The next morning, I was greeted by a headache and a head of blue hair lying on my shoulder. Instantly connecting the dots, at first I wanted to be angry, but I couldn't, so I only sighed. Mostima must have felt my troubled inner feelings, quietly hugging me tighter. Feeling the heat coming from her, I closed my eyes and enjoyed this moment of peace.
-"I'm sorry."-Mostima spoke after a moment.-"But I won't regret it."
-"I know. I won't be that person who gets an advantage and acts offended, but I hope this is the only time you have to drug me."
-"I won't do that again."-She promised me instantly.
-"Good. Mostima, I love you, but I can't stay in Laterano, or Terra for that matter, yet. There will be times when I have to leave, even for years, can you accept that?"
-"Eno, I can accept everything about you. I just need that small space of your heart to myself."
-"You already had it, from long ago."
In response, I was hugged even tighter.
-"But I still have to give you a punishment, after all, others can't be getting similar ideas. So I hope you can stay behind in Laterano to help others complete my plan and cooperate with Penguin Logistics in establishing connections."
-"You..."-She looked up at me, trying to act pitifully.
-" If you want, we can have others decide your punishment."-I smiled mischievously.
-"I'll accept your judgement, Son."-She quickly faltered.-"Men, they only care about you when they want something, after that, heh."
Rather than responding, I simply sealed her mouth with mine.
After some more morning exercise, I washed and wore my clothes before leaving my room with Mostima sleeping off the tiredness. In the living room, there were already some people present. They greeted me rather normally, but I noticed some were glancing at me, interested in gossip.
I also noticed two much more aggressive glances sent my way, but after looking that way, I only saw Cellinia and Lemuen talking amiably during a morning coffee. After getting a fresh sandwich from Margaret, I joined them, pouring myself a cup. I also noticed a tablet in Cellinia's hands with a news site pulled up.
-"Something interesting going on?"-I asked her.
-"Mhmm. They are reporting on the knighting ceremony and your actions."-She handed me the tablet.
I scrolled through it.
-"Luckily, it's mostly positive."
-"It's hard to criticize your actions from yesterday, but there are quite a few conspiracy theories flying around."-Lemuen swiped to another site.
-"Laterano planning expansion? They are not entirely wrong. Sarkaz and Sankta reconciled? I wish. A Holy Son's harem? Have you already sent the Apostolic Knights for some reeducation?"
-"Sadly, this site is from Yan, Lungmen, to be exact. They are our allies; we can't do much, but I'll do my best."-Lemuen shrugged her shoulders, cooperating with my joke.
-"So is there anything else interesting going on?"
-"Take a look at this."-Cellinia pointed at a certain article.
-"A terrorist attack in the Ursus?"-I took a closer look.-"An infected organization is responsible for destroying an entire village... we have confirmed that the people responsible were known for attacking convoys and trade caravans... They seemed to call themselves: Reunion. So they couldn't avoid the stigma after all."
-"You need to be careful."
-"Don't worry, I made sure that they can't send anyone connected to their military operations, only civilians."
-"Do you need me to investigate this?"
-"No, it's not our mess, best not to get involved until our preparations are done."
-"I'll keep an eye out."
-"Thank you."
-"Eno, there are some reports you need to take a look at."-Margaret approached and handed me a stack of papers.
-"Ugh, work again. I'll get going, see you later."
-"Good luck."
I walked to my office with Margaret following me.
-"Took over the job of my secretary?"
-"No, I wanted to speak with you quickly."
-"Sure, I'm at your disposal."
-"I received a call from my aunt and sister. They saw me on TV and found me with the help of the Laterano official. I heard from them how Laterano stepped in and solved many troubles, shielding them and my whole family from others. Thank you."-She bowed to me deeply.
-"I already said that you are my person, I won't let you and your family suffer. There is no need for thanks between us. You'd better tell me what you plan to do about your family. I doubt you want it to remain as it's now."
-"Yes. I consulted with my aunt, as she agreed for my sister to join the Kazimierz Major after she comes of age. I plan to go back then, deal with everything at once."
-"Using your sister as bait?"
-"No!"-She denied it strongly.-"I hope it can help her grow. I just want to first understand who our enemy is and who our ally is."
-"Good. You can use my name and Laterano's contacts at will. When you decide to go, remember to tell me, and I'll go with you. With me attracting attention, you'll have it easier."
Margaret looked at me. I thought she would refuse, but instead she stepped forward and hugged me. We spent a moment in silence before she stepped back with a lowered head, hiding a blush.
-"I'll be going, everyone is waiting for me."-She rushed outside.
I looked at the door, still wrapping my head around what had happened.
-"Did Mostima awaken something in you? Already extending your hands to coworkers?"-Lemuen walked in.
-"No, I just never expected the honest pony to be able to deliver such a direct blow. At least she listened and didn't thank me."
-"Let's say I believe you."-She entered work mode.-"There are three meetings you need to attend, one with a foreign delegation."
-"What country?"
-"Ironically, it's Yan."
-"Then we truly can nab the guy responsible for that rumor."
-"Focus."-She gave me a side eye.-"They wish to talk about the treatment of Sankta and believers of the Laterano Church in their borders."
-"How many declare themselves as believers, and what were Old Man's previous polices and his plans?"
-"Around a hundred thousand in the whole Yan. The Pope ignored them as there was no need to do anything, but after your miracle, there is a need to address it. Pope advised to seek long-lasting cooperation, as while twenty thousand is not much, its enough to be worth looking at."
-"That would be what, a 0,03% of the total population? If they need to care about such a small group, they should focus on the infected, who comprise between 10% and 20% of the population, depending on the city and region. So what's the true reason?"
-"To get an understanding of you. They will invite you in exchange for a favorable deal. Pope advised to accept it, as you'll have to visit Yan later."
-"I get it. I'll make them cough up something worthwhile."
-"I'll go meet with them to arrange everything and call you when it's time."
-"Thank you for your work."
Lemuel left my study. I quickly processed the required documents and read through the reports, writing down notes and pointing out issues. When everything was done, I sent them back to the Curia, focusing on the other matters.
I already received permission from Old Man to lay magical circles around the city, he even actively approved required resources, citing existence of strong deterrence in the chaotic times as something necessary for Laterano, thus being of public interest. I decided to accept it as I was low on time, so having more resources would be helpful.
Since I already had a rough draft, I got to work and prepared the full project within next hour, outlining what could be done by workers and what needed my presence. I also pointed elements that needed absolute secrecy to keep the magical formation safe from any interference. I sent this along with the required permissions directly to the Second Tribunal for them to arrange the work.
Next, I started to work on the nodes that will need to be buried in specific locations. This was a boring and precise work, inscribing runes and magical circles on a piece of Originium Glintstone. But only I could do it, so I just got it done. As I was finishing, Lemuen returned to call me. As such, I completed the last node crystal, refreshed myself, and went with her to the meeting.
-"Greetings, Holy Son."-The leading official greeted me the moment I entered.
-"Likewise, guests from Yan."-I responded, my hood still covering my face.
I sat down and looked at the people opposite me. Their group consisted of three people, leading them was older looking official, an experienced person of high status. To his right was a much younger man in a military uniform, most likely a military representative and captain of the guard for the VIPs. Last was a person covered by a red robe. I recognized that style of clothes as belonging to the Censorate, meaning this meeting was important enough to require a second person ensuring the interest of the Yanese Emperor. I waited for them to sit down before speaking.
-"I heard about your reason for this meeting, and I must say, I truly find it baffling. There was never a problem with religious freedom in Yan, yet now we need to address it? Should I take it as a veiled threat to lambs following out God?"-I pulled an accusation from thin air, misinterpreting their meaning entirely, and did it with a smile.
My words instantly caused the official's face to harden, and even the military man straightened up.
-"We never intended for our request to be received as such, Son. Our wish is to give those people better care and representation."
-"Then why wait until now? Our Pope is well known for his philanthropic heart, not to mention his close relation to Yan."-I threw the ball back.
-"It was caused by the granting citizenship to the Liberi. We are afraid this might cause discontent and mass exodus from Yan by the followers of Son's Church."
-"So, you're implying that I acted against Yanese interests, causing our relationship to deteriorate to the point where this meeting was necessary?"
-"Of course not, we are impressed by Son's magnanimity, granting those faithful Liberi what they desired for so long. We are here to prepare before any problem could arise, hoping to achieve cooperation in the spirit of His Holiness ideas of international cooperation."
-"Then how does the ambassador belief this cooperation should be achieved?"-I smiled, knowing that having him admit to seeking cooperation was a small win for me.
-"We wished to create an agreement for Lateran missionaries to enter Yan and work with the communities of the faithful there."
-"Hmm, while this sounds appealing, I sadly can't agree to this. Because the route between Laterano and Yan is to dangerous for simple missionaries to traverse. I think I don't need to explain why, right? Of course, if Yan were to provide an escort, then I could write a treaty on the spot."
-"This is impossible."-The military man denied my idea directly.
-"Then sadly, we are back at the beginning."
-"Then what does Son see as an alternative possibility?"
-"Ambassador, I don't see any alternative as I don't see a problem. The Yanese citizens won't leave their homes due to the simple hope of coming here."
-"The Emperor strongly requested this problem be resolved, so I can't return without at least a possible way forward."
-"Then let me ask you this, Ambassador. While I don't see this as an issue, I have an entirely different matter that could be resolved during this meeting. How about we join them together?"
-"Please speak."
-"I wish for the right to actively evangelize in Yan borders."
-"This..."-The official looked surprised by my request.
-"Please, let me finish. For that to be possible, we would require Yan to grant three things to Laterano. First, a piece of land in the major and minor cities to build churches. Second, a right for our Pontifica Cohors Lateran to enter and act in Yan border to protect missionaries, as Yan can't provide protection for them."
-"This is quite a serious ask, Son."-Ambassador's eyebrows furrowed.
-"I'm aware, but only this way can the interest of both parties be secured."
-"What about the third request?"
-"Its for the Lateran churches to be granted an extraterritorial status."
-"This is something I can't agree to, Son. It's literally ripping part of Yan away."
-"I expected this, but I asked for this for a reason. To evangelize, Laterano plans to open free clinics for those in need. Every church will act as one, but because of the nature of the Healing Sacrament, we are afraid some ill-intentioned people might try to act against us."
-"But that should fall into the second request."
-"Yes, but would Yan allow placement of Laterano Cohors in cities for a long time? That's why I asked for extraterritoriality. To minimize the risk and the number of soldiers required, we can utilize other techniques, but those secrets can't be used freely on foreign soil; thus, we need a guarantee in the form of extraterritoriality."
-"I now see Son's point, but this is still a great ask. While it can satisfy needs of both parties without involving Yanese military, there needs to be some more restrictions added to this contract."
-"Of course."
-"Additionally, I would wish to see said Healing Sacrament, if that's possible."
-"Good. Is there an ill person in the Ambassador's entourage?"
-"No need for the trouble."-The military man said, holding his palm out.-"Please just cut me."
-"I'll do so then."-I nodded and waved lightly with my left hand, making them see it for a brief moment.
At the same time, a clean cut appeared on the man's palm. I extended my right hand, and a gentle moonlight glow appeared on it. Before they could understand what had happened, I took back my hand, and the wound of the man's palm disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
-"While due to my strength process was much quicker, a trained priest or priestess would be able to achieve same result."
-"Thank you for the demonstration, Son. I can't agree to such a big matter, only my Emperor can make such arrangement."
-"I understand."
-"But! I can make a preliminary agreement to test this idea in a few cities. That way, we can flesh out the agreement, but due to its importance, its signing would have had to take place in the Yanese Imperial City before the Emperor."
-"Hmm. If the preliminary agreement proves that this can indeed work, I don't mind making a trip to Yan to complete the formalities. So let's first set a time of a year to see if this agreement will stand. If, after the year, Yan wishes to continue, I will pay a visit to Baizao."
-"Thank you, Son, for understanding."-The official wiped the sweat that appeared on his brow.
-"Is there any other matter that needs addressing?"
-"Yes, Son. We have one more thing that we wish to mention. We wished to know of Son's attitude toward Lungmen."
-"Lungmen? I only know of this city through my Knight and my priestess. At most, my feelings are that I admire the people who allowed the infected to make a fair living. May I ask why such a question?"
-"No, I apologize for bringing up a strange matter. Son's answer solved my doubts."
-"I see. Then I'll excuse myself; the details can be worked on by people in charge of the cooperation."
-"Thank you for your time, Son."
I bid them farewell and left. After returning to my study, I smiled, thanking Yan for making my future plans much easier.