The sun hung low in the west, and before anyone realized it, dusk had arrived.
Though a cool breeze was blowing, the priests seated at the tribunal felt unbearably hot. They kept pulling out handkerchiefs, their hands trembling as they repeatedly wiped the sweat beading on their foreheads and necks.
At some point, the noisy, whispering square had gradually fallen silent. Those who had originally come to watch a grand burning spectacle held their breaths, some staring dumbfoundedly at the beautiful girl on trial, their minds in utter turmoil.
A day had passed. A whole day!
Forty-four priests, along with one cardinal, had taken turns throughout the day, challenging this French village girl who had never received a formal education.
Yet this lavish and professional lineup of theologians had not only failed to catch her in any fault and condemn her, but had instead been left speechless by her questions, utterly defeated.
At the same time, her every brilliant answer explained profound principles in simple, accessible terms. Like a sudden enlightenment, they cleared up many onlookers' doubts about the Bible, making them forget their own positions and cry out in admiration.
Could this girl truly have received the Lord's revelation?
Gradually, even the onlookers who had harbored ill will began to waver, starting to believe that divine will might truly have manifested itself through her.
Otherwise, there was no explaining how a rural girl who had never been to war and never received an education could lead an army to victory after victory in Orléans, or leave a group of professional clergy speechless.
Seeing the atmosphere around him growing increasingly strange, Cardinal Pierre, who was struggling to hold his ground, broke out in a cold sweat. Afraid the situation would spiral out of control, he immediately struck the gavel several