Chapter 25

Throughout history, dictators have always faced one dilemma: the justification and basis for maintaining power.

For hereditary monarchs, inheriting the throne itself is the justification, but for dictators, there’s no such thing. They need to somehow legitimize their long-term grip on power.

They must convince the people that they should rule, that their rule brings benefits. If this justification fails?

“Then it’s just certain doom.”

In such cases, there are two possible endings: being dragged down by the angry masses and dying miserably, or being overthrown by a coup.

Even with a support base or military force, they might hold on a bit longer, but that’s the limit.

Unless they’re as lucky as South Korea’s 29,000 won president, it’s hard to even save their lives. Even that octopus-headed guy ended up exiled, sentenced to death, and humiliated in every way.

“These bastards really put their brains to work. They even thought of using the common people they usually ignore.”

Thus, the nobles’ schemes hit me hard.

I led the Revolutionary Army in a military coup, seized the capital, and stripped the king of his power. I justified my rule by claiming to lead the kingdom correctly instead of the incompetent, extravagant king.

There were other justifications like holding the nobles accountable for their mistakes or reclaiming territory lost to the empire, but the core essence was always the same.

I argued that it’s better for soldiers to rule than a fool who would halt a warfront just to buy a tiara.

But now, if the clergy start agitating? If they denounce us as traitors defying the will of the gods?

“Once it starts, there’s no way to counter it…”

It’s hopeless. Whether defending or refuting, it’s impossible to repair the damaged reputation.

In a world with high illiteracy and religion deeply intertwined with daily life, the clergy’s influence among the ignorant masses is absolute.

If the priests say something, the people will believe it without question.

‘It’s easier to fabricate one lie than to explain a hundred truths. But these bastards are trying to control the nation’s top media? In an era without newspapers or radio, this confrontation can’t even take place.’

Considering the Goddess Cult’s nationwide network and organizational power, bad publicity will spread quickly. Soon, public support for us will plummet.

Once we lose our power base, the nobles and royals will surely go mad with revenge.

To stop them midway, we’d have to kill or imprison the clergy. Of course, even then, the people would riot, asking why we locked up their priests.

This was a simple yet deadly tactic. Just by bringing in one faction, they could push us into crisis.

After centuries of power struggles, their experience shows.

“There’s no choice. In this situation, we have to flip the board.”

After much deliberation, my solution was simple. Since we can’t fight on the same stage, let’s prevent the stage from being set in the first place.

Fortunately, I had a very useful card for this task.

“Adjutant!”

“Did you call, sir?”

“Can you contact the priests nearby? Tell them to come to my office… no, to our Central Army Garrison. Set the date for ten days later.”

“Won’t they resist if summoned suddenly? They must have their own duties.”

“Tell them they’ll be adequately compensated. I’ll make sure they don’t regret it.”

You want to overturn public opinion through the nation’s priests? Then just make the priests your allies.

* * * * *

And so, the day of the meeting arrived.

“Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Yohan, managing the Northern Cathedral of Rahator.”

“I’m Saul, managing the school attached to the Southern Church in the capital.”

“We are from the southern Great Plains–”

The Central Army’s training ground buzzed with priests invited from all over, as long as transportation allowed.

Though they were just low-ranking priests who had barely risen above deacons, they were the backbone and roots of the Goddess Cult.

Instead of high-ranking bishops who rarely handle field work, these were the ones conducting masses and sacraments.

“Welcome, priests. I am Karolus von Roytel, Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.”

I spoke politely, slightly condescending, like with Lady Arshah. It’s better to leave a courteous impression when seeking cooperation.

“The reason I’ve gathered you here is simple.”

Not to kill each other, of course.

“To give you the opportunity to become bishops.”

“Bishops? But we haven’t heard of any replacements or retirements.”

“Not yet. But soon, that will change.”

I unfolded a list of dioceses and their bishops across the kingdom.

About 100 entries. These were the executives managing the clergy nationwide. Among them, five archdioceses held special importance, forming the leadership of the Goddess Cult.

Instead of the pope, who had little influence domestically, the five cardinals of these archdioceses ruled the cult.

“These regions are familiar to you, right? I intend to hand them over to you.”

And these positions would now be replaced by the priests before me.

“The method is simple. We’ll accuse the bishops of embezzling tithes and dismiss them.”

“Embezzlement? There’s no such corruption in the cult…”

“Don’t lie. We know exactly how much the upper echelons have been skimming.”

The priests tried to deny it for appearances, but I had long since obtained internal information.

In any country, a religion that has colluded with power and elevated its authority inevitably becomes corrupt. Money flows easily, and it’s easy to misuse.

The Goddess Cult was no exception. Thanks to the tithes from believers, even after covering living expenses and facility maintenance, vast sums remained.

They bought farms, orchards, and amassed wealth. They lent money at exorbitant interest to those in need.

They’ve been doing this for centuries, so the scale of corruption is beyond imagination. The total amount would dwarf the combined wealth of several dukes.

“Honestly, isn’t it unfair? The higher-ups feast while you barely scrape by.”

“…..”

But here’s the interesting part: this corruption was surprisingly top-heavy. The Goddess Cult required all tithes and offerings from churches and cathedrals to be sent to the center.

After deducting minimal living expenses and budgets, everything was handed over, leaving no room for wealth accumulation at the lower levels. All the luxury, corruption, and embezzlement were for the bishops and cardinals.

The money earned by priests conducting sacraments and masses went straight into the pockets of the higher-ups.

“You must have wanted to overturn this injustice. But until now, it was difficult because…”

“Acting alone, no one would support you. So you didn’t even dare.”

The priest named Yohan spoke up. Yes, that’s the correct answer.

Even if you harbored resentment, openly expressing it is another matter. This exploitative system has been firmly in place for centuries.

Now, if individuals try to rebel, it won’t break. Instead, only the foolish rebels will be buried forever.

Only about 1-2% of ordinary priests can rise to become bishops.

A lucky few might rise and recover their losses, but the rest will be used and discarded in the name of the Goddess throughout their clerical lives.

“But this time, it will be different. I will be your backer.”

Thus, I intended to use their accumulated anger, directing it precisely as I intended.

“Gather your believers and rise up. Drag down the greedy bishops swollen with fat and punish them according to the Goddess’s will.”

So rise, you enslaved ones. Take up your spears and stab those greedy pigs.

“Are you inciting a riot?”

“In a sense, yes. But don’t worry. The Central Army won’t move. You need not fear being suppressed by the military.”

I’ve blocked the possibility of government intervention. In numbers and force, we hold a firm advantage.

The cardinals, aside from a few guards, have no significant military power. They’re easy to suppress.

It’s practically pushing them to start. And I added one more thing.

“The most proactive and contributing priest from each diocese will be appointed bishop. Do your best.”

First-come, first-served rewards.

If you don’t act quickly, someone else will take the opportunity. And if not now, you might never rise to bishop.

The result of combining such highly effective motivational elements?

Soon, the nation began to burn with mobs of Red Guards led by priests.