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“However, Kalghinion claims that the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem is not what Lord Isus intended. What is your perspective on this?” (Archbishop)

The Archbishop, who could be described as an elderly man, was pressing the attack in his splendid ceremonial robes.

“… To discuss that, we must first address the bad practices of the Xerxes era. In the province of Flusha, where Kalghinion-shi lamented the form of faith, clergy collected large sums of money from believers as a fee for performing the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem. The cathedral’s revenue structure had become such. Kalghinion-shi was very concerned about this.”

“Hmm…” (Archbishop)

I felt sorry for the Archbishop as he was probably hoping to refute him in public. It had been 40 minutes since the public debate began, but the topic still remained the same. They were currently discussing the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem.

Eisa-sensei’s faction, the Watashi sect, recognized the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem, while the Kalghi sect did not. The Sacred Emblem was one of the four grand sacraments (Grand Mysterion), and whether it was recognized or not, it represented a significant interpretative difference within the teaching of Isus.

“Details of this matter are extensively recorded in Kalghinion-shi’s memoirs kept at the Shura-Deine Cathedral in Flusha. At that time, in the province of Flusha, heavy taxes were imposed for 20 years for the discovery of sacred caves, the Xerxes War, and the renovation of the Holy Sleep Temple. Commoners could not afford the funeral expenses paid to the clergy and were often buried without receiving the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem. Kalghinion-shi’s writings convey a deep concern about this.” (Eisa)

Eisa-sensei originally held the position of chamberlain of the Holy Sleep Temple. This role meant directly serving the holy body of Isus, such as changing bedclothes, replacing blankets, and cleaning the surroundings. The Holy Sleep Temple’s primary purpose was to guard Isus’s sleep, so the chamberlain was essentially the head of this temple. This position was quite special. Given the nature of the job, where no noise could be made, it required a mild-mannered elite who can maintain utmost caution. It was questionable whether Eisa-sensei, in her sharpened days, was suited for this role, but before revealing her true nature, she was likely considered a mild-mannered elite.

If one were to stumble and fall, or their stomach growled from hunger in the holy chamber where Isus’s body laid, they would face crucifixion. Thus, those prone to distraction, such as the elderly, were deemed unsuitable and would be moved to other important positions as they aged. However, even though Isus was referred to as the Holy Body, to put it bluntly, he was essentially just a corpse. So, he neither made demands nor asks for anything. Moreover, when taking care of it, it was recommended to minimize the entry into the Holy Sleep Temple to avoid disturbing his slumber. According to Eisa-sensei, apart from the three major annual events, it was a position where he had almost no free time and could do as much research as he wanted.

What I want to say is this: Eisa-sensei had access to vastly different amounts of resources compared to the clergy of the Kalghi sect, who were confined to the remote regions of Ireland and Scotland. The central hub of Kalghi faith was the Flusha Kingdom, and Albio Republic was a country that betrayed the Kalghinion Empire before its collapse, breaking away and becoming independent. It’s unlikely that they would entrust records to a traitor nation, and the Catholic sect probably holds more documents related to the state religion, the Kalghi sect.

“What Kalghinion-shi wanted to say was that faith should not be determined by the presence or absence of wealth. This is not what Isus desired. Therefore, he preached to the people that their souls would not be lost even without the Sacred Emblem.” (Eisa)

“That’s right, the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem is meaningless.” (Archbishop)

“That is not the case.” (Eisa)

Eisa-sensei’s words were sharp.

“Why? That contradicts what you just said.” (Archbishop)

“It does not. In Isus’s Writings, Book Three, 27:3, it says, ‘Thomas is guided to the underworld by following the Sacred Emblem. That Sacred Emblem is erected through prayer.’ The basis for the sacrament of the Sacred Emblem comes from this passage.” (Eisa)

“That prayer refers to the prayer of the Son of God, Lord Isus. It does not refer to the prayers of the clergy.” (Archbishop)

Ah, you’ve dug your own grave.

“In Isus’s Writings, Book One, 13:8, it says, ‘Be at ease. I am always praying, and you are always blessed.’ This means that Isus is always blessing us believers through prayer. If Isus were the one setting up the Sacred Emblems, there would be a contradiction in the phrasing ‘the sacred sign is erected through prayer.’ In the original text in Totto, it says ‘akmi masr famruta il shunaira,’ and the word ‘masr’ implies an active action. Since Isus is constantly bestowing prayers, the Sacred Emblem must be actively erected. Therefore, it is natural to interpret that the Sacred Emblem is erected not by Isus’s prayer but by the active prayer of the clergy.” (Eisa)

‘That’s true. Given the historical background of its establishment, it seems unavoidable, but Kalghinion’s doctrines are filled with arbitrary interpretations. While I can feel the zeal to correct a troubled world, it seems they are forcing convenient interpretations. It’s like the difference between a novelist and a historian. Kalghinion’s doctrine resembles that of a novelist—energetic and charming in its assertions. However, if we unravel the scriptures not arbitrarily but literally, it becomes clear that the early Catholic sect established by the Catholic Wichita is more accurate.

But well, perhaps that’s fine in its own right. Religion, after all, is originally founded by those who fervently adhere to someone’s pronouncements. And since they do not promote interpretations that foster discrimination like the current Catholic sect, they don’t pose harm.’

“—I see, that could be one interpretation.” (Archbishop)

“Of course, I do not deny Kalghinion-shi’s interpretation. Souls do not wander even without the Sacred Emblem. That perspective can also be considered correct. Isus-sama spoke of following the Sacred Sign but did not say souls would wander without it. Furthermore, he did not state that the Sacred Sign must be erected each time someone passes away.” (Eisa)

‘They must have thought that completely refuting it would leave the Kalghion sect with no ground to stand on. Eisa-sensei provided some follow-up. Certainly, she did not say it must be erected each time someone passes away, but since the places where people die are different, it would be convenient to set up new milestones each time.’

“So, it’s okay to say that Kalghinion’s teachings are correct?” (Archbishop)

The Archbishop made an odd statement.

‘According to information obtained in advance, it seems this person opened this public debate because believers were seeking strange explanations due to the circulation of Watashi Sect scriptures and he was at a loss for a reply. In other words, the aim is to clearly establish that Kalghinion’s teachings are correct. It’s a rather simplistic means of organizing the situation, but I can understand the sentiment behind it.’

“I’m not saying they are correct.” (Eisa)

“So, are you saying they are wrong?” (Archbishop)

“Yes, there are mistakes in Mr. Kalghinion’s teachings.” (Eisa)

‘Oh boy.’

“…I see, it seems your ideals and those of our church will forever contradict each other.” (Archbishop)

“Is that so?” (Eisa)

Eisa-sensei did not falter.

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask. Is Kalghinion-shi a god?” (Eisa)

“…What?” (Archbishop)

The Archbishop was taken aback by the unexpected question.

“He is not a god. God resides in heaven and is of the same substance as Isus alone, as adopted by the Nicene Creed at the First Council.” (Eisa)

The Kalghion sect didn’t recognize the council decisions made after the schism, but generally accepted those made before it.

“That’s right. Only God and Isus, who is of the same substance as God, are infallible. As mere mortals, Kalghinion-shi is also bound to make mistakes. Naturally, I have made many errors myself. Even the apostles who authored the canonical and apocryphal texts, besides the Book of Isus, were once fallible humans.” (Eisa)

‘The apostles are now canonized and recognized as saints, so whether they are still capable of making mistakes is a matter of interpretation.’

“As long as Kalghinion-shi and I are not gods but mere mortals, it is impossible for our interpretations to be perfect and flawless, and to consider our words as the exact intentions of God. Is that not correct?” (Eisa)

“Uh… hmm.” (Archbishop)

He couldn’t utter a word in response.

‘By the way, the Book of Isus refers to the canonical texts believed to have been written by Isus himself, making it the most revered text in the faith. The four volumes of Isus’ writings are preserved as holy relics.

The reason why these so-called originals still exist is that they were found in the holy cave where Isus’ sacred body was laid to rest. Nothing is more historically significant than this. Whether these are Isus’ own handwriting or copies is unclear, but they were definitely written before the 45th year of the Awe calendar, the year of Isus’ repose.

The discovery of the holy cave in the 1008th year of the Awe calendar revealed that the Book of Isus found there had 32 minor discrepancies compared to the previously cherished texts regarded as the Book of Isus. The true authorship remains a mystery, but either way, Isus’ close disciples, who are now called apostles, had made copying errors of their master’s sayings.’

“I believe that following the words of anyone other than God is misguided faith. The proper stance for a believer is to heed the words of God himself. I am merely here to assist in that.” (Eisa)

‘This straightforward logic is likely what makes the Watashi sect appealing. Indeed, if there were no people moved by this compelling argument, the cathedral wouldn’t be filled like this. There are about a thousand people here. Even if half are merely curious spectators, there are still five hundred who have read the book smuggled through unofficial channels.’

“Hmm…” (Archbishop)

Unable to come up with an immediate rebuttal, the archbishop looked down with a troubled expression. I felt sorry for him. He didn’t need to be cornered so thoroughly.

At that moment,

“Divine retribution to the beast defying God!” (??)

A sudden shout arose from the crowd, and some overly zealous individuals began jumping over the barriers and rushing forward.

‘See, I knew there’d be someone like that.’

“Stand back!” (??)

The elite soldiers of the Hou family shouted the only word in the Terror language they had learned as he thrusted his spear with a sheathed blade forward. It was a compromise with the church, but it seemed there were quite a few enemies after all.

‘No, I don’t think there’d be enough to break through the Hou Household’s elite soldiers.’

“Sensei, please stay behind the screen!” (Yuri)

Saying that, I grabbed a bottle of drinking water from the table.

One man leaped, stepping on his comrade’s shoulder with his right foot, then on the Hou soldier’s shoulder with his left, vaulting over them like a triple jumper. I thought his agility was impressive as I aimed and threw the bottle at his landing spot. The moment he landed with a thud, the thick bottle struck his shoulder hard.

“Ugh!?” (??)

As he gasped and lost his balance, my spear closed the distance and struck his throat. The sheathed tip of the spear sank nearly 10 centimeters into the area between his neck and throat.

He was likely dead.

“Come on, Eisa-sensei, let’s go.” (Yuri)

I said in Shan, taking Eisa-sensei’s hand and running towards the back.

—

We returned after the commotion had died down, and the assault had been suppressed. It was probably just a coincidence that spies from the Papal States or the Euphos Federation had been lurking around.

“Archbishop.” (Yuri)

When I called out, the Archbishop looked at me with a troubled expression. He was likely expecting a complaint about the assassination attempt.

“Given the circumstances, it seems best to conclude today’s public debate here, even if it leaves a bad taste due to our translator’s sudden departure.” (Yuri)

“Y-yes…” (Archbishop)

“Of course, I expect these intruders to be punished severely.” (Yuri)

I said as I looked at the unruly intruders. 5 of the 12 seemed to be dead, but 7 were still alive. There had been a baggage check at the entrance, making it impossible to bring in weapons like spears or swords. In such a state, they had no chance against the spear-wielding elite of the Hou Household.

‘Well, since they are spies, they’ll probably end up tortured to death without me having to say anything.’

“Now, please escort Eisa-sensei to the ship.” (Yuri)

“Understood.” (??)

“Yuri-san, I am truly sorry for the trouble…” (Eisa)

Surrounded by guards, Eisa-sensei walked away.

“My apologies, Archbishop.” (Yuri)

I addressed the Archbishop. Thinking about it, this man was also caught up in this incident. After all, the Kalghi Sect wasn’t a heretical group that causes trouble for others, so I didn’t want to antagonize them in the first place.

“No, I was the one who requested the debate…” (Archbishop)

The Archbishop, being elderly, seemed exhausted from the earlier commotion. The vigor he had during the debate had vanished.

“From now on, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures through this republic will likely decrease, so the number of believers won’t increase. Please rest assured.” (Yuri)

“And that is…?” (Archbishop)

“I don’t know if your Holiness knows this, the woman earlier is Eisa Catholic Wichita, a woman despised by the Papal States. The fact that the people captured here attacked means it’s already known that she is the translator. Naturally, those Holy Scriptures will now be banned. Further sales will be difficult, so the spread of those scriptures in this country will cease.” (Yuri)

“I see, I understand…” (Archbishop)

A slight hint of relief appeared on the archbishop’s old face. It must have been quite troublesome for him.

“I have no intention of opposing or attacking the Kalghi Sect. It may sound like an excuse, but the target was the Catholic Sect. I never intended to distribute it in this country.” (Yuri)

“I am aware. It’s the merchants…” (Archbishop)

“Sigh… They’ve caused quite the trouble. The council should have stopped them.” (Yuri)

I took the opportunity to blame the council.

That said, I truly didn’t mean to trouble the Kalghi Sect. The illicit distribution wasn’t directed by me, and from the start, I intended the sales to be on the continent.

“I understand your perspective well.” (Archbishop)

“Indeed. I appreciate your cooperation with the security.” (Yuri)

After politely thanking the archbishop, I left the Mirell Grand Cathedral.