Chapter 88

The authority of the order often came from this oath trial. However, priests also disliked invoking the name of the god for trivial matters, so they would not accept trials for just any reason.

The problem arises when, after taking the oath, both parties still claim innocence.

Naturally, a lightning bolt does not strike down the liar on the spot for breaking the oath. It would only make the afterlife very restless.

There were numerous instances in these trials where, due to the atmosphere or coercion, someone became a liar.

'After all, lying to protect oneself in the present rather than worrying about the afterlife is all too common.'

If fear of hell had been enough to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, there wouldn't be a need for nine different religions. Priests also found it difficult when both parties claimed innocence. Being literate and having the ability to argue does not necessarily mean one can deduce the truth.

"It seems like a significant amount was lost."

"Yes, it was all the money for the leather payment this time..."

"What was the oath about?"

"The leather merchant insists he brought the money, and the innkeeper vehemently denies stealing it."

In such cases, it was often a third party who was innocent, with both sides being blameless. However, those awaiting trial now were hoping that a great Grail Knight, who had defeated angels, would resolve their grievances with his remarkable insight.

"Let's go then."

Isaac covered the documents he was working on and headed to the corridor.

***

Upon reaching the hall, the leather merchant and the innkeeper bowed deeply to Isaac.

"Please stand up."

The people got up awkwardly. They tried to awkwardly shower Isaac with praise and blame their opponent, but Isaac raised his hand to silence them. He did not want to drag this out any longer.

Isaac deliberately stood in the shadows, so no one could see his eyes turning violet.

After a moment, Isaac pointed at one of the leather merchants.

"You there, what is your name?"

"It's Hans."

Isaac thought of someone with the same name but didn't dwell on it since it was one of the most common names in the empire.

Isaac sighed and said, "So, Hans paid the innkeeper for the leather. The innkeeper had agreed to give only half of the promised leather. After the case is settled, Hans was to come back and take the remaining half of the leather for himself. Arrest both Hans and the innkeeper."

It was a ludicrously simple conclusion. Essentially, both had made a deal, thus avoiding breaking their oath of theft. It's a common form of fraud when unreliable business partners are involved, often leading to embezzlement for personal gain.

"But, this is unfair..."

"That's ridiculous! I've done no such thing..."

Before Hans could protest further, Werner stepped forward and kicked his knee.

Werner, a Paladin capable of climbing mountains even in heavy armor, instantly bent Hans' knee backward.

As Hans kneeled, Werner drew his sword and shoved it into his mouth.

The sword stopped just before tickling the back of his throat.

"You bastard. Merely attempting to deceive with an oath deserves death. And you dared to dirty the ears of a Grail Knight? I'll kill you."

Werner's pause was just to state the crime, implying he was indeed ready to thrust the sword. If Isaac hadn't intervened.

"Stop it."

"But..."

"The rest is a matter for imperial law. Attempting to evade an oath through deceit is not something the order should punish."

Upon hearing Isaac's words, the bureaucrats hired for estate management and the observers looked at Isaac with deep admiration. In fact, being horribly punished for breaking an oath in a swearing trial was a common occurrence.

Especially for the lower-class without powerful backers, such incidents were all too common. After all, a sword wielded in vengeance is still wielded by someone with eyes. However, because of the order's superiority in power, the empire could not properly protest against such matters. This led to considerable dissatisfaction among the imperial citizens, as if the order acted above the law.

"Such a trial by lord, if you can even call it that."

To Isaac, even this trial seemed utterly foolish. He had made his judgement without witnesses, testimony, or evidence. Although his conclusion, drawn through the Eye of Chaos, was correct, if Isaac had randomly accused someone, the outcome would have been the same.

Werner nodded at Isaac's words and sheathed his sword. Hans, unable to scream, just groaned and clutched at his bent-backward knee before being dragged away by the soldiers. The leather merchants, who should have been angry at Hans, could do nothing but watch him.

Isaac turned his gaze to the innkeeper.

"It seems like you had something to say?"

"Nothing. I admit to all my crimes."

"Is that so? Then consider that you were only approached for a deal, and we'll consider the leather paid in full. Return the full amount received as compensation, and make sure to transfer all the leather as per the contract."

This was not a regulation known to imperial law.

Legally, the innkeeper knew Hans was intending to commit fraud against his business partners but pretended not to know and went ahead with the deal, making it difficult to punish him. However, the intention to deceive by considering a swearing trial was clear, necessitating punishment at the order's level.

The innkeeper nodded, sweating.

The punishment was decided in a nonchalant manner, but some of the priests were deeply impressed by it.

"How wise and merciful..."

"Truly the insight bestowed by the Holy Scriptures..."

"Madness."

Isaac listened to the whispers, admiring yet relieved.

"Is the poison starting to spread among the priests?"

While Isaac was lost in thought, Werner approached.

"This trial was truly magnificent, Sir Holy Grail Knight. Indeed, you are like a saint bestowed by the Holy Scriptures."

Although Isaac had not been sanctified or sought sainthood, Werner revered him as such.

Just as Reinhardt had been, Werner too was an ardent fan of Isaac. Even though Werner had not witnessed Isaac achieving mythic feats like Reinhardt, Isaac had already become a role model for many paladins. Moreover, since Isaac had saved his life, it was natural for him to be a fervent supporter.

Additionally, Isaac was humble and courteous to everyone, and his demeanor did not change abruptly with his elevation to nobility. Although all paladins were expected to exhibit these virtues, not many actually did. Especially, the more devoutly religious paladins often fell into arrogance.

"It was nothing, Werner. Is there anything else?"

"Hmm. It's not much, but we've discovered some unidentified individuals in the western ridges."

"Poachers again?"

Lately, poachers had been the most frequent trouble for Isaac. The Nameless Chaos took care to not disturb local wildlife when performing miracles, but it couldn't exclude humans. As prey animals gathered near the domain, it was natural for poachers to approach the villages.

"They're not certain, but it seems likely. Simply scaring them off won't make them listen. This time, we'll capture and bring them in."

Isaac thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"No. Ask them first before driving them out. It doesn't matter if they're from Barbary; if they want to hunt, tell them to come to the domain, report directly, and then hunt."

Most of the slash-and-burn farmers and hunters are atheists from Barbarians. This is because most of the mountains and forests are hunting grounds owned by lords or monasteries, and hunting there naturally turns one into a criminal. Werner seemed taken aback by Isaac's words, but he nodded in agreement since this was not the first time Isaac had made such 'generous' decisions.

What Isaac devoted his second most effort to, after managing his domain, was sowing 'ideological poison' among the priests and paladins.

***

"He truly is a saint!"

It took Isaac less than a month to completely captivate the priests and paladins.

At this time, the priests of the Holy Scriptures were mired in laziness and old habits.

Naturally, when they first became clerics, they were filled with the desire to spread the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, dispel darkness, and protect the weak. However, as time passed and they enjoyed a life of wealth, receiving treatment that even nobles would envy, pride inevitably crept into their hearts.

They might question whether it was right to live this way, but when they see all other priests living the same way, and the higher echelons of the order showing even more corrupt behaviors, they naturally turn a blind eye.

Nor do they wish to give up their current lives.

Whether there's a food crisis due to skyrocketing prices of Loracus, border disputes leading to refugees, citizens being kidnapped by Wallachia hunters, or drought devastating several farmlands, they just need to make a show of dealing with the aftermath.

After all, they are the only ones who can bestow salvation in this chaotic world as mediators of miracles. Besides, miracles are granted and the gates of heaven are open 'even if they live like that.' They saw no reason to change.

But this esteemed Holy Grail Knight was different.

'How can he persuade without invoking the name of God, with such kindness?'

'Why does he train his body without strengthening it through miracles?'

'How is he knowledgeable about vulgar matters like agriculture, trade, and administration?

'How can he offer a chance even to those who have forsaken their faith?'

To Isaac, these were insane thoughts, but to them, these were serious issues. Isaac barely managed to suppress his sighs whenever he heard such questions from the priests. The priests here seemed oddly disconnected from the lives of laypeople, unlike when he spoke with the abbot at the Ariet Monastery.

'Maybe it's a problem with Bishop Juan.'

Birds of a feather flock together, as they say. Or maybe the monastery itself was a gathering place for monks seeking to distance themselves from power and live in seclusion.

In any case, Isaac was a refreshing presence for them, reminding them of their original intentions.

It was as if he was setting an example of how to live righteously.

'This is crazy.'

In reality, Isaac hadn't made much of an effort.

He simply tried not to do anything nonsensical according to modern standards. But someone who grew up in a 21st-century democratic society with universal moral standards seemed almost saint-like in this era.

Of course, occasionally, there were ethical glitches, like eating his opponents, but that was just a bug in the left hand, so it was okay... Isaac convinced himself.

The natural charm of the Nephilim was strong here too, greatly shortening the time it took to enchant them. Of course, 'captivating' here meant earning a strong favorable impression, not converting them into followers like Leohart or Hesabel.

Drawing out deeper emotions required more traditional methods.

Namely, preaching and proselytizing.

"Would you, Sir Holy Grail Knight Isaac, be willing to share a few words at this morning's service?"

At the time of the morning service, a priest made this request to Isaac.

Despite the clear procedures and disciplines set for services, no one found it strange for a priest to ask a paladin to preach. Such was the extent of Isaac's authority.

Isaac began his sermon with a smile.