I play a Evil God in Otome Game

Chapter 107: Chapter 106: Mass execution and trial(9/?)

"Accordingly, I have sentenced you to death," Morringan said firmly. As the church members were swiftly taken away, the final stage of the proceedings had been reached.

One by one, sentences of imprisonment, exile, and execution were handed out. Morringan was truly exhausted, though she made sure not to show it. To those present, she wasn't a weary woman but a devil in human form.

Decisions were being made quickly, and even those who had clung to hope were now falling into despair. The opposition within the state was being systematically eliminated, their power dismantled.

"For your alliance with the Church and attempted criminal conspiracy, I sentence you to life imprisonment," Morringan said coldly. As the Morvos Knights dragged the merchant away, silence finally descended upon the courtroom.

Not a single sound could be heard. Morringan sighed deeply. Then she stood and began to pace the now-empty space.

One by one, the condemned prisoners were being processed. It wasn't only members of the Church—former government officials were also being gathered and escorted to the place of their executions.

The executions would be public. Through these displays, Morringan intended to win the favor of the people. With Seth's assistance, it would not be difficult.

"My Lady," Thomas said respectfully, opening the carriage door with a slight smile. "We can leave now. Most of the condemned are already there; if we depart now, we'll arrive in time."

Without saying another word, Morringan climbed into the carriage. Taking her seat, she turned to Thomas. "Do you think my plan will work?"

A thoughtful look crossed Thomas's face as he glanced at Morringan. "Your plan is brilliant, my Lady. We've starved them for two weeks. Their minds are broken, and most importantly, they have no resistance left."

Morringan felt a flicker of hesitation, but she quickly pushed it aside, reassured. Yes, her plan was sound. Seth had possessed the bodies of the former government officials, giving them the appearance of demons.

If she could present these individuals as literal monsters to the people, Morringan believed it would succeed. After all, no one could deny what they witnessed with their own eyes.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the carriage approached a large square. While it wasn't as grand as the one in New Camelot, it was a suitable location for an execution.

A crowd had gathered, and there were enough people present to ensure the rumors would spread far and wide. At the center of the square stood a massive guillotine.

Beneath it, at least a hundred people were bound to the ground with enchanted ropes, staring at the ground in despair. The crowd, however, was silent.

Even the air seemed heavy with gloom on this day. The clouds obscured the sun, preventing its light from reaching the earth.

"Her Majesty is here!"

The soldier's shout drew the crowd's attention to the approaching carriage. The soldiers ushered the people aside, clearing the way.

As the carriage came to a halt, soldiers quickly opened the door. Morringan stepped out slowly and gracefully, captivating the onlookers.

"Attention!"

At the soldier's command, the troops saluted with precision. As Morringan descended, she acknowledged them with a nod before ascending the steps to the guillotine.

Climbing the steps, Morringan shook off her tension and tried to appear composed. She stepped forward, and the murmurs of the crowd gradually died down as all eyes turned to her.

"You know me as the Witch, the Devil, the earthly representation of the Demon, or the Traitor Morgana," Morringan began, raising her voice and spreading her arms with commanding confidence.

"But these are lies spread by the Church!" she declared, quickening her pace as she noticed the crowd's growing interest. "I stand before you, alive and breathing! And yet, what did the Church claim? That Arthur killed me!"

The people seemed angrier and more terrified than before. Morringan was pleased to see her plan working. Yet, she found it surprising how easily so many could be manipulated.

"That is why I ask you to see me, someone like you, someone who carries the same cultural heritage as you, as your Empress," Morringan declared seriously. "I swear to you, King Arthur, the Holy Mary Kingdom, and the Church of Light will no longer be threats to you! Your families will prosper, your children will live happily!"

As the people's enthusiasm began to grow, spies embedded in the crowd started chanting slogans. The people soon joined in, shouting:

"Death to the Church! Death to Pendragon's dogs! Death to the Goddess of Light! Death to all our enemies! Long live the Empress!"

Morringan smiled, knowing it was time to begin the most crucial part of her plan. She glanced at Thomas, her decision made—it was time for the executions. Turning to address the crowd one last time, she spoke with her voice amplified by magic.

"This will be the day of Drachenreich's liberation and the end of the Church of Light's presence in our lands!" Morringan declared, her voice resonating with power. The crowd roared with even greater fervor.

The people's angry cries echoed throughout Berlen, transforming the scene into a festival-like atmosphere. Wasting no more time, Morringan gave the signal.

As the guillotine blade fell, the heads of 100 prisoners hit the ground in unison. Soldiers efficiently placed new prisoners for execution, maintaining the gruesome process for an hour.

During this time, food and drinks began to be distributed among the people—a calculated move by Morringan. She wanted the execution ceremony to blend seamlessly into a celebration, preventing the crowd's energy and fervor from waning.

As the guillotine fell for the final time, Morringan stepped forward once more.

"All those who threaten our empire, who seek to make us puppets again, and who wish to humiliate us—"

She conjured a flame in her hand. The fire was purple, exuding immense power. With a swift motion, Morringan set the severed heads and corpses ablaze, the flames rising dramatically.

"—will be burned to ashes by my flames," she declared.

The crowd cheered wildly, but Morringan quieted them. "The Church of Light is a religion for demons and lesser races. We, with our holy blood, are like the ice—pure and untainted. They, however, are nothing more than sewer rats! We carry the blood of the fairies! We are superior to all, and we alone shall rule them!"

As the intoxicated crowd chanted passionately, Morringan finally concluded her speech. She descended from the guillotine platform and returned to her carriage.

The crowd was surprised to see her leave but didn't seem to care. Morringan's final gift—more food—was distributed among the people.

As she departed in her carriage, she tossed out some hidden tea packages to the crowd. Frenzied, the people scrambled to grab them. Satisfied, Morringan left the scene behind.

"Do you think it went well, Thomas?" she asked.

"You performed wonderfully out there, my Lady," Thomas replied, visibly pleased. He glanced at Morringan. "The people seemed entertained and have already forgotten about the executions. Sometimes, even I am amazed at how easily people can be swayed."

A thin smile appeared on his lips as he continued, "Your words were good enough to echo in bars, homes, and other cities. But let's not forget, there will still be those who doubt you and oppose you."

"But at least we now have supporters for the Empire," Thomas added. Morringan nodded, her voice curious as she said, "It feels like we can finally breathe easy in Berlen. A bit of financial aid, two or three orphanages, and schools could help solidify the people's approval."

"There's no need to worry too much," Thomas replied calmly. "As long as you appeal to their emotions, they'll give you their unwavering support."

Morringan didn't respond but pondered his words. Although the people still feared her, there was now a sense of ease among them. That was progress.

In one year, everything would fall into place, and no one would be able to stop Drachenreich. Morringan was certain of it.