Dramatic Change

Amid widespread panic, Gabella's imperial guards stormed into the church.

The people inside had no time to react. Amid terrified screams, furious shouts, and all kinds of commotion, the soldiers blocked every entrance and exit and searched each room in the church one by one.

Whitman Archbishop, who presided over the Gabella Church, soon appeared. He held his head high and struck an imposing pose, but he showed no anger. Instead, he questioned the soldiers in a disdainful tone, demanding to know who had given them the courage to offend this holy place.

Because of his usual authority, the imperial guards did not dare show him any disrespect. But when Ambolov, who commanded the imperial guards, arrived, he immediately ordered the soldiers to shackle the archbishop.

The soldiers did not dare disobey their superior's orders. They approached with chains and carried them out.

"You're insane!" After the cold shackles were fastened around his wrists, Whitman finally lost his former dignity and struggled in disbelief.

He was the archbishop in charge of an entire nation's diocese. The emperor ruled the material world, while he ruled the spiritual world. Who throughout the empire would dare disrespect him?

But what was happening now was no nightmare Whitman had dreamed in his sleep. The pampered archbishop could not resist the strong imperial guards and could only shout "You're insane" over and over.

Ambolov walked up to him and explained the purpose of his visit in a stern tone.

"We received a report that the Gabella Church was colluding with Felix's remnants, so by the emperor's order, we've come to search for evidence!"

"Calumny! Utter and complete calumny!"

Although this rebuttal had been forceful, Whitman was actually somewhat guilty. The Gabella Church really had colluded with Felix's remnants.

Before Antonio became emperor, the Church had