34 I suspect you have all become degenerate!

When someone is framed for a crime, is it necessary for the prime suspect, Herbert, to explain to everyone that he has been wrongly accused?

Reasonably speaking, yes.

However, there are many ways to offer an explanation. Cooperating honestly and proactively providing evidence is one way, and certainly the safest. But Herbert would not choose that. He did not need to, and he absolutely must not, beg others to believe him. That would be too pathetic and too passive, effectively placing his fate in their hands to be molded at their whim.

There are too many people in this world who have no interest in knowing how many bowls of noodles a person has eaten; they only want to see that person cut open their own stomach to prove it. Herbert, burdened with too many secrets, could never hand the initiative over to others. He could not afford to gamble. The ascetic monks might stand for justice, but that does not mean every one of them possesses a kind heart.

Therefore, Herbert chose to go on the offensive.

You suspect me? Fine. Then I will prove it to you—I will let you see my "innocence"!

With that, he raised his hand. When the stigmata, symbol of "purity," shone within the great hall of the Inquisition, all suspicion and accusations would inevitably collapse.

There were things Herbert did not say aloud, but everyone could read them in his gaze—calm, yet laced with mockery:

Come, look. Open your eyes wide and see! Look closely, am I the blasphemer you claim me to be!?

The serene, pointed question he delivered at the end carried devastating force, plunging the entire hall into an uproar. But he wasn't finished yet. One must not grow careless when holding the upper hand; dealing a finishing blow to secure the outcome is the only truth. Important things must be said three times: finish them, finish them, finish them!

Watching the two accusers, whose expressions had stiffened at the sight of the stigmata, Herbert pressed his advantage:

"Are you suggesting that He has also become a fallen, evil god?"

Herbert stared at them with a grave expression and said in a low voice, "If that is the case... then I suspect that you have been bewitched by an evil god. I suspect that you have already fallen!"

This was the true trump card. Since you intended to cast me as unrighteous, do not blame me for striking back without restraint. You doubt my purity? Then I shall directly doubt the purity of your faith!

Since ancient times, only magic could counter magic. So come on then. Let us trade spells!

Ivanka and Jeffs: !!?

Suddenly accused of being the fallen, the two panicked on the spot and rushed to explain themselves:

"Wait! What are you talking about!?"

"I have not been bewitched! And I certainly have not fallen!"

But no matter what they said, Herbert offered no further response, merely watching them in silence—as if he were cautiously observing the corrupted. Herbert had made his stance clear: It is fine if you suspect me; I do not care. But you are questioning the deity who blessed me—that, I cannot tolerate!

"..."

The restless hall fell into absolute silence, leaving only the sound of the two pleading for their innocence, their voices growing increasingly anxious and strained.

"Wait! You have to believe me! I really haven't been bewitched!"

"Why... why won't you help us explain!?"

The expressions of those around them shifted slightly. Many averted their eyes, ignoring the pair, attempting to make themselves invisible. Facts speak louder than words. Could such a thing exist as "a paladin favored by the gods and bound by oaths, who is secretly a blasphemer"? It was impossible. To even harbor such a suspicion was in itself a doubt and a grave insult to the divine!

That was the true blasphemy.

Therefore, as for the truth... no further proof was needed. Herbert was innocent. He had been framed!

As for Ivanka and the others, most monks still believed they had merely mistakenly accused an innocent man and had not truly become the "fallen" Herbert claimed them to be. Perhaps there had been some misunderstanding. But clearly, the victim of that misunderstanding had no intention of letting them off so easily.

Eventually, most turned their eyes toward the Punishing Nun on the high platform, hoping that Father Kaplan would preside over the chaos. In this world where goddesses were somewhat more prominent, women could also serve as priests.

"..."

From the beginning, Kaplan had watched silently, her expression devoid of emotion.

Finally, when Ivanka and the others realized the gravity of the situation and turned to her, she shook her head slowly and stated calmly:

"Fellows, Herbert has proven his purity. He is no blasphemer; this matter need not be discussed further."

She ended the topic decisively, setting the verdict. Kaplan then looked at the panicked duo and asked slowly:

"And you... Ivanka, Jeffs, do you have anything to say for yourselves?"

The same words, the same calm tone, but the identity of the person being questioned had quietly shifted.

By now, both had calmed down slightly, realizing the matter would not be resolved easily, but they had to grit their teeth and explain.

"Father, I—I am truly innocent! I did not intentionally suspect him; it was just that he was actually there!"

"I! I am the same! Please, you must believe us!"

Kaplan looked at them intently. Golden light flickered in her eyes, and after observing them for a moment, she nodded.

"Indeed, I see no trace of a lie..."

The Punishing Nuns of the Inquisition possessed a special ability, the effect of which was equivalent to a permanent lie-detection spell.

Hearing this, the two felt a surge of relief, but before they could exhale, Kaplan shifted her tone:

"However, we cannot be careless. Both of you will go to the Pool of Confession for baptism. If it is proven that you have not fallen, you will then proceed to the interrogation room, where I will personally conduct an inquiry."

Ah...

Their expressions froze, and the smiles that had barely emerged became distorted. A trip to the Pool of Confession, followed by the Inquisition's interrogation room, with the priest herself conducting the review... they were going to lose a layer of skin no matter what.

After announcing the fate of the two lucky winners, Kaplan turned to Herbert without pretense: "Herbert, are you satisfied with this outcome?"

Hearing this, the young man who had been so aggressive just moments ago lowered his head respectfully: "I will follow your arrangements, Father."

Kaplan hadn't asked if he accepted it, but if he was *satisfied*—which was practically asking him if his anger had subsided. To put it bluntly, the punishment of Ivanka and the other was the compensation for Herbert being slandered. The priest had already shown him great face by handling it on the spot, rather than citing an internal investigation and telling him to go home and wait for a notice.

Since a way out had been provided, one had to take it. What else could Herbert say? Of course, he accepted it gladly.

Besides, Herbert would never tell them his original thoughts. In truth, he hadn't really planned that far; he had only hoped to get those two guys locked in solitary confinement... *cough*.

Whatever, it was a win!