Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Edict for Elimination of Heretics
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It was at the meeting with the kingdom’s leadership the following day.
“Hmm. Could you say that one more time?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca asked Zenon again, her face pale.
Zenon repeated the same thing, making an effort to sound calm, as if stating the obvious.
“Yes. Therefore, a divine oracle has been issued, ‘Eliminate the heretics.’” (Zenon)
A heavy silence dominated the meeting room. Neither Casablanca nor Louis nor the nobles spoke a word. Everyone was too shocked to say anything. Well, it was likely that even after calming down a bit, they wouldn’t know what to say, so this silence was likely to last for a while. Since no one was saying anything, Zenon added his own clarification.
“The current chaos in the kingdom. The root of all evil is the heretics. God is angry that the heretics are rampant. Therefore, let us eliminate the heretics to appease God’s anger.” (Zenon)
It seemed like he had merely repeated almost the same thing. Still, no one said anything.
Well, it couldn’t be helped. Even Zenon, who was making the announcement, could tell that this oracle was utterly insane. It demanded the eradication of the heretics within the kingdom, whether by killing or expelling them. It wasn’t just stepping off the path of humanity. It was leaping over it.
Indeed, the heretics were an alien presence. The believers made up 95% of the kingdom’s population, while the heretics were only 5%. There were heretics, such as those from the Sheeb Order, who were persecuted, and in some regions, merely being a heretic meant one’s life was at risk due to the radical believers among the faithful. However, the heretics were people who had lived in the kingdom for generations, so in most cases, they only garnered momentary attention when entering a tavern.
At the moment, a divine oracle had been issued demanding their total eradication. Of course, the faithful must obey. It was a command from ‘God’. Whether they were friends or lovers, if they were heretics, they had to be killed. Well, they wouldn’t have to do it themselves. Other believers would be more than willing to do the killing.
According to the ‘oracle’, any sins up until now would be wiped away, allowing one to enter heaven, while ignoring it would lead to hell. The believers would slaughter the heretics as if they were different people. This was an unparalleled chance for a guaranteed ticket to heaven. It seemed that the Laplace Kingdom hadn’t yet fallen into hell. Compared to what was about to happen, Leo’s great massacre would seem mild. Noble power struggles have their limits. However, the elimination of heretics was akin to a massacre where everyone turned against one another.
Louis opened his heavy mouth and asked in a trembling voice.
“Is… is the High Priest really correct about that oracle?” (Louis)
He was young. Not an ounce of majesty felt from the king.
Perhaps, I should tease him a little.
“What? Does His Majesty the King doubt the abilities of High Priest Cyan?!” (Zenon)
As Zenon responded dramatically with a stern face, Louis waved his hands frantically, hurriedly correcting himself.
What a timid king.
“I didn’t say that! I’m not saying that! It was just that the oracle was so absurd. I just couldn’t believe it all at once. I certainly don’t doubt the abilities of the church.” (Louis)
“Then, please sign the edict for the elimination of heretics immediately.” (Zenon)
Zenon pressed Louis. Louis turned pale and trembled. He moved his mouth as if trying to plead with Zenon, but the words didn’t come out. He wanted to say something, but if he said something foolish, he would become ‘God’s enemy’.
Well, I understand well how it feels to be unable to say anything.
“Wait. There has always been a custom in this kingdom that the kingdom’s politics and the church do not interfere with each other. To demand that the king issue an order for the elimination of heretics is clearly contrary to that custom.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca joined in support of Louis. He had heard that the two were like cats and dogs, but it seems there is more at play here. If they were to be forced by Zenon to sign the edict for the elimination of heretics, it would lead to a massacre in the kingdom far more horrific than the verbal assaults they had exchanged over Leo.
Casablanca’s criticism of ‘violating the separation of church and state’ was entirely valid. However, Zenon naturally had a reply prepared.
“God has trusted the kingdom. That is why no oracle of this sort has been issued until now. However, you have betrayed God’s trust. The land is devastated, and the devout believers are suffering. Therefore, God has given a warning, even if it means discarding past customs.” (Zenon)
“But, the elimination of heretics is extremely difficult. Of course, I want to do my utmost, but whether we can truly carry it out…” (Louis)
Louis, who had regained some composure thanks to Casablanca’s support, spoke. Essentially, he was saying he would say he would do it, but he had no intention of actually following through.
“We of the church will take full responsibility for the elimination of the heretics. For His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Vice-King, and the nobles, all you need to prepare is military support, a bit of funding, and permission for activities within your territories.” (Zenon)
Confirming that the church would primarily handle the elimination of heretics. In other words, the king wouldn’t have to dirty his own hands. Zenon dismantled each of Louis’s worries one by one.
—
To reiterate, 95% are believers. The remaining 5% are heretics. Among the heretics, there are particularly three representative religions, the Nature Faith, the Sheeb Order, and the Horimas Order.
The Nature Faith was an indigenous religion. Its history in this region likely predated the Holy Faith.
Unlike the Holy Faith, which assumed the existence of ‘God’, this religion claimed that ‘spirits’ reside in nature, such as soil, trees, and the sea. Due to this nature, there were many believers among craftsmen and sailors. Although they were heretics, they had not faced discrimination until now because of their ancient history and because their doctrines are harmless to the kingdom. There were a few, but even among the upper class, such as nobles and wealthy individuals, there were believers.
The Sheeb Order was a bit different. The descendants of the Sheeb people, who were driven out from the East and fled to Laplace, practiced this faith. They were often discriminated against due to their differing race from the Laplace people. Due to this history, the Sheeb Order excelled in covert actions and had formed an alliance with the Warden Household, which had taken note of this.
The Horimas Order was a newly established religion. Amid Leo’s invasion, which turned the royal capital Horimas into ruins, the survivors founded it. Although it had just been established, it was gaining followers in an unstable society, and it was necessary to take action as soon as possible.
—
Zenon counterattacked Casablanca.
“I have heard that Your Highness Casablanca has a close relationship with the Warden Household.” (Zenon)
“What of it?” (Casablanca)
“You must be well aware that the Warden Household is closely connected with the heretical Sheeb Order. Is your resistance to this oracle perhaps because you fear the weakening of the Warden Household?” (Zenon)
“Ugh.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s expression twisted slightly.
Zenon had thoroughly investigated the political landscape. The only noble that had a friendly relationship with Casablanca was the Warden Household, which was deeply connected to the Sheeb Order. This was the best possible ammunition for the church.
“It is utterly unacceptable to criticize God for selfish reasons. Such behavior is unbecoming of a Viceroy.” (Zenon)
“I’m not criticizing God! I’m merely questioning the church’s influence in politics…” (Casablanca)
Ignoring Casablanca’s defense, Zenon turned back to Louis.
“Your Majesty. The cleanup of the heretics will be conducted under the full responsibility of our church. You only need to give your orders. By doing so, you will gain enthusiastic support from the 2 million believers in the kingdom.” (Zenon)
Zenon knew that this man named Louis would ally with the devil just to strike a blow at Casablanca. He had probably been compared to his sister since childhood, which had exacerbated his complex.
“Understood. I will command the nobles to follow the oracle.” (Louis)
As expected, Louis conceded.
A man who would not hesitate to allow a massacre of his own citizens for the sake of striking a blow at his sister. What an incredibly foolish king he was. While looking down on Louis in his heart, Zenon simultaneously casted a triumphant glance at Casablanca, who was dejected and unwilling to even meet his gaze.
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