Chapter 20: Reorganization
Steven had recently finished giving lessons. The students learned quickly and now they were done with the intermediate level of education. Now, he could have the newly trained people become teachers and start expanding the education system. It would be a slow process, while they may be able to expand education in Hermes soon, it would take much longer to bring higher education to the Wolfheart and Everwinter.
Suddenly, Steven had a realization. Back on Earth, people had the ability to learn from online courses by watching videos. That could also be done here using the Sigil of Recording. Steven could record his lessons and then distribute them.
Steven went to Zero and asked her for some Sigils of Recording. She granted his request after hearing his plan.
Then, Zero told Steven, "I have been reviewing all of the reports about the industrial development and other matters. I think you should handle them." Zero proceeded to hand Steven a large stack of papers.
Steven froze as he just realized what happened. He has to do all the paperwork now. While he does have more time now that he finished teaching, he didn't want all of this extra work. He frantically tried to think of a way out of it.
"Wouldn't it be improper to have me handle such important matters", Steven said. "After all, I don't have any official position in the church."
Zero smirked and then said, "it looks like I will just have to give you one."
"But the others won't accept this. I don't know the first thing about the religion, how could I possibly be given such a high position within the church", Steven replied.
"Well, maybe it's time to reorganize. The church didn't originally occupy all of this land. Now we are more of a nation than a religious organization and our management should reflect that", Zero said.
"Alright then", grumbled Steven. "But I hope I get a nice title."
All of the archbishops were gathered for another meeting with the pope.
Zero, dressed in the pope's mask and robes, spoke to the assembled archbishops.
"As you all have seen, recently there have been a lot of changes. In light of those changes, there is now a need for us to adapt to better address our needs. After annexing the Kingdoms of Wolfheart and Everwinter, we have now become a nationstate. Furthermore, the industrial development now requires more and more management", Zero said. "So, we will now be reorganizing the church and its holdings into a nation."
The archbishops began discussing amongst themselves about the merits of such a change. Overall, they didn't really feel like it mattered that much, after all the church would still be the one in control.
"The first thing we should do is determine a name for the new nation", Zero announced.
One archbishop spoke up. "I think we should call the new nation, The Great Holy Theocracy of the Land of God."
Everyone was silent. Then Zero said, "the name is too long and difficult for people to remember or say in a normal conversation. Does anyone have a better idea?"
The rest of the archbishops sat in silence as they tried to think of a name that wasn't terrible. Eventually, one of them thought of one. "Let's just call it the State of the Church."
Everyone found this name acceptable as it was simple and people could continue to refer to them as The Church. Thus, The State of the Church was born.
After deciding on the name, Zero brought up the next matter. "The nation will need people to manage it. I have decided to appoint a Prime Minister." Zero had Steven brought into the room. "This is Steven. He will be the Prime Minister."
The room immediately erupted into protests. "We don't even know who he is", said one archbishop. "How do we know he is trustable."
"I assure you all that he can be trusted and most importantly, he is competent and can handle the management of the nation, particularly of the industry", Zero said.
"But he doesn't have any background in the church", another archbishop said. "How could we let him have such an important post?"
"He will be working on the secular side of the government", Zero said. "We are the supreme religious authorities and it is us that interprets the will of God and sets the direction of the church. The ultimate decision making will still lie with us, Steven here is just someone who will serve us. He will manage the mundane affairs so that we can focus on the spiritual."
"What powers will he have?", asked an archbishop.
"He will manage the operations of the nation and organize the distribution of resources and the development of the nation. He will also be managing any government sponsored programs such as education", said Zero.
"That is… quite expansive", said the archbishop. "I feel that it might be dangerous to invest him with all of that authority."
"He will answer to me", said Zero. "I, as the pope of the church, hold supreme authority in the nation. The Prime Minister works toward fulfilling my goals and as such he has been given the appropriate authority to perform his tasks. Ultimately, I am in control of who the Prime Minister is. While the office of Prime Minister may be powerful, it is still subordinate to the Pope and will only be the hand by which the Pope exerts power."
The archbishops were eventually made to accept this change and the meeting came to an end.
A week later, the church received a message. It appears that after Roland had conquered the Eastern Region, he was now formally ascending to the throne of Graycastle. His ascension ceremony would be held in Neverwinter and the church was being invited to the ceremony.
Steven told Zero, "Since you have to stay in Hermes, it should be me to attend as the church's representative. After all, I am now the second highest authority in the country and appropriate respect must be given to the king of Graycastle."
So, Steven was able to avoid dealing with the paperwork and went on a state sponsored trip instead.
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