Chapter 502
Thanks to the silence of the conservatives aiming for the growth of the Faith Doctrine Department, discussions about the World Tree and Konstantina were wrapped up quickly. Sure, I had said I needed to hurry back, but I didn’t expect things to end this promptly. I thought it would take at least a week.
“An official delegation to celebrate the revival of the World Tree will be sent to the Kefellofen Empire’s Protection Zone for non-human species, and the parishes in the Protection Zone will make decisions on their continued existence and gradual withdrawal through consensus with the local non-human species.”
The Cardinals either applauded or nodded quietly at the Pope’s words. Since the outcome was already determined, their resolve to follow along was apparent, even if they didn’t agree with it.
“Furthermore, we will re-designate the World Tree as a divine being of the Dawn Sect and recognize Konstantina, who bestowed the World Tree upon the continent, as a deity of the continent. I declare that this decision has been unanimously approved by the Cardinals.”
This was a monumental declaration: the Dawn Sect, which had always proclaimed a single god, officially recognized the existence of another deity.
In that historic moment, the Pope calmly struck his gavel three times.
“Then, let’s move on to the next agenda.”
However, the council was just getting started. The World Tree’s agenda, despite its historic significance, was merely one of many topics to be covered.
‘How many years will this take?’
If I remember correctly, the Dawn Sect’s councils often drag on for months, sometimes even years.
Of course, it’s not like they hold councils 365 days a year; they schedule them like seasonal menus, dedicating a set period each year to meetings. If the church’s high-ranking officials were trapped in conferences for a whole year, it would surely lead to the sect’s downfall.
Though it seems that limitation is what makes the councils extend over the years.
‘Well, I can just zone out for a while.’
As I watched the council look like it was trying to get back to the land of non-humans, I gently closed my eyes.
After all, I’m not a Cardinal, and I’m certainly not a devout believer. I’m just a single reference invited due to the World Tree agenda, and since it passed successfully, I had nothing else to worry about.
If I buried this in the dusty corners of my memory, one day I’d hear the council was over—
“Next, we have an agenda regarding the unique culture of the northern nomads: the Eternal Blue Sky.”
?
‘What?’
I heard an unfamiliar name in this strange place, leaving me incredulous. Why is that name coming up here?
‘Is this even allowed?’
I couldn’t help but gauge the atmosphere. After acknowledging Konstantina as a god, now they were bringing up the Eternal Blue Sky as an agenda? Even just watching felt dizzying—how must the Cardinals be feeling?
No, it must really be quite significant.
“The Eternal Blue Sky was… referred to as a deity in the beginning, wasn’t it?”
“If I remember correctly, the worship toward the sky evolved into a religion. I heard it got mixed up with wolf worship too, but that’s a little hazy.”
Yet, the Cardinals’ reactions were surprisingly calm. There was some murmuring, but it wasn’t backlash or shock. They were simply sharing information about the deity known as the Eternal Blue Sky.
That’s odd. No matter how insignificant the Eternal Blue Sky appears compared to Konstantina, a god is still a god. Shouldn’t they be more frantic about recognizing a new divine being right now?
‘Have they reached enlightenment or something?’
I couldn’t help but think that perhaps they had crossed into a state of enjoyment, considering their acknowledgment of Konstantina as a deity—it didn’t matter whether there was one, two, or three gods. It was all the same to them. It shouldn’t make any sense otherwise.
“It’s a consideration for the Empire.”
“Huh?”
As I sank into deep contemplation alone, Tannian whispered quietly.
“The Empire reigns as an Empire through divine decree—that is, through the favor and protection of the gods. Now that we have recognized Konstantina as a new god, it opens up the possibility for divine decree to be interpreted in various ways.”
‘Ah.’
It hit me like a ton of bricks once I absorbed those words.
The Empire is the Empire thanks to divine will. If there’s a recognized god other than Enen, a new divine decree could emerge. What if some deranged ruler converts to another faith and declares, ‘I too am the emperor chosen by the divine!’? The Dawn Sect would have no counter-arguments.
Of course, elements like national strength are also part of divine decree, so it’s unlikely that the Empire would actually falter because of other religions. But the fact that it leaves any room for interpretation is the issue.
‘…It’ll be fine, right?’
In that moment, I caught a glimpse of a future where the Emperor would be giving me an earful, but I quickly composed myself.
The Emperor knows I came as a reference to prove the revival of the World Tree. He wouldn’t judge me too harshly for not lying in front of the Pope and the Cardinals, so he should understand why things turned out this way. I was merely stating the facts.
Even though I threw the World Tree agenda at the Cardinals who were fighting over other topics, the truth is I really did need to hurry back home. Honestly, I doubted the Emperor would want me stuck in the Holy Kingdom for months or years either.
“But having the Eternal Blue Sky recognized as a god will benefit the Empire.”
“Benefit the Empire?”
“Yes. Although the Emperor, who claims to be a friend of the non-human species, can’t just dismiss Konstantina, the Eternal Blue Sky is the god of the nomads who have submitted to the Empire. Since it was sanctioned by the Dawn Sect, it can be used to stabilize the Empire.”
And with Tannian’s flawless argument, all my anxiety vanished.
“That’s true.”
It really is quite a sensible statement. I didn’t leave any room for the divine decree to falter. Instead, I brought back elements that will solidify the Empire further and allow the nomads to be loyal to the Empire.
Just thinking of it like this seems much easier.
The first day of the council came to a close.
At the same time, my role as a reference for the council also ended, freeing me. Now, it was up to the Cardinals to take care of things.
“Since we’re already in a foreign country, we might as well enjoy some sightseeing starting tomorrow.”
So, I suggested while wrapping my arms around Trixy’s waist. Since this trip was partly for our honeymoon, it seemed better to explore a few places rather than rush home right after my role ended.
Enestitiy was the holy land of the Dawn Sect and the center of the continental church, a city where various people and cultures coexist. Although having a religious atmosphere means flashy and fun sightseeing might be challenging, there would definitely be opportunities to enjoy a different vibe.
Moreover, with a council occurring after hundreds of years, it’s said so many people flocked there wanting to witness that historic moment. Thanks to that, street vendors popped up everywhere.
“Sightseeing?”
However, the reaction I got was unexpectedly muted. It seemed like a somewhat uncomfortable voice.
“Why? Are you tired?”
“Not that, but shouldn’t we return home right away?”
And with that remark, I started to understand Trixy’s response. She was asking if we should quickly report to the Emperor about the results of this council before the news spread among the upper echelons of various nations.
It’s completely understandable. With Konstantina’s recognition secured and the Eternal Blue Sky on the verge of official acknowledgment, it was indeed a matter requiring urgent action given the magnitude of its impact on the continent’s values.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already mentioned it.”
But the response should be the Emperor’s responsibility, not mine. If he’d just text me with updates right away, that would be enough. I mean, what could the Director of the Information Department do once he returned? Give the church a finder’s fee?
What’s more, the Emperor, that rascal, didn’t even tell me when I was supposed to come back. I didn’t intend to stick around for weeks, but I definitely didn’t plan to hurriedly return within a day.
“So let’s stay a few days and relax before heading back. When else will we have a chance to tour a foreign land like this?”
At that, Trixy’s ears started to perk up excitedly.
I figured she was looking forward to having some fun.
*
With great rights come great responsibilities.
Thus, a noble and exalted Emperor must fulfill heavier and more arduous duties than anyone else.
‘I can’t believe this.’
But I never imagined such a brutal duty would fall on me. Why are these things happening during my reign?
‘The recognition.’
A chuckle escaped me. Back during the religious wars, Konstantina cooperated fully with Enen, and the Dawn Sect didn’t suppress the community of Konstantina believers. They even showed some respect, providing an equivalent of “divine treatment” as they referred to the World Tree as descending upon the continent.
But now, they’re moving to officially acknowledge her as a deity too. From the Dawn Sect’s victory to the present—the monotheism that persisted for over hundreds of years was now shaking.
Indeed, not only Konstantina but the endorsement of the Eternal Blue Sky was nearing confirmation, marking the continent as home to not one, but three gods.
‘The sun, the foliage, and the sky.’
In the midst of it all, I found myself uncomfortably impressed by my own grave thoughts.
‘It’s not entirely bad.’
As I continued to chuckle, I reached a conclusion.
Once the world learns of this, there will undoubtedly be upheaval. The churches spread across the land will stir uneasily, the common folk will be in disarray, and the nobility will begin their own games of nuances.
However, surprisingly, it’s not a dire situation. If it had only ended with the acknowledgment of Konstantina, I would’ve been in a bind, but with the endorsement of the Eternal Blue Sky, this calamity morphed into an opportunity.
‘The Eternal Blue Sky is part of the Empire.’
The northern regions have now become part of the Empire, and many powerful chieftains have turned noble. Plus, the Empire declared that it would respect the culture of the north, and the Emperor has become the Khan of the nomads. This allows the Emperor to assert sovereignty over the nomadic faith, embracing the Eternal Blue Sky.
On the flip side, the non-human species followers of Konstantina exist in a gray area—not technically subjects of the Empire but described as the Emperor’s friends—but luckily, they maintained a good relationship with the Empire. Before the current Emperor, many had already established decent relations with the non-humans, so as long as the Empire doesn’t make unreasonable demands, they’re unlikely to cause a stir.
In fact, rather than remaining quiet, they might even be more collaborative with the Empire at this point, since the Empire had long been friendly with the Dawn Sect, and now has control over the Eternal Blue Sky faith. It means that two out of the three recognized gods are aligned with the Emperor’s side. If Konstantina’s faith maintains neutrality, they might find themselves isolated.
‘It’s not exactly… bad…’
I let out a sigh unconsciously. Things are looking good, but the issue is that I have to bear the weight of making all this happen.
It’s maddening. Reports like these are pouring in since the first day of the council. I dread to imagine what hell might await after the council is truly over.
*
In a small prayer room deep within St. Togras Cathedral.
I was left alone there, raising my prayers to our Lord.
I harbor no regrets about the choice to recognize heresy. I truly believe this is the right thing for the Lord and the Sect. Suppressing and ignoring a god that has grandly manifested is rather undesirable for the future of the Sect. Just as we accept our existence, others might also turn away from and deny our Lord.
Yes, this is right. If we choose a different path, it could lead to rivers of blood and tears staining the land, forcing screams and wails to fill the heavens like back in the days of religious war.
Yes, it must have been like that. It surely was.
…
“Lord, do not forgive this sinner.”
I confessed my feelings towards the Lord. No matter how righteous this might be, I asked Him not to forgive me.
For I have abased the name of our one true Lord, dismantling the glory our ancestors built.
I must bear all the consequences myself. The honorable and wise Cardinals who followed my stubbornness are not to blame.
With the hope that my sincerity reaches His grace, I prayed. The sun set, darkness enveloped the heavens, and I prayed until dawn broke once more.
“…Lord.”
As I lifted my head and opened my eyes, the cross of the Lord shone brightly.
– I know your will.
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