Bari seemed to have reached their decision without nearly this much pushback. Whether they were able to welcome the refugees without issue remained to be seen, but Claudia already knew that the king would abandon the refugees if he deemed it necessary. This was the same man who had once driven his own brother from the country. His calculating nature was actually useful in this situation, since it provided reassurance that the people would always be his first priority.
“I came to relay the information while I’m able,” said Raul. “But the situation is complex.”
The refugee crisis was similar to the situation with the slums. There was no single answer to everything, no way to stop the war that had created this crisis to begin with. And so, they were left with only one option: Once the refugees arrived, it would be trial and error until they found something that worked.
Raul leaned forward. “It’s important to share intel, right? The refugee crisis is an international matter, after all. It’s not something one country can shoulder on its own. To some degree, we have the same religious creed and speak a common language, but no church is exactly the same.”
A difference in values could be a source of contention. It was a given that no two cultures would be identical, but if there were some commonalities in languages and beliefs, then that could provide some support for what was otherwise an incredibly stressful situation. That would also facilitate open communication, which helped.
“Unfortunately, the financial burden has been hefted onto each country willing to assist with the crisis,” Sylvester said with a bitter expression.
The church was on the front lines, welcoming what refugees they could, but the supplies were bought and paid for with each allied country’s donations. Parte was dispatching mercenaries to guard the refugees as they made their way from their war-torn homelands, but as soon as they crossed the border to their new country of residence, that country was fully responsible for them. It was human nature to help those in need, and it wouldn’t be right to expect anything in return. That said, it was an enormous burden—physically and emotionally. The church was supposed to provide emotional and spiritual support, but it had its limits.
“I can only hope that the Saint’s Festival helps reassure everyone,” said Claudia.
The saint was a symbol of hope, a reminder that everyone would receive salvation regardless of birth status or financial standing. The church had its own political interests in appointing a saint, Claudia knew. Still, she hoped the saint would soothe people’s hearts.
“Regardless, our only option is to support the church. Though I’m not too fond of the notion that they’re gaining power,” said Sylvester.
The church’s actions were benevolent, but Claudia and Sylvester both knew from experience that some would use that power for ill. That, and there were wicked people serving the church. Despite these concerns, they could do nothing but rely on the church’s position as a unifying force. Bari and Harland wanted the Saint’s Festival to be a resounding success. And ideally, their prayers for peace would finally reach the people waging this war.
The king of Bari wasn’t the only one who prioritized his self-interest; all nations were primarily concerned with their own stability. The church was the only neutral organization not associated with any specific country.
This whole situation really makes me think, and not just about the refugee crisis.
Harland was trying to find a way to operate politically without relying on the church. They had only recently liberated themselves from the church’s influence and had intended to continue down that path when this refugee crisis cropped up. Despite their long history, their expansive lands and superpower status hadn’t allowed them to achieve complete independence from the church.
We can only take it a step at a time and achieve what we can.
To borrow Carlo’s words, one was never completely powerless.
“Being appointed A Priori has been a sobering experience,” said Claudia.
Sylvester regarded her with open concern. “Be careful not to overburden yourself.”
She giggled. “If anything, praying has been incredibly refreshing.” Claudia filled him in on the details of her day, and he nodded.
“It’s important to keep your stress to a minimum. Now if only they would allow us to touch.”
“We mustn’t,” Claudia insisted, knowing what he was hinting at. “This is part of the purification.”
He opened his mouth, likely to argue the point, but Lestea cut him off. “You two should be leaving soon. You can entrust care of her ladyship to me.”
“Perhaps they should prohibit physical contact altogether,” Sylvester muttered.
Claudia grinned at her beloved’s pettiness.
“As much as I want to laugh at his pain,” Raul told Claudia, “it upsets me that I can’t at least shake your hand. If Lestea tries anything funny, you have my permission to kick her.”
“Oh, please. Don’t act like I’m a savage brute like you! I would never do anything without her ladyship’s consent!” Lestea spat.
“You know what? Even if she doesn’t try anything, kick her anyway. You’ll have my full support.” Having delivered his seal of approval, Raul snatched Sylvester by his collar. “I know how much you wish to linger, but it’s time to go.”
Sylvester sneered. “I would prefer if you didn’t try to empathize with my feelings.”
“You’re the only person who spurns my goodwill, you know!”
“True,” said Claudia, chuckling at their antics.
As reluctant as she was to part with Sylvester, they would see each other again. Touch was the only thing they were forbidden from doing, so that was encouraging. Watching the two men snipe at one another as they left kept her from feeling too crestfallen about not being able to touch Sylvester. She was initially skeptical about having to share a room with Lestea, but perhaps it was a good thing after all.
“There. Now it’ll be just the two of us until morning.” Lestea flashed a hopeful smile at her.
Claudia leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling. “Please don’t make me regret my decision to let you stay already.”