Amid the uneasy murmurs filling the hall—"the divine authority's ambitions have not died" and "Emerald City is facing calamity"—Tales had no choice but to order the masters of ceremony to restore order and maintain silence.
"I know!"
Having steadied his breathing, Vice High Priest Feibul spoke calmly:
"I know my proposal may be misunderstood, even maliciously slandered as the temple vying for power, or even rebellion and sedition—even though the age of religious persecution and conflict passed a century ago!"
He looked at Federico with complicated emotions.
"I also know that by proposing this pact, I have violated certain taboos. Just as this young Master Cavendil, who has his own designs, said, it may stir controversy in Revival Palace, shake the court and the realm, put Your Highness in a difficult position, perhaps even chill the King's heart and displease many people..."
Federico answered with a cold sneer.
"But, everyone!"
The old priest turned back to the audience, anguish written across his face.
"When our lives here are trampled upon, ignored, and treated as worthless grass, has that ever stirred controversy? Has it ever shaken the court and the realm? Has it ever put them in a difficult position, chilled their hearts, or made those with the power to decide our fate feel even the slightest trace of pity?"
The audience at the audience chamber was faintly moved, whispering among themselves.
Federico spoke with a cold smile.
"So are you accusing His Majesty of insufficient tolerance, or holding Your Highness accountable for not doing enough?"
But this time, before the audience could change expression and fall silent, Feibul spun around sharply and declared without hesitation:
"I don't know!"
Under Federico's slightly surprised gaze, the Vice High Priest strode to the center of the hall.
"Like most citizens, I am merely