Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 523: Birth of the Holyland
Previously on Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world...
Emperor Aldric blinked a few times. "Holy... land?"
"You're proposing transforming a sovereign kingdom into a religious state dedicated to Lady Rheanne?"
Brandon confirmed with a nod. "Precisely. We shall proclaim Nacirfa a neutral holy land, placed under the direct protection and guidance of the Goddess Rheanne.
"This land will become sacred ground... a place for Rheanne's followers to congregate, and crucially, a buffer zone that no empire can claim without facing 'divine wrath'."
Emperor Aldric reclined on the couch, the audacious concept swirling in his mind.
"That is... remarkably bold."
He chuckled, a sound tinged with disbelief. "You intend to turn a strategic kingdom, over which both Eurasania and Cene have warred for decades, into a theocracy? One centered around Lady Rheanne herself?"
"It presents the most straightforward solution," Brandon responded with a nod. "By establishing a holy land in Rheanne's name, any act of aggression against it will be perceived as a direct challenge to her. Neither Cene nor Eurasania would dare initiate open conflict."
"The internal factions within Nacirfa can be reorganized under a council of priests and administrators who are loyal to the Goddess. This action compels the entire continent to properly recognize Rheanne's authority."
Emperor Aldric exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the fruit platter as his mind grappled with the political ramifications.
"This would necessitate delicate diplomacy... particularly with Eurasania. However, if both empires commit to respecting the holy land's neutrality..."
He paused, then gave a slow, deliberate nod. "It could indeed succeed. It might even usher in an era of long-term peace for that strife-ridden region."
"I understand you've been residing in Eurasania for some time. Have you discussed this proposal with their Emperor?"
"There's no need for concern on that front," Brandon replied with a nod. "I have already conferred with him. He has even pledged to construct churches for Rheanne within his Empire."
Aldric raised an eyebrow at this news. "Constructing churches for Rheanne? This could potentially incite conflict with the established churches of the Sun and the Land."
"Yet, considering her contributions to this world and to humanity, she is undeniably worthy of such divine standing."
With a soft sigh, he murmured, "It appears Lord Kael is quite determined to elevate the Goddess. Very well. If Eurasania has already commenced building churches in your name, then Cene shall not be left behind."
Brandon inwardly smiled. "That is excellent news to hear."
---
"What?"
Rheanne stared at Brandon, her eyes wide with shock. "A holy land dedicated to me?"
Before Brandon could utter a word, Rheanne’s hand shot out, gripping the front of his collar. In a single, fluid motion, she yanked him closer and began shaking him vigorously.
"You-! I'm already contemplating building churches in my name, and now you've gone and established an entire Kingdom in my name?!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation.
Brandon allowed himself to be shaken, a helpless smile gracing his lips as his head bobbed back and forth. He offered no resistance, knowing it was futile to contend with her when she reached this state.
Rheanne's cheeks were faintly tinged with embarrassment as she continued to shake him.
"Kael! Have you taken leave of your senses?!" she scolded, her tone frustrated.
"I told you I would consider the matter of the churches. Just consider! And now you casually declare an entire kingdom should be designated my holy land?"
"Do you comprehend the implications of such an act? Pilgrims and priests chanting my name daily... I am not some deity who craves worship!"
She gave him one final shake before releasing his collar, though her piercing blue eyes remained fixed on him with an indignant glare.
Brandon adjusted his clothing with a wry smile. "I understand it sounds extreme. However, this plan effectively prevents both Cene and Eurasania from engaging in conflict over the territory, and it establishes a neutral ground where your followers can assemble safely."
Rheanne let out a deep breath and sank onto her bed. "Always cooking up some extreme ideas and dragging me along without prior warning."
"Furthermore, does the Emperor of Eurasania even have knowledge of this Holy Land?"
Brandon shook his head. "No, but I misled Aldric into believing the Emperor of Eurasania had already given his consent."
Rheanne's jaw dropped. "What? What if the Emperor of Eurasania does not agree?"
Brandon shrugged casually as he moved to sit beside her on the edge of the bed. "He will eventually become my father-in-law. I can leverage Amelia to speak with him and present the matter favorably."
Rheanne stared at him. "And if that approach fails?"
"Well, even without Amelia's intervention, I am confident I can persuade him," Brandon replied with an air of certainty.
"He has no desire for another war at this juncture. He has already consented to the construction of churches dedicated to you throughout his empire."
"Once he recognizes the strategic advantage of a neutral Holy Land serving as a buffer between the major powers, he will undoubtedly come around. It will avert bloodshed and provide him with a means to preserve his dignity."
Rheanne observed him for a considerable duration, her brow furrowed. "Kael, do you ever contemplate things in a rational manner? I frequently ponder the workings of your mind."
Brandon let out a soft chuckle. "I do give things thought."
Rheanne met his gaze, releasing another prolonged sigh before leaning forward. She rested her forehead against his shoulder.
"I recognize your benevolent intentions... but at times, your concepts are excessively radical. An entire kingdom bearing my name? It will lead people to regard me as an actual, living goddess wherever I venture. Such adoration was never something I desired."
Brandon encircled her waist with an arm, drawing her nearer as she leaned against him.
"You don't need to behave like a goddess," he murmured, gently caressing her white hair.
"Simply be Rheanne. The remainder will naturally fall into sequence. And should it ever become overwhelming... I shall be precisely here with you."
Rheanne remained silent for a spell.
Eventually, she whispered against his shoulder, "...You're fortunate I place so much faith in you, you scoundrel."
Brandon's smile widened. "I am aware."
*Knock* At that precise moment, a resolute knocking sound reverberated through the bedchamber.
Rheanne lifted her head from Brandon's shoulder. She paused for a fleeting instant, sensing a presence beyond the door, and a small giggle escaped her lips.
She swiftly withdrew from his lap, eliciting a weary sigh from Brandon, who already anticipated what was imminent.
He rose to his feet, rotated his shoulders once, and proceeded towards the door.
The instant he opened it—
WHOOSH!
A formidable punch hurtled towards his face with the speed of a cannonball.
In the nick of time, Brandon's hand shot up, intercepting the fist mere inches from his nose.
Standing before him was a tall woman, approximately Brandon's own height.
A wild grin was spread across her face.
Her physique was adorned with well-defined, powerful muscles, indicative of her years of rigorous training.
She was clad in a simple black combat outfit that accentuated her athletic form, with a crimson cloak carelessly draped over one shoulder.
Her hair was black, secured in a haphazard high ponytail, and her sharp, dark eyes twinkled with exhilaration.
She regarded him with a fierce smile. "I heard you had returned, so I came to offer my greetings~"."
Brandon's expression remained impassive. Without a moment's hesitation, he slightly twisted her wrist, securing her arm in an awkward position.
"Is this how you welcome guests, you wretched woman?"
BAM!
He drove his fist directly into her face with calculated force.
The woman recoiled three full paces, her boots skidding across the polished floor, yet she maintained her footing.
She shook her head once, then erupted into loud laughter, dabbing a thin trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Hahaha! You still possess that same vicious right hook, Kael!"