Tools cannot possess the thoughts and abilities to resist fate.
Therefore, Lynn must die.
Otherwise, Bishop Connor would not cooperate with Marquis Fred.
On the other side, upon hearing the counsel of those present, Saint Laurent VI remained silent, merely observing everyone in attendance.
The reason is simple.
From his perspective, the Church and the nobility seemed too united, and... since when did the Mosgla family stand with the Heavenly Principle Church?
He did not seem inclined to make a decision in haste but instead awaited the reactions of the other two Churches, his gaze somewhat cold.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was quite heated.
After Cardinal Connor of the Heavenly Principle Church stepped forward, many nobles echoed the suggestion made by Marquis Fred.
It was then that the always silent Great Imperial Princess Hillena suddenly stepped forward.
"Since no consensus has been reached, why not employ the Empire’s fairest and most impartial means of trial—the Holy Tree Judgment."
No sooner had Hillena finished speaking than the hall fell silent.
Marquis Fred’s voice came to an abrupt stop, looking up in astonishment at Princess Hillena.
Bishop Connor’s eyes were all the more terrifying, as if foreseeing a scene he wished not to envision.
This woman... why does she suddenly choose to complicate matters?
Noticing the gaze from everyone present, Hillena’s expression remained calm.
Indeed, everything was as Lynn had described.
She coolly glanced at those present without saying much.
Only some nobles from families of more recent generations seemed not to understand Hillena’s words, prompting whispers of inquiry, which were soon answered.
The Holy Tree Judgment, as the name implies.
The Holy Spirit Tree, standing in the Empire’s center, has many mystical utilities, one of which is the Holy Tree Judgment, a method the Empire used in its early days to judge the powerful and the nobility.
Due to some aristocratic forces and high-ranking strong individuals being too formidable for even the Emperor to assure the chief judge’s impartiality, the Holy Spirit Tree is thus used for judgment.
Additionally, this method showcases the sins committed by the great nobles to all, diminishing their influence among the populace.
The Holy Spirit Tree can unveil all true memories and deeply buried secrets of the judged, projected in imagery above the Central Canopy of the Imperial Capital!
No matter how influential these forces are, they cannot conceal their depravity.
After the judgment, the Holy Spirit Tree rewards those who are virtuous and punishes those who are exceedingly wicked with the harshest divine penalty, allowing all imperial citizens to witness the sinner’s retribution.
This is what Hillena referred to as the Holy Tree Judgment.
All present were either nobles or from the Church and naturally understood the implications of the Holy Tree Judgment.
Marquis Fred was the first to stand in opposition.
With an angry expression, he retorted, "Your Highness, there’s no need to waste time on such sinners, right?"
Facing Marquis Fred’s challenge, Hillena coldly glanced at him.
Upon being looked at by Hillena, Marquis Fred realized his discourtesy and immediately gritted his teeth in apology:
"Forgive me, Your Highness, for being blinded by hatred; this demon executioner once killed my granddaughter..."
Bishop Connor then took over the conversation: "Though Marquis Fred was a bit impulsive, he spoke the truth."
"Limb Connector Lynn’s crimes are grave, and since our investigation has already determined them, there’s no need to waste more time; the citizens of the Imperial Capital also want to see the perpetrator punished soon."
This move solely aimed to show the Heavenly Principle Church’s stance.
At present, the choice between the suggestion of the Heavenly Principle Church and that of the Great Imperial Princess lies ultimately with Saint Laurent VI.
Everyone gazed at His Majesty the Emperor on the principal seat.
Feeling the numerous gazes around him, Saint Laurent VI paused in silence, then slowly spoke: "Bishop Connor’s words make much sense..."
Upon hearing this, Marquis Fred’s face showed an expression of ecstatic joy.
Despite Bishop Connor’s calm demeanor, he secretly sighed with relief.
Saint Laurent VI, however, seemed to imply something further, pausing before continuing: "But Hillena’s suggestion is good too; showcasing such sinners beneath the Central Canopy can better deter the lawless."
"The Fertility Church and Silent Church appear rather quiet today; I wonder how the two Cardinals view this matter?"
Saint Laurent VI directed the discussion to the Cardinals of the two silent Churches.
The members of the Silent Church and Fertility Church did not immediately express their stance but humbly bowed in salutation: "We leave everything to Your Majesty’s handling."
Seeing this, Saint Laurent VI’s expression slightly softened: "Since the Three Great Churches are all present, let the three Cardinals vote on Princess Hillena’s proposal. Do they support or oppose it?"
Upon hearing this, Bishop Connor furrowed his brows and immediately opposed: "Your Majesty, I maintain my previous stance; the sinner’s guilt is already confirmed, and we should not waste time."
Saint Laurent VI nodded slightly, yet said nothing further, and then redirected his gaze toward the Cardinals of the Silent Church and Fertility Church.
At this moment, the two could no longer remain silent; they had to make a choice then and there.
Connor glanced at the other two, feeling somewhat reassured.