Chapter 37: Intermission – The Emperor’s Declaration

In the capital of the Holy Imperium, Vienna…

The newly enthroned Emperor Sigismund gazed down upon the nobles bowing before him.

‘Finally… I have ascended to this position…’

After years of subduing his rivals, the 31-year-old Sigismund had claimed the highest seat, his heart burning with personal ambition and fervent faith in the Church.

Having spent his childhood under the strict tutelage of the Church, Sigismund saw two paramount missions for himself as the new Emperor.

One was to utterly subjugate those vile heretic spawn, ignorantly running amok and dividing the Empire’s unity.

The other was to restore the Emperor’s weakened authority, eroded by the increasingly powerful Prince-Electors.

Merely a century ago, during the reign of the great King Karl, the world knew no heretical doctrines, and the Emperor’s authority was unquestionable.

At a single word from the Emperor, all princes and lords had to bow their heads, and the world’s salvation could only be attained through the Church and the Pope.

However, a hundred years later, heretical sects have mushroomed, spreading their false teachings far and wide, while the Prince-Electors allied with them have grown powerful, openly defying the Emperor’s authority.

Yet the previous feeble Emperor Mattis had consistently turned a blind eye to such treachery.

His aversion to conflict and his desire to let everything pass had only empowered the heretical doctrines and the Prince-Electors.

Now, with that weak man dead, Sigismund Ferdinand believed it was his duty as the new Emperor to restore order.

‘From this moment, everything shall return to its rightful place. The subjects of the Holy Imperium need only one religion and one sovereign. All else shall be purged by fire!’

With this resolute determination, the Emperor addressed his ministers in a booming voice.

“Hear me, all of you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The ministers bowed in response to his words.

Facing them, the Emperor voiced the declaration he had long intended to make upon ascending the throne.

“By all legal procedures and the sacred right bestowed by God, I, the Emperor, hereby make a clear proclamation to you all.”

From the outset, the Emperor’s demeanor exuded an ominous aura.

Unease, and in some cases anticipation, began to surface on the faces of the ministers.

This was no surprise, as it had been sufficiently foreshadowed even before his ascension.

There was no need for astonishment now, and the more perceptive among them had likely prepared themselves mentally beforehand, knowing the inevitable upheaval this declaration would bring to the entire Empire.

“Effective immediately, all heresy within the Holy Imperium is officially prohibited. This is the Emperor’s formal decree, and all princes and lords shall devote their utmost efforts to eradicating heretical forces in accordance with it!”

The Emperor’s proclamation called for the complete eradication of heresy.

While it seemed to pertain solely to religious matters at first glance, the underlying implications were far more profound.

In the current situation, where heretical forces had already pervaded nearly half the Empire’s mainland, ordering their suppression essentially amounted to a declaration of war against half the Prince-Electors opposing the Emperor.

In other words, it was an announcement of the formal commencement of the long-impending civil war between the Empire’s northern and southern regions, which the late Emperor Mattis had persistently sought to defuse and delay through appeasement.

And the place where the flames of this civil war would undoubtedly ignite first…

Was the Bohemian region, where heretical forces had risen in collective revolt just days ago.

In a city where the fleeting “golden autumn” had given way to the first chills of winter…

At its center, a figure gazed quietly out the window.

Before their eyes stretched an endless expanse of buildings and countless people.

As they surveyed this scene, a serene smile graced their lips, exuding tranquility, abundance, and the weight of untold ages.

With that gentle smile, they slowly turned to face the space behind them.

And what came into view…

Were innumerable figures kneeling before them, their numbers too vast to count individually, all bowing their heads towards this person.

And to these individuals, seemingly pleading for something earnestly…

This person spoke in a composed voice.

“I cannot permit it.”

“But… Sire…”

The voices carried a desperate tone in response to those words.

However, the figure slowly shook their head and replied in a gentle yet unshakable voice.

“I understand your concerns. However, I cannot allow the prohibition of heretical doctrines as state law.”

“But… If things continue as they are, the entire nation could be plunged into chaos!”

“Indeed. As we speak, many nations across the continent, including the Holy Imperium, are suffering turmoil because of this. It would seem prudent to prevent it through legal means beforehand.”

They cited the evident situation as their rationale.

This person could well understand the basis of their fears.

The power of religion was formidable, with the potential to divide a nation like a ticking bomb.

Hence, their argument – to officially prohibit it by law.

To prevent the seeds of discontent from taking root.

However, considering this person’s past, they were likely more sensitive to such matters than anyone else.

Yet, with a gentle, affectionate smile, they continued their refusal…

“The state has no right to suppress individual faith. It is not only impossible but attempting to do so would trigger the very dangers you fear.”

Their firm, confident words gave the others pause.

Though numerous, not a single person in this vast hall dared to openly refute them.

Regarding them, this person spoke in a serene, almost motherly tone.

“The founding of this nation began with the embrace of all races. If we can accommodate racial differences, how much more so for matters of religion? Surely you do not mean to deny this nation’s fundamental founding principle?”

“Umm…”

“Of… Of course not…”

“We merely wish to reduce unnecessary noise within this nation.”

They responded in half-retreating voices.

Hearing this, the person replied, their tone gentle yet carrying an undercurrent of irresistible resolve, like an unseen blade.

“Without noise, nothing can be accomplished in a nation. The world is bound to present countless problems, and resolving them requires diverse voices.”

As they slowly extended their hands outward, those prostrated on the floor began to rise.

And to them, this person added one final remark.

“A river that does not flow inevitably becomes stagnant, lifeless water. Your task is not to obstruct the flow but to guide it in the proper direction. I implore you to keep this in mind henceforth.”

As those words concluded, the assembled figures bowed their heads towards this person.

Regarding them, the figure with crimson eyes gave a satisfied nod.