Chapter 7 — Trial of Faith
The bells of Canterbury rang cold and solemn, echoing through the mist-drenched courtyard of the High Synod of Mana.
Within the grand marble hall sat the highest clergy of the kingdom — bishops, cardinals, and magisters — their golden robes shimmering under candlelight.
And at the center stood Edward, Prince of Wales, accused of heresy.
The banners of the Church hung heavy with incense and judgment.
The Grand Bishop's voice boomed through the chamber.
"Edward Windsor, Crown Prince of Britain — you stand accused of defying divine law, promoting false worship, and constructing unholy machines that mock creation itself. What say you in your defense?"
Edward stepped forward. His calm presence silenced the hall.
"I say only this: I have not mocked creation. I have understood it."
Murmurs rippled through the clergy.
Charlotte stood among the observers, disguised in plain dress, clutching hidden documents. Annabelle waited outside the cathedral, overseeing something far more dangerous.
The Grand Bishop sneered. "Understanding? You call these machines divine?"
Edward met his gaze, unwavering. "If the divine made man, and man creates through knowledge, then to invent is to continue the divine's own work. Does not your scripture say, 'The Flame was given that mankind might shape the world'?"
The priests exchanged uncertain glances. He was quoting their holy text — perfectly.
The Bishop slammed his staff. "Blasphemy wrapped in clever words! These contraptions bring ruin, not salvation!"
Edward's voice sharpened.
"Then perhaps, Your Grace, you should see what salvation looks like."
He gestured toward the cathedral doors.
With a thunderous clang, the massive iron doors opened — and a hiss of steam filled the chamber.
Gasps filled the room.
Rolling forward was a tall, brass figure — humanoid, elegant, and gleaming — powered by steam and gears, moving with lifelike precision.
Annabelle entered behind it, her hands smudged with soot and pride. "Presenting the Automata Veritas — the Engine of Truth."
The automaton turned to the altar, its eyes glowing blue, and spoke in a deep, resonant voice.
"In the light of innovation, ignorance fades. In the hands of mankind, creation continues."
The entire chamber fell silent.
Even the incense seemed to stop drifting.
Edward stepped beside the machine.
"This automaton is powered not by magic, but by reason. It records words, repeats them, and preserves truth without bias. No priest, no noble — only the truth as heard."
The Bishop's face turned pale. "You… you dare make a thinking idol?"
Edward smiled.
"Not an idol, Your Grace. A witness."
He turned to the crowd.
"How many times have lies been told in these halls, hidden behind faith? From now on, every sermon, every judgment, every declaration shall be preserved by the Engine of Truth. No more false miracles — only proof."
The hall erupted into chaos. Some priests shouted blasphemy, others whispered awe.
But among the people watching from the balconies — merchants, travelers, students — a new sound rose: applause.
[System Alert]
Faith Conversion Surge Detected.
Commoner Conversion Rate: +120% (United Kingdom)
Foreign Interest: France, Prussia, Austria, Russia — "Church of Innovation" Influence Spreading.
New Milestone Achieved: "Continental Reformation."
That night, as the Synod broke into factions, Edward retreated to his quarters under royal guard.
Charlotte and Annabelle joined him in secret, their expressions a mix of relief and disbelief.
Charlotte whispered, "You just rewrote the foundation of their faith in front of the High Synod."
Annabelle laughed softly. "And got cheered for it."
Edward sat back, hands clasped. "They wanted a heretic to burn. Instead, they witnessed a miracle no spell could match."
[System Notice]
Faction Split: "Church of Mana Reformists" — now allied with the Church of Innovation.
New Ally: Archbishop Lucien Devereaux (France).
Bonus: +50 Faith Points / +2 Research Speed (Europe Region).
A Month Later…
The news spread like wildfire.
In Paris, crowds gathered before a small chapel newly converted under the banner of the Church of Innovation.
In Vienna, nobles commissioned mechanical organs and industrial altars.
In Berlin, scholars translated Edward's Doctrine of Divine Innovation into the local tongue, calling it The Gospel of Steam.
[Global Report]
Church of Innovation Followers: 1.2 Million (Rapid Growth)
Mana Church Influence: -35% (Europe)
Noble Power Index: -15% (Economic Influence shifting to Industry)
Edward read the report in silence, standing at the balcony of Windsor Palace.
London glowed below, steam chimneys rising like iron cathedrals.
Charlotte approached quietly. "You've done it. Europe's talking about you. Some call you the Heretic Prince… others, the Saint of Progress."
Edward smiled faintly. "Both titles suit me."
Annabelle joined them, holding a telegram. "A letter from France. Archbishop Devereaux wishes to meet — he's bringing someone called Princess Éléonore of the Seine Kingdom."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "A princess, you say?"
Edward turned toward the rising sun. "Then the Church of Innovation will need its first alliance abroad. Prepare the airship."
Annabelle's eyes widened. "Airship? You mean—"
[System Alert]
New Blueprint Unlocked: "Steam-Powered Airship (Tier II)."
New Quest: "Alliance of Innovation" — Expand faith and industry across Europe.
Edward's voice was calm, yet heavy with destiny.
"If the heavens belong to gods, then we'll build engines to meet them."
As the first airship blueprint glowed on his desk, the bells of the Cathedral of Innovation rang once more — not in mourning, but in triumph.
And across Europe, factories flared, sermons echoed, and a single phrase began to spread:
"Where steam rises, truth follows."
End of Chapter 7.