Chapter 88:

Chapter 88:

The authority of the order often came from this oath trial. However, priests also disliked invoking the name of the god for trivial matters, so they would not accept trials for just any reason.

The problem arises when, after taking the oath, both parties still claim innocence.

Naturally, a lightning bolt does not strike down the liar on the spot for breaking the oath. It would only make the afterlife very restless.

There were numerous instances in these trials where, due to the atmosphere or coercion, someone became a liar.

‘After all, lying to protect oneself in the present rather than worrying about the afterlife is all too common.’

If fear of hell had been enough to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, there wouldn’t be a need for nine different religions. Priests also found it difficult when both parties claimed innocence. Being literate and having the ability to argue does not necessarily mean one can deduce the truth.

“It seems like a significant amount was lost.”

“Yes, it was all the money for the leather payment this time...”

“What was the oath about?”

“The leather merchant insists he brought the money, and the innkeeper vehemently denies stealing it.”

In such cases, it was often a third party who was innocent, with both sides being blameless. However, those awaiting trial now were hoping that a great Grail Knight, who had defeated angels, would resolve their grievances with his remarkable insight.

“Let’s go then.”

Isaac covered the documents he was working on and headed to the corridor.

***

Upon reaching the hall, the leather merchant and the innkeeper bowed deeply to Isaac.

“Please stand up.”

The people got up awkwardly. They tried to awkwardly shower Isaac with praise and blame their opponent, but Isaac raised his hand to silence them. He did not want to drag this out any longer.

Isaac deliberately stood in the shadows, so no one could see his eyes turning violet.

After a moment, Isaac pointed at one of the leather merchants.

“You there, what is your name?”

“It’s Hans.”

Isaac thought of someone with the same name but didn’t dwell on it since it was one of the most common names in the empire.

Isaac sighed and said, “So, Hans paid the innkeeper for the leather. The innkeeper had agreed to give only half of the promised leather. After the case is settled, Hans was to come back and take the remaining half of the leather for himself. Arrest both Hans and the innkeeper.”

It was a ludicrously simple conclusion. Essentially, both had made a deal, thus avoiding breaking their oath of theft. It’s a common form of fraud when unreliable business partners are involved, often leading to embezzlement for personal gain.

“But, this is unfair...”

“That’s ridiculous! I’ve done no such thing...”

Before Hans could protest further, Werner stepped forward and kicked his knee.

Werner, a Paladin capable of climbing mountains even in heavy armor, instantly bent Hans’ knee backward.

As Hans kneeled, Werner drew his sword and shoved it into his mouth.

The sword stopped just before tickling the back of his throat.

“You bastard. Merely attempting to deceive with an oath deserves death. And you dared to dirty the ears of a Grail Knight? I’ll kill you.”

Werner’s pause was just to state the crime, implying he was indeed ready to thrust the sword. If Isaac hadn’t intervened.

Most of the slash-and-burn farmers and hunters are atheists from Barbarians. This is because most of the mountains and forests are hunting grounds owned by lords or monasteries, and hunting there naturally turns one into a criminal. Werner seemed taken aback by Isaac’s words, but he nodded in agreement since this was not the first time Isaac had made such ‘generous’ decisions.

What Isaac devoted his second most effort to, after managing his domain, was sowing ‘ideological poison’ among the priests and paladins.

***

“He truly is a saint!”

It took Isaac less than a month to completely captivate the priests and paladins.

At this time, the priests of the Holy Scriptures were mired in laziness and old habits.

Naturally, when they first became clerics, they were filled with the desire to spread the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, dispel darkness, and protect the weak. However, as time passed and they enjoyed a life of wealth, receiving treatment that even nobles would envy, pride inevitably crept into their hearts.

They might question whether it was right to live this way, but when they see all other priests living the same way, and the higher echelons of the order showing even more corrupt behaviors, they naturally turn a blind eye.

Nor do they wish to give up their current lives.

Whether there’s a food crisis due to skyrocketing prices of Loracus, border disputes leading to refugees, citizens being kidnapped by Wallachia hunters, or drought devastating several farmlands, they just need to make a show of dealing with the aftermath.

After all, they are the only ones who can bestow salvation in this chaotic world as mediators of miracles. Besides, miracles are granted and the gates of heaven are open ‘even if they live like that.’ They saw no reason to change.

But this esteemed Holy Grail Knight was different.

‘How can he persuade without invoking the name of God, with such kindness?’

‘Why does he train his body without strengthening it through miracles?’

‘How is he knowledgeable about vulgar matters like agriculture, trade, and administration?

‘How can he offer a chance even to those who have forsaken their faith?’

To Isaac, these were insane thoughts, but to them, these were serious issues. Isaac barely managed to suppress his sighs whenever he heard such questions from the priests. The priests here seemed oddly disconnected from the lives of laypeople, unlike when he spoke with the abbot at the Ariet Monastery.

‘Maybe it’s a problem with Bishop Juan.’

Birds of a feather flock together, as they say. Or maybe the monastery itself was a gathering place for monks seeking to distance themselves from power and live in seclusion.

In any case, Isaac was a refreshing presence for them, reminding them of their original intentions.

It was as if he was setting an example of how to live righteously.

‘This is crazy.’

In reality, Isaac hadn’t made much of an effort.

He simply tried not to do anything nonsensical according to modern standards. But someone who grew up in a 21st-century democratic society with universal moral standards seemed almost saint-like in this era.

Of course, occasionally, there were ethical glitches, like eating his opponents, but that was just a bug in the left hand, so it was okay... Isaac convinced himself.

The natural charm of the Nephilim was strong here too, greatly shortening the time it took to enchant them. Of course, ‘captivating’ here meant earning a strong favorable impression, not converting them into followers like Leohart or Hesabel.

Drawing out deeper emotions required more traditional methods.

Namely, preaching and proselytizing.

“Would you, Sir Holy Grail Knight Isaac, be willing to share a few words at this morning’s service?”

At the time of the morning service, a priest made this request to Isaac.

Despite the clear procedures and disciplines set for services, no one found it strange for a priest to ask a paladin to preach. Such was the extent of Isaac’s authority.

Isaac began his sermon with a smile.