Chapter 87

Once upon a time, the human kingdom was united as one. Although this period was not long, the unified human kingdom did not have a specific name, referring to itself only as the Empire. The Empire, which governed vast territories, overwhelmingly surpassed the few remaining countries and regions led by other races.

If the Empire continued to expand its territory, the surrounding countries would have been in constant fear, but the Empire never invaded other countries and its short history came to an end. This was because, by uniting, their focus shifted from the outside to the inside. The Empire entered a period of internal strife just ten years after unifying all human countries.

The era of peace did not last long, and powerful lords declared independence, leading to a return to a time of warring states. Emperor Georgios, instead of suppressing the independent lords, worked to incorporate them or establish friendly relations, successfully avoiding conflict among human countries at the last moment.

The Holy Church played a significant role during this time. As the Empire expanded, the Church gained more followers and became the state religion in the independent lordships. Deeply moved by Georgios' philosophy of "peace over reunification," the Church preached harmony through its missionary activities.

In particular, the Holy Maiden, the symbol of the Church and most revered by the people, played a crucial role. She prayed only for a world without conflict and for the peace of the people. She offered unchanging prayers to those who were in conflict, suspicious of each other, and even to those who wielded swords.

She offered unchanging prayers to everyone.

Her transcendent actions deeply moved many people, who felt ashamed of their own behavior and calmed their turbulent hearts.

Even after several hundred years, the noble spirit of the Holy Maiden, who has continued to succeed through generations, remains.

Usually, after such a long time, corruption would set in, but the Holy Maiden continues to offer prayers to the people without change.

To provide some context, the Duchy of Rudele was established when Duke Rudele declared independence during the Empire's fragmentation. Therefore, the highest position in the country has always been that of Duke. Immediately after independence, there were voices suggesting that the Duke should take the title of King or Grand Duke, but like other independent countries, the Duchy respected the Empire and settled on the title of Duke.

The current Holy Maiden is a young girl who sincerely prays for the peace of the people. From her actions, it is undeniable that she is devoted to God and acts without self-interest. The Holy Maiden, who has brought divine revelations to the people from the past to the present, is revered by those who believe in the Holy Church. The Holy Maiden is a girl born with the gift of divine revelation, but so far, no more than one person with this gift has appeared in the same era. Additionally, the country where the Holy Maiden resides is determined by the country of her birth.

When a girl with the gift of divine revelation was born, the impoverished Duchy was enveloped in joy, despite its difficult circumstances. Incidentally, at the time, 5-year-old Joshua sighed subtly in the shadows.

The Holy Maiden, as always, fulfilled her duties as a devout believer. This might be the correct behavior for a believer, but it is not the behavior of a ruler. Before Joshua's reforms, this might have been accepted without issue, but with the changes in the governance structure, the leader being a mere figurehead leads to political stagnation.

There is not a single official who thinks that returning to the pre-reform system would be a good idea. No one wants to return to the days of scarcity, including the Holy Maiden and the Cardinal.

A middle-aged man in a cassock visited the Holy Maiden, who was praying in the cathedral.

"Your Holiness, I have returned."

"Cardinal, I am relieved to see you safe."

The man in the cassock, the Cardinal, waited for the Holy Maiden's prayer to end before speaking, and he smiled softly, forming a square with his fingers. The Holy Maiden, who had risen from her kneeling position, also formed a square with her fingers toward the Cardinal.

"Is there anything I should pray for?"

"No, the Cardinals and Archbishops of other countries were disappointed that you were not there."

"I see. I would like to visit next time, but I have the duty to pray here."

"Yes, prayers to God should take precedence over worldly matters. Therefore, the next Holy Church Council will be held here in Rosenheim."

"I see. Then I can attend."

The Holy Maiden responded to the Cardinal with a calm, even voice. The fact that a Holy Church Council, which was being held in the Empire, would now take place in Rosenheim was a significant gesture. However, the Holy Maiden's heart remained as still as a calm lake, for even the Holy Church Council was a worldly matter to her.

"The gathering of Cardinals and Archbishops in the Duchy is unprecedented. The people will surely be encouraged."

"Yes."

The Holy Maiden smiled softly and nodded slightly. Each country with the Holy Church as its state religion has one Cardinal. The Empire, being special, also has an Archbishop. When the Empire was still united, the Holy Church had one Archbishop, one Holy Maiden, and one Cardinal. However, with the fragmentation of the Empire, Cardinals were placed in various regions.

The Cardinal is the highest authority of the Holy Church in a country, while the Holy Maiden and the Archbishop are the highest authorities of the Holy Church. Both hold high positions, but their roles differ.

To the average Holy Church believer, they are all equally revered.

Clack, clack, clack.

In contrast to the soft conversation between the two, noisy footsteps approached the cathedral.

"Your Holiness! The Cardinal has returned!"

A muscular man, the Captain of the Knights, saluted sharply.

"Captain of the Knights, are you well?"

"My body is sturdy. As you can see."

The Captain of the Knights pounded his chest toward the Cardinal.

"What is the matter?"

"As the Holy Maiden's divine revelation predicted, signs of the epidemic are appearing."

"I understand."

"I wanted to express my gratitude to the Holy Maiden. I came here in a hurry. Well, I will take my leave!"

The Captain of the Knights saluted again, turned on his heel, and returned the way he came, making loud footsteps. As he watched the Captain leave, the Cardinal spoke to the Holy Maiden.

"Was there a divine revelation about the epidemic?"

"Yes."

"The divine revelation and the gift of prophecy I possess are indeed... No, I have no doubt about God. However, I have been concerned that the human judgment in receiving God's words might not always be correct."

The Holy Maiden understood what the Cardinal was trying to say.

"The Duke will bring misfortune if he stays here. He should go to the southeastern outskirts."

"The peace of the noble one is not here."

These were the words revealed to them at that time. The Holy Maiden, who does not perceive worldly matters, aside, the Cardinal was deeply troubled when the divine revelation and prophecy appeared. To send Joshua, who brought prosperity to the Duchy, to a remote area, even if it was God's word...

Therefore, he pondered whether the "meaning of the words" was misunderstood. But he could not find an answer.

"Then, I will take my leave."

The Cardinal bowed deeply and left the cathedral. What should have been done? Should the Duke of Rudele have been kept here, even if misfortune and unrest occurred?

The Cardinal, with a pained expression, could only form a square with his fingers.