Ludwig_von_frayner
Taking a calm tone, the Emperor replied to Adam Fugger, ignoring the words of the Patriarch.
He looked at the Cardinals, and the representative of the Holy Inquisition ; and answered them, once again.
He paused a moment.
He slammed his cane on the floor.
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- You are responsible for your own mistakes, Adam Fugger. The presence of the Patriarch of the Reformed Church in Strasbourg was already an affront to the Empire. Despite his guest status, he has exceeded all limits, broken all laws, threatening, blaspheming. A man who doesn't respect anything or anyone ; A man who is only able to wail, shout or insult when he speaks, can't bring peace of mind of the people of Styria. He can only bring madness and chaos. The Patriarch has no sense of what spirituality means. Because he led innocents on the wrong path, his punishment is fair.
And it is the same for you. You have abused our mercy ; and abused the credulity of your people, for political purposes. Instead of bringing them peace, with your decisions, you brought them problems and concerns, brigands and heretics. Last but not least, you confessed to not take the oath. Accordingly, your destiny is in the hands of the Holy Church.
He looked at the Cardinals, and the representative of the Holy Inquisition ; and answered them, once again.
- "Eminence Madleen Johanna of Schenkenbach, We want first to clarify something. It is not threatening Us that you'll get something from Us. Unlike the Kingdom of France under the reign of Eusaias, the Imperial Crown doesn't support the Reformed Church of Styria, and doesn't appoint heretics as Ministers. There is only one religion in the Empire: it is the Roman and Aristotelic Religion. It is written in the Magna Carta. As a result, all text and all laws enacted in Styria, which violate Our fundamental law, is obsolete.
You should bear in mind that under Our reign, the Empire has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to its religion, and to its Church. Our soldiers are currently fighting against heretics from the West who are going to come burn churches in Savoy. Several months ago, we have struggled against the heresy in Geneva and Helvetia. In our fight We released the Spanish kingdoms from the heretical threat that hung over them.
We conducted many battles, and many of Our soldiers died to defend the true faith. Moreover, according to Our wish, a Concordat is currently being signed between Rome and Strasbourg. So, We can not accept to let you accuse Us for being immobile. By providing Adam Fugger and the Patriarch to the Church, We are doing something that no one else would have ever done."
He paused a moment.
- "Now, be sure that We will make an official announcement, demanding to the governement of Styrie to release priests imprisoned. We will also remind them their duties and obligations towards the Roman and Aristotelic Church. And if they don't comply, We'll be stronger."
He slammed his cane on the floor.
- "That's enough for today. Imperial Marshal Ranian ? Throw Adam Fugger and the Patriarch into jail, and keep them at the disposal of the Holy Church."
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