Then came the second, the third—and after the old butcher began using biochemical weapons, the surrounding populace's arsenal kept escalating as well. All manner of excrement, swill, and rotten eggs were brought into play.
In the end, the people literally smoked the judges out of the courthouse and tried them one by one, even having to wear masks to keep themselves from retching in disgust.
St. Stephen's Cathedral was likewise packed with people, and Archbishop Rauscher personally presided over The Mass.
Just as he had twenty-eight years ago when Franz had first been born, Archbishop Rauscher sang those absurd hymns that were nearly devoid of any basis. Yet the sobs and prayers of the people within the cathedral were real.
When The Mass ended, people did not disperse quickly as usual. They remained to pray for the Emperor's blessing. They did not know whether the prophecy was true or false, but Franz truly was changing this country.
Not far away, the neighboring synagogue was also holding a grand celebration, its rabbi loudly reciting scripture.
"O Lord, You are our rock, our redeemer. You delivered Your people from slavery in Egypt, and You delivered us from the darkness of Vienna."
Some, however, did not quite understand.
"Why should we pray for a heathen, a tyrant? Have you forgotten what he once did?
"Hundreds of thousands, even millions, were left with shattered homes and ruined families because of a single order from him.
"The Exodus you recite is the suffering of our ancestors, yet only a few years ago, he made our compatriots experience an Exodus from Europe."
Before the young man could finish, the surrounding crowd pounced on him and covered his mouth. His mother hurriedly pleaded.
"The child doesn't know any better. His father was sent to Patagonia. Please, spare