In Kazimierz, the revolution of the Knight class against the Gods People class was extremely thorough.
During Goki's journey to the Grand Knight Territory, he didn't see a single idol, a single church or temple, nor a single clergyman.
The belief in gods seemed not to exist in this country.
Although the religious power in Columbia was not strong, it wasn't non-existent; at least in the Infected community where Goki resided, most of the Sarkaz who had never been to Kazdel still retained their belief in many of Kazdel's gods.
However, in Kazimierz, the common people had long forgotten that there were gods above them; instead of praying to gods, they preferred to follow the latest news of their favorite Tournament Knight celebrities.
Yet, entertainment to death and belief in gods are not inherently contradictory. The reason for the absence of divine belief in Kazimierz was that successive Grand Knights after the Knight King were dedicated to reducing the influence of the Gods People regime.
The Knight King was a great leader. She thoroughly purged the former ruling Gods People class, ensuring they could never rise again, and even began to suppress slave trading, giving the people of Kazimierz a bright future.
As for the subsequent corruption and decadence of the Knight class, until now being suppressed by the merchant class, slave trade is not allowed to be public, but it has not been completely banned... one can only say that everything depends on human effort, and no monarchy is eternal.
By now, religion has largely left the lives of the people of Kazimierz. Even if the authority of the Knights has gradually been replaced by the Commercial Federation, and the virtues of the Knights have gradually been deconstructed into entertainment, divine belief is destined not to return to Kazimierz society.
In Terra, a world where gods truly exist, those who do not believe in gods are actually a minority.
Even Gavial, who is usually carefree, occasionally mutters a few words about Acahuala's Rainforest primitive gods.
And for the people of Rhine Lab, after confirming the existence of gods, they began to understand and explore them from a materialistic perspective.
If one were to speak of someone who doesn't believe in gods and doesn't care about them, around Goki, there is probably only Skadi—Abyssal Hunter, like Goki, always regards the Great One as prey.
But in Kazimierz—Knights either believe in virtue or in money.
Even if a god truly appeared, they would not be revered; instead, they would all be transformed into beautiful girls and put into gacha pools.
"Unification Sect? You're asking me? You clearly know quite a lot. That bastard just now might have been a member of the Unification Sect. Their church is right near their company. The controlling shareholder behind Allens Choice is a church member of the Unification Sect. Anyone who understands the financial market would know."
Hearing Goki's question, Zofia, at the dining table, unceremoniously scooped up Goki's cold side dishes while giving him a somewhat surprised look.
Isn't this asking the obvious?
"To be honest, I'm not sure how these mystical guys, who should have been buried centuries ago, have managed to persist until now and even split into so many factions. But they are indeed very rich... The Unification Sect also controls several businesses, and all their stocks are performing very well."
Tasting the delicious breakfast cooked by this man named Goki, which was even better than the food prepared by her own hired chef, Zofia tried to maintain the composure of a Tournament Knight, but her horse ears on top of her head couldn't help but twitch left and right.
One breakfast significantly improved Zofia's initial impression of Goki.
"I really don't know their relationship. Margaret knows that the four of us are from Columbia's Rhine Lab research institute, and one of our work objectives here is to liaise with religious figures. They might have research materials we need in their hands—I'll go to them later, but news about the Unification Sect at night is scarce."
The subtle connection made Goki immediately raise an eyebrow. He casually made up an excuse, handed his business card and another bowl of wheat porridge to Zofia—with Director Kal'tsit to take the blame, and she was about to quit anyway.
"Hmm... a research company from Columbia is at least much more reliable than ours. Research is fine, but I advise you not to do business with Kazimierz companies. The import product tax rate here is frighteningly high, and trade protection barriers are even more formidable. Foreign companies can't survive here—I wouldn't dare to invest in foreign enterprises."
Seeing Goki's business card, Zofia, who was proficient in finance, nodded, feeling a little relieved about these four strangers who were close to her niece—foreign companies have little power in Kazimierz, and it's even less likely for them to interfere with Knight Tournament.
Therefore, there is basically no possibility of these four people being detrimental to Margaret.
Even if there were, with Zofia around, she definitely wouldn't let Margaret be fooled.
"When I first became a Tournament Knight, many companies sponsored by churches approached me, but I eventually chose a food company—during that time, our Family's biscuit cans were endless, and we still have some left now."
Shrugging her shoulders and taking a sip of the sweet porridge, Zofia, as a typical person from Kazimierz, had no interest in religion whatsoever. Instead, she cared more about the return on investment.
"These churches actually founded tech companies, and they often create convenient products. I really don't know what this has to do with believing in gods, it's really strange... Never mind, let's not talk about them anymore—Margaret!"
Not intending to waste words on these mystical things, Zofia turned her gaze to Margaret, clapped her hands lightly, and immediately made her obedient niece sit up straight.
"Zo, Zofia sis."
Margaret still held great respect for her Aunt, who was only a few years older than her.
"It's a good deed for a Knight to help others, but no matter what happens in the future, you must discuss it with me beforehand, understand?"
Placing the clean, empty bowl on the table, Zofia elegantly wiped her mouth with a tissue and began to lecture her niece.
"Mr. Goki and Nona Skadi are just ordinary tourists, but have you ever thought that you are now a Tournament Knight in the spotlight? Even I could be targeted back then. Do you think you are a nobody?"
Perhaps the old man of the Nearl Family wouldn't want his precious granddaughter living with some scoundrel from outside, but Zofia thought that Margaret, who had few friends since childhood, could at least interact with others.
However, in this world, there are always more bad people than good people.
"You must understand that whether you like it or not, you are now the face of the Crusader Knight and the military. Even if you lose, you must lose gracefully, but many more people will want to humiliate you—I will personally pick you up and drop you off for the competition later."
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