Only God

Constantine VI had always been skeptical about the authenticity of the letter.

The letter had been verified by a host of bishops and pastors, and indeed, the handwriting matched that of the Prophet's, undoubtedly penned by his hand.

However, Constantine VI, steeped in imperial politics for years, could not help but consider the possibility of forgery.

Indeed, Constantine thought so and doubted that the letter was genuine and really from the Prophet's hand.

The letter seemed quite reasonable, but on closer inspection, there were many persistent doubts, particularly when combined with the prior incident of Veldor and Pastor Casas seeking the Queen's mercy, it was hard not to arouse the skeptical Emperor's suspicion of the letter's authenticity.

Even with his suspicions, Constantine VI had no sufficient evidence to definitively declare the letter false.

Therefore, he dared not oppose a public trial.

If all these doubts were just that, mere doubts, and the letter was real, then wouldn't refusing a public trial be defying the Prophet, defying the will of God?

Power often bows to another form of power.

Even though the emperors of the Danschel Empire once boasted themselves rulers of all the Mortal World, what does worldly rule amount to in the presence of the Divine?

The Emperor, caressing the armrest of his chair, sank into profound contemplation.

He had never imagined that a priest would make everything so complicated.

Though the complications were for a variety of reasons.

At that moment, footsteps were heard from outside. Constantine VI looked up to see it was the Chief Steward.

"Your Majesty, the envoys from Ausenco have arrived and presented a cartload of rare treasures," said the Grand Steward with utmost reverence.

Constantine VI slowly replied,

"They are considerate. God will look after them. Convey my blessings to them for now, and I will receive them in person tonight."

The Grand Steward nodded, opened his mouth as if to say more, but hesitated.

"What is it? Speak your mind."

Seeing this, the Grand Steward spoke,

"Your Majesty, the envoys from Ausenco asked me whether everything is ready for Her Highness Arsia…"

The Emperor lifted his hand,

"No need to worry on that front. Her mother is there.

I know their visit is not only to see me and renew our alliance but also to welcome Arsia as a bride."

Hearing the Emperor's words, the Grand Steward breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to take his leave when Constantine VI called out to him.

"Arrange for them to witness our Great Council. They have come from afar and should be shown due respect," said Constantine VI.

The Royal Family of Ausenco had converted to the True Religion sporadically over the last decade; it was said that the sect that baptized the royal family came from a more remote branch of the Church and had some connections with the Elves.

Because of its small scale, limited fame, and remote location, this sect had not participated in the Great Council.

Constantine VI thought of this and wanted to use the opportunity of the Great Council to demonstrate the Empire's authority to the Ausenco Royal Family.

In this world, only three forces are needed to shape authority:

Authority, history, and the unknown.

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

Strangely enough, the prison guards had stopped tormenting him, stopped mistreating him. Instead, they treated him with good wine and meat, which only made Eden all the more anxious day by day.

Eden was well aware of his predicament, the fate that awaited him. It was to be a public heretic trial where the Emperor's power was minimized, and authority could not play fast and loose with right and wrong. Before him lay not a deadlock but a crossroads, one leading to life, the other to death.

Even though there was now a hope of survival, Eden found himself in greater agony than before.

Truth or glory?

If he continued to proclaim the prophecy of the Savior, the truth he believed in, then, with the Emperor's support, he would surely be judged a heretic and face nothing but a humiliating death, playing the role of a fool in a theatrical farce.

If he chose glory, it would mean renouncing his so-called heretic beliefs in front of all, gloriously distancing himself from the prophecy of the Savior, even declaring: "The Savior will never come! For under the guidance of the Church, there will never be an end of the world."

Just so, the doors of glory would open to him. He would be released without charges, not to be touched by the Emperor anymore in the witness of all, continuing his limitless prospects, becoming a bishop, a cardinal, and even a pastor, and finally passing away amid everyone's blessings and praises, leaving a fragrant legacy in history.

To choose truth or glory, either was within reach. The only difference was, one led to destruction, the other towards a brighter path.

Eden was torn, but no matter his anguish, things were to proceed as usual.

Thus, on the morning of the heretic trial, Eden left the prison under the escort of the Royal Guards and headed to the venue of the Great Council.

Outside the venue, there was a huge throng of devout Believers and curious citizens, all drawn by the "Prophet's Letter" and jamming the site completely, each straining on tiptoes to scrutinize the young man being put on heretic trial.

The guards struggled to make their way through the crowd. Facing the people's gazes, Eden lost the calm composure he once had and became visibly uneasy, either as a righteous man or a heretic. The former would receive their utmost praise, whereas the latter would face the city's scorn.

Many people crowded around, eager to get a closer look at the priest who had offended the Emperor. Eden was hindered from entering the venue, which further agonized him.