Only God

The thoughts of Pastor Casas were sound.

Rather than waiting for all the priests from various countries and cities to leave Danschel and allow the Emperor to deal with Eden as he pleased, it would be better to hold a public trial, even if the result might be a death sentence.

In comparison to the former, the Emperor's maneuverability was far too strong.

After the priests had left, Constantine VI could pretend to issue a decree of forgiveness but actually arrange for his servants to torture the young priest. In this way, the Emperor would not only have his revenge but also gain praises of magnanimity and benevolent governance.

However, the latter would be different. Firstly, according to the laws of the Empire, a citizen's personal safety must be guaranteed before trial, and citizens have the right to appeal against torture, abuse, and forced confessions. Secondly, once a public trial commenced at the Great Council, the attention of the entire city, even the nation, would inevitably converge. Thus, even the Emperor would not dare to act rashly.

"Think it through, once a public trial is held, innocence is impossible. There are many priests on the Great Council who support the Emperor."

Pastor Casas clearly explained the pros and cons to Veldor,

"If he were an entirely upright, pure and without sin priest, it would be fine. But he is suspected of heresy, and even if not a heretic, he cannot avoid the prejudices of others.

This matter could be minor or severe. If mishandled, even the death penalty is possible. At that time, all we could do is pray for his soul to return to Heaven."

Veldor nodded, signaling that he understood the stakes,

"We have no choice but to try."

Seeing Veldor's resolve, Pastor Casas nodded in agreement and began to prepare for it.

Not long afterward, the two old priests almost simultaneously thought of a problem.

The idea of holding a public trial at the Great Council was certainly good, but the problem was how to get the few key individuals to agree to this trial.

To insert a new topic into the Great Council, it first had to pass the scrutiny of the bishops, which was not too difficult but neither was it simple. After passing scrutiny, it still required a unanimous agreement from the pastors. Pastor Casas himself naturally agreed, and he was confident in convincing several other pastors, but would Danschel's Great Shepherd, the Emperor's "close servant," agree to this?

Even if, by extreme luck, the Great Shepherd Danschel agreed to the trial, the most critical aspect was that they would need the Emperor's permission.

Constantine VI was no mediocre ruler. Would this Monarch not see through their intentions?

Even if he truly did not, that Monarch, considering his own interests, would not agree to the trial.

The two old priests were troubled. To hold a public trial, they needed to overcome many obstacles. Whether it was the Great Shepherd Danschel or Constantine VI, they were difficult to bypass, and holding a public trial did not ensure all would be well.

"What should we do..."

Pastor Casas sighed heavily,

"Neither you nor I have the ability to persuade the Emperor and his pastor."

Veldor fretted, pulling at his beard. The spark of hope that had been kindled was now extinguished under the weight of pressure, turning to ash. Even if they could persuade the Great Shepherd Danschel, how could they convince the Emperor?

God, such a person naturally wielded absolute power, but what could possibly overcome him?

He possessed noble lineage, sixty legions, over a hundred cities, and tens of millions of subjects under his rule, but what about us? We are just two old men in our twilight years, waiting for death's approach, how could we possibly contend with him...

Deep despair surged like the tide at the coast, Veldor gasped for breath, unable to utter a word.

Watching this scene, Pastor Casas could not help but sigh:

"In the end... it's time to rely on a miracle again..."

Miracle...

This all-too-familiar word sparked thought in Veldor, his feet began to move, pacing while he pondered, with Casas watching him intently. The latter turned about the room until he suddenly stopped, right in front of the window. Light from outside shone in, casting a golden halo over his head.

Then, he spoke,

"I've got it, I've thought of something..."

Surprise flickered in Casas's eyes, as Veldor approached. He opened his weighty satchel and from its deepest confines produced a battered old book.

"This is it, this is the one!"

Veldor held up the book as if a King were lifting his crown, surrounded by boundless glory and God's blessing.

............

............

"Where has Arsia gone?"

In the Royal Palace, Constantine VI lounged in his chair, enjoying the attendance of his servants while inquiring about the Princess's whereabouts.

On the table of golden teakwood, a fine selection of Myrrha pomegranates was arrayed, fruits sourced from the southern reaches of the Empire, transported a thousand miles for the sole enjoyment of the Royal Family. Along with pomegranates, the fruit bowl was sprinkled with precious pepper, and beneath it lay a valuable silk cloth embroidered with gold. These adornments were to the left of Constantine; to his right was a gilded brass incense burner, wherein frankincense and myrrh from the land of Ajia smoldered.

Even in its decline, the Empire was still so affluent.

And in its most dominant eras, Emperors even proclaimed themselves rulers of the Mortal World in their edicts.