"Moreover, to hold a position like that, one must be a Cardinal at the very least. My age, experience, and background make it absolutely impossible for me to obtain such a role. Please, don’t joke with me like this. It’s more than I can handle."

Matthew was so stunned he was at a loss. His hands, holding his knife and fork, were trembling, and he didn’t know where to set down the utensils. He was completely flustered.

Beside him, Agatha also stared at Fang Zhen in astonishment.

Fang Zhen’s expression, however, was calm.

In truth, it wasn’t a huge problem for him who became the Bishop. But the religious power itself was a major force with deep influence, and he felt a bit uneasy entrusting the role to a stranger.

Fang Zhen’s criteria for the Tade Bishop was someone relatively compliant, not a strong-willed leader. This would prevent a great deal of friction.

Ideally, this Bishop would be someone Fang Zhen could control, or at least deeply influence.

Matthew was a good choice. Fang Zhen approved of his character, and he was also Dalia’s brother.

Ever since Fang Zhen had arrived in this world, Matthew had served him diligently and been a great help. That being the case, Fang Zhen certainly wanted a familiar face in this key religious leadership position that influenced the people’s spirits and souls.

Furthermore, while Matthew did indeed lack the necessary experience, it wasn’t impossible for Fang Zhen to forcefully elevate him to the position of Bishop.

That way, Matthew would understand who he depended on to rise through the ranks and who his backer was. Then, having had a taste of power, Matthew would align himself more closely with Fang Zhen, reducing friction between the Lord and the Church.

Therefore, from both a practical and an emotional standpoint, promoting Matthew to be the diocesan Bishop within his territory was more advantageous for Fang Zhen, and it also took into account the feelings of both Matthew and Dalia.

"Matthew, don’t sell yourself short. The truth is, many jobs seem inscrutable and demand great skill when you’re at the bottom. But once you’re actually doing them, you’ll find they aren’t so difficult at all."

"It’s simply that your current station is too low, and that has bred fear," Fang Zhen said. "If I say you can do it, you can do it. You can trust my judgment."

"As for the Tade Church, I will discuss this matter with the visiting Cardinal. All you need to do is prepare yourself."

After he finished speaking, Fang Zhen’s gaze turned to Agatha.

"Agatha, if the dioceses of the two duchies are unified and the Tade Church is permitted to preach, will the Holy See establish an Order Army here?"

Upon hearing this, Agatha nodded and said, "According to the Church’s standard practice, a diocese this large would certainly have an Order Army."

Then, as if a thought had struck her, Agatha looked at Fang Zhen in surprise.

Fang Zhen smiled. "I think you’re quite capable as well. Are you interested in being the Legion Commander of this Order Army?"

Hearing this, although she had her suspicions, Agatha still wore a look of utter astonishment.

"My Lord, are your expectations of me perhaps too high?" Agatha said.

"My experience in the Order Army only qualifies me for the rank of Knight. Perhaps in ten years, I might become a Vice Legion Commander. The Church has a very strict hierarchy. For someone in my situation, without a long accumulation of merits, it’s impossible to become a Legion Commander in a single step."

"And the Church has many rules. I might not be able to bear the consequences of breaking them. You are perhaps unfamiliar with these restrictions within the Church."

Fang Zhen shook his head slightly. "I admit the Church has rules, but rules are made by people. There’s a saying where I come from: rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

"If the Tade Church is going to preach in my territory, then a diocese in this region will certainly have an Order Army. And I’m not comfortable having the army of another power within my territory."

"I require this army to be within my sphere of control—or at the very least, under my influence."

"And you have already earned some of my trust. Your ability and qualifications are secondary. I need someone I can somewhat trust to command the Order Army we will establish in my domain. I must have influence over any military force within my territory."

After speaking, Fang Zhen looked at Agatha.

"You don’t need to tell me what the rules are. You just need to answer one question. If I give you this opportunity, are you willing to take this position?"