How to incense devout clergy?

Ask for favors? No. The surest way is to declare allegiance to other gods right in front of them. Roland managed to infuriate Yanis and Luet with just a single sentence, yet he remained cool and collected, his face unchanging.

While he kept his composure, the others could hardly do the same.

'Blasphemer, you are desecrating the divine!' Yanis accused.

'Brother Roland, such words put me in a difficult position.'

'Roland, stop spouting nonsense and apologize to Yanis and Luet immediately!'

Yanis, Luet, and Egilina voiced their objections almost simultaneously.

Confronted with their varied responses, Roland calmly inquired:

'Blasphemy? Am I blaspheming the Goddess or someone else?'

'Obviously the Goddess! A lack of steadfast faith is the greatest blasphemy!'

'Who says my faith isn't steadfast? I believe in all gods, isn't that firm enough?' Roland argued with conviction, engaging in a spirited debate.

This left even Egilina speechless.

She rushed over the long table, attempting to silence him with her hand.

'Are you mad to speak such words?'

Her concern was well-intentioned, and Roland understood, but he firmly shook his head.

'I wonder, has any god issued a decree forbidding the worship of others?'

The three people fell silent, because no such decree existed. The prohibition against taking refuge in multiple gods was more of a tradition. But Roland's insistence on a source left them without a reliable answer.

He coolly remarked, 'See, in the absence of divine prohibition, all is permitted. If the gods have not explicitly forbidden this practice, then these are merely your own rules.'

Egilina fell silent. Roland's statement was outrageous, but they were on the same side, and she couldn't contradict him.

Yanis squinted, biting her lip, speechless. Some opinions are so contrary that finding the right words for rebuttal is nearly impossible. Her mind was overwhelmed.

Only Luet remained calm, pondering before solemnly speaking:

'Roland, there are two possibilities for the lack of a source. Either the gods do not mind, or the practice is so ancient that the original justification has been lost.'

'If the latter is true, the wrath you face would come directly from the gods themselves.'

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Roland snapped his fingers, having anticipated this response. Even if Luet had not mentioned it, Roland would have found a way to steer the conversation.

He took Luet's words and replied softly, 'Since I am to face the gods' wrath, there's no need for you to fret over how to punish me. If the Goddess is truly displeased, divine retribution will come.'

Yanis was left dizzy by Roland's audacious statements, wondering if he was insane. Though the Great Goddess seldom meted out divine punishment, it was not unheard of. Blasphemy, taken lightly by the gods, could be overlooked; but severe cases could result in immediate death or even soul shattering. Was he truly unafraid?

Regardless of Roland's fear or lack thereof, Yanis could not oppose him. If Roland was guilty, it was a sin so egregious that not even the High Priest dared intervene without the Goddess's direct command. Ordinary offenses they could handle, but to presume to judge such a supreme affront was itself a form of blasphemy.

Seeing the expressions on Yanis and Luet's faces, Roland knew he had gambled correctly. His actions bordered on exploiting a loophole, but it was necessary. Playing by the rules set by the Holy Court and the Brotherhood would ensure he never stood a chance. Only by stepping outside these boundaries could he carve out space for himself.

Roland was not recklessly bold; he was confident, bolstered by a divine-gifted hidden class. He indeed had the backing of a god, though this god might not intervene directly, other gods would likely extend some courtesy.

If his actions were too egregious, other gods, displeased with him, would not directly smite him but would instead appeal to his divine patron. Additionally, Roland's noble status provided another layer of protection. It was easy to kill him, but dealing with the aftermath would be complicated. This principle was understood by all parties involved.

Luet broke the silence first, 'Brother Roland, whether or not your actions constitute blasphemy is not for me to judge.'

'You needn't worry too much; I'll defeat Yanis, sparing you the headache of choosing.'

'Luet, I admire your confidence, but the Holy Court is sure to win!' Yanis declared victoriously.

Seeing Luet and Yanis accept the missionary competitions, Roland let out a deep breath. Despite his assurances, the world always had its wild cards. If someone like Granni were to arrive, he wouldn't dare take the bet.

He didn't consider it was Granni's fault that she was innocent and reckless; she was born to be like this. If she caused trouble, it was because he hadn't reminded her. He was Granni's external brain, and she, his extended blade. A mutual benefit.

The framework set, Roland transitioned from lead negotiator to observer, laying out maps of his territory and demographic information for Yanis and Luet to pore over. Eventually, they divided his land along the Eseral River into their respective missionary zones, agreeing not to cross without invitation.

Curiously, Roland noted they hadn't established criteria for victory. 'Have you forgotten something? How will you determine the winner?'

'It's his call,' Yanis said, nodding towards Luet with equanimity.

Roland was at a loss for words; could someone participating in the competition be the judge?

'Don't doubt Luet. His honesty and fairness are beyond question. I trust his judgment,' Yanis asserted.

Luet, somewhat embarrassed by the praise, scratched his head and chuckled, 'Winning is important to us, but not at the cost of tarnishing the reputations of the Court and the Brotherhood.'

So that was it. The Court and Brotherhood's ability to extend across nations hinged on their good reputations. Perhaps it was the influence of too many novels from his previous life, filled with corrupt priests and young boys, that initially biased him against religious organizations. But this world was different. Here, gods truly watched from the heavens.

As servants of the Goddess, enjoying glory and power also meant adhering to strict codes of conduct. Even in moments of extreme anger, Yanis restrained herself from striking Roland with her scepter, a testament to the deterrence of divine authority.

Roland realized he knew too little about this world, especially its religious organizations. Perhaps they weren't as corrupt as he had thought. For now, he would observe. If the clergy could adhere to their codes, bringing solace to the people of his territory with the glory of the divine, he would welcome them with open arms.