Chapter 53
The heart of the Order—the Vatican—had not seen its lights go out for days. Day or night, countless people moved about busily.
“Cardinal Thomas, around fifty Inquisitors remain ambiguous in their stance.”
“Ambiguous means they’re leaning toward Richelieu’s side.”
“We almost lost more, but thanks to Sir Karl, we managed to retain at least this many.”
“We must take this opportunity to root out the apostates and the corrupt. Send the remaining Inquisitors out to each diocese in pairs and order them to expose local corruption.”
“Understood. The regional dioceses must not become secondary power bases.”
The two of them continued reading documents swiftly, organizing the situation.
“The 2nd Holy Knight Order should have almost arrived, and the 4th and 5th Orders will likely be here soon.”
“What should we do if they make the first move?”
Thomas studied a detailed map of the Vatican and the surrounding area, falling into brief thought.
“Their goal is the appointment of a new Pope—they likely won’t move hastily with force. They’ll first try to use the Saintess as a public figure to push their candidate. The key will be her trial.”
Thomas had already arranged a sacred trial to judge the brutal actions of the Saintess, who had been captured by Karl and Isabel.
Richelieu claimed she was innocent and that some factions within the Order were slandering her, using this as justification.
At the same time, he accused certain individuals of abusing their power.
The reappearance of the Pope—who had long been silent—was not something the Cardinals welcomed.
To elect a new Pope, 70% of the Cardinals had to agree. Due to Richelieu’s summons, 23 out of the 30 Cardinals scattered across the continent were now gathered in the Vatican.
But since not all of them opposed the Pope, it was impossible to predict how any vote would unfold.
“We don’t know who else they’ll try to bring in.”
“We must prepare for that… and hope Sir Karl returns with the 3rd Holy Knight Order.”
With the 4th and 5th Orders expected to arrive in two days, that would likely be the time they would move.
Time passed swiftly.
***
Despite her upcoming sacred trial, the Saintess busied herself with makeup in her cell.
Since being appointed, Sabrina had never experienced humiliation or disgrace.
“Perfect.”
Staring at her reflection, Sabrina completed her delicate and pitiful-looking makeup, donned the robes of the Order, and slowly walked out. Inside the courtroom, Cardinals and Inquisitors were already gathered.
“Everyone seems to be present. Let’s begin the trial. Dame Isabel.”
At Thomas’ order, Isabel rose.
She pulled out a prepared document and unfolded it.
“This trial concerns the Saintess Sabrina’s violations of doctrine, apostasy, and acts of murder. Additionally, it will judge the crimes of Cardinal Richelieu, including human trafficking and corruption committed over the years through Bishop Fabricio.”
A wave of unrest rippled through the chamber. The trial of the Saintess had been announced in advance, but not the one regarding Cardinal Richelieu.
“There was no notice of a trial for Cardinal Richelieu!”
“The matter is too grave. We ask for your understanding that it must proceed this way.”
At Thomas' declaration, the grumbling ceased, though faces remained filled with discontent.
“From the year after she was appointed Saintess, Sabrina has repeatedly murdered people, bathed in their blood, and drank it as if it were a beverage. There are witnesses and official reports submitted to the Order. The one who first confessed the crime is present today as a witness.”
Isabel calmly continued listing the charges. They had mobilized the full investigative capabilities of the Inquisition to dig into Sabrina’s actions, so the charges were endless.
It had been five years since she became Saintess. Over fifty people had been killed by her hand. More than a hundred were either crippled or disappeared because of her.
“Bishop Fabricio, through a trade guild operated under Cardinal Richelieu, has been proven to have trafficked hundreds—sometimes over a thousand—people annually.”
Even Isabel felt stunned by how such an overwhelming list of crimes had gone unquestioned until now. As an Inquisitor herself, she felt deeply responsible.
“That is all.”
Even Richelieu looked somewhat flustered.
‘I knew she was insane, but this is worse than I thought. I can probably deny anything involving Fabricio or the trade guild, but…’
There were several incidents he had knowingly covered for. But many of the crimes revealed now were unknown even to him. He had known Sabrina was troublesome, but hadn’t imagined it was to this extent.
Still, his words of protest flowed effortlessly, his expression one of outrage.
“Preposterous! They said Cardinal Thomas and his faction of Inquisitors were out of control, and this is worse than I imagined! They’ve lumped together every baseless accusation they could find—what exactly do you hope to achieve with this circus?”
“According to witness testimony, your people attempted to bribe or threaten them into silence.
It is likely that other cases were suppressed in a similar manner.”
“They retracted their statements! Their credibility is gone! If they changed their testimony for money, they could change it again for more money, no?”
It was a weak argument—but enough to plug a hole for now.
“The claims regarding the trade guild are absurd. And among the ridiculous allegations brought forward, there are many that reek of a vile attempt to discredit the Saintess. She has yet to speak. We must hear her side.”
With a tongue as sharp as any blade, Richelieu passed the floor to Sabrina.
“…Very well. Please, speak.”
Given the right to speak, Sabrina gracefully rose. Even her smallest gestures seemed to trigger an instinct to protect her—an aura of strong allure.
There was truth to the saying that appearance was a weapon. On top of that, the faint glow surrounding her made her appear even more divine.
“I am aware that I have been the subject of suspicion. All of it, I believe, is due to my own shortcomings. I lacked the devotion to bring light to the unseen corners of the world and unify the faithful… For that, I deserve punishment…”
In other words, she claimed she had done no wrong.
“Many of you were uncomfortable with someone of humble origins being named Saintess. I, too, understand my shortcomings, but to bear such immense hatred in this fragile body… It has been difficult.”
Thomas and Isabel, fully aware of what she had done, were left speechless by her shameless performance.
‘What a vile woman…’
Thomas barely suppressed the sigh rising from the depths of his chest.
“So all that evidence and testimony was fabricated?”
A cold voice cut through the performance. It was Isabel’s.
“…I remember. Dame Isabel, weren’t you a candidate for Saintess as well? Were you displeased that I was chosen instead?”
“At the time, I believed it was right for you to be named Saintess.”
“Then why now?”
“Because I now understand how foolish I was. A monster who committed atrocities no human should could never be allowed to be the Saintess.”
At Isabel’s words, Sabrina’s brow twitched—only to return to normal a moment later.
“You called me a monster?”
“Just because a person tries to block the sky with their hand doesn’t mean they succeed.”
Sabrina’s eyebrow twitched again at Isabel’s rebuttal.
“Can you take responsibility for those words, Dame Isabel?”
“I saw it with my own two eyes.”
At Isabel’s unwavering stance, the crowd’s view began to shift.
Her nickname was The Blind Star of Wisdom—meaning she could not see that which was unjust. With someone like that speaking so firmly, the attendees couldn’t help but stir.
“So in the end, you’re just persecuting the Saintess to gain the upper hand!”
Sensing things going awry, Richelieu bellowed in an attempt to reverse the mood.
“Lord Richelieu, you are a Cardinal of the Order. Everything you’ve done will soon be revealed under the heavens. I suggest you surrender before it’s too late.”
At Cardinal Thomas' words, Richelieu gave a twisted smile.
“Now this is outright blackmail? Are you threatening me now?”
“It’s become clear the Saintess is merely a puppet dancing in your palm. His Holiness the Pope has declared he will no longer stand by. It would be wise for you to step down here.”
With even the Pope’s name invoked, the tension in the courtroom grew unbearably tight.
Outside, four Holy Knight Orders were facing off. Inside, the factions loyal to the Pope and to Richelieu glared daggers at one another.
Then, the courtroom doors began to open. Those locked in stares turned their eyes to the doors.
Through the opening stepped a man in chainmail and a surcoat, walking slowly toward them.
He dragged behind him a man whose identity they quickly recognized—his face bloodied and swollen.
“K-Karl!”
Cardinal Thomas stammered in shock as Karl appeared, dragging Bishop Fabricio behind him. Standing at Karl’s side was Godfrey, a member of the Holy Knight Order.
“That’s him… the Knight of the Lighthouse…”
Several Cardinals whispered as they got their first look at Karl.
The man they had heard about in stories—said to embody the very spirit of a righteous knight—looked far more brutal than expected.
“How dare an outsider enter a sacred trial without permission!? Where are the Holy Knights? Why haven’t they stopped this man!?”
But the Holy Knight commanders and aides, too busy keeping each other in check, were in no position to act. No one moved to stop him.
And so, Karl reached the center of the chamber. In his right hand, he still held onto Bishop Fabricio, dragging him like a sack of meat.