Halfway through the conversation, seeing Shelter VII's face turn ashen, Delazan quickly shut his mouth.

Although the Pope before him was infamous, he was ultimately a Sanctuary powerhouse. If he were provoked, who knows what reckless actions he might take.

By proper standards, even if the Clergy became secular, the Pope should equate to the Emperor.

Even if the Clergy underwent a schism and a few Kingdoms were established, it would still be within the rules.

To be relegated directly to a Duchy is blatant humiliation.

Being displeased wouldn't help; after all, they had offended too many people, and no one wanted to grant them higher status.

Desiring to retain Kingdom-level status, the major Kingdoms on the Continent jointly opposed, with the Alpha Kingdom, leader of heretics, stating: To be listed alongside them as Kingdoms is an insult to themselves.

Taking a step back, they hoped to maintain Duchy status, but then the Moxi people disrupted that plan.

"A fractured Clergy lacks the strength to be classified as a Duchy!"

The reasoning was peculiar, yet it was indeed the truth.

Compared to the Moxi Duchy, the divided Clergy was, indeed, slightly weaker.

Under normal circumstances, merely the Moxi people's opposition would have been ignored.

Unfortunately, all the Human Race countries expressed support, with Frank strongly suggesting they be downgraded to a Duchy, and the Iberian representative also persuading them.

The stance of various countries was crystal clear: break into a group of Duchies, and they would be recognized diplomatically.

If they stubbornly tried to maintain their facade, they would be without legal status.

It might seem like mere diplomatic recognition, but in reality, it's a dispute over legal legitimacy.

An illegal nation could be subjugated by anyone, and the Human Alliance does not offer safety protection.

The Clergy, already bullied, would face even more harassment after the split.

After a series of ideological struggles, all major factions chose to compromise.

After all, they were originally Bishops or Legion Commanders, so being regarded as leaders of Duchies was not seen as disgraceful; it was truly the Pope who felt the sting.

"Fine!"

Shelter VII said with a resolute heart.

The Clergy was essentially wiped out; even the remaining dignity no one cared about, and he could similarly let it go.

As a Sanctuary powerhouse, his choices were even more plentiful.

If not for considering his Clan, Shelter VII could easily have washed his hands of the matter, retreating to some secluded mountain to meditate and cultivate.

After a few decades when everyone has forgotten him, he could start anew.

...

Snow Moon Territory.

Hudson, just returned from the Kingdom Peak Strong conference, received the good news of the Clergy's schism.

"Who orchestrated the Clergy's split?"

Hudson asked with interest.

Lately, his attention had been focused on the fall of the gods, and he had long forgotten about the impoverished Clergy.

"Duke, this action was initiated by His Majesty Charles III, and the Kingdom played a crucial role.

The Papal State was divided into five, all downgraded to Duchies; this was the Kingdom's handiwork!"

Tom answered excitedly.

He was well aware of his master's grievances with the Clergy.

Frankly, without the Clergy's contribution, his master might not even have his current status and position.

The initial successes were entirely due to sacrificing that group of Church Cavaliers.

Otherwise, based on Hudson's performance in the rebellion suppression army, whether he could acquire a Knight's territory was uncertain.

Even the Earth Bear, which propelled Hudson to fame, was delivered by the Clergy.

The subsequent grievances grew even more complicated.

In short, the relationship between the two parties was nearly irreconcilable.

As opposing forces, each side would only find peace with the other's destruction.

Now, the wish had come true!

The Clergy split into pieces, the original formidable enemy simply ceased to exist.

Even if the newly divided factions wanted to stir trouble, they lacked the means to threaten Snow Moon Territory.

"Charles III indeed had his reasons to act.

The Kingdom Government's response this time was remarkable; it seems the Conservative Faction is not as rigid as the outside world claims!"

Hudson commented with a chuckle.

...

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