A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

Eric waved his hand, signaling for the guards to carry out the unconscious Cesare.

He turned his head and saw Matilda watching him. But when she realized he had noticed her gaze, she looked away.

Eric paid it no mind and bowed to Pope Gregory. "On behalf of the Tuscan domain, I apologize to His Holiness the Pope for this chaotic and unexpected situation."

"There is no need for apologies, Marquis of Tuscany. Though such an incident is lamentable and unpleasant, it has given me the honor of witnessing a truly masterful debate. It leads me to believe that even in this decadent age, men of learning and wisdom still possess the same powers of eloquence as the scholars of antiquity.

As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue excellence in all things, so that we may glorify God.

We require reason, which is the tool by which we discern God’s truth, and which guides us away from heresy and the path of error.

We must have logic, which allows us to think with clarity, to comprehend the sacred doctrines, and to effectively defend our faith.

And we must possess knowledge, which not only helps us to profoundly understand the mysteries of the Bible, but also enables us to stand firm in our faith, unyielding in the face of worldly challenges.

Reason, logic, and knowledge—these three are like the legs of a tripod, supporting our stability and resolve on our spiritual journey. Only then can we become a beacon of light in this world of temptation and confusion, and bring glory to our Lord.

Marquis of Tuscany, your intellect and logic are truly admirable. I daresay that in my sixty years, I have met no more than three men who could surpass you in the art of rhetoric."

Gregory rose to his feet, walked over to Eric, and helped him stand.

"The source of this chaos is not you; you merely spoke the truth. The source lies in their hearts. No matter how righteous their bearing and actions may seem, their hearts know they are forever wanting in the eyes of God.

You have no reason to feel any remorse. In fact, everyone present—including those in a state of panic—should learn to thank you. For this was not merely a defense, but an awakening—an awakening to philosophy, to theology, to supreme reason, and to the very word of the Bible!"

Gregory turned his gaze to the others remaining in the main hall. By now, they had all prostrated themselves on the floor, facing the Holy See and begging for its protection and promise.

But Gregory had no intention of simply playing the part of a benevolent Shepherd. In his decades of service to the Holy See, he had learned a clear lesson: displays of coldness and severity were, at times, more important than mercy.

So he did not intend to comfort them now. Their fear of the apocalypse, of the Lord’s retribution, would only make them more obedient to the Roman Curia.

He walked toward the nobles, his voice cold as he spoke:

"On this joyous day, I had hoped there would be fewer unpleasantries.

More of you should understand that there is a proper way to act in a proper place, and a proper calling to pursue for a given station. All things should proceed according to God’s will.

This is a principle I have always held and always emphasized. The world has been in a state of chaos and disorder for a very long time. As the blessed Millennium approaches, it is time for this to end.

Today belongs to the Marquis and the Marchioness; the glory and joy should be theirs.

Though I would prefer to think optimistically and imagine a better outcome, one incident after another constantly reminds me that the path from the secular world to the Seat of Peter is still fraught with thorns.

Deceit, hypocrisy, greed... These abominable sins, even with the Seat of the Apostle so near, continue to shamelessly exude their stench, as if they are the natural order, as if they are the world’s highest truth.

They may exist and operate in more secretive and duplicitous ways, but that does not change their fundamental nature.

On this matter, I shall be clear to you all: this will forever be contrary to the Holy Law of the Lord of Heaven!

Any act that defies the Holy Law of the Lord of Heaven will bring damnation upon your souls!

Perhaps even now, as you lie prostrate in false humility, you still harbor some hope of getting away with it.

But I must remind you: the blessed Millennium is near, Judgment Day is at hand, and the Kingdom of the Lord will surely come!"

"His Holiness the Pope, please have mercy! Forgive our sins and grant us the chance to repent!"

"We beg your forgiveness, His Holiness the Pope!"

"Merciful Holy See, we repent..."

"..."

"Not to me, but to God."

Gregory shook his head. He said no more to the crowd, instead turning to Eric and whispering in his ear, "Though I don’t typically enjoy being used, the authority of the Holy See is a convenient tool indeed. I understand. I treated Pope Alexander the same way.

It is all for the sake of a good outcome.

We belong to the spiritual realm, but we are agents in the temporal world. That is simply how it is."

He then reached out and took Eric’s hand.

Gregory then extended his hand toward Matilda, who was on the dais.

Matilda descended from the dais.

"In this sacred moment, I, Gregory VII, do bless this marriage in the name of the Lord of Heaven. May you walk forward hand in hand in the grace of the Lord, be faithful to one another, treat each other with respect and honor, and support one another, until the end of your days.

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