Gun of Ashes

Since the Evangelical Church appeared on this land, Gaulunaro has been a faithful believer, the power of faith penetrating almost entirely into this kingdom. At the peak of the Evangelical Church’s power, the king’s coronation required the pope’s endorsement.

However, there was an instance of royal authority challenging divine authority on this land. The king, unwilling to be dominated by the Evangelical Church, donned the crown without the pope’s consent, intending to organize an army for rebellion, but the furious populace stormed his palace, strangling him on his throne.

Then came the era’s transformation, the decline of faith, and the rise of industry.

Ignorant religion retreated step by step in the face of rational technology, eventually becoming what it is today.

”At that time, I only felt these people were mad. The example of Mad King Olim was right there. How dare they support Orthodoxy, even with the presence of some cardinals from the Evangelical Church.”

Heracles felt a bit anxious due to the events he anticipated.

”Mad King Olim...”

Lorenzo murmured the name, while Eve next to him appeared more baffled. She was somewhat familiar with the name but couldn’t recall it.

”Mad King Olim, the king of Gaulunaro, the most famous event related to him was the death of the Mad King.”

Lorenzo recounted the story he knew.

Although nobody believed it, Lorenzo had briefly served as a priest, and during his years within the Evangelical Church, his love for reading made him knowledgeable about most of the library’s books, including those on church history.

”Mad King Olim was tempted by the devil. He organized an evil army to invade the Holy Church, but fortunately, he was stopped by the hero Olivier Garrell, who led the people into the palace, killing the Mad King on his throne.

Although the war did not break out, such sacrilegious atrocities still outraged the Evangelical Church. The Holy Hall Knights moved into Gaulunaro, and after investigation, found that not only was the Mad King disrupted by the devil, but his family was as well.

To purge the evil, under the people’s gaze, all members of the Mad King’s family were executed, and the new king was enthroned amid the people’s cheers and the priest’s watchful eyes.”

It was a heavy history, Lorenzo changed his posture, crossing his legs, with a hint of contempt in his voice.

”And that new king was Olivier Garrell, hailed as the hero demon slayer.”

”Sounds just like a fantasy novel.”

From Lorenzo’s narration, Eve recalled these things.

”Indeed, for something so sacred, faith, the writings within the Evangelical Church are all mysterious, yet the people love such tales. The actual stories are completely different; the Evangelical Church secretly incited the believers to revolt, then crafted a new hero or puppet to end it all.”

Lorenzo felt sorry for the historical ”Mad King.”

”Olim did not want to be dominated by the Evangelical Church. During his short reign, he issued many decrees to break ignorance, hoping for the people to escape the domination of faith, but ultimately he was killed by those he intended to save, which is rather ironic.”

”Fortunately, the era has changed. As industry rises, the Evangelical Church grows more decrepit. As seen in Gaulunaro’s support for Orthodoxy, they have declined to the point of being unable to influence even Gaulunaro... What did Gaulunaro call themselves at the time?”

Heracles added to Lorenzo’s words.

”God’s most faithful believer.” Lorenzo reminded.

”Yes, that’s it. But now even this most faithful believer has betrayed.” Heracles laughed.

”Religion is but a tool. In those days, the Evangelical Church could declare Olim as the Mad King; now, Gaulunaro could use Orthodoxy to declare the Evangelical Church has been corrupted by evil.”

Lorenzo furrowed his brow, considering the worst possibilities.

Gaulunaro is also forming a demon-hunting agency, and with these cardinals joining, it’s clear they intend to replicate another Demon Hunting Order, using the name of faith to achieve their goals.

”It seems the Purification Mechanism will have competition.” Heracles said.

”Ingwig and Gaulunaro were already in a competitive relationship, weren’t they?” Lorenzo felt a headache.

This task is extremely sensitive, and the tension between these two nations is once again filled with the smell of gunpowder. Lorenzo can’t help but recall words from the books he read.

Human history is a history of warfare. With development, conflict is inevitable, and when it peaks, unavoidable warfare occurs.

”Should you delve deeper into Orthodoxy?” Heracles asked, from his expression, deeper information seems to be paid content.

”Such troublesome matters should be for Arthur to worry about, not me. After all, I’m just a detective. Saving the world is someone else’s business.”

Lorenzo waved his hand, possibly feeling thirsty from talking. He picked up Eve’s unfinished drink, drained it in one gulp, and burped loudly.

This time Heracles’s gaze became akin to Eve’s, but soon Heracles found himself discovered something new, considering whether to adjust some other matters, as Lorenzo’s reaction indicated it’s unlikely to poison him.

”I only care about Ivar; the task is simple too. Upon arriving in Gaulunaro, I need you to serve as my network to assist me.”