Episode 828 World Conference: The Pledge of Truth (1)
The Beast King knows about the Glory of the Corpse. Even its recent movements. It is clear that the Luas Theocracy, just like with Eon and the Master, did not acknowledge the sharing of some information.
Verden felt the tension on his skin as if it were about to explode at any moment. The Water King had touched the Saintess’s—no, the Luas religion’s—sensitive spot.
It’s already spilled milk.
Now that suspicions have arisen, the Ruas Theocracy has no choice but to clarify the truth. If they evade an answer here, the trust built by the Religion of Light will be severely damaged. The same goes for ambiguous answers.
It is as if they have been driven into a corner.
No matter where on earth the King of Water obtained that secret, it was clear that today’s repercussions would absolutely not subside easily.
The secret of the ancient king is unraveled.Right here, in this very spot.
And other things, too.
Verden observed the attendees likely to vote in favor of the Pledge of Truth and calculated how to use this opportunity to make the conclusion of the World Conference more spectacular and persuasive.
No matter how intense the emotional friction, the second representative system was ultimately centered on Verden.
In any case, there seemed to be almost no possibility that the World Conference would proceed amicably; Verden was convinced of this.
The Water King is blatant, andthe Saintess is unusual.
* * *
As it was in the past and is now… the Gods of Light, whom the Ruas Theocracy boasts, are fundamentally benevolent and kind.In particular, their devotion to humanity is unrivaled.
And, this temperament is clearly revealed even before being chosen by the Four Great Divine Artifacts.
Pope Romanus is, needless to say, the foremost example of the clergy.Before experiencing the tragedy, Saint Leonhard had never struck anyone, nor had he even spoken ill of others.
The same goes for Saint Ersetia.
She once loved everything.
Parents I have never seen.Familiar hunger.Cold darkness that reminds me of loneliness and pain, unlike warm light.Even the world that has brought me all misfortune.
She was born with nothing materially, but her heart was so full of hope that it overflowed, supporting her goodwill.
Love is sharing.
From a young age, he donated every penny he earned from menial jobs, after deducting only his living expenses. Knowing what it meant to lack, he also knew how to give.
She cherished and loved, without a single prejudice, even the street orphans and homeless vagrants whom the city’s citizens unhesitatingly despised.
Wearing a Ruas cross she had picked up on the street around her neck, she prayed for people to be happy in an old, abandoned church whenever she had time.
It was her daily routine to savor that prayer until the moment the single ray of sunlight seeping through the cracked ceiling disappeared.
However, there is also unrequited love in this world.
The vagrants, who outwardly shared donated food and money amicably, went to secluded places to kill one another and steal what they had.The orphans habitually engaged in pickpocketing, comparing the amount of stolen goods they had acquired, and as they grew older, they turned to a wider variety of crimes.There were some who did not, but their numbers were by no means large.
It was a landscape that Ersetia, who had always looked out at the sunlight and lived each day faithfully, had never seen.
Had it not been for the vagrants and orphans who had sneaked into the crumbling church to violate her as she grew more mature and beautiful, she might never have known the emotion of malice in her life.
The sight of pure goodwill returning as corrupted malice and mockery. Facing this, Ersetia attained a realization that would last a lifetime.
Love is something to be shared, butone also deserves to receive it.
How can one harbor such a cold heart knowing that warmth?Those who cannot even love the light of the sky that always warmly illuminates their whole bodies—what on earth could they possibly love, even if they lived for another tens or hundreds of years?
You will not be able to love anything.
Instead, they will infect the world with terrible malice. They will defile the light and spread cruel darkness. The world will become even colder.
So… … Ersetia lessened her love.
She decided not to love the darkness that turns away from the light. She decided not to love the darkness that brings only malice and unhappiness. She decided not to love those who do not love the light.
The four divine artifacts were moved right in that heart.
Holy Armor, Arminel, unwavering faith.Holy Spear, Granter, resolute love.
According to the doctrine of light, life is a process of washing away filth, but if that life instead adds more filth, it is merely meaningless.It would be right for one who cannot love the light to die and atone before becoming even more defiled.
Ersetia, who puts that noble will into practice, is the judge of the Goddess of Light.
Any being who dares to disgrace and belittle the profound meaning of the faith of light, without recognizing it, must be purified soul and all—
Saint, please bear with it for now.
The Pope grabbed her wrist tightly. The Saint, not knowing what to do, hurriedly and gently placed the back of her hand over hers.
The saint’s anger cooled down.
I almost forgot my promise. Right, let’s be patient.
An attitude of blindly seeking judgment results in base darkness hiding deeper and more deeply. And it stains the love for the light with fear.
Didn’t we see it in the past?The trembling eyes of the believers.
Power alone cannot solve everything. Therefore, she promised the Pope and God that she would not do so. The saint of the times must reign as the most powerful figure representing light and illuminate the world brightly.
“Phew.”
The saint let out a short sigh and gazed straight ahead with calm eyes. The tense atmosphere subsided in an instant.
“I will ask again on behalf of the Pope. Where on earth did you hear that information?”“I told you to ask your God.”
The saint quietly rubbed her hands together. There was still time before her anger crossed its breaking point. Although, even at this very moment, it was gradually subsiding.
King Su nodded.
“If you are truly curious, accept the oath of truth. I shall fulfill it as well. I will extract the truth you desire from me, and also prove the truth regarding the glory of the corpse…… You will need this, won’t you?”“…….”
A considerable number of eyes were fixed on the Ruas Theocracy. A mix of emotions was swirling within them. There was no distinction between the House of Representatives and the Senate.It meant just how shocking the fact was that the Ruas Theocracy already knew the masterminds responsible for the Blood-Crying Plague and the Undead outbreak across the continent.
As a result, King Su made this world demand the truth.
Regarding the claim that Verden killed many transcendent beings, and that the Luas Cult is concealing a certain organization that has plunged the continent into chaos.
If this is just a fragment, how many more secrets must be hidden beyond?
I guess digging into it and taking it out was the right answer after all.
The oath-taker muttered softly to himself and then raised his voice.
“Let’s make a pledge of truth… It doesn’t look like there is anything to persuade you about, so let’s discuss how to do it right now. May I?”
There was no counter-question.
The Provider nodded.
So that it may be done.
* * *
You cannot feel the sensation if you do not touch it.
The truth is also like that.
Only those who can reveal their own truth can access the truth. At least, that was the case according to the rules set at the World Conference Hall.
A simple pledge was drafted through an agreement that lasted for tens of minutes. The pledgee who proposed the proposal announced the ’14 Codes’ as a representative.
The first covenant—the Pledge of Truth—takes the form of questions and answers.
Second rule — attendance is optional.
Third Rule ─ Non-participants can neither see nor hear the truth.
Fourth Rule ─ Each participant may ask only one question. However, if a question is denied, they may ask another participant.
Fifth rule ─ Each participant may refuse a question only once.
Sixth rule ─ Answers to questions can be positive, negative, and descriptive.
Seventh Convention — All answers must include new information related to the question. Even when refusing to answer, the reason must be briefly explained.
Eighth Rule ─ A question topic rejected by a participant cannot be asked again to that participant.
Ninth Rule ─ Each participant who has used the right of veto once must answer when asked a new question.
Tenth Covenant ─ If, after answering one question and exercising one veto, you are unable to ask a question and are asked a new question, you are given another opportunity to ask a question and one veto.This is repeated until the oath of truth is completed or the eleventh Covenant is satisfied.
Eleventh Rule ─ Each participant may answer one question, exercise one veto, and after asking one question, may not be asked any further questions and may observe the Pledge of Truth.Additionally, if they answer two questions in a row, they may observe the Pledge of Truth.
Twelfth Rule ─ The questioner’s turn is determined by a die.
Thirteenth Rule ─ The number of questioners is determined by a die. The result of the die roll depends on the number of attendees.
Fourteenth Rule ─ The opportunity to ask a question cannot be postponed.
It is a set of rules that guarantees minimum rights while reflecting the opinions of the majority as much as possible. With this, there shouldn’t be any major issues in terms of fairness.
Digging into someone else’s secrets is not a pleasant experience for the person involved. And if you delve too deeply, you could completely cross the line.
Hatred must not arise.
The truth must be strict.
The Pledge of Truth is merely a process of confirming each other’s—or at least minimal—innocence to stabilize a chaotic world.That is why the right to ask questions granted to each individual has been limited to the bare minimum.
In addition, irregularity in the dice was added to introduce a variable element. This was none other than a protocol strongly recommended by Ignacia.
The oath-taker took his seat, and the Provider proceeded with a new type of meeting.
Attendees participating in the Pledge of Truth, raise your hands 10 minutes after the discussion.
It was a short but sufficient amount of time.
Everyone covered their mouths as if it were a familiar occurrence and began to discuss. Adrian also took measures to prevent other attendees from reading his lips.
“My Lord, have you decided what you will do?”“I will participate in the Pledge of Truth alone. The more participants from the same faction there are, the more disadvantageous the structure becomes.”
Verden is the leader of Eon, and Adrian is Eon’s second-in-command. If the two of them participate, the probability of Eon’s secrets being exposed increases.That is not a welcome development.The Ruas Church and the Arnak Empire must share Verden’s sentiments as well.
“You prepare for the era after the second representative system. I’ll set the stage.”“Huh? What….”
Verden whispered softly while mentioning the first representative system.
Since the content is partially related to fate, and Junia and Lateon do not yet know about it, I summarized it and only mentioned the conclusion so that only those who do know can understand.
Adrian would have understood it more than enough.
Isabella, who was listening to the conversation between the two from the side, held her breath.
“Head of the House, you’re scary at thinking up your head… But do you think that’s actually possible?”“The possibility is quite high.”
Verden shrugged his shoulders.
Well, if it doesn’t work out, so be it.
* * *
“Hohoho, the Pledge of Truth. It is truly an exciting game, Ancestor. I look forward to seeing what kind of scene unfolds between them.”“Feldianne.”“Speak.”“You may rest for a while.”
Feldianne paused for a moment, then smiled and continued speaking.
“I will ensure that no secrets of the Artisan Magic Tower are discovered. It’s none of our interest anyway. Besides, having the two of you participate allows for more questions.……”“Feldianne Pearcia Reit.”
Indren’s serious voice pierced Feldianne’s ears. In his eyes, only that of a transcendent being, not an ancestor, remained.
Ah, I can’t persuade you of this.No matter what.
“I will take a short break.”“Alright.”
Feldianne also answered seriously and took a step back without being stubborn.She did so because she knew Indren better than anyone.
“…….”
The Provider looked at the attendees, including the Artisan Magic Tower side, and then parted his lips.
“I’ll step in.”“……Do as you please.”
The Agent, Meia, answered curtly. She could not understand the Provider taking action that had not been discussed in advance.
Ten minutes passed like that.
Participants of the Pledge of Truth, raise your hands.
The House of Representatives was silent, and15 members of the Senate raised their hands.
The House of Representatives was qualified to attend, but as long as they were in their right minds, they wouldn’t dare think of interfering. It was clearly a death trap.
We have identified a total of 15 people. We will isolate the participants and abstainers from each other.
thud.
Just like during a secret ballot, the attendees and guards were trapped inside walls that blocked off all sides. It was clearly visible who had participated in the Pledge of Truth.
“The Oath-taker.”“Hmm.”
A dark golden energy flowed from the fingertips of the oath taker.A sphere of energy, its density high enough to create a fierce wind, surged upward and became fixed at the center of the ceiling of the World Conference Hall.
“I, the One who has sworn an oath with Yurion Hairoth, reveal the truth and falsehood in my answers to questions in accordance with this Pledge of Truth: 14. Be solemn. Will you swear to me in your name?”“I, Vangelis Ruin Akenard. I swear.” “I,Gareth Cirilliard. I swear.” “I, Vendie Caenar. I swear.” “I, Antias. I shall swear.” “I, Acetro Oldin, I swear.” “I, Indren Piercia Reit. I swear.”“I, Serendia. I swear.”“I, Arcul. I swear.”“I, Ignacia. I will swear.” “I, Ersetia.I swear.” “I, Reindel Nexreon. I swear.” “I, Verden. I swear.”“I, Xeracle Dian Sereanor Arnach. I swear.”
and.
“I—I swear.”
Even though they had not heard the name of the Provider, no one cared.Except for one person.
It was then.
Joint Pledge: Oath
The Oath Taker’s unique technique was activated. The sphere of energy suddenly swelled in size as if exploding and transformed into the shape of a giant eye.The pupil, which bore a striking resemblance to the Oath Taker, looked at the 15 people one by one before staring at the floor.
“Now it’s time to roll the dice.”“Here you go!”
Immediately, Ignacia manifested a polyhedral die in illusion. Its length and width were approximately 2 meters, and it was in perfect balance, without a doubt, in terms of its center of gravity or surface.
No matter how much Ignacia pursues pleasure, he doesn’t mess around with things like this.
The Provider nodded.
Determine the number of questioners.
[Thirteenth Rule ─ The number of questioners is determined by a die. The result depends on the number of attendees.]
Since the total number of participants is 15, the minimum number of this die roll is 8 (rounded up in half), and the maximum number is 15.
“Damn it.”
As Ignacia threw the dice, the Oath-taker struck it with a fist filled with energy.The dice bounced off the walls and ceiling several times, then rolled across the floor and came to a stop precisely in the center of the World Conference Hall.
12.
The number of questioners has been determined to be 12. Therefore, 3 out of the 15 cannot ask questions. Next, determine the order of the questioners.
The oath-taker rolled the dice again. It was nothing special, but rolling the dice for the first time was the privilege of the one who proposed the agenda.
That is how the number was determined.
5.
The participants’ gazes naturally turned toward the participant corresponding to number 5.
“Number 5, King of Water, Antias. Ask your question.”“You are lucky.”
The undisputed worst figure of the world conference got the first opportunity to ask a question.
