What are the characteristics of a wicked cult?
The answer is simple.
They want to control their followers and those associated with them to an extreme degree.
For example, a symbol that was merely received as a commemoration of a meeting, such as the power of "Jormungand," is actually held by them.
"But I already know everything."
Because I've experienced it in the past.
How Silo devoured the lineage, and what happened, and which guys were particularly loyal to Silo and were consumed by Jormungand.
We can't just kiil all the vassal families that are currently in my head.
Should I call it a necessary evil?
Because they have roles to play at this point.
Although we can gradually replace them by infusing new blood, we cannot immediately exterminate them.
But Viscount Licek Jajak.
Even if others don't know, you cut it off here.
"Grave is the family that I rule and must take responsibility for."
I said, looking at the vessal
"And as the head of my family, I will not tolerate the existence of 'heretics' in my domain, my territory."
"…!"
Of course, I'm not the only one claiming to be a monotheist.[TL; notes- briefing there is only
One god]
I have experienced many dimensions and vassal, and I know that there are some good ones among the religions designated as "heresies" in this world.
But at this point, it is necessary to actively use the stigma of 'heretics.'
"Sedyer Inquisitor!"( previously- Cedier)
When I shouted loudly, Sedyer opened the door and came in, as if he had been waiting outside.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"He, that man is an inquisitor of holly empire …!"
"It's unusual for someone to intervene in the affairs of the territory and step forward…"
The vassal who realized that the situation was really turning strange looked at me.
"The inquisitor is a witness who proves that the criminal, Gaul Silo, is an ominous heretic that cannot be pronounced by the Hierarch."
"…!"
"And the inquisitor and I have also discovered several other 'heretics' besides him."
The atmosphere among the vassal became even more chaotic at his words.
Heretics.
It's such a heavy issue that it's impossible to talk about it.
If someone is called a heretic in general, they must be marked with a label that requires a human sacrifice.
It's really the enemy of mankind.
Just because someone believes in a different religion doesn't mean they should be scorned as heretics and destroyed.
Gulp.
The sound of someone swallowing saliva echoed in the silence.
"At this moment, I have a way to reveal the true face of that 'heretic'."
"Y-You mean…?"
"At that moment, the one who reveals his true face is a heretic, and it means that he will be executed here."
Immediate disposal.
It's not just about saving your own life.
The family to which he belonged would also be swept away under the pretext of being a 'heretic.'
"But, why would you…? Isn't there an inquisitor present?"
Someone asked cautiously.
As I looked at Sedyer, he stepped forward.
"I support Your Majesty's decision as the inquisitor of the Graven duchy, the inquisitor. Your Majesty has shown a level of divine power that I can acknowledge."
"…!"
It's the words of the inquisitor himself.
Identifying heresy is something that can't be done without considerable theological knowledge and abundant divine power.
Of course, within holly empire , it is a position that can only be handled by at least a bishop level.
Nodding my head in agreement with Sedyer's words, I expressed my gratitude and then extended my hand to show everyone.
"
It feels like I can hear Ji-soo-won's words after a long time.
– Hey, write down the name I gave you.
The one who first created this was none other than Ji-soo-woon.
There were many beings among the followers of Jormungand who took the form of humans or survivors, so it could be said that it was invented to distinguish them.
The formal name is
But how do you write it?
– O Light of Ji-soo-woon!
I can't do this….
Anyway.
Hwaaaak!
A ball of light summoned on the palm emitted a light that filled the grand hall.
"Jormungand seeks to control everything related to itself."
For example, let's say you received the symbol of Jormungand just once out of your own will.
As mentioned earlier, it's a fake.
The one who receives it would have received it as if it were just an insignificant tool.
But at that point, they would have already been consumed by Jormungand. The power of Jormungand would already be faintly rooted in their soul.
It's over at that point.
That's why it's so scary.
Just by breaking the psychological barrier 'slightly,' you become enslaved to Jormungand.
And that.
Thud.
Thus, with even a "trivial" crumbling of psychological barriers, one becomes enslaved to Jormungand.
And that is…
Thunk.
"Wh-What…?!"
Viscount Licekwas affected too.
Licek,
He was Silo's close associate, and if things had gone as planned, he would have been one of the main culprits in destroying the family.
"Hehe, thank you, Your Majesty."
I still remember.
– You were so foolish that I truly received many favors.
Chuckling, I remembered the face of the guy who sneered at me, mocking me for losing everything.
And of course, he, too, had felt Jormungand's touch.
Thud, thud.
"No way?"
Scales began to grow on the skin. Of course, the erosion wasn't so severe that it would change noticeably.
"Usually, dramatic staging is important in times like this."
Should I forcibly increase his level of erosion to make sure?
If it's temporary, it's certainly possible.
And as a result, Licek,'s skin didn't just end with scales covering it.
Thunk, thud!
Viscount Licek's skin continued to be covered. Soon, his body contorted, and the human form crumbled.
"T-This…!"
"How could such a profane form…!"
The vassal screamed and backed away from Viscount Licek in horror.
Viscount Licek, with trembling eyes, looked at his own body and screamed.
[Wh-What is this!]
"The heretic has revealed himself."
I said firmly.
"What do you think, Inquisitor?"
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
Already, Sedyer's face was not just cold; it seemed on the verge of exploding at any moment
"D-Dare, dare, dare, dare…!"
With a trembling hand, Sedyer approached Viscount Licek, dragging his club, without even asking for my permission.
[I-Inquisitor, n-no! It's a misunderstanding! I-I'm not a heretic…!]
Crunch.
[Aaah!]
Without even listening to Viscount Licek's words, Sedyer struck him with the club
Viscount Licek screamed and writhed on the ground, but it was futile. The blow was so cruel that it was horrifying.
"Shut up! Shut up! How dare a heretic like you defile this world!"
Crunch, crunch, crunch!
A gruesome sight that made the bones of those who witnessed it feel cold.
But what can you do?
For heretics, especially those who have crossed the line, this world can only be cruel.
Sedyer's club didn't stop. And how many times did he strike with it?
"…."
All that remained was the trace of what had once been Viscount Licek.
I didn't hide my angry expression as I spoke.
"Inquisitor, even if he was a heretic, I should have been the one to punish him."
"I-I am without excuse, Your Majesty."
Sedyer bowed his head as if coming to his senses late.
Of course, it was all discussed beforehand
As an 'outsider,' Sedyer punishing Viscount Licek would make quite the spectacle. Sedyer just moved as previously agreed upon.
"This time, I'll let it pass. The Glorious Kingdom abhors heretics, and there is justification for it."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
With that polite response, Sedyer stepped back.
As I looked away from the bloodied ground, I glanced at the vessal
"Tua Viscount Licek was also a heretic. Truly astonishing."
"….!"
As my gaze fell on Silo, they all shrunk back.
"Silo and Viscount Licek… quite interesting. It seems they didn't react to this glory, so it seems they're not suspicious to you… but what is the truth?"
"Y-Your Majesty!"
Kwoong
Silo's face turned pale as he struck his forehead with a blue hand.
Ignoring them, I summoned.
"Setarim, Knight."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"From now on, Tua Viscount Licek's title is revoked. Immediately, go and arrest all members of the Viscount Licek family."
"I will fulfill your command!"
While the entire Viscount Licek family may not be heretics, they have committed numerous atrocities.
Silo and Viscount Licek.
At least in my family, these two names will never be used again.
After Setarim set off towards the Viscount Licek family, I looked at Silo, who was bowing his head.
"Cooperating with heretics and aiding them can also be considered a grave sin, can't it?"
"T-That's correct, Your Majesty!"
Silo trembled, unable to look at me, but soon he lowered his head in resignation.
They understand.
There's no escaping responsibility now.
"V-Very well.
"Indeed."
Of course, this won't be the end. I'll make sure to distinguish them thoroughly so they can't interfere with my family affairs in the future.
But if they continue to be obstinate?
Sure, here's the translation:
—
But what if I can't get a grip on myself?
Then I'll have to kill you. What other choice is there?
You just have to come up with a reason.
Anyway, the meeting ended like that.
If we continue down this path, the power of the Saillot family will diminish, and the Chaos Sect will also be unable to exert their influence in our territory for a while.
"One problem solved."
Now it's time to focus on another issue.
—
"Your Highness, you were magnificent!"
As soon as we returned from our mission, Setarim said to me with a deeply moved expression.
"To display such presence and authority as the head of the family, it's as if the vassal themselves…!"
"Don't exaggerate."
I casually replied to Setarim's words and then asked him
"So, what happened while I was away?"
"We have arrested all members of the Lirecht family and seized all their assets.
"Good."
And the other families of the Saillot faction, who are now pensioned off in their homes, are in the same situation.
All of them have chosen my handpicked "talents" as their successors. They are either trouble-free or capable individuals.
"Now there's just one more thing to resolve."
"If you say so…
"The position of Chief Mage."
"Ah…"
Setarim sighed softly at my words. Of course, it's a valid reaction.
Even if we've dealt with the issue of the Saillot faction, filling the position of Chief Mage won't be easy
Chief Mage.
It's the most important position responsible for the power of the territory alongside the Azure Shield Knights.
The reason we were so quick to subdue Saillot was precisely because of this position, the Chief Mage.
If we let the mages in our territory rebel, it would be a disaster.
From that perspective, I acted in the best way I could.
But the result is still that the position of Chief Mage is vacant.
"It's indeed a big problem."
For a magical family, if the Mage Corps doesn't function properly, it's no different from exposing the core to danger.
Even though mages themselves are irreplaceable, the importance of the Mage Corps to our family is even higher.
But it's okay.
"I have omeone in mind."
"What? Already… You mean…?"
Setarim cautiously asked me with a surprised expression.
"Yes."
Who am I?
I'm a returnee.
And as the Duke of the Empire and the last survivor of the world, I know the talents of the continent very well.
For example.
"A mage with sufficient ability but who, for some reason, has not had the chance to shine."
Or someone who has developed in a "unique" direction enough for me to intervene and make use of them.
Someone who fits into either category.
Surprisingly, there are some.
"Your Highness, I apologize, but finding a mage above the 7th rank is by no means an easy task."
Setarim said cautiously.
"Not only are mages above the 7th rank rare, but finding a mage you can trust is also extremely difficult."
"That's true."
"As you know, mages are generally not easily trusted individuals. They worship knowledge rather than their lords."
That's also true.
There's a saying in the world:
"A madman is the one closest to a mage."
Mages are essentially slaves to knowledge.
At least the "real" ones were.
For mages, knowledge is the foremost belief and the value of life itself
Even though there are plenty of high-ranking mages, it's not easy to find one who is trustworthy.
"Looking for a mage at the Mage Tower is madness. While there are many high-ranking mages there, none of them are normal."
"But Your Highness…
I spoke to Setarim, who was still flustered.
"Of course, I have no intention of using someone from the Mage Tower as the Chief Mage."
"Does that mean…?"
I said to Setarim.
"As it happens, there is a 'sensible' mage above the 7th rank hiding in our territory."
"…Really?"
"Yes, really."
I briefly recalled that 'mage' from my memory.
– A mage, the epitome of romance, isn't it?
It's a bit unusual here as well, but not bad.
"If there's talent, we should bring them in."
If the plan goes as planned, we should be able to bring them in somehow.
…Probably.