“Greetings Emperor Michael. I am Blessed Pope Emeritus the Third, but you can call me Emeritus,” the older man said with a smile as he poured me tea. The reception was much warmer in the supposedly fanatic kingdom.

Once I showed up at their capital, they were quick to arrange a tea service with their leader. I picked up the teacup. “Your hospitality is quite refreshing, your neighbors had unkind things to say,” I replied.

“We may be a theocracy, but we are practical and know how to bow our heads in front of a higher power,” Emeritus replied. The fact that he was alluding that I was on the same level of God, clearly showed he was trying to butter me up.

“And the rumors you purge the people that don’t agree with you?” I asked.

“Troublemakers and individuals who seek to undermine what we have built here. As an Emperor, you surely understand you can’t make an omelet without breaking a lot of eggs,” he replied and I nodded at that.

“People seem to what to cause issues all the time. And if my Empire has a different religion?” I asked.

“While I would be more than happy to speak theology, I suspect you wouldn’t appreciate that. Instead, I would ask what plans you have in this part, of the Systemic Lands, as you call them,” Emeritus said.

“Exploring. Like the other nations, if you hand over your maps, we can agree to a truce. If you have technology we can trade for, we can work something out. Otherwise, leaving the five cities that the monster used to rampage through unclaimed,” I explained.

“That is easy enough. I will arrange for our maps at once. As for technology, well we don’t have much unfortunately. A lot of our effort has been put into improving our strength and our war against Queen Graystone,” he said.

“Well, that is your issue, not mine. My Empire will no longer be expanding,” I replied.

“So, if we take over the other nations?” he asked me.

“As long as the five cities are left unclaimed by a nation, then there will be no issue. They need to be left unclaimed for population management,” I explained.

“Clever, pushing people into a conflict zone. We do the same with Graystone, only we are hoping to take over. Now the fight is between proxies after two of my paladins were heavily wounded in the last full scale conflict,” Emeritus explained as I finished my tea. “Some more?”

“Please,” I said and held out the cup as he poured in more tea for me. “I will allow you to send a delegation of three people to New Kochi. The One is sending people and I suspect The Leader’s Domain will as well. Transport to and from the city will be up to you, but the offer is open,” I said.

“I believe I will accept and make arrangements. Is it okay if I send a paladin?” he asked.

“Your elite warriors? That is fine,” I said, and the old man smiled at me. I had a gut feeling he was really evil, but he was serving me tea and I didn’t care to dig out whatever horrors he had in his basement. “Just surprised you would want to send one.”

“It is the only way to ensure they return. That is a long distance. And while we have airships, they are expensive and risky,” Emeritus said.

“I would be interested in purchasing a small air boat, at cost in the near future,” I said.

“That can be arranged easily enough. We have the production facilities, but may I ask why when you have such a massive airship and smaller air boat already?” he asked.

“That would be a state secret unfortunately. I could get one from my Empire, but it is a long flight back,” I replied.

“Don’t worry about it. I completely understand. Would you be willing to allow preachers into your nation?” Emeritus asked me.

“I am afraid not. There is only one legal religion in my Empire and the boarder East is closed unless you have approval from myself, or Supreme Governor Clarissa,” I replied.

“What would be required?” he asked.

“For now, it is a security issue. We can’t afford to have people stirring up trouble or any kind of terrorism. Don’t play me for a fool. I might enjoy tea, but I am more than happy to send a message like I did with the Empire of the Nile,” I replied.

“Forgive an old man’s curiosity. I just find that discussing one’s beliefs is what allows people to come closer togeather. While I might not have the immense stats that you do, the human soul remains the same,” he replied.

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“You are quite good with words. But my mind will not be changed. Feel free to try and convince people using your embassy. My people need to be kept on their toes and not get complacent,” I replied. This Holy Kingdom of God, would hopefully put pressure on my middle managers.

While I wasn’t worried about Clarissa or myself, I didn’t want the rest of my Empire to get complacent. They needed threats and drama in order to remain focused. Having one super empire that ruled everything without any kind of challenge would let rot set in.

“Well as host, I am happy to give you a tour, or answer any questions,” Emeritus said.

“A tour sounds nice,” I replied.

“Very well, and would you like me to ask dinner be prepared for you and your people?” Emeritus asked me.

“Hmm, sure. I should let them know and have them send down an honor guard, since you aren’t going crazy at my arrival,” I said.

“It was a shock, but having grace allows us to handle all surprises,” he replied. This Blessed Pope was very good at saying nice things without saying anything at all. We left the sitting room and he had one of the Paladins waiting outside prepare copies of the maps they had, while I went outside and went up to my airship.

After that, Michelle, Captain Francis, myself, and three soldiers all came down. The Blessed Pope was waiting for us. Looking about everyone was dressed nicely and there was no trash laying about anywhere. “Welcome visitors from the Empire of Purgatory. May kindness and understanding illuminate your path,” the man said. Everyone then looked at me to respond.

“Thank you, Blessed Pope Emeritus, for welcoming us to your city and home with the hope of avoiding unnecessary drama,” I said.

“I think we would all welcome that. Come, the first stop must be the bakery we have. It took a long time to work out yeast and how to raise bread, but it is the best you have tasted along with the butter,” he said and we made our way through the plaza. This brought back memories of Purgatory from so long ago.

“The place is very well maintained,” Captain Francis said.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness. When my predecessor, Emeritus the First came to power, this place was a trash heap. After a lot of violence, he was able to establish order,” Emeritus explained.

“And what happened to your predecessors. Most nations don’t last if their main combat power dies,” I said.

“Ah, he had the foresight to create the Holy Order of Blessed Paladins. In the event of my death, a new Blessed Pope will be empowered to take charge by their order. They are the militant wing, while I handle civilian and spiritual affairs. Come, the day is young and the bread is still warm and fresh,” he said. Everyone got a large piece of fluffy white bread with butter. It was as good as anything Purgatory had.

“This is really good,” Michelle said.

“It is. I hate to say it, but Purgatory’s bakeries might have their match,” I said.

“Baker Abraham works quite hard,” Emeritus said.

“Thank you, Blessed Pope. It is an honor to have you and your guests enjoy my bread,” the baker said.

“Captain, let’s arrange to get a shipment tomorrow for the entire crew. I am sure they would appreciate it. How much for sixty people?” I asked. I noticed the baker look at the Blessed Pope first who nodded.

“At a full loaf each with butter, that would be 60,000 points,” the baker said. Expensive, but the bread and butter were really good. I pulled out a level 6 crystal and tossed it over.

“That should be more than enough for 120 people. We can keep the bread for stew. That crystal is a level 6, worth 151,200 points,” I explained. The baker’s eyes went wide and looked at the Blessed Pope.

“I will arrange for it to be exchanged with lesser crystals, so you can pay your suppliers,” he said kindly. I bet he wanted to study it, but it was fine.

“Ah, thank you. I will have everything ready at dawn,” Baker Abraham said.

“Come, let us continue to the Squires Training Yard. Each Paladin has one to three squires, who in turn will eventually become a Paladin on their own once they are strong enough,” Emeritus said as we left the bakery and made our way to another building. We entered and went up to the second floor, where we looked out over a large courtyard where young men were fighting each other with swords.

“Swords, really?” I asked.

“And bows. These are the trainees. Most squires are out fighting monsters or holding the line against Graystone. Just watching them fills with vigor and energy,” he explained.

“Well, we will have enchanted equipment for sale in New Kochi. Or you can put in a custom order if you are interested,” I said.

“Oh, perhaps a line of favorable credit for the airship?” Emeritus asked.

“I can issue credit in my name and can offer to transport a bulk order, so you don’t have to move the crystals,” I replied.

“That would be amazing and most appreciated. While we try to keep some in reserve, a nation is a hungry beast, devouring all sources of revenue,” Emeritus said.

“They clearly at much better at front line combat,” Michelle pointed out. We were missing a front-line person on our team. But I was beyond needing one.

“We don’t need a replacement. With you and me, there isn’t anything to worry about,” I replied.

“If I might enquire, is the Lady Michelle your companion?” Emeritus asked.

“A teammate. She is part of my core team when we fight,” I replied.

“He says that, but he can handle most everything himself,” Michelle responded.

“Ah, my apologies for over stepping. Come, our last stop is the Cathedral.” We left the training area and made our way to the largest building in the city. It looked like an actual Cathedral. They really put the effort into the outside of the building.

We entered and it was magnificent. “It is our pride and joy, the heart of our faith. All members of our nation, pass through these doors at least once to hear the word of God and say their prayers.”

“I am curious, we have adopted a ten-day schedule called a deek, have you done the same?” I asked.

“No, we still hold to the week. It isn’t the most convenient, but we make do. But perhaps we might change to a ten-day schedule once we get to know each other better. The Heavens only know how difficult it is to keep everything running smoothly. It would be interesting to know how your nation handles things so I can make improvements,” Emeritus said.

He really was trying to draw out all the information possible. I had to respect that about him.