A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

”Justice for Antonio!”

”Justice! Justice! Justice!”

”Normans, get out of Tuscany!”

”Freedom for the Tuscans!”

”...”

As Cesare’s voice faded, the crowd in the main hall grew restless.

The poor impression of the Normans that had long festered in their minds suddenly erupted, stoked by Cesare’s words.

The crowd was in an uproar.

”Hang him!”

”Hang the Norman!”

”To the gallows! He should be hanged!”

”All Normans deserve to die!”

”Hang him!”

”...”

Emotions began to spiral out of control.

Gregory looked to Gerard’s Otto, but Otto shook his head at him.

Just as Otto was about to look toward Eric, he heard Eric speak up.

”Are you questioning the Holy See?” Eric said suddenly.

”What? My Lord Marquis, I don’t understand what you mean,” Cesare said humbly.

”The Marchioness is renowned for her Devotion. The current Holy See was once her mentor, the Vice Bishop of Lucca, who treated her like a daughter. Do you think she dealt with Count Belem a few days ago without consulting the Holy See?

I should also add, since Pisa is so far from Canossa, that the former Holy See, Alexander, was Lady Beatrice’s confessor. And Lady Beatrice’s husband, Duke Godfrey of Lower Lorraine, is world-renowned as the Sword of Saint Peter.

For two generations, the Canossa Clan has demonstrated their loyalty to the Seat of St. Peter through their Devotion and sacrifice, because they have always believed that the Church should be returned to its rightful place.

As you said, the Holy See is the true master of the Catholic World, the true representative of Christ in the mortal realm.

The Holy See currently resides in Canossa. Do you think that if the so-called ’atrocity’ you speak of had truly occurred, he would remain indifferent? That he would turn a deaf ear to it? That he would acquiesce to such a sin?

Are you aware of the cause to which the Holy See is now dedicated? It is to spread the light of the Lord of Heaven and the edicts of Peter to every corner of the Catholic World!

I wonder, do you recall the decree issued by His Majesty Gregory?

Ah, that’s right, I forgot. It must be difficult for that barren mind of yours to remember so much.

To think you’d need so many years to ponder such a simple historical fact.

Even though His Majesty Gregory’s decree is so concise, clear, and unambiguous, comprising twenty-seven articles in total. It was sent to all the cities of Italy in less than half a month, with instructions for all Bishops and Priests to memorize it.

But the truth never grows tiresome, even if recited ten million times, because the truth is the truth!

’The Roman Church was founded by the Lord himself.

’The Pope of Rome is by right called Universal Pope.

’He alone can depose or reinstate Bishops.

’A legate of the Pope, in a council, has precedence over all Bishops, even if his Level is lower than the other Bishops.

’No council may be convened without his command.

’All major cases are to be referred to the Seat of the Apostle (the Roman Curia) for judgment.

’The Roman Church has never erred, nor will it ever err, according to the witness of the Bible!

’...

’A judgment of the Pope of Rome may not be overturned.

’By the Pope’s authority, the Roman Curia may judge cases anywhere in the world.

’And, of course, the final article, number 27: That he who is not in agreement with the Roman Church is not to be considered a Catholic.’” (The Pope’s Decree, issued by Gregory VII in 1075. Older views consider this the beginning of the great Church reform.)

Although Eric’s recitation was calm, the content of his words was powerful enough to be shocking. The main hall, which had been buzzing with discussion, fell silent at once.

Unlike the Northern Countries, the city-states of Italy had to face the Pope’s might directly.

If what Eric recited was true, then Cesare’s actions were undoubtedly a provocation against the entire Roman Curia.

Cold sweat instantly beaded on Cesare’s brow, but he still forced himself to remain calm.

Nevertheless, he had unconsciously lowered his gaze, not daring to look directly at Gregory, who sat on the high platform, watching the crowd with indifference.

”Count Belem was hung from the tower not long ago. Such a punishment must have been the decision of the Holy See, the Marchioness, and the entire Tuscan College of Cardinals.”

Eric was very pleased with Cesare’s reaction.

”Or are you saying that the wisdom of the current Holy See, His Majesty the great Gregory, and the knowledge of the Tuscan College of Cardinals are all inferior to that of a wool merchant like you?

Are you the only one here who is clever, wise, just, and merciful?

Or perhaps you’re questioning whether His Majesty Gregory, the successor to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, possesses the quality of justice that he ought to?”

Eric frowned and walked toward Cesare.

”My Lord Marquis, I don’t understand what you mean. Of course I would not dare to question the decision of the Holy See. The just Holy See, the merciful Holy See—any decision it makes is correct.

I have no intention of overturning the Holy See’s decision. I am merely following custom and tradition. When a man commits a crime, he must serve two sentences: one for the body, and one for the soul.

In this way, their sinful bodies are purified, and their filthy souls are cleansed.

People often focus on the former and neglect the latter. This is not a mistake, because usually after the body is punished, the spirit is also reformed.

But now, this Count Belem shows not a shred of shame for his sins! He seems to think it’s some kind of honor!

My noble lords of Tuscany, do you think a man like Lord Belem will shy away from seducing married women in the future?” Cesare pulled open his collar, showing the crowd the ligature marks that Belem had just left on him.