Chapter 39: Revolution Era - The National Assembly (2)
In the regions south of the Loire River in the west, there has been ongoing
discontent with the revolutionary government's repression of religion and
the confiscation of church properties.
This time, the situation escalated when conscription officers and
revolutionary troops dispatched for drafting were met with resistance by
local peasant protesters, leading to the murder of a conscription officer
and the death or injury of accompanying revolutionary soldiers.
"This is an act of betrayal against our homeland!"
"How dare they commit treason against the revolution after we liberated
those peasants from the tyranny of the old regime!"
The National Assembly was in an uproar, filled with raucous voices and vivid
anger upon hearing this news.
For them, the revolution had always been about justice.
The old regime was the clear enemy, and the future they envisioned was one
where the people, united under the banner of the revolution, stood firm
against the adversary.
But now, it was not the kings or nobles of the old regime who stood against
them, but the peasants.
"These peasants have always been in conflict with us, defending the clergy
from the start. It's undeniable that these naive and foolish peasants have
been manipulated by the corrupt and degenerate clergy!"
The National Assembly suspected there were other forces behind the peasants'
rebellion.
"Perhaps they are rioters instigated by reactionary nobles-"
An assembly member, getting carried away by the atmosphere, paused abruptly,
glancing nervously at Christine and me.
The region in question was just above Bordeaux, the capital of the County of
Aquitaine, and it was bold of him to make such claims.
"However, reports suggest that the conscription officers and their party
executed some of the locals first. We should verify the sequence of events
before taking any action-"
A cautious opinion emerged from the moderates as the atmosphere grew
increasingly heated, but it was quickly met with fierce rebuttal.
"What if they start an uprising? We are on the verge of war with the king,
who has allied with foreign powers, and they dare defy the revolutionary
government. This would be the very proof that they are traitors to the
republic!"
"It's clear that they have been influenced by the king or foreign powers!"
"In a time when unity is paramount to protect our homeland, to raise arms
against the government is to be a traitor. If not them, then who would be
the traitor?"
All eyes naturally turned to Maximilian Zidor, the leader of the radicals.
"We have escaped the oppression of the old regime and established a republic
for the people. To protect this republic, we must lead the people with
reason and their enemies with fear. Our revolutionary government itself is a
dictatorship of freedom against absolute monarchy, and their rebellion
against us clearly marks them as enemies of the people."
It was astonishing how easily he branded an entire region's populace as
traitors.
Were these the same people who had rushed me to the guillotine, accusing me
of looting enemy lands during the civil war?
This cannot be left unaddressed.
"Death to the traitors-"
"Allow me to speak."
My voice cut through the emerging outcry, drawing the Assembly's attention
to me.
Being a rare presence in the Assembly certainly ensured all eyes were on me.
"I believe it's premature to label them as rebels at this juncture."
"How are they not rebels when they've refused conscription during wartime
and harmed the conscription officers and their party sent by our
government?"
"However, there have been reports of our side causing harm first. In a time
of foreign invasion, I would hate to see our own people oppressed only to
turn to King Louis or external forces."
"Is the commander of the southern army being cautious? Refusing to suppress
the rebels."
"I hope your caution isn't mistaken for indecision."
Despite the sneers from around, I kept my gaze fixed on Maximilian Zidor,
waiting for his response.
"...As you know, time is not on our side, Duke Lafayette. With winter
ending, war with the king and external forces could break out at any moment.
It's crucial to nip these rebels in the bud from the start."
Zidor's point had its merits.
If we delay and fail to manage the situation, we risk facing a crisis on two
fronts.
"These are not yet rebels, but protesters, a disturbance at most. But if we
mobilize our forces to suppress them, that's when they'll have no choice but
to start a full-blown rebellion."
I caught Christine's eye, and she nodded in agreement.
"Moreover, we lack justification. As you know, they are united around their
clergy, and the Holy Church is undoubtedly monitoring this situation. Given
that the republic is under trade sanctions by most nations, you understand
where we're sourcing our weapons and supplies."
"Hmph, so eager to protect the monopoly profits of the Aquitaine merchants!"
"Regardless, it's currently the republic's only import route, guaranteed by
the Holy Church. What will you do if the Church uses our crackdown on the
rebels and clergy as a pretext to cut off trade?"
Is there an alternative?
"Do you wish to return to the days when we relied on makeshift price caps to
control skyrocketing prices, unable to manage them directly? With foreign
armies approaching, what will you arm the newly conscripted revolutionary
troops with? Perhaps farming tools? We should first understand the situation
and listen to their demands. If they truly are traitors to the revolutionary
government and our homeland, then the justification will be on our side."
The National Assembly fell into silence.
After a moment, Zidor spoke up.
"However, they have already harmed the agents of the revolutionary
government. Is a proper dialogue with them even possible? If talking this
much ends up giving the rebels, who wish to overthrow the revolutionary
government and align with the old regime and foreign powers, more time, then
the responsibility will fall on you, Duke Lafayette."
He certainly won't let it go easily.
Indeed, if things go awry from here, the blame will undoubtedly be mine.
However, I cannot stand by as a passive observer of indiscriminate
persecution, both for the sake of the promise made to the Church and to
prevent the revolution from spiraling out of control.
"Don't worry about that. Given their actions are rooted in faith, I'll be
accompanied by someone they cannot help but respect."
Above all else.
The future queen would never condone such persecution, being a saint
recognized by the Church herself.
***
Damien de Mirbo, who was rushing to prepare for deployment to the eastern
front upon my orders, frothed at the mouth upon hearing I was leaving the
capital, but I ultimately departed with Eris to meet the western protesters.
Though I'm deeply concerned about what might transpire in the capital during
my absence, I trust Christine to prevent the public opinion from
deteriorating too severely.
Due to the lack of time, we forwent the carriage and large procession,
opting instead for a select few knights and cavalrymen, and dashed down the
road.
Riding my horse, I glanced at Eris beside me, her white robe fluttering as
she rode, and Sir Beaumont following behind, his harp strapped to his back,
and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"It reminds me of our time in the south."
"It feels like just yesterday."
Eris, her face hidden within her hood and veil, giggled in response.
"It's been 2 years already."
"Has it been that long?"
"Yes."
"Miss Eris has grown up well, too."
Sir Beaumont addressed her with a warmth that resembled a father's, yet
Eris's response was merciless.
"Uncle Frank, you sound just like an old man."
Failing to retrieve his dignity, Sir Beaumont was left speechless, struck by
shock.
Indeed, Eris, who was only 16 when we first met and had an air of mystery
due to her youthful appearance, now carries herself with a certain grace of
a lady.
If she were to remain silent and devout, she would indeed fit the stature of
a saint as her title suggests.
But, well.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh, nothing."
If things go as planned and she is to be crowned queen someday, it's
troubling that she still feels more like a younger sibling than a sovereign,
no matter how much time passes.
"It seems you're harboring some impure thoughts, Your Grace."
"...Look ahead, Eris."
Hearing my words, Eris turned her gaze forward, and soon let out a gasp.
As we approached the city gates and halted our horses, the gathered crowd
knelt in unison.
"...Told you, didn't I? The sanctity of a saint would be necessary."
Instead of replying to me, Eris dismounted and walked towards them. An
elderly man in bishop's attire at the forefront of the group bowed
respectfully to Eris, opening his mouth to speak.
"It is an honor to welcome a devout individual. Bishop John greets Saint
Eris and Duke Pierre de Lafayette."
***
"Laudatus dominus deus Sanctus."
In the solemn chapel, a clear song resonated, and the gentle light from the
candles made her white hair and skin seem as if they were enveloped in
light.
"Hosanna in excelsis."
Eris, who likely had never officiated a service before, responded to the
congregation's requests as if she had always done so.
I even realized here that the songs Eris occasionally hummed were in an
ancient language used exclusively by the Holy Church.
“Dona nobis pacem.”
Even without her mystical appearance, the sight of her channeling divine
power to sing ancient hymns is enough to make her seem holy, even to me.
Initially anxious, the villagers now watch her, utterly captivated and
unable to look away.
Was it her mother who taught Eris, a professed non-believer, such things?
As I sat to one side observing this scene, Bishop John approached me.
"May this old man be so honored as to sit beside Your Grace?"
"Of course. I've come here to listen."
John bowed his head in gratitude, then slowly began to speak.
"I understand you are the commander of the southern forces of the Republic.
You've come because of the disturbance, I presume."
"That's correct. I'm here on behalf of the Republican government to assess
the situation and resolve it amicably if possible. It seems, Bishop, that
you hold some influence over the people of this region."
"I'm humbled, but it's not quite so. Had you not brought the Saint with you,
even starting a conversation would not have been easy."
John hesitated slightly before continuing.
"The charitable deeds you've spread as the Saint's patron are well known
even in these parts.
We hear things as well. We know that the capital's Republican government is
not so moderate. ...The resentment built up by the people of this region
didn't just arise overnight."
John's approach was quite cautious. Fortunately, it seemed he had a
realistic grasp of the situation.
He must be aware that the situation is on a knife-edge.
"This land is impoverished. Lacking significant resources or trade, the
people have had to learn to live together as a community. The same goes for
the Church. Although the Church collected tithes, these were used as
communal assets for the region."
"I see."
"However, the revolutionary government confiscated the Church's property and
distributed it to those who contributed to the revolution. Much of it ended
up in the hands of wealthy individuals from outside the region."
I see. If that's the case, it's understandable why the locals are resisting.
To them, the Church wasn't an institution to be dismantled but a member of
their community.
And now, outsiders, who would have no dealings with them under the feudal
system, are persecuting them under the guise of eradicating relics of the
old era, seizing their properties, and imposing alien rules. Naturally, this
breeds discontent.
"...And the disturbance?"
"Shortly before the unrest began, tax collectors sent by the government
collected hefty war taxes. Then, when conscription orders were issued soon
after, the accumulated grievances of the people exploded, and they refused."
John paused, then continued with a somber expression.
"In response, the tax collectors and revolutionary troops executed a few as
an example, and the next day, the enraged locals attacked them."
While we can't take their word for it alone, frankly, if this is true, the
fault lies more with the revolutionary forces.
"...Your Grace. Recently, we received a proposition from the Count of
Lionel, a neighboring domain. He suggested he would support us if we were to
rise up."
Ah, damn. Count Lionel, so to him, the revolutionary troops are nothing more
or less than rebels.
"...And why are you telling me this?"
"Your Grace. Regardless of what the revolutionary government might think,
the people of this land do not wish to side with the king or raise a
rebellion against the Republic."
John is pleading with urgency.
"All we seek is to preserve the communal values we have built over time. In
the face of foreign invasion, we do not wish for bloodshed among neighbors.
Please, Your Grace, convey our story to the revolutionary government."
My feelings are complex.
I can see that these people have genuine grievances.
Ultimately, what they desire is to end the oppression of their religion and
to secure a form of autonomy that allows them to maintain the way of life
they have preserved.
On the other hand, the revolutionary government of the Republic, especially
the radicals led by Maximilian Zidor, is pursuing a strong centralized
government.
For them, acknowledging the Republic's mistakes and recognizing the autonomy
of local communities is not a simple matter.
Moreover, my position is delicate. I need to resolve this situation as
swiftly as possible and return to the battlefield.
Only by successfully defending against foreign invasions as the commander of
the southern forces can I solidify my standing within the revolutionary
government.
However, based on what I confirmed before departing and what I've heard on
the ground, this is not a matter that can be resolved by merely punishing a
few wrongdoers.
With a sigh, I alternated my gaze between Bishop John, who looked at me with
a faint hope, and Eris, who sang in the guise of a devout saint.
"...It won't be easy."
Even without the transactions with the Holy Church, I can't just stand by
and let them be unjustly suppressed, especially since they haven't outright
rebelled.
Moreover, successfully navigating this situation could shift the leadership
of the National Assembly away from the radicals.
So, it seems I have no choice but to find a way through.
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