, why is the Divine Court treating me so well?"

"Because you are someone observed by the Goddess," Iga stated calmly.

Roland almost burst into laughter, but he did his utmost to hold it in.

He split his laughter into several segments, transforming them into a gentle smile.

Ah right, indeed you're right, the Goddess is indeed watching.

But that's the death glare!

Iga's demeanor left Roland somewhat puzzled.

Are there so few means of communication between the Goddess and her followers?

Though few can transcend the Plane Wall to hear the Goddess's voice, there are surely some.

If the Goddess wanted Roland dead, she could have easily notified some listener.

Judging from Iga's attitude, the Goddess of Light did not do so.

With a little contemplation, Roland quickly understood the Goddess's intent.

That line "You too" struck a nerve for the high-and-mighty Goddess.

No matter what curse is spoken, in the arrogant Goddess's view, it's just an ant's miserable wail, unworthy of mention.

But Roland's words were different.

The ant dared to tell the high-and-mighty Goddess, "You are an ant too," not provoking a reaction would be the real surprise.

Lies don't hurt, truth is the swift blade.

Roland removed the Goddess's hazy veil and thrust a knife in.

The Goddess of Light was furious.

Perhaps fortunately, until the final day of return arrives, this Goddess would least likely let her followers kill him.

As for how to face the Goddess's wrath once the Plane stabilizes entirely, Roland currently has no idea.

He believes his future self will surely have a solution.

Faced with an offer impossible to refuse, Roland calmly said, "I want a bit more, give me three High Tier Templars."

Iga's countenance subtly changed, he said gravely, "Lord Governor, High Tier Templars are not easily cultivated; asking for three off the bat, isn't that a bit much?"

"Three, not a single one less."

"You!" Iga was somewhat furious; Roland's request was a bit overreaching.

"In return, I'll set the Honorary Knight title as Knight of Light."

Iga paused briefly, then his smile blossomed, extending his right hand to Roland.

"Welcome to embrace the Light, Knight of Light, henceforth we are one family."

Roland stood up and shook Iga's hand.

Iga's hand was long, white, and very warm, giving a sense of reassurance.

Indeed a Cardinal, merely a simple handshake and a smile can convey goodwill entirely.

To ordinary followers, being greeted by a Cardinal with such a smiling handshake would probably make them excited enough not to wash their hands for three days.

This is the power of religion.

Roland neither liked nor rejected religion; he respected reality.

Iga turned back to Christine, stating calmly, "Christine, you stay; in a few days, two Templars will arrive with the Divine Hall Warrior Order; you'll be leading this force."

"Ah?!" X2

Roland and Christine simultaneously displayed expressions of shock; neither expected Iga to make such arrangements.

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