Chapter 165 - 166
If Alistar recalled correctly, this county had nearly half the population of the entire Kingdom of Civus. Only the highest ranking bishops were appointed joint rulership of the territories within the Land of One Hundred Counties, as such seats of power were usually reserved for archbishops and cardinals. This meant that whoever this Bishop Maels was, he was likely a senior bishop with many years of service under his belt.
"Do you think he’ll agree to your petition?"
Caedmon looked upon those at the table with hopeful eyes. "Bishop Maels is relatively young for someone of his office, so he might not be so set in his ways as an old fogey like Rendel. Apparently he’s a man of great wisdom, so surely he will see the value of the printing press and what wonders it could do for the empire."
Alder nodded in agreement. "Rumours say that he convinced Victor the Godless to convert to Lucianism—for those who don’t know, that’s the king of Cessia—which was something that nobody ever thought possible. If he had the wit and the foresight to do that, then surely he’ll leap at the chance to make the scriptures more accessible for the common folk."
The other adults at the table donned a collective look of shock, all of them commenting on the unexpected feat that this Maels had accomplished. As a prominent royal within Baldor’s borders, Victor the Godless was quite a famous enemy of the empire, and his conversion could change the political landscape of the continent.
"That’s not the only good news," said Alder, who stood up and came to stand behind Madeline’s chair. "I think it’s about time that we announce that Little Lauren will have a friend in the not-too-distant future."
Anice straightened up in her seat, turning to Madeline with bright eyes. "You mean...?"
"Yes," smiled the sweet-faced woman, "Alder and I are expecting."
"You dog, you," said Stason, who stood up and clapped a beaming Alder on the back before giving Madeline a congratulatory hug.