Episode 203
When it comes to events symbolizing secular power bowing to religious authority, the Humiliation of Canossa stands out. The tale of the Holy Roman Emperor begging the Pope to lift his excommunication is well-known even today. However, if you look closely, it was more about the papal power seizing an opportunity amidst the Emperor’s conflict with his vassals. Had Emperor Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire maintained strong ties with his vassals, even the Pope would have struggled to challenge him.
In truth, not even a medieval Pope could excommunicate an emperor at will. A hasty excommunication could lead to the emperor retaliating violently against the Pope. In some cases, like the Almohad Caliphate, the ruler was both a secular and religious leader, making it unimaginable for them to plead for forgiveness.
And yet, here we are today, witnessing a scene that will soon spread across the globe, as leaders from Northern, Western, and Eastern Europe, as well as the Middle East, have gathered. The stage is perfectly set to showcase the authority of Edward Marshall. As for Al-Nasir, who has become a tool for propaganda, I can’t say I feel even a shred of guilt—it’s actually quite amusing. I hadn’t planned to toy with him this much, but his reactions were just too entertaining.
While I pondered how to wrap things up, King Philip II, eyes wide with surprise, asked, “Your Grace, didn’t you just express a negative stance on the council, which could be seen as interference in internal affairs?”
“Well, that’s because…”
“Surely, the Caliph of the Almohad Dynasty wouldn’t change his stance on such a significant matter that could determine the fate of the state so abruptly.”
If I were Al-Nasir, I might have challenged Philip II to a duel right then and there. Al-Nasir, visibly trembling, couldn’t even muster the anger to retort, and I began to feel a twinge of sympathy for him.
“Now, now, Your Majesty Philip II, let’s not be too harsh. The Caliph has every reason to be concerned.”
“Of course, but we have unwavering faith in the Prophet’s words, without doubt or worry.”
“Thank you. But Your Majesty has spent much time with me, making it easier to trust. The Caliph is new to this, so he might be confused. Perhaps we should give him a chance?”
“Indeed, you are merciful.”
As Philip II continued to speak, Al-Nasir, still on his knees, glanced at me, unsure whether to rise or remain. The atmosphere suggested forgiveness, but he seemed uncertain about returning to his seat.
“Come now, the Caliph has clearly stated his intention to participate in the council. Please, take your seat. There’s no need to kneel; you haven’t done anything that wrong.”
“Thank you, then.”
With permission granted, the Caliph rose and returned to his seat, much to the disappointment of the Iberian kings, who had perhaps hoped he would storm out. They knew that the Almohads’ hold on the Iberian Peninsula was naturally weakening, and they wouldn’t need to lift a finger.
“Shall we return to the main topic? With most attendees present, the council will soon commence. We’ve prepared for potential issues, but there are still gaps. If anyone has concerns or suggestions, feel free to share.”
“Are there any real issues? It seems the Christian and Muslim delegations have reached some agreement,” Richard remarked, puzzled.
Philip II chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Your Majesty Richard, aren’t you overlooking a certain group?”
“What am I missing… Ah, right. The last council wasn’t just Christians and Muslims.”
“Exactly. Some of them acknowledge the Prophet, but the majority still do not, and that likely won’t change.”
“Stubborn as ever.”
As Richard shook his head, other Christian kings voiced their grievances.
“Do we even need to consider them?”
“Aren’t they just money-grubbing? Perhaps they’re holding out for material gain.”
“That’s nonsense. If they don’t come around, they should be dealt with.”
Though no one specified who they were talking about, everyone knew the target of their ire.
“Prophet, have you had any contact with them?” Saladin asked, concern etched on his face. He had witnessed anti-Semitic sentiments flare up before. Back then, a few Jewish rabbis had acknowledged me, causing an uproar in the Islamic world. If they were to publicly oppose me now, who knows what might happen?
“I haven’t spoken with them directly. Some reasonable rabbis won’t cause trouble, and those who acknowledged me will try to keep things in check.”
“Even so, as you know, Jews can be quite fervent. Something unpleasant might occur.”
“True, but I don’t want to force anything. They should have the choice. I haven’t forced Christianity or Islam to believe in me; I’ve only shown them evidence.”
“That’s true. So, you’re giving the Jews the same opportunity. If they all accept you as the Prophet, what then?”
“Then they’ll be part of our family.”
This was no lie. If the Jews collectively changed their stance like the Christians and Muslims, why wouldn’t I view them favorably? Some rabbis had promised to try, so all I could do was wait, though I wasn’t particularly hopeful.
“Stop with the nonsense!” Isaac, a renowned rabbi in Europe, slammed the table. “Are you mad? Acknowledge Marshall? Are you saying he’s the Messiah we’ve been waiting for?”
“Well… even if he’s not the Messiah, we can’t deny he’s a prophet.”
“Deny what? If he’s sent by the Lord after the Scriptures, then he’s the Messiah!”
“No…”
“We shouldn’t have sent people like you to the last council! What nonsense did you fall for to abandon the Scriptures and walk the path of sin?”
Most rabbis nodded in agreement with Judah’s outburst, while only a few looked troubled.
“Let’s discuss this objectively.”
“The Scriptures are the objective truth. What more evidence do you need?”
With Judah, a prominent rabbi from Northern Europe, siding with Isaac, Eleazar, who argued for recognizing Marshall, sighed and pressed his temples. ‘Do these fools not understand the current situation?’
Only a few rabbis who had attended the previous council still supported Marshall, mostly those from Egypt. In contrast, European rabbis largely refused to acknowledge him.
“Europe already recognizes Marshall as a Christian prophet. Shouldn’t we consider why?”
“They’re a heretical group that calls Jesus the Messiah. Now they’re collectively deluded, worshipping another false Messiah.”
“But the evidence is clear! No prophet in the Scriptures had powers like Marshall’s. Maybe Moses, who parted the Red Sea.”
“How dare you compare Moses to that man!”
“Because it’s a fair comparison! He predicts the future, cures smallpox, and sees through people’s sins! If he’s not empowered by the Lord, then what is he?”
Eleazar thought this would convince them, but centuries of entrenched stubbornness were beyond his comprehension.
“What else? He’s possessed by Satan.”
“Satan’s power is growing.”
“We’re being tested. If we alone keep our faith in this fallen world, the Lord will surely lead us back to the Promised Land.”
“The Scriptures are the truth; do not doubt them. Eleazar, you’ve been too exposed to Satan’s influence and lost your clarity. Perhaps a burnt offering would help you regain your senses.”
This is driving me insane.
Elasal clutched his head in frustration, banging his forehead against the table with a thud.
Even if others hadn’t, he had seen Marshall with his own eyes.
That was why he could say with certainty.
Marshall’s abilities defied any human explanation.
So, wasn’t it only natural to consider that some divine intervention was at play?
“How about this? I’ll request an audience with Marshall… and we can all see him together. It might change your minds.”
“Ah! And what if we expose ourselves to that satanic power? How can you suggest such a thing?”
“Isaac is right. We must steadfastly protect our faith.”
“Please! Have you even considered what might happen to our people scattered across the world if you continue like this?”
Elasal vividly remembered the large-scale persecution of Jews in Egypt.
But this time, it wouldn’t end with just that.
To the Muslims, Marshall was akin to Muhammad.
No, even more so, because he was alive.
What would happen if the council openly criticized someone like that?
He didn’t need to see it to imagine it vividly; the thought made him tremble.
‘This won’t do. These fools are hopeless. If this continues, our people might vanish from the face of the earth.’
Continuing to talk to these stubborn fools was a waste of time and energy.
Elasal tore his gaze away from the rabbis debating how to uphold their faith and desperately racked his brain.
Even if these fools didn’t survive, he and those who followed him had to.