105: Chapter 105 Alia's Arrangements! A Perfect Opportunity! Seduction and Deception!

In the quiet room.

In the silence, time seemed to stretch.

Light and shadow moved slowly across the carpet.

Rowan pondered how to speak, wanting to get to the point without appearing abrupt.

About the celibacy precept, the inheritance of high-level transcendents, and the true meaning of life and reproduction.

He had studied many Dawn Classics for this very purpose.

However, just as he was organizing his words, Aria, who had been sitting calmly in the main seat watching him, was the first to break the silence.

Her voice was as clear and calm as ever, but what she said made Rowan's heart skip a beat.

“The Scarlet Heresy Case in Gino County should come to an end.”

“I will submit the final disposal plan in the name of the church's Arbitration Priest.”

“Among them, the recommended candidate for the Lord of the Golden Flame Territory will be you, Baron Rowan Flynn.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of irrepressible surprise instantly flashed in Rowan's eyes.

He had considered that this meeting might touch upon the matter, but he hadn't expected Aria to so directly and clearly place the core landed earldom of Gino County before him.

Suppressing the waves in his heart, he met Aria's gaze. Without hypocritical modesty or ecstatic loss of composure, he simply nodded slightly and responded steadily:

“I am deeply grateful for your favor, Priest. The Golden Flame Territory is the core of Gino County, and the responsibility is great. I wonder... are there any other arrangements for the subsequent disposal?”

Aria didn't seem surprised by his reaction. After a moment of thought, she continued, “Besides the Golden Flame Territory, I will designate Vanessa Bryce as the Lord of the Purple Thorn Territory.”

Rowan's heart stirred. The Bryce Family... that beautiful lady from The Senate observation team.

He nodded to show his understanding.

“The Mist Territory will be inherited by Lady Gladstone.”

“The Red Maple Territory will be inherited by Mira Mesa, the only survivor of the Mesa Family.”

“As for the Black Mountain Territory of Viscount Shepherd's family... I will not specify a candidate for its Lord in the plan.”

Hearing this, Rowan's eyes flickered slightly.

Aria explained, “The plan proposed by the church must be passed by a vote in the Imperial Senate; it is not one hundred percent certain.”

“If you fail in the competition for the Golden Flame Territory, the Black Mountain Territory can serve as a backup for you to take over as Lord.”

“If you successfully obtain the Golden Flame Territory, Viscount Shepherd was originally a vassal of Count Farrell. His territory can legally be regarded as your subordinate. You can decide for yourself whether to manage it personally or enfeoff it to a trusted vassal later.”

After hearing her arrangements, Rowan fell into silence.

Aria's arrangements could be described as extremely thorough.

Whether or not the Black Mountain Territory was detached remained undecided.

This allowed him to advance or retreat as needed.

This gift was undeniably significant, and it took various variables into account, showing the meticulous thinking and familiarity with imperial political rules behind it.

He had no reason to refuse, and he could not refuse.

After a moment, he looked up at Aria and asked a key question: “Regarding The Senate...”

He naturally knew that the final decision-making power lay with The Senate. The church's recommendation was only a heavy weight, not the final decision.

“All final enfeoffments of imperial lands must go through a Senate vote,” Aria said in a flat tone. “The church's stance can influence some families, but not all.”

“This time, the royal family and The Senate observation team, following custom, each have the right to propose a candidate to compete. Your true opponents will come from these two parties.”

She paused, seemingly feeling she had said enough, but then added:

“For more specific Senate operating rules... you can ask Vanessa Bryce.”

“The Bryce Family is... one of the Windsor Family's long-term allies in The Senate.”

“This time, they will provide the necessary assistance to push the plan through The Senate.”

After saying this, Aria stopped speaking and returned to her state of quiet contemplation, her gaze fixed on a void outside the window, clearly having no intention of discussing the matter further.

The air in the quiet room became still once more.

Rowan understood.

She had pointed out the path; the rest of the way, he had to walk himself.

This was a test.

If he still couldn't ultimately take the Golden Flame Territory with the church's help,

then there was no need to force it.

Gino City was a major city. This position was not one that could be held by strength alone.

At this point, he should have stood up to say goodbye.

But... he didn't want this rare private conversation to end just like that.

He didn't know how long Aria's slightly softened state due to the exhaustion of her Primal Fire would last.

The atmosphere created by [Charm] was quietly fermenting...

He had to seize this rare window of opportunity!

Although this seemed a bit shameless and greedy.

But... it was all for the sake of progress...

Nothing to be ashamed of...

Back then, to strike up a conversation with Sylvia, he had suffered many of that proud young lady's cold glares.

But in the end, didn't he succeed!

He successfully persuaded her to elope with him! He spirited her away to the countryside for three years, got her pregnant twice, and she bore seven children in total. He also had his fill of using the Drain skill...

Unfortunately, she managed to run away in the end...

With his thoughts racing, Rowan decisively changed the subject.

“Thank you for your guidance, Priest,” he first thanked her politely, then naturally shifted his tone with a scholar-like seriousness and curiosity:

“Speaking of church affairs, Rowan has actually always had some doubts about the Dawn Doctrine. I wonder if I could take this opportunity to ask for your guidance?”

Aria withdrew her gaze from the window and looked at his face again. A hint of something inexplicable flashed in her eyes as she watched him quietly, signaling for him to continue.

Rowan sat up straight, his expression becoming focused and sincere, like a devout believer thirsting for knowledge:

“I recently re-read the ‘Dawn Scripture’ and the papal decrees of past generations, and I have some new... perhaps unorthodox thoughts regarding the evolution of the [celibacy precept] and the discussions on marriage, family, and reproduction in the doctrine.”

While speaking, his Incubus Perception constantly monitored her emotions. Seeing that her heart remained calm, he continued:

“In the early scriptures, the Goddess praised the reproduction of life, viewing pure marriage and healthy offspring as the continuation and blessing of the light in the world.”

Rowan's voice was steady as he cited the classics:

“However, with the abolition of the celibacy precept and the union of many high-level clergy members, the act of reproduction itself seems to have become synonymous with marriage.”

He paused, continuing to observe Aria's reaction.

She continued to listen quietly, her expression unruffled, but deep in her eyes, there seemed to be faint ripples spreading.

Rowan thought for a moment, and while increasing the output of his [Charm] skill, he took a secret breath and continued:

“I believe this might be a kind of... unnecessary over-interpretation, and may even deviate from the Goddess's original intention of creating life and praising the diversity of life.”

“Especially for clergy of transcendent ranks, we possess longer lives, stronger souls, and bodies. Our understanding of the doctrine should also be more profound.”

“Marriage, as a sacred contract, is the resonance of souls and the binding of responsibilities.”

“Reproduction is even more of a great act of passing down the life and radiance bestowed by the Goddess; it is the glory of participating in the cycle of creation. This is not the sinking of desire, but a higher level of devotion and creation.”

He looked at Aria, his eyes clear:

“Therefore, I venture to think, could it be... that clergy members, especially some high-level clergy, while adhering to their faith and fulfilling their duties...”

“Perhaps they need not be bound by the form of marriage, but can still... in a way that does not violate the Goddess's benevolent intention, have their own offspring?”

“This is not only a sustenance for personal emotions but also a way to pass on excellent bloodlines, firm faith, and loyalty to the Goddess, sowing more seeds of light for the church and the world.”

“Is this not also a gift that the Goddess tacitly permits or even welcomes?”

...