Section 49: The Great Debate (Part II)

"Mr. Kidd, I disagree with your assertion. I believe you have not carefully reviewed this treaty. While it may appear harmless to us on the surface, please take note of two critical points. First, it interferes with the freedom of belief of our citizens—a sacred right granted to every citizen by our Constitution. Second, joining this treaty would require us to unconditionally execute those labeled as 'heretics' by the Church's standards. If a person's life and death are to be judged solely based on their faith, then our laws will be nothing more than empty words. If we sign this treaty, I believe we are regressing, sliding back into the dark and terrifying tyranny of the Tianlun Dynasty decades ago, returning to an era where a single person’s word could arbitrarily decide the fate of others. I would like to ask everyone present: do you truly wish to return to those days?"

"No, no, Mr. Singa, that is not what I meant." Councilor Kidd quickly distanced himself. He cast a swift glance at the two envoys sitting in the guest area, signaling that he had done his best, then composed his expression. "Perhaps it is because I have been too rushed. As I just mentioned, I have only just returned from the south and have not yet read the treaty in detail. If this treaty truly leads us back to the dark rule of the Tianlun Dynasty, then it is certainly not suitable for Landia. As representatives of the citizens, it is our duty to be responsible for every citizen of Landia."

With that, he stepped down from the dais in a somewhat disheveled manner. However, his opposition was far from finished. Another member, having received permission, stood up eagerly, though this person directed his fire straight at Child and the Church behind him. "Furthermore, this treaty was proposed by the Church. Forgive my bluntness, but the Church's reputation these days is hardly trustworthy. Although you claim you will not interfere in the internal affairs of the signatory nations, you demand that every participating nation recognize the Radiant Church as its state religion and grant it the power to execute anyone the Church deems a 'heretic' at will. I believe this is an infringement upon the freedom of the people in every signatory nation."

Child watched Councilor Kidd sit down, a flash of anger crossing his cold face. He muttered under his breath, "A typical politician—sails with the wind."

He rose, bowed slightly to Achilles as a gesture of respect, and walked toward the dais, preparing to face the storm.

By the time the previous councilor had finished speaking, Child had reached the front of the dais. Facing the three hundred and ninety-eight councilors and the cabinet members on the other side, he swept a cold gaze over Fahrenheit, then held his head high. "Before you make your decision, I hope you will listen to the voice of the Church. I stand here to answer your inquiries."

"To that gentleman: why do you believe that establishing the Radiant Church as the state religion interferes with your freedom? Do not forget that centuries ago, when humanity was under the base rule of the goblins, who sent envoys to call upon and lead everyone to resist the Goblin Emperor and crush their dominion? And who has consistently helped humanity withstand the invasions of the orcs, driving them back to the Ctesibius Mountains? It is God, the Lord of Radiance. It was He who sent messengers to aid humanity, He who saved everyone, allowing Landia to be bathed in the benevolence of the Lord of Radiance. This is not only our hope, but also the hope of God, and a return that humanity owes. As the sole representative of the Lord in this world, this is a responsibility and mission the Radiant Church cannot shirk. I hope you understand: this is not interfering with your freedom; it is merely helping you make the correct choice. Rather than every individual wandering lost on a detour before finding their inner nobility and washing away their sins to obtain rebirth, why not save everyone time and make the decision for every citizen directly? Before coming here, I studied your system. Every councilor sitting here bears both power and obligation. I must loudly remind you that in addition to the power this status brings, you have an even greater obligation to choose the right path for the citizens, rather than guiding them down a path of thorns in the name of freedom."

"Your Excellency, how do you explain the killing of 'heretics'?" someone asked. "Even if I believe the Lord of Radiance is benevolent, a benevolent God would not kill a person arbitrarily. Even if they were truly wicked, He would give them a chance to repent and become a believer. But you do not. Although you claim to be the sole representatives of the Lord of Radiance on earth, you are not the Lord Himself. Many have been branded heretics by you, but some lacked any real evidence. Take Hipparchus, the Father of Navigation; that poor man was branded a heretic by you, ending his brilliant life far too soon. This has brought a tremendous loss to Landia."

This person was clearly an admirer of Hipparchus and held a grudge over his tragic end, finally finding an opportunity to vent and speak up for his idol.

However, Child was clearly prepared. He nodded slightly and raised his hands. "Indeed, the Lord is benevolent; even to the wicked, He grants a chance at redemption. But the Lord is also just and strict. One of His seven manifestations is the manifestation of justice. Therefore, for those heretics who are more evil than the creatures of the abyss, tolerance is merely allowing them to harm you."

"But how can you prove they are so evil that they must not be spared?"

"It is quite simple. The reason I requested that the door be closed when I entered is that I am here to share a secret with you—a secret that has a great deal to do with this treaty. It concerns the 'heretics.' In truth, the heretics mentioned in the treaty are a type of evil creature I am about to describe, not the people you imagine who are merely branded as criminals by the Church for opposing us. These creatures call themselves 'Transmigrators.' They are a humanoid, evil life form. No one knows their original form; I only know that once they descend into our world, they inevitably seize a person's body."

"Seize a person's body? What does that mean?"

"Councilor, it means he will occupy your body and appear here in your stead. Everything that is yours—your house, your carriage, your property, and even your wife and children—will treat him as you. Are you willing for this to happen? Are you willing for your wife to whisper sweet nothings to him in your bed, and for your son to call him 'Father'?" Child sneered. "If such creatures are worthy of tolerance, then this treaty is indeed worthless."