Chapter 388: Foreseen Death
Terry knew well — the local gentry who had already adapted to the current rules, the newly risen wealthy, and the relatively independent nobles — were all deeply dissatisfied with Agamemnon’s policies.
If those people were to assassinate Agamemnon, how could he possibly withstand it?
Her Agamemnon was still just a pitiable child. How could he possibly compare to the seasoned cunning of those nobles?
That was why, after Agamemnon left the Church, Terry had spoken to him, hoping he would not meddle in politics.
If he merely managed the Adams Family's estate, with the Church's backing, at the very least Agamemnon could live a long, stable life.
But Agamemnon still decided to go to York City and enter the Senate.
This was also the first time Agamemnon did not heed her words.
Yet his decision was no longer something Terry could influence. Thus, all she could do was ensure the family acted more cautiously, hoping that even if they could not assist Agamemnon, they would not drag him down either.
The Adams Family only held sufficient status; the source of that status, however, was purely external. The family itself had no true strength.
Now, with the Pope of the Church of the Sanctuary — Agamemnon’s strongest supporter — making such a statement to her, Terry did not dare imagine what would happen if the outside world learned of it.
She dared not gamble on those people considering things rationally. There were always fools who, incited by others, would act foolishly.
Compared to Terry’s unease, however, Olivia was quite pleased.
She would never again go to that accomplice for clothing. The Concept Armament that grew alongside her Will was the most beautiful garment in her heart.
It could defend, never needed washing, and even repaired itself — what could be more beautiful?
Terry barely maintained outward decorum, but inwardly her thoughts raced. Finally, she tentatively asked,「Is it because something about the Adams Family displeased you?」
Corleon replied,「No, it’s simply because the time has come.」
These words Terry could not comprehend, nor did she dare to.
All she could discern was that Corleon’s decision was irreversible.
She said finally,「Even so, when you need it, the Adams Family is always ready to serve you.」
Corleon nodded slightly, merely looking at Terry, offering no reply.
Terry knew it was time for her to leave, but she took the initiative to say,「In truth, I came today with one more request.」
She carefully pronounced each word.「The garments you envisioned are so beautiful, but because they were granted by you, I never dared replicate them for sale to noble ladies.」
「I only took certain elements from those garments you envisioned, and used them alone in designs. Already, they have been welcomed by all the nobles. They long for the Adams Family to craft ever more beautiful clothing. But I know we are mere fools, common people — far inferior to your wisdom.」
「But this is York City, the center of the world. We are all proud of it. I believe such beauty should be displayed here, ultimately seen by all, so the world becomes even more beautiful.」
「So I humbly request your permission for the Adams Family to recreate the garments made for you over the years, and allow noble ladies to share in the beauty you bestowed.」
As she spoke, Terry knelt, her forehead pressing tightly against the stone tiles.
Corleon said,「I, too, wish to see a more beautiful world, so I permit it. However, these garments are only beautiful. Each one demands significant resources and high skill from tailors. Moreover, the designs and methods are not irreproducible — so how can I be sure the beauty I bestowed will not be twisted?」
His tone was calm, as though reciting long-prepared lines.
Terry, forehead still to the ground, suppressed her excitement and fear. She said,「Just like the guilds, we could establish a tailoring guild. Only those who reach an approved level within it may create the beauty you granted.」
Corleon said,「Then you should submit your proposal to the Senate. The Church is just the Church. It is the Senate that governs the kingdom.」
Terry replied nervously,「I will explain the proposal to the Senate. I will tell them — this is all to prevent the beauty you granted from being distorted.」
Corleon answered,「Fine.」
Terry breathed a sigh of relief and dared to lift her head and rise.
She had lied — this was a solution she had just now thought of.
Since maintaining relations with the Church was no longer viable, she could only choose to step into the realm of power.
With the Adams Family’s current standing, attracting a few Tier Four individuals was not out of reach. Yet, to this day, no Tier Four member had joined.
Partly because the family strictly abided by certain Church rules — something Tier Fours were rarely willing to accept.
But of course, some people had tacitly obstructed things behind the scenes.
If they had power, then gold, and finally a foundation — bolstered by the Senate’s authority — the Adams Family’s influence could swell to unimaginable levels.
Moreover, if they could establish a new guild independent of the Senate, it could alleviate pressure on Agamemnon while giving the angry gentry an outlet.
They had aligned with nobles for power, but now that the nobles’ power was being dismantled, could they still retain the privileges that came from serving them?
Now, with a guild outside the Senate’s control and free from noble interference, would the gentry remain so tightly bound to the nobles?
Only by forming a third force — between nobles and the Senate, or nobles and Agamemnon — could both Agamemnon and the Adams Family gain safety.
Otherwise, the Adams Family, excluded from the power circle and now without the Church’s protection, might be erased by some irrational fool who hires a band of desperate men.
With nearly a thousand people in Adams Village, a few knights and fifty elites could wipe them out in half a night.
Terry knew this. Though the gentry and nobles had lost their『nails』, they could now foster『nails』through formal mercenary companies.
Only when power and profit were interwoven more tightly would the Adams Family’s existence become indispensable.
To achieve such a thing was of course difficult, but with her current ties to the Church, Terry felt it was not impossible.
Eager to take action, she did not linger.
But Corleon called out to her.
Corleon said,「Agamemnon is a good child. So, when you see him, do urge him about his wedding. If he acts quickly, you might still witness the birth of his child.」
His voice held less distance now, and more of a tone of advice.
Terry was stunned, but soon understood his meaning. Then she smiled and replied calmly,「Agamemnon is a devout believer. He once said he would follow Church law and only marry after eighteen. Naturally, I support him.」
Corleon said,「But you’ll carry regrets because of it.」
Terry responded,「No, Your Holiness, with such an outstanding child as Agamemnon, I have no regrets.」
Corleon said no more.
After Terry left, Olivia asked sadly,「Will she die? Will she be killed? Or is it natural death?」
Though she disliked Terry, the woman was still Agamemnon’s grandmother, his only cherished family.
Corleon replied,「Terry is already forty-two. Giving birth to Agamemnon’s father too early, and later managing the family’s affairs, long ago exhausted her. After his father’s death, she’s lived each day fearing the Adams Family’s ruin.」
「When Pegira entered York Territory, the Adams Family’s knights were the only ones who resisted. Before the Church was founded, she was the first to betray the gentry. After the New Testament, even Knight Borien’s Isaac Family arranged marriages with nobles and gentry to survive. Yet she still chose to follow the Church’s will completely, refusing alliances to preserve the family’s purity.」
「Now, with Agamemnon as Administrator, the danger surrounding him has left her sleepless.」
「She’s not like you — one-quarter dragon blood, half fairy blood, one-quarter Pegira blood. You have a long lifespan and powerful body. She’s just an ordinary human.」
「And forty-two, for a woman born in the Old Testament Era, is already a long life.」
Olivia said,「Then for her, death truly would be a relief.」
Corleon responded,「What a pity — if she insists on supporting Agamemnon’s decisions, she will not live to see the Adams Family’s future.」
「At least… not the future of the Adams Family as seen through her eyes.」
Olivia paused, recalling what Corleon had said earlier about the Senate’s future role, and suddenly felt a tinge of unease.
Even she, who had never feared anything, felt a hint of fear.
She suddenly regretted knowing the future ahead of time.
Then she punched herself twice, hard.
She did not want to keep overthinking.
Seeing Corleon’s somber expression, she forced a smile. The red marks on her face from the punches looked like two blushes.
She asked,「Then can she enter the Hall of Heroes?」
Corleon replied,「The standard for entering the Hall of Heroes isn’t that low.」
Olivia said,「Even if she establishes a new guild? If she succeeds, it’ll be part of human history. As its founder, she should be remembered. That should meet the criteria.」
Corleon said,「A guild is like a mercenary tavern — just a transitional tool. Of course, guilds are important, but only those within them can become legends. As for the founder — who knows who history will credit?」
「After all, people love to hear tales of heroes. Those behind the heroes are mere footnotes.」
Olivia replied indignantly,「But I’m the kingdom’s future queen! Once I take the throne, I’ll make sure the kingdom records everything truthfully. Anyone who doesn’t is guilty!」
Corleon said nothing more — he merely patted Olivia’s head with pity.