I Pioneered Scientific Magic

Chapter 285: Count Mortan: No one can resist the wrath of the gods!

Half an hour ago, in the city of Hadrata, within the residence of Hatar, inside a tower hastily erected using magic, the second prince, who had not shown himself, was gathered with several noble members of the kingdom.

"Hatar, Your Highness, why have you brought us all here? What is your intention?" a noble of the kingdom, unable to bear this near confinement, asked discontentedly.

The rest of the nobles were also murmuring among themselves. Without exception, they had all received sincere invitations from Hatar.

In the past two days, the sudden change in King Bazeel's attitude and the confinement of the eldest prince, Harold, had made many realize that the change in the throne might be inevitable. Hence, with just an invitation, Hatar had managed to gather all the kingdom's nobles except for Harold in the capital.

However, upon entering, they noticed something amiss. The attendants didn't lead them to the hall of the mansion but brought them to this heavily guarded tower instead.

"You are all crucial pillars of the kingdom. I have summoned you here to discuss the future of our kingdom," Hatar said, seated comfortably and smiling.

"Please, speak your mind, Your Highness," Count Mortan, a noble of the kingdom, spoke up first, his gaze toward the second prince filled with pity.

Hatar paid no heed. His gaze swept across the assembly before he inquired slowly, "I want to ask you all, does the kingdom belong to the king and lords or to the major bishops of the church?"

His sharp words caused a momentary pause among the assembly. Count Beron, standing nearby, promptly responded aloud, "Isn't this a well-established argument? It belongs to the spirit and faith of the gods, while worldly matters belong to the king!"

"Is it, Count Beron? But I heard five years ago, you gained support from a certain bishop to kill your brother and take over your father's domain as a second son..." Hatar retorted with a cold laugh.

Beron's expression changed instantly. This secret was known only to his closest confidants and that bishop. It was supposed to be watertight. Before he could explain, Hatar had turned to the rest of the nobles present, speaking earnestly.

"Gentlemen, over the past century, the church's influence has been growing. Some bishops no longer adhere strictly to the doctrines, intervening in the kingdom's internal affairs. They use the pretext of witch hunts to eliminate dissent and consolidate power... compared to you and me, they seem more like the true lords of the kingdom."

Hatar's words hit on the issue that the nobles of the kingdom least wanted to discuss!

The common people of the kingdom were also devout followers of the gods, and their blind obedience due to faith was higher than their allegiance to the lords. Plus, these priests wielded powerful divine arts; even titled nobles wouldn't dare to oppose their commands easily.

As for the notion that the spirit belongs to the gods and the body to the king, it was just a facade.

While the priests were devout followers of the Moon Goddess and upheld the church's doctrines, it didn't mean they were saintly without ambition. The prospect of sharing power was intolerable for most of the kingdom's nobles!

However, the century-long indoctrination by the church hadn't been in vain. Despite conflicting interests, the church's support remained substantial. Even before Beron could speak, Count Mortan beside him angrily interjected.

"Enough, Prince Hatar, your words are sowing discord. The Almighty is the creator of all things. It is by Her grace that life exists on this barren earth. Whether nobles, kings, or the church, they simply manage this land on Her behalf..."

This speech garnered nods of agreement from many nobles. The scriptures mentioned that everyone's destiny was written in the Book of Fate from birth. All trials and tribulations were tests from the gods, while joy and happiness were generous gifts.

Their status as lords wasn't solely from the king's appointment; it was by divine will!

With Count Mortan taking the lead, the church's supporters paid no heed to the guards eyeing them. Some fervently shouted, 'The kingdom prospers because of the Almighty, guiding the people to find meaning in life!'

While some nobles observed silently or remained indifferent, others turned their gaze toward Hatar, awaiting his response.

"Count Mortan, I didn't expect you to blindly believe that flawed scripture, much like those brainless peasants," Hatar sneered. "The church has existed for only eight centuries. Does that mean the world didn't exist before that?"

"And until a century ago, the kingdom's people worshiped the elemental spirits. This isn't the church's territory!"

Hadrata was conquered by the empire a century ago, forced to become one of its vassal kingdoms. Despite the church burning many civilian texts after the war, a mere hundred years wasn't enough to erase all traces. For those ancient noble families, belief in the elemental spirits wasn't a secret.

Seeing Hatar so blatantly disparaging the scriptures and even showing contempt for the divine, Mortan's face contorted in fear. He rebuked urgently, "Do you even know what you're saying? This is blasphemy!"

Count Beron also questioned, "Are you planning to antagonize the Holy See and the entire Secas Empire, Prince Hatar?"

"Why not?" Hatar didn't deny but nodded calmly.

The assembled nobles erupted into commotion. Many among them supported the second prince's ascent to the throne, hoping he would continue restricting the church's privileges. They had never expected such madness; to go against the empire and the entire Holy See.

"He's mad, truly mad!" Count Mortan shouted in alarm, immediately deciding to unite his allies to persuade King Bazeel to reconsider and remove Hatar from the line of succession. Otherwise, this would lead the kingdom of Hadrata down a path of destruction...

No one could resist the wrath of the gods!

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