The papacy still holds the right of investiture over the Bishopric of Lanseh, but now that church authority has weakened, a mere priest, unless he happens to be the bishop of Lanseh or an abbot, can do nothing against secular power.
"...Very well. We shall hear the testimony first."
"A wise decision, Father Nikolaus."
Andreas smoothed things over with Nikolaus, who could do nothing but struggle to hide his mounting displeasure. An ordinary lord would have sat back and enjoyed the show.
But I'm a lord who came for the show itself, not the refreshments.
I intended to keep a close watch on this sham performance so that no one came out of it a victim.
Dressel's gang, who had been gleefully expecting the trial to open with torture, were visibly rattled when it began with testimony instead. Unlike the serene Norman, they balked at even taking the oath.
"My name is Norman Hennings. Thank you for permitting my testimony."
"Do you swear to speak only the truth before the Lord?"
