Count Nicoll finally understands the saying, "There's no such thing as a free lunch".
With Colin's strong support, he finally secured power over the Eastern Territory, but now it's time for him to pay the price.
And this cost is something that even Count Nicoll finds daunting.
Although it's to fulfill the King's war order, temporarily using the Church's "tithe tax" to cover military expenses is a very sensitive issue.
If this becomes a precedent, would future Empire lords facing financial difficulties be able to directly "borrow" money from the Church?
The Pope, if he has not lost his senses, would not tolerate such actions in the Eastern Territory.
If Count Nicoll agrees to Colin's proposal, as the executor of this plan, he will become a thorn in the side of the Church.
This makes him hesitate — can the Nicoll family really afford such a cost?
Yet, Count Nicoll is aware that he has no power to refuse.
