Hamilton entered the conference room, carrying the verdict from the secret court. There were only three people in the room: Hylan, Lindy, and Mardias. Each sat at different sides of the rectangular table, and as Hamilton entered, they all stood up, looking at him.
These three were the ones qualified to be the first to know the verdict. Hamilton had not summoned Nehari, who had withdrawn from the election. What intrigued him was that the three present happened to represent youth, middle age, and old age. The young and the old were locked in fierce battle, while the middle-aged man couldn't fully align with either side—Hamilton stopped this overly strained analogy. He should consider the matter from the perspective of his own institution. For a long time, it had been thought that Stormwind's council, church, and intelligence agencies were mutually restraining forces. Hamilton felt that anyone standing in his position wouldn't think so. He saw the church's most revered individuals planning a significant strike against the MI7, which passively resisted with no other choice, while the council ultimately decided the outcome of the struggle. The stark differences between the two ensured that they had to fight, yet neither could win.
Behold, Hylan Ludwig and Lindy Lortleek. I can see their exhaustion and tense nerves. One of them will become the Archbishop... the person most revered by many in the public's eyes. These people await the Archbishop's guidance towards bliss; to them, a well-functioning church is above all else. But they do not know that the Holy Light is a faith too humble and restrained in its doctrine. If one were to abandon the faith, the greatest punishment would be the so-called loss of the Holy Light's protection. They do not need to bear the fear of losing their faith. By comparison, the Real Prayer Society's slogan is somewhat cleverer; they proclaim that abandoning the Holy Light would bring about a plague. Hylan, Lindy, perhaps you can truly make the blind see again, but if you lack the power to take away one's sight, you are ultimately not to be relied upon.
Mardias Shawl. What your grandfather did was the exact opposite. Everything he did was to sow fear. As long as others dared not look him in the eye, he was satisfied, which inherently lacked long-term vision. Mardias, the reason you are in trouble is that the chaos within the MI7 is the result of Panthonia's desires being overly amplified. When he died, these desires naturally couldn't be sustained. He wanted to control everything, yet forgot that he was not the master of this nation. Panthonia Shawl... at most, was someone who luckily infiltrated the state apparatus.
The council, church, and intelligence agencies of Stormwind have mutually checked each other during this period—Hamilton firmly believed that this naive conclusion wouldn't endure. Or rather, what he was about to do would prove its complete collapse. Years later, people would regard this secret meeting as a significant historical event; as the council's representative, what exactly did Hamilton do—did he safeguard the council's power? They, and their descendants, would argue endlessly about this. He felt proud to bear such a responsibility.
"Please be seated." After everyone sat down, he continued, "I know everyone is eager to learn the verdict as soon as possible. Please be patient, for I have other things to say before that. All these matters are of great importance, and we must be cautious in every step."
Hamilton delivered a speech on cooperation among the parties and maintaining national stability. He emphasized that this series of sudden events had, in fact, exposed the long-standing animosity between the church and the MI7; in this special period, it was necessary to quickly mitigate the negative impacts of these divisions. He could tell that the three were forced to listen carefully, searching for clues to determine the council's attitude towards them.
It was time to get to the point.
"Two hours ago, we concluded the trial of Jorgen, a former member of the MI7. He fully confessed to the crimes of concealing the death of a national institution leader and seizing power. Personally, I am not surprised by this outcome. This has been Jorgen's attitude since he was imprisoned."
He paused for a few seconds, briefly observing their expressions before continuing.
"It must be admitted that during the eight months he seized power, he did not cause any significant or unexpected damage to the nation. After extensive research and discussion, the council believes this was due to the strict and well-established internal systems of the MI7, which effectively restrained Jorgen's personal ambitions. Rather than saying Jorgen exploited the system, it would be more accurate to say he took advantage of the members' reverence for the institution's founder, Panthonia Shawl, and Panthonia's own reclusive lifestyle…"
There was no mention of Mardias's status or role throughout the process. That had already been decided.
"… After discussions among all members of the special court, the verdict is as follows: Jorgen is found guilty of deceiving the king and undermining national institutions and is sentenced to death by hanging, with all personal property confiscated. As for the MI7, the following penalties will be imposed: within three years, the state will reduce funding by twenty percent, and supervisors selected by the council will be stationed to ensure its normal operation. Additionally, as a measure to strengthen mutual trust, the church must establish a dedicated missionary branch to assist any MI7 members wishing to embrace the Holy Light."
That's it. Mardias, from your grandfather to you; Hylan, from your past self to your present self—this is what your mutual struggles have resulted in. It seems like superficial measures, but this is only the beginning. In the past, the council's intervention in both institutions was indeed not strict enough. Now, at a time when the nation's stability is most needed, both institutions have caused trouble, providing an excellent opportunity.
Having worked in the council for many years, Hamilton was familiar with this particular expression: disappointment, stemming not only from undesired outcomes but also from the need to compromise with them; yet at the same time, trying to hide it, showing loyalty and a sense of righteousness. He expected to see such an expression on Hylan's face because, as a believer in the Holy Light, that is how he should currently behave. But Hamilton was not satisfied. Hylan was indeed disappointed, but that disappointment was almost expressed as agitation, which was unhealthy for someone his age. He lifted his sagging, wrinkled eyelids, his gaze trembling dimly, and his lips, stiffly holding back words of doubt, seemed about to sink into the sea. Hamilton wondered what words had agitated Hylan. There was no doubt that he was dissatisfied with the resolution. Did he feel that setting up special missionary efforts for MI7 members insulted his faith? Or was it because he saw through the council's intention not to truly punish the MI7? Or was it the death sentence... This was beyond Hamilton's ability to speculate. How Jorgen confessed didn't matter; as long as he had no information that could change the situation, his execution had been decided before the trial even began. Perhaps, as the initial whistleblower, Hylan now felt uneasy, thinking he had become an indirect executioner of Jorgen's death sentence, Hamilton mused.
In contrast, Mardias was much calmer—Hamilton didn't like that expression. It was undoubtedly an attitude inherited from Panthonia: to try to control everything regardless of the circumstances, making one feel as though he had already prepared. Precisely because of the lenient punishment of the MI7, Mardias's current calmness appeared to have ulterior motives.
"Now that the matter is settled, the next task is to complete the Archbishop election. I've mentioned several times that the king has personally stated that this matter must be expedited, and of course, the process should be smooth and complete. There's a suggestion that, given the special circumstances, some council members should participate in the selection of the Archbishop. However, we ultimately decided that we should adhere to traditional forms, with the vote to be determined by high-ranking clergy, excluding the candidates themselves. From the start of the vote to the Archbishop's coronation ceremony, everything must be completed within ten days. Additionally, Jorgen's execution will also take place within these ten days. To avoid impacting the positive mood during the Archbishop election and the reconstruction of Stormwind, this matter will not be made public. Strictly speaking, I should warn you not to spread news of the execution. However, considering Jorgen's many years of service to the MI7, the king has decided to show leniency; the ten-day delay before the execution is indeed the king's order. You may inform Jorgen's family and friends and allow them to visit him under supervision. Any other questions?"
"Lord Hamilton," Lindy said. "There is one matter I must mention."
"Please, go ahead."
"You know that Bossia Wislanzo has not yet been able to see the belongings left to her by the former Archbishop. In other words, the former Archbishop's last wishes have not yet been fully known. I believe it is highly inappropriate to begin the Archbishop election under such circumstances."
"What do you suggest?"
"I recommend that the belongings be immediately handed over to Bossia. This will not delay the process."
"The decision that she, as an apostate, is unqualified to receive the belongings was made by the church. As far as I know, the actual executor was Bishop Nehari. Bishop Hylan, what is your opinion?"
"To continue withholding the Archbishop's belongings is inappropriate both emotionally and rationally. However, this is not something I can influence alone. The majority of the clergy with voting rights in the election dominate this matter. If it is to be resolved immediately, I hope you can provide some assistance."
"I will discuss this with other members of the council's investigative team, and if we reach a unanimous agreement, we will issue a council order to hand over the belongings to Bossia Wislanzo."
The meeting ended. Hamilton left the room.
At first, he thought this should have been a momentous historical moment that would bring him glory. But now he felt that something contrary to his expectations was unfolding.
Lindy, who had remained silent and emotionally detached from the death sentence and punishment decisions, suddenly made a request regarding Bossia at the last moment. This did not seem unplanned.
Mardias, calm as he was, did not raise any questions about Jorgen. This differed from his initial attitude when he accepted the council's investigation. At that time, he actively called for Jorgen's punishment. Now that things had gone his way, there was no sign of triumph, nor dejection, as if this matter was no longer his focus.
After taking a dozen steps, Hamilton temporarily put these doubts aside. In any case, he had completed his personal task. The king's order to delay Jorgen's execution might have been a mistake—that was beyond what he was permitted to consider.