Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 175: Blackmail

TL: Etude

Hearing Bishop Elviss sarcasm, Helens heart relaxed slightly, sensing his stance would not condemn her sister to death.

Of course, she wouldnt naively think that the Church would simply return her sister; they would have done so already if that was their intention. Now, they were quietly engaging with her.

It looked like she had to meet some of his demands.

She softened her tone, tentatively offering, Then, please return Fennie. My husband and I will certainly keep this child under strict control, and our entire family will be endlessly grateful to the Church and to you personally.

Elvis smiled lightly, We will, of course, return Baroness Fennie safe and sound. However

If the Church has any difficulties, I will do my utmost to assist.

Was he asking for a donation? She hoped he wouldnt make an outrageous demand.

The bishop, casual yet deliberate, asked, Why did Your Highness and your husband come to visit the Horn Bay Alliance this time?

Just normal state visits. Countries should frequent each other like neighbors.

Neighbors? Ha, I fear its more than just a neighborly visit.

Helen furrowed her brows. I dont understand what you mean.

Elviss tone heightened sharply.

Let me remind you, Your Highness. Your husbands visit to Fort Ness is not a mere routine state visit, but to partake in a conspiracy, a plot against the Church!

Bishop, I think you may be a bit paranoid.

No, we have precise intelligence. A month ago, the Horn Bay Alliance issued a secret call to the surrounding nations, inviting their leaders to a meeting in Fort Ness.

Chilliness seeped into Elviss voice.

Thats a clandestine meeting, contravening the teachings of the heavenly father. Its goal is to discuss how to contain the growth of Church power in the Horn Bay region, even to reduce the Churchs influence amongst the people!

He became agitated.

Oh! What vile and sordid intent it is. We launched the witch hunts to defend the common folk from the evils of magic, a righteous and honorable cause. The people support us, further proving our actions are entirely correct.

But these mediocre rulers believe their power to be encroached upon. They are deaf to the call of the people, blind to the encroachment of evil, yet highly sensitive to the power in their hands.

I can assert, without a doubt, that some among them have fallen. They have either turned to forbidden powers themselves or become pawns of witches.

This is shameful betrayal! This is despicable conspiracy!

Your husbandthe Grand Duke of Etonis one such conspirator! Moreover, an eager respondent, or he wouldnt have arrived in Fort Ness ahead of the other countries.

Elvis delivered his tirade breathlessly, becoming worked up and panting.

Helen inwardly scorned. If not for the Churchs overreach, what would cause so many countries to react against it?

To plunder wealth and strike enemies in the name of witch hunts was one thing, but then to publicly meddle with the policies of nations, even targeting foreign merchants and traders, how could the trade-dependent Horn Bay nations continue?

To the Duchesss knowledge, just in Eton alone, there was a slight decline rather than a growth in foreign merchant entries this year compared to the last.

She shook her head. Im just a woman, unaware of such confusing conspiracies. If you have grievances, go directly to my husband.

In fact, Helen was well aware of these events and, as a mage herself, she was pleased to see the countries banding together against the Church.

The bishop chuckled, Whether you really didnt know before or pretended not to know, now that Ive mentioned it, you definitely know. For the sake of your familys reputation, we would also like to keep the matter of Baroness Fennie confidential. Surely your husband wouldnt be pleased to see his sister-in-law labeled a witch, right?

This hit Helens weak spotshe indeed didnt want more people to know her sisters secret, including her husband.

So-called conspiracy is just your word, Bishop. And what could I possibly do even if I knew?

The bishop revealed his purpose. I hope you can persuade the Duke to take our side.

Helen feigned difficulty. Although Im the Duchess, I cannot sway our national policies.

Elvis laughed heartily. Your Highness jests. Who doesnt know of your influence in Etons court? Not to mention, your husbands seat as Duke was also thanks to a marriage alliance with your family, wasnt it?

Surely the Duke will take your opinions seriously. Besides, as such a beautiful lady, just some whispering in bed would sway most men. Who can resist that?

This last remark was a blatant flirtation, and Helen became flushed with anger.

Sir, watch your words. If I refuse your demands, would you dare to keep a noblewoman imprisoned indefinitely?

Oh, we certainly would not dare. However, its our duty to inform Etons people, to warn them. Ive already thought of what the announcement could say.

Elvis listed, feigning seriousness with an officious tone:

Be it known: Baroness Fennie of Eton has shown signs of magical awakening. This poor girl may have been misled into the wrong path due to the influence of other witches. Because of her noble status, we cannot take action, but given the threat witches pose, the Church feels obligated to alert the public to be vigilant and hope that the radiance of the Heavenly Father guides this poor girl back to the right path.

Youre despicable! The public wont believe you!

Helen was livid. She pointed at Elvisshould they proceed this way, Fennies life would be ruined.

They will believe us. We have our methods to evoke witches magical powers, and a test with the Witch Detection Stone will confirm everything. Well present evidence to the townspeople in public before releasing your sister!

Hehe, your husband may be a Duke, but arent there many within your nation who hope to take his place? With such an event, will he still sit firmly on his throne?

One could see the Duchess was struggling inside.

Finally, she compromised, Alright, as long as you keep it secret, I will try to persuade my husband to pull out of the negotiation. freew ebnovel.com

Elvis shook his head. Im sorry, Your Highness! You seem to have misunderstood me. What I mean by taking our side is not merely about pulling out of the conspiracy.

What do you want, then?

The bishops eyes shone as he declared. Our condition is for your husband to use all means necessary to sabotage this meeting. Note, all means!

Hearing the bishops demand, Helen knew no further negotiation was possible.

She pretended to ponder, staying silent for nearly a minute, before speaking, Bishop, could you give me a day to think it over?

Elviss smile revealed triumph.

Very well, Your Highness. Ill give you one day. But if we dont hear back from you by this time tomorrow, dont blame us for being rude!

After these words, he didnt wait for the Duchesss response and turned to leave.

Once the bishop left the embassy and stepped into his carriage, the coachman cracked the whip, and the carriage started moving.

However, unnoticed by the crowds on the street, a green bird took flight from one of the embassys windows, flying in the same direction as the carriage.

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