Episode 215
College of Cardinals.
As the name suggests, it is a group of cardinals of the doctrine of Deusis.
The number varied from time to time, sometimes as few as 50, and sometimes as many as 80.
It usually remains around 70 people, and that was the case even under Orban IV.
The current membership of the College of Cardinals is 67.
Their pecking order is second only to the Pope, effectively placing them at the very top of power.
In some cases, cardinals even wielded more influence than the kings of large kingdoms.
A group of cardinals visited the Kingdom of Mariott.
“This is Fidenzio Piola.” “This is Benigso d’Alfonso.” “This is Caino Avino.”
Each cardinal bowed his head and introduced himself.
There were three cardinals who came.
The number of people performing these three tasks alone exceeded three thousand.
Since they were all made up of high priests and paladins, they were effectively a huge armed force.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Abelson Marriott.”
Abelson sat on his throne and looked down at the cardinals.
“So. What brings you here? This seems a bit too grand for a simple greeting.” “We’ve come to root out heresy within the Kingdom of Mariott.”
Abelson’s eyebrows quirked at the word heresy.
“Heresy?”
“Yes. As Your Majesty knows, there was an unfortunate incident in Scolborne, wasn’t there?” “There was an unfortunate incident where a priest of Deusis died in an accident.” “That was not an accident.”
Cardinal Fidenzio said firmly.
“A case of systematic slander and murder of a priest of the Deusis Church. This is clearly the work of heresy.” “Haa, I don’t know what evidence you have for such a statement.” “If there’s evidence, here it is!”
Cardinal Fidenzio handed over a bundle of papers.
He continued speaking with a confident expression.
“The recent formation of a heretical group in Scolborne is evidence that it has been operating systematically.”
Abelson received the documents and looked at them carefully.
The more he looked into the contents, the more Abelson’s brow furrowed.
‘As expected… they planned this from the beginning.’
The continent is currently largely divided into two powers.
There are those who say that the Demons must be destroyed through war, and those who say that peace must now be made with the Demons.
However, if we look closely at this, we see a slightly different criterion.
Do you support the Deusis doctrine or not?
Or, you could say the Gatren Empire and other countries.
Anyway, the important thing is that the forces calling for peace are made up of several countries and organizations.
Naturally, their unity was bound to be weak.
Gatren took advantage of the gap.
They must have been planting spies to gather information and plan things long ago.
‘It must have been their doing that the high priest died in the first place.’
Death of a high priest.
Abelson was also convinced that this was clearly a farce orchestrated by Gatren to create trouble.
Otherwise, it would not have been possible to dispatch a large number of clergy and inquisitors along with the College of Cardinals as if they had been waiting for this.
In the end, it’s an act that is transparent.
The other person didn’t seem to have any intention of hiding it either.
But the problem was that even though I knew the inside story, I had no choice but to accept it.
“okay.”
Abelson continued, returning the relevant documents.
“I understand that you have come to root out heresy. However, I wonder how it is done.” “As Your Majesty knows, rooting out heresy is the inherent right of the religion. Therefore, there is no need to reveal the method here…”
For a moment, a smile appeared on Cardinal Fidenzio’s lips.
“I will speak for the sake of the Kingdom of Mariott and Your Majesty’s dignity.”
Abelson nodded in gratitude.
Cardinal Fidenzio continued his explanation.
“The way to detect heresy is through proof of faith. And those who cannot prove their faith or refuse to comply with the detection are executed on the spot.”
“What did you say…?”
Abelson’s fist clenched.
“Are you planning to commit mass murder in the capital right now!?”
Abelson’s voice rises naturally.
Although the king of the country was furious, the cardinals’ faces were filled with composure.
“As I said, it is our exclusive right to root out heresy. And in Scolborn, there are large cult groups, demons,
“There are worshippers.”
Cardinal Fidenzio continued speaking without changing his expression.
“What we are doing is also necessary for the Kingdom of Mariott. Your Majesty, there are demons within the Kingdom.
Are you going to leave the worshippers alone? Or maybe…”
For a moment his eyes lit up coolly.
“Is it true that Your Majesty follows the Demons as rumored?” “Cardinal. Do not cross the line.”
Abelson’s voice became cold.
Cardinal Fidenzio bowed his head and stepped aside.
No matter how great their power is, this is a royal palace.
If you show yourself to be overly rude to the King, you will lose your justification.
——————
faqwiki.us
Join our Discord for new chapter updates!
https://discord.com/invite/xr7SxG5T6V
——————
“I apologize. However, I must tell you that the heresy investigation cannot proceed as planned.”
“Not allowed.”
“Can I understand that statement as an attempt to turn Gatren, or rather the Deusis Church, into enemies?”
“that…”
Abelson grits his teeth.
There is no place on the continent that is not influenced by the Deusis doctrine.
There is only a difference in degree.
Even the mighty Dracaen Empire is not completely free from the Cult of Deusis.
And unfortunately, the Kingdom of Marit was one of the countries heavily influenced by the Deusis Cult.
If the Kingdom of Marit were to cross paths with the Church of Deusis, there would be a huge backlash from the believers who make up the majority of the Kingdom’s population.
‘Is it inevitable…?’
Abelson let out a deep sigh.
“Understood. I authorize the extermination of heretics.” “You have made a wise decision.”
The three cardinals left the palace with bitter laughter.
***
A peaceful family.
They barged in suddenly.
He soiled the floor with his heavy boots.
He raids the house, leaving the family tied up in the living room.
“What kind of necklace is this?”
The inquisitor asked.
The situation is that the knights are already surrounding the area.
The man answered in a trembling voice.
“That, that’s my grandmother’s heirloom…”
“Relics?”
The inquisitor’s eyebrows twitched.
“Your voice is shaking, so I guess you’re lying.”
“yes…?”
“This isn’t some relic. It’s a sacred object of a cult that idolizes the Demon Race.” “No! It’s really something that my grandmother left behind… . Keuk!”
A fist was punched in the stomach of a man who was protesting.
The inquisitor picked up the necklace with an expression full of disgust, as if looking at a dirty insect.
“You’re evading the truth to the end. This is clearly a symbol of idolizing the Demon Race. Send the evidence and hang them on the gallows.” “No! Please spare me! I don’t mind dying! At least for my family!”
The man screamed desperately, but what he got in return was merciless violence.
The might of a knight that ordinary people cannot dare to oppose.
In an instant, the man and his family were dragged along the street like luggage, their bodies covered in blood.
People were muttering among themselves as they watched the sight.
“That guy Milo was a heretic…” “I knew this would happen. I knew it a few days ago when you said we should make peace with the Demons.” “That’s right! In fact, he’s a dog of the Demons! He must have acted under orders!”
People’s gaze was cold.
A full-scale search for heresy begins.
The atmosphere in the capital changed abruptly.
“The Deusis Church must come forward.” “What do you mean peace with the demons? They are the demons.
“I knew from the beginning that you were a worshipper.”
To begin with, the majority of the people of the Mariott Kingdom were believers in the Deusis religion.
Not all of them called for war against the Demons, but when the situation turned out this way, even those who had been neutral turned to the idea that the Demons should be exterminated.
This phenomenon was also one of the tactics of the Deusis doctrine.
“Kkaaaah!”
“Gyaaaaah-!”
Screams echoed through Scolbourne day and night.
Massacre in the name of rooting out heresy.
It was a terrible massacre.
Hundreds of innocent people died every day.
Even the most trivial of crimes could not escape the eyes of the interrogators.
Even if there is no sin, creating sin makes you a heretic and a demon
Driven into worship.
“Once this is over, our kingdom will be at peace.” “There’s nothing we can do about it. Shouldn’t we have believed in God a long time ago?”
In the cold air, the scent of Scolborne’s blood grew thicker.
***
“Are you just going to watch this? There is a massacre happening! Innocent citizens of the kingdom are being branded heretics and killed!”
A man gave a passionate speech.
It was a confession about the injustice of the heresy investigation that has been taking place in the Kingdom of Mariott recently.
Some of those gathered nodded, while others frowned.
“Oh! You are talking nonsense. Watch your mouth! You are calling this a massacre when it is a legitimate procedure to root out heretics!” “Justified? Where is the justification in this massacre?” “I have said this many times, but it is not a massacre. Or perhaps you are a demon.
Are you a worshiper? “Ma, Ma
“A worshipper!? What kind of nonsense is that!” “If not, then you wouldn’t be reacting like this right now, right?”
The atmosphere was gradually becoming a mess.
“It’s obvious from the way you look excited. After all, you’re a demon.
“Only a non-worshiper would think like that!”
The honorifics towards each other disappeared.
“Shut up! Can’t you shut your mouth!” “Where did you get that nonsense!?”
“This kid!”
There is yelling and swearing.
“Do you not know that you were born from the belly of a lowly maid? Tsk tsk! That is why I cannot converse with those of unclean blood.”
Eventually, the situation got to the point where they were asking about the well-being of each household and the parents.
“Ha! You are such a noble person that your wife is having an affair.”
“What…?”
“Didn’t you know? There’s a rumor going around the capital that if you spend a night with Madame Decker, she’ll throw you gold coins! Those lowly men you mentioned are lining up! Since you’ve slept with a lowly person, you won’t even talk to your wife, right?” “You son of a bitch! This is a duel! Draw your swords now!”
It’s hard to believe, but this was the kingdom’s royal council.
A place where King Abelson Marriot and the high-ranking nobles of the kingdom gather to decide important national affairs.
But now it has fallen to a level worse than a dog fight in a market place.
“Stop it. Stop it!”
Abelson shouted.
However, it did not reach the nobles who were already gathered together and talking with their fists.
“Haa… Guards. Organize.”
At Abelson’s words, soldiers rushed in and tore apart the entangled nobles.
“Let go! I said let go!” “Where are you lowly things!”
Despite the soldiers’ persuasion, the nobles continued to resist.
There is no sign of the atmosphere calming down.
Finally, Abelson stood up.
He walks among the nobles, holding the mace next to him.
“ha…”
She slammed the mace in her hand hard against the floor.
Kwaaaaang-!
The throne shook with a loud noise.
The nobles nearby were thrown to the ground in dismay by the strong shockwave.
“…”
Silence came in an instant.
In the silence, Abelson opened his mouth.
“This is your final warning. The meeting is over. Disband and return. Otherwise…”
The nobles gulped.
Abelson continued, his expression dripping with cold air.
“I will treat you as someone who has refused the king’s orders and punish you immediately.”
An atmosphere where it wouldn’t be strange if someone’s head were to blow off at any moment.
The young king before his eyes was truly a great man who could break the heads of nobles.
“Ahem, ahem!”
“Let’s go quickly! Why did you say something like that…” “Come out quickly!”
The nobles left the conference room in a hurry.
Abelson let out a deep sigh as he watched them not stopping talking even as they left.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Choi Hyun-seok, who had been watching the meeting from one side, approached.
“Ha, I showed you something you wouldn’t want to see.” “Don’t worry about it. It’s not like it’s been a day or two anyway. I’m used to it now.”
“What did you say…?”
At that moment, Abelson’s eyes opened fiercely.
Choi Hyun-seok realized his mistake, took a step back, and laughed awkwardly.
“Everyone is equally concerned about the future of the country, but it’s a big deal because our opinions don’t match! Hahahaha…!”
Urgent deflection and awkward laughter.
Abelson decided to just let it go.
As Choi Hyun-seok said, it was true that this kind of mess had been going on for more than a day or two.
“The future of the country…”
Abelson’s sigh deepened even further.
“Do they have any such concerns?” “No, they don’t.” “To be honest, this is a factional fight. They are only interested in preserving their positions.”
The reason the nobles were divided into two factions is simple.
Do you support Gatren or Drazen?
Depending on where the string is connected, the perspective on the current situation changes.
“I knew we had been exposed to the Empire’s influence for a long time, but I didn’t know it was to this extent.”
Abelson said with a sullen expression.
Even this was after she became queen and purges the nobles.
That is, this is the extent of the reduction.
“I feel like a puppet rather than a king.”
So helpless.
The Deusis Church is trampling on the capital.
The authors of the nobles are busy engaging in a tug-of-war between the two empires.
Even though this was happening in the Kingdom of Mariott, there was nothing she could do as the queen of the kingdom.
“Those fanatics who are causing trouble in the capital. Can’t we just deal with them?”
Abelson shook his head at Choi Hyun-seok’s question.
“That is exactly what they want. If that happens, the entire Mariott royal family will become heretics. And not just heretics, but demons.
“They are worshippers. They are the worst of the heretics.”
“ah…”
“If that happens, they will mobilize all their power in one breath to kill me and devour the entire kingdom.”
Abelson continued with a self-deprecating laugh.
“Come to think of it, half of the nobles who were fighting earlier might actually be hoping that this would happen.” “Is there really no answer to this?” “Well, I’ve been up all night thinking about it myself, but I can’t come up with any specific idea.”
At that time, the two’s worries were deepening.
A familiar voice was heard.
“I have an idea.”
Sarah Dunphy walked in from one side.
Choi Hyun-seok looked at her with a surprised expression.
“When did you come?”
“It’s been around since the time the royal council degenerated into a fight between city thugs.”
Abelson’s cheeks turned red at her words.
Although it is said to be a long time ago, Sarah Dunphy was the queen of a country.
Maybe that’s why.
The fact that I showed her this was several times more shameful than showing it to anyone else.
Sarah Dunphy continued speaking calmly, seemingly oblivious to the matter.
“Anyway, I know what the current situation is. To put it simply, isn’t it that we are unable to deal with the pests within ourselves because we are concerned about the opinions of the powerful countries?”
“yes.”
“Then why don’t we just do it secretly?”
“stealthily?”
“It’s assassination.”
Choi Hyun-seok and Abelson tilted their heads.
An assassination out of the blue?
I wonder if it’s true that I know the situation well.
“Miss Sarah. There are over three thousand people in the capital right now. If you include the original residents, it’s four thousand.” “And the capital’s population is a hundred thousand. It’s impossible to assassinate someone while avoiding all these eyes.”
Not one or two, but a whopping four thousand.
To assassinate four thousand people while avoiding the eyes of a hundred thousand people?
This is impossible no matter what magic you use.
But Sarah Dunphy didn’t say this without thinking.
“There is a famous saying.”
She smiled, the corners of her lips raised.
“If there are no witnesses, it is assassination.”
I was thinking of carrying out the world’s largest assassination attempt.