I play a Evil God in Otome Game

"Justice! Vengeance! Death to all enemies!"

While the people chanted these slogans, Lord Wilfried's advisors and all high-ranking generals and officials had gathered at his mansion.

Among those present were the Archbishop of the local Church of Light and the High Priest Urien of the Church of Creation.

The knights standing rigidly around the long table underscored the gravity of the situation because, truly, things were dire.

After a week of struggle, both sides were grappling with what had come to be known as the grain crisis. While Lord Holger claimed he was planning no malicious action, Lord Wilfried had massed his army on the Erntestadt border in open threat.

Even though the Lord of Franburg had proposed a diplomatic solution, he, too, was swiftly gathering his forces in preparation for military action against enemy lands.

Sir Nicholas and forty dozen knights had managed to return. The other side had been entirely vanquished, but the two lords kept accusing each other.

With grain prices rising in the countryside, the anger of Erntestadt's people grew steadily. Soon enough, Lord Wilfried would have to act.

There was only one option, and that option was war. Lord Wilfried struck the table with his fist. As everyone fell silent and turned toward him, he spoke.

"Lord Holger's vile actions are unforgivable!"

The lord's gaze was cold. While the generals grew excited at the prospect of war, everyone else looked anxious. After all, winter was coming, and they would be advancing into enemy lands.

Moreover, unlike Erntestadt, Franburg's rural areas had no grain stores to sustain an army. Even if their forces advanced, the harsh effects of winter would demand more grain.

"My lord, even if we can outspend Franburg, we still can't sustain a prolonged winter campaign," the administrative advisor said with concern. Several other advisors hesitantly agreed with him.

"But the people are angry," General Edmund, a popular figure in the military, interjected after Lord Wilfried.

His red hair was untamed, and his beard long. Unlike the other advisors, he wore the unique leather armor and carried the axe of the Wargans.

Edmund was the illegitimate son of a noble Nord and a Wellen prostitute. Banished by his father at twelve, he joined Lord Wilfried's army and rose swiftly to general by age thirty-three.

Although still a Nord by blood, he claimed his mother's lineage and willingly renounced his noble status. This helped him quickly earn the people's favor.

"The will of the people should be our will!" Edmund said passionately, almost as loudly as Lord Wilfried. The administrative advisor scowled and looked at the barbarian with disdain.

"If there's no money, with which army will we conquer Franburg?" the administrative advisor asked, turning to Lord Wilfried to make his choice. Lord Wilfried narrowed his eyes, withholding a response, and turned to his other advisors for opinions.

"If Franburg falls within two months, we could come out of this war victorious," the strategy advisor replied promptly as Lord Wilfried looked at him. The lord murmured in approval and then turned to the local leader of the Church of Light.

"We are hesitant about war," the Archbishop said reluctantly, unable to meet Lord Wilfried's gaze. Lord Wilfried sighed, sensing this was expected.

In the era of Grand Lorenzo, when King Edward began to subdue the Aurelian Empire, one of his first targets had been Drachenreich.

After conquering this region, Edward began to forcibly convert the people to the worship of the Light Goddess in an attempt to assimilate them. At first, the assimilation seemed successful, but something changed.

At that time, corruption within the Church had reached its peak, and local leaders demanded grain, supplies, and other resources as donations from the people.

The Church took large quantities of grain from the people by force, leading to a grain shortage in Drachenreich. They ignored the dire circumstances.

King Edward noticed, but it was too late. Two million people starved to death in Drachenreich. Corpses lay in the streets.

Meanwhile, the Holy Mary Council of Nobles used its power to establish puppet lordships in Drachenreich. They succeeded.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

State aid was funneled to the Church, and the grain was sold back to the people of Drachenreich at higher prices.

It was almost a joke. The people of Drachenreich produced but were forced to buy back their own product at a premium.

Though they bore the pain and anger, the people of Drachenreich etched this betrayal into their memory. Because of this event, King Edward adopted a more cautious and severe approach toward the Church.

When the war ended, Edward, sympathizing with the people, imposed no restrictions or oppression on Drachenreich despite the Nobles' decision.

In time, with King Edward's assistance, prosperity gradually returned to Drachenreich, but by then, it was far too late.

"Getting support from the Church is meaningless," Urien quickly interjected. All eyes turned to the young man. Recently, the faith of Creation, Erntestadt's fastest-growing religion, had gained popularity.

Unlike the Church of Light, they offered free healthcare, meals, shelter, and even schooling. It would have been strange if they hadn't become popular as a result.

Furthermore, the Church of Creation, receiving donations from many local wealthy patrons, was widely used by the people. The wealthy were not devout but rather driven by self-interest.

They often invested in what was popular among the people to elevate their public image. Neither Urien nor Simon cared much for these effects.

They even went further by issuing certificates of appreciation to donors, enhancing the reputation of their patrons.

The Church of Creation had expanded its influence across four neighborhoods, encompassing nearly 6-7 thousand people.

Though this number wasn't much, it was an astonishing rise for just one month. The weak faith in the Old Gods also contributed to this.

"The Church of Creation is ready to provide free healthcare for soldiers on the frontlines and send our priests to assist."

As murmurs of approval spread among the advisors, the Archbishop widened his eyes with anger. Leaning forward, he quickly said, "Very well, we can also send-"

Lord Wilfried cut him off with a slight turn of his head. "It's too late now. You should have accepted earlier."

The Archbishop cursed his own pride and slumped back into his seat with dissatisfaction. Urien smiled politely. "Moreover, we will help you take Franburg."

"How can you speak so confidently?" Edmund asked sternly. Urien simply smiled and quickly replied, "Because our Saint is coming and is determined to assist you."

"A Saint!"

Everyone froze in surprise, including the lord. Many who had never seen a Saint but had heard legends held their breath in excitement.

In Drachenreich, Saints were nearly deified. They were said to destroy armies with a wave of their hand and even bring dragons to their knees with a glance.

Lord Wilfried narrowed his eyes in suspicion, curious about this Saint. "I imagine there must be a significant reason for a Saint to come here? Why would she choose to come to a Erntestadt?"

Urien smiled slightly. "God is always with those in need. Moreover, our Saint has been tasked with bringing the faith to these lands."

Urien opened the Genesis and gently read a passage. "It is the duty of God's hand, the Saint, to protect all who believe and call upon. If spreading faith is sacred, protecting the faithful is even more sacred…"

Urien's melodious voice filled the room. The Archbishop was almost biting his lip bloody to endure this heresy.

"Beautiful," Lord Wilfried said calmly. He would judge upon seeing the Saint himself; there was no point in excitement just yet.

Then he turned to Edmund, curious about what he might say. Edmund smiled with excitement, a wild grin spreading across his face. "Then war won't stop us! No need for restraint! If we want, we could even take the capital, Berlen!"

As the generals cheered in enthusiasm, Lord Wilfried laughed, joining his friend. The war cries in the room led the advisors to sigh and fall silent.

The lord had made his decision. War was coming, and Erntestadt would emerge victorious. Lord Wilfried silenced the room again as he stood.

"The decision has been made. We are going to war!"

Without listening to his advisors, the Lord left his manor alongside the General, and soon stood outside with all his servants, stewards, and even the gardeners.

A raised platform had already been set, and a crowd of at least 10,000 people was shouting in unison. Lord Wilfried stepped up to the podium, and all the chants fell silent at once.

After a moment of silence, the Lord decided to speak. He sharpened his tone, and, activating his Mana, ensured his voice resonated throughout the entire city.

"Hear me, my dear people!" Lord Wilfried said firmly. Beside him, Veronica stood calmly, watching her father with curiosity.

"Today, we received a treacherous message. Enemies have crossed our border, attacking our honorable knights and our bountiful grain!"

For a moment, the people murmured angrily. Seeing the crowd stir, the Lord skillfully directed their anger toward Franburg.

"It is time to destroy these pests who dare to stain our fertile lands with their filthy blood! If even a drop of enemy blood sullies our soil, it is up to us to wipe them out!"

The people cheered with fury, and as they raised their banners, the Lord's voice grew even louder. Wagons came to a halt, and patriots rushed out with the Erntestadt banner.

"Death to the enemy! Death to the traitors! Death to the betrayers! Death to the Goddess of Light!"

Soon, as curses were hurled at every hated foe, the crowd began chanting the Lord's name. Lord Wilfried murmured with satisfaction.

"Tell me! If our lands are threatened, if any ill intention arises, if our people are put in danger, if our abundant grain is targeted, what will we do?"

"We fight!"

As the people shouted in unison, everyone, including Veronica, smiled. The Lord then looked over at Urien for a moment before announcing in a booming voice.

"The Church of Creation tells us that the Creator God is with us! I am proud to bring you this honorable news!" The Lord's words briefly surprised the crowd, but as he continued, they stopped questioning it.

"The Saint herself will come, raining death upon our enemies while aiding all those who suffer!"

The mention of the Saint's name excited some, while others became curious about the Church of Creation. Yet a few remained skeptical of his words.

"At the same time, I thank Sir Nicholas, who stood firmly against this treacherous attack, and our knights, who heroically defeated the enemy!"

Sir Nicholas bowed respectfully as Arnold cheered beside him. As the Lord withdrew from the stage, the people continued to chant wildly.