Translator: Cinder Translations
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As its name suggests, the Horns Bay Alliance is a political coalition that emerged over a hundred years ago when several relatively weak city-states united to protect their safety and wealth. Gradually, this coalition developed into the most powerful political force in the Horns Bay region.
Initially, the alliance was not called the "Horns Bay Alliance." That name was too overt, given that there were still various other states and independent territories within the Horns Bay region. However, as the alliance grew stronger and repeatedly won wars, the confident leaders decided to name their coalition after Horns Bay. Over time, with the alliance's strength backing their commercial ventures on the high seas, alliance merchants gradually took the lead over merchants from other states. Thus, many people outside Horns Bay began to equate the geographical term "Horns Bay" with the political entity known as the Horns Bay Alliance.
The center of power within the alliance is the Highest Tribunal. Initially, this institution served as a venue for the city-states' leaders to bicker and did not possess substantive power over the entire alliance. However, due to various peacetime affairs—such as negotiating tariffs or mediating disputes between members—the Tribunal's influence gradually increased. Additionally, several wars accelerated this concentration of power, leading to the Tribunal gaining most of the powers typically held by a national government, such as foreign affairs, military, and taxation. Outsiders now view the Horns Bay Alliance as a nation.
The Tribunal's membership is fixed at 150, comprising descendants of the original power holders of each city-state. The seats are inherited through generations; if a family becomes extinct, the last male relative of the family inherits the seat and the family's surname.
The head of the Tribunal is called the Speaker, who is elected every five years. The Speaker selects ten members as assistants to handle various matters such as foreign affairs, military, administration, and law. The full Tribunal meets at least twice a month to discuss major issues.
Today, the council chamber is filled with a tense atmosphere as the Tribunal members take turns to argue passionately about a single issue—the alliance's stance towards the Church.
"Esteemed members, I urge you to reflect on your own hearts. If you still possess the passion of an Horns noble, how can you remain indifferent to the numerous crimes committed by the Church against our citizens?"
A member spoke loudly from the podium, his face full of grief.
"Since the Church initiated the witch hunt, under the pretense of purging heresy, they have plundered our citizens' wealth and, even more horrifically, taken innocent lives. How many innocent people have fallen victim to their brutality?"
He spoke with tears in his eyes.
"The Church has gone too far!"
"It's time for them to be put in their place!"
His speech resonated with many, who voiced their agreement.
"So, we must swiftly take strong and effective measures to protect the citizens of the alliance from the Church's harm."
However, not everyone agreed with his conclusion. Some rose from their seats, booing loudly.
"Horas, you scheming scoundrel! Don't think we're unaware of your true intentions."
Someone rushed to the podium and vehemently rebutted Horas.
"Hey, Simons, you need to follow the rules of the meeting!" Horas retorted angrily.
"Forget the meeting rules!" Simons shouted to the crowd, "Listen to what Horas is saying. Words like 'brutality' and 'harm'—can these terms really describe the Church that serves the Father?"
"I admit that the witch hunt has involved some radical measures and resulted in unfortunate consequences, but these are unavoidable costs to protect us common folks from greater evils."
Horas shouted back, "Listen to Simons. Is this really what we're going to accept?"
Supporters of Horas booed Simons, knowing he was a devout Church follower.
"Humph! Horas, don't think we don't know what's on your mind."
Unperturbed, Simons continued addressing the crowd, "Everyone, listen carefully. This is nothing but personal revenge. He admits it himself."
"Shut up! I never admitted such a thing!"
The two continued their heated argument on stage, and their supporters joined in, turning the chamber into a chaotic market.
"Silence! Silence!"
The current Speaker banged a gavel on the wooden desk, bringing the nearly unruly meeting back to order.
"Now it is time for Councilor Foster to speak!"
As soon as he finished, Joe Foster—also known as Marquis Foster—walked calmly to the podium, while Horas and Simons exchanged a disdainful look and moved off the stage from either side.
The Marquis cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Ladies and gentlemen, I do not wish to preach any grand principles. I simply want to state a fact—since the witch hunt began, our alliance's trade volume has been declining year after year. This isn't just affecting our alliance, but all commercial activities in Horns Bay are in decline. And trade is the foundation of our nation."
His words struck a chill in everyone present.
"I believe we all have enough reverence for the Father, but mere reverence does not fill our stomachs. We must first address our basic needs before fulfilling our duties as believers and better serve the Father. Therefore, I advocate for some restrictive measures against the Church's activities within the alliance."
Someone from the audience said, "But Marquis, the alliance alone cannot stand against the Church. That's another fact."
The Marquis nodded and said, "So, I would like to once again invite other nations to discuss strategies together."
Last year, the Horns Bay Alliance held a conference of nations, but it achieved no substantive results due to various obstacles—primarily the Church.
(End of the Chapter)
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