Corland under a three-way balance of power

As the head of the Dawn Faith in the Corland Kingdom, Archbishop Garcia had actually spent most of his years outside the kingdom.

This Archbishop was a direct subordinate of a Cardinal Archbishop from the Holy Mountain. To ensure his loyalty and status within the circle of Cardinals, Archbishop Garcia paid enormous tributes every year. More importantly, once that Cardinal Archbishop stepped down, he wanted to stand out from the circle and become the Cardinal they jointly endorsed.

Naturally, Garcia had to work hard. And there was one crucial detail: that Cardinal Archbishop was none other than Zachariah, who had been killed by the Pope in the Supreme Cathedral of the Holy Mountain.

This was perfect. A vacancy that was originally decades away had suddenly opened early. No one was prepared, Garcia included, but he knew that if he did not fight for it, he would likely have to wait until he ascended to the Eternal Kingdom.

He did not want to remain forever in a place like the Corland Kingdom. Only an Archbishop willing to climb higher had a chance to don the red robes.

So Garcia made arrangements throughout the Holy Mountain.

He had nearly secured the opportunity, but then civil strife erupted in the Corland Kingdom. The Dawn Faith turned against the kingdom's nobles, pushing Archbishop Garcia straight into the fire.

The Archbishop was furious. He immediately led a group of people back to the Corland Kingdom.

On his land, he would never allow any...

"There is no place for you on this land anymore."

The moment Archbishop Garcia entered Corland Kingdom territory, dense figures emerged from every direction. Some wore cloaks and concealed themselves entirely in shadows; others wore snow-white clerical robes, yet looked upon this Archbishop with open hostility.

And there were others. Hadn't