Chapter 263. This Is Your Karma (3)
The operation was carried out immediately.
"Rejoice, o people! The friends of the Warrior have willingly joined forces to drive out the wicked heretics who seek to divide the Holy Kingdom! The Light is ever merciful. Even if you have temporarily fallen into the hands of heresy, know that true repentance will always lead to forgiveness!"
The Pope had issued yet another proclamation. He rephrased the reality of relying on foreign powers as "the Warrior's friends lending their strength," and reframed surrender as "forgiveness for the truly repentant." Through clever analogies, he sent a clear warning to the people.
The decision to offer surrender terms had been strongly influenced by Caron.
"It's not like everyone on their side is a fanatic," Caron said. "It's the commanders who are fanatics. Most of the soldiers were likely conscripted against their will."
He had learned, through his previous life, how to suppress a rebellion effectively. They had to eliminate the focal point, drain morale, and give people a way out. They had to encourage people to leave the rebel forces of their own accord.
If someone could present proof of having betrayed the rebellion, they would be granted absolution—an incentive that could prove highly effective.
"I don't want to conquer the Holy Kingdom just to plunder it... I mean, I want its national strength preserved as much as possible," Caron added, quickly correcting himself.
After all, in future wars, the Holy Kingdom could become a key ally. It was best to minimize the bloodshed.
Given the circumstances, having Beatrice by his side was more reassuring than ever. As a former member of the Imperial Guards, Beatrice had taken part in countless rebellion suppression campaigns. Even when Caron spoke vaguely, she understood him perfectly.
"This really brings back memories," Beatrice said.
They were currently stationed at the temporary command center of the Papal Army. It had been set up about a day's travel from the eastern border fortress city of Ragheim, where the rebel forces under Elijah had gathered.