The only question was how many tangible benefits he could secure for himself and the Monte Territory within the framework of this "agreement," and how much autonomy he could retain for the future.
Archbishop John didn't look surprised. In fact, his expression suggested this was exactly what he had expected.
He knew full well that a Lord like Murphy, who held real power and possessed formidable strength of his own, would not offer unconditional loyalty so easily.
Of course, he couldn't simply use the Church Court's authority to force the issue.
That would be neither wise nor in keeping with his personal principles.
Coercion might not tarnish the Church Court's prestige, but for him personally, it was a different matter entirely.
The Church Court was an eternal, giant tree, while an Archbishop was merely one of its branches.
