The resurrection on the other side was as fleeting as the blooming of a flower, and discussions about Abaddon’s cowardly actions were also greatly diluted. It proved that time could always heal all things.
Perhaps the other side was not planning to return to the Empire.
In that case, he was still the best candidate for the position of Knight Commander.
Abaddon reignited hope, so he needed to present himself well in front of the Pope.
"Who allowed you to come?"
Damian glared angrily at Abaddon.
"As knights of the Empire, our primary duty is to ensure your safety."
Abaddon replied forcefully, aware of Damian’s background.
The Knight Order of the Kingdom used to be loyal only to the royal family, but as a result of the other’s death and the departure of the Royal Knight Order, this tradition changed.
From now on, their allegiance would be to the Church and the nobles, and as for Henry VII, just ensuring appearances were maintained would be enough. Abaddon stepped forward to remind the sullen-faced Damian, "Recently, we have received reports of Evil God’s Followers appearing in the imperial capital. I believe His Excellency the Pope would not wish for you to be seen here at such a critical time."
Damian’s teeth were about to shatter. If the other side were still Knight Commander, how could such fools be allowed to...
The clenched fist eventually loosened in despair.
His voice lowered, "Let’s go."
Ave was right; everyone must pay for their chosen path.
The order for the other side to proceed to the border of the Empire to eradicate the Evil God’s Followers was the last step for him to ascend to the throne, a choice he made months ago.
As night fell, the entire imperial capital became lively, perhaps it was the most bustling night in the capital, not only residents, adventurers, and Hunters who heard the news, but nobles of all sizes also put aside their affairs and gathered here.
However, compared to the prominent figures about to attend this execution, their status was insignificant.
Prince Freeman, Chief Judge Ganniss, Pope Julius, and the Empire’s Second Prince, the "expected" next King, Damian-Henry.
Three members of the Seven Council were present, these individuals symbolize the future authority of the Empire.
Unlike Henry VI’s conciliatory strategy towards meritorious subjects, they would use this execution to show everyone the fate of rebels.
An hour before the execution began, the area below the execution platform was already crowded, those arriving slightly late were squeezed a block away, yet those in the front row voluntarily left a space — no one approached Ave-Margaret standing in the front row.
They could hardly imagine what Ave was feeling at this moment.
However, everything was already irreversible.
The four seats on the high platform were all occupied by their masters.
Time passed second by second, after a long while, the people in the front row heard the commotion. Under escort by Kingdom Knights, the criminal Collins-Margaret was sent to the execution platform, tied to the pyre by the Church’s High-tier Priests who completed the final prayer.
The crowd did not hear resentful curses and screams, even at the brink of life, Collins looked extremely indifferent, as if the person about to be executed wasn’t him.
He gazed at Ave in the crowd, doing his best to smile at her.
Strictly speaking, it could hardly be called a smile, merely a stiff pulling of the lips.
The Holy Word Art granted Collins absolute rationality; he merely rationally believed that leaving this way would be more dignified.
He was relieved that Ave, also under the Holy Word Art, wouldn’t do anything impulsive or radical; she wouldn’t rush onto the execution stage like those reckless "rebels" nor shout from below.
For people like them, witnessing the death of loved ones would not bring any emotional sorrow.
Life extinguished in the blaze would be all the information Ave gleaned rationally.
Ave, you must continue the knowledge of the Margaret Clan.
Collins moved his lips.
If there was anything left to convey, this was the only thing he could think of.
The future was unpredictable, though he was her elder, he found it hard to offer his daughter any advice further, perhaps his greatest regret in life was not being able to let Ave live in a better era.
The Priest poured Holy Oil over him, with the recital of his crime by Chief Judge Ganniss, which was, to some extent, a "royal-level" treatment, probably only the Empire’s top criminal could receive such honor.
Searching for evil cults, touching forbidden knowledge.
Even using them to undermine the blessing of the Goddess of Life.
Each is an unforgivable crime.
In Chief Judge Ganniss’s accusation, the Priest lit the torch, the silver-white sacred flame representing the Church’s authority, which would burn the sinner’s body and soul, purifying all their sins.
"Criminal Collins, do you have anything to defend yourself against the crimes you’ve committed?"
Having narrated Collins’s crimes, the Chief Judge solemnly inquired.
The Chief Judge nodded in satisfaction and returned to his seat.
The High-tier Priest holding the torch stepped towards the sinner tied to the pyre, "May the Goddess purify the sins you have committed."
Everyone held their breath, witnessing the conclusion of this execution.