Chapter 3: The Incredible Cooperation (1)

The meeting with Freust came so quickly that even Komer thought the other party seemed to be waiting for his invitation.
Komer didn’t yet have the boldness to invite both Freust and Vazinki to Plovdiv at once. With the two main pillars of the Light Church coming together, Komer was worried they might eliminate him outright. Even with Rebrí and Mihajović as guards, he didn’t feel completely safe—being cautious was only wise in this regard.
It was the first time Komer had faced head-on the man regarded as the number one figure in the Light Church after the Pope. Clearly, the significant weakening of Vazinki’s faction over time had affected his status within the church, with Freust already showing signs of surpassing him. Of course, this didn’t mean Vazinki’s faction had truly declined.
Still clad in snow-white robes, with hair as white as snow, and aside from a faint glimmer in his eyes, Komer found this man, who had endured decades of fierce struggles within the Light Church, to resemble more of a reclusive hermit who stayed away from worldly affairs.
“Archbishop Freust?” Komer asked tentatively.
“Hehe, Lord Komer, didn’t you do any research before inviting me? Or are you questioning my true identity?” Freust’s mild smile revealed no trace of hostility.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was a bit rude. I was just surprised that Archbishop Freust’s appearance differs from what I imagined,” Komer admitted his rudeness frankly.
“Oh? What do you imagine I should look like?” Freust asked with interest.
“Well, in my mind, Freust should be an elder with a stern demeanor and a serious face.”
Freust couldn’t help but laugh. This guy was quite amusing—able to shape his own appearance based on imagination. But that didn’t mean he lacked depth; perhaps that was precisely his strength.
“Lord Komer, I’m equally interested in you. Truly, I’d like to know your background and experiences. But from what I’ve heard, the details about you remain vague. The fact that the Reser family has produced someone as outstanding as you is enough to make even the noble families of Homer look inferior. To put it accurately, your father was just an ordinary man. Perhaps he was good at finances, but that didn’t change his true nature. Maybe his only pride was having a son like you—though you were an illegitimate one.”

For the first time, Komer felt Frenster’s aggressive demeanor and sharp wit. This guy always gave him a sense of unpredictability, making it difficult to pinpoint his psychological weaknesses.
“I share your feelings. I don’t want to belittle my own father, and I know nothing I do can sever my ties to the Lessor family. But I must admit that my father and the Lessor family are better suited to live in a rural territory—times of turmoil and change aren’t ones they can navigate easily.”
Frenster subtly raised his eyebrows. This guy’s comprehension was indeed fast; he seemed to grasp the implications almost as soon as the words left his mouth.
“Very good, Lord Komer. Do you mean the current era of turmoil and change refers to Nicomedia?”
“Not entirely.”
“Oh? I’d like to hear more.”
“Archbishop Frenster, do you think the Northern Alliance, or even Bohemia and Bessarabia, can remain untouched? What about the regions in the southern midlands and the upper reaches of the Catalonia River?”
Komer and Frenster’s gazes met in the air.
“Lord Komer, please forgive my ignorance. I still haven’t understood what you mean.”
“Then let’s approach this from a different angle,” Komer said with a smile. “Do you think I can rule the entire Azure Continent?”
“Absolutely not,” Frenster replied patiently and politely. He didn’t want to answer such a absurd and childish question. He didn’t believe the other party could be that arrogant.
“Why?”
“The diversity of races, cultures, histories, and customs means this world will never belong to just one person.”
“Very good. Then can the Light Church cover the entire Azure Continent?”
Frenster hesitated before cautiously responding, “Theoretically, it’s possible. But the complexity and variability of reality mean it can only exist in theory. However, the Light Church can spread its light wherever people need it.”
“Heh, Archbishop Frenster. I don’t want to argue about this. What you say is nothing but the wish of the Light Church during its peak three hundred years ago. In fact, both of us know it’s impossible and unrealistic—especially now. What do you think the prospects of the Light Church are? Note that though the Salvation Society originated from the Light Church, we all know it has developed its own independent beliefs and doctrines, and no one can erase it.”
“Lord Komer, what are you trying to say?”

“Bishop Frenst, I want to remind you that an era of turmoil and change has arrived. The idea of trying to rule or control the entire world with a single intent is absurd for both you and me. But does that mean we can do nothing but stand by and watch all these changes? No, I believe we can take action.”
“Hmm, interesting. Go on,” Frenst said, his expression more thoughtful.
“The Light Church has reached a point where it must either change or perish. The rise of the Salvation Society is proof of this. If the Light Church fails to learn from this, I believe more groups like the Salvation Society will split off from it. I’m sure Bishop Frenst can see this.”
“Mm, Lord Komer is thinking of our Light Church. Is he feeling the pressure from the growing influence of the Salvation Society in Nicomedia?” Frenst smiled faintly.
“To some extent, but it’s not just the Salvation Society. There’s also the Dark Holy Church. The significant decline in the power of the Light Church has given these forces an opportunity. Retreating too quickly will also bring many negative consequences, and I don’t want to see that happen,” Komer said without hesitation.
“Surprising. If I remember correctly, Lord Komer should belong to the Dark faction, right?” Frenst raised his eyebrows.
“I am first and foremost the lord of Nicomedia, and only secondarily a member of the Dark faction. The order matters—this cannot be reversed,” Komer emphasized firmly.