Capítulo 760: Chapter 760: The High Septon
Originally, Viserys flew to Norvos in search of the mysterious monk with prophetic abilities. Unfortunately, by the time Viserys set out, the monk had already departed from the mortal realm.
However, the body in the coffin seemed to have vanished, and given the monk's actual ability to foresee events, it remained uncertain whether he had truly died or feigned death to avoid meeting Viserys.
Even if it were the latter, Viserys did not insist on the monk coming out to meet him. Thus, he boarded the dragon, preparing to leave.
However, at this moment, Viserys sensed the presence of dark mist externally. Following his inner call, he discovered the Norvos Abyss, hailed by the "Long Legs" Lomas as one of the "Seven Wonders Created by the Gods."
Viserys found that this Abyss shared the same origin as the black hole left behind by the collapse of the Fourteen Fire Peaks in the Valyrian ruins.
This Abyss was also a bridge to the underworld.
Viserys even felt an inexplicable urge pushing him to plunge into the embrace of the abyss, with the temptation intensifying. However, he firmly resisted it at the last moment.
"Go!"
The young man with silver-golden hair did not hesitate any longer.
He gave himself no room for hesitation, swiftly turning around, stepping onto Balerion's back, and commanding it to fly away.
Balerion, with its crimson eyes, gazed at the back of its companion. Although it didn't understand what had just happened, it could sense Viserys' inner struggle through the psychic connection.
It joyfully witnessed him overcoming his own will, and the black dragon let out a deep roar.
"Roar..."
Its powerful hind legs forcefully propelled, sweeping away trees with the gusts of wind, carrying Viserys up into the sky, soon disappearing on the horizon.
Meanwhile, in King's Landing.
Viserys had not been away from King's Landing for a long time, not even as long as his so-called "vacation" in Highgarden. Yet, something happened in his absence.
It wasn't a major event, but it couldn't be considered a minor one either.
The chubby High Septon, following the tradition where churchmen had to abandon their family names, had to relinquish his secular name upon assuming the position of High Septon.
This was because people believed that the one holding the office of High Septon was no longer an individual but a spokesperson for the gods in the heavens. However, this tradition made it difficult to distinguish between successive High Septons, and people had to use some descriptive features to refer to a High Septon.
Now, in the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing, the current High Septon was simply called the "Chubby High Septon."
He didn't get into much trouble, just happened to share a bed with a few women involved in the flesh trade. This led to him being directly exposed, dragged out for public humiliation by a group of zealous Seven followers.
They violently opposed anything contrary to the teachings of the Seven, believing that people were born sinful. They besieged brothels, smashed taverns, and spilled alcohol all over the place.
These fanatical Seven worshipers claimed they couldn't tolerate the High Septon's greed and corruption, so they came forward to expose the truth.
Regardless of what punishment awaited them, the reputation of the High Septon was now tarnished. Next, the heads of various dioceses, through joint decision-making of the Conclave, decided to remove the High Septon from his position.
Each diocese was responsible for its own faith, acting as a kind of council within the church, known as the Conclave, with those too far away communicating through ravens.
In normal circumstances, the High Septon would be elected from among the diocesan bishops. However, if necessary, the bishops could also join forces to impeach the High Septon.
Now that the Emperor was not in King's Landing, the diocesan bishops decided to hold a meeting, proceeding to dismiss the High Septon without waiting for Viserys to return.
However, at this moment, a name was directly put forward—Brother Egon.
Although Egon had given up his surname, no one in the church had forgotten his original identity, especially with his iconic silver hair.
Egon was born into the imperial family and voluntarily joined the Seven faith.
While the position of High Septon was often filled from among the diocesan bishops, it wasn't an absolute rule. There were many examples in history, such as a stonemason becoming High Septon during the reign of Baelor I or an eight-year-old becoming High Septon during the same period.
So, the discussion about the next High Septon began in earnest.
Even though the influence of the Seven Faith was diminishing as the empire's territory expanded, absorbing diverse cultures, races, and religious beliefs, the Seven Faith was still the dominant religion in Westeros and the main ethnic group, the Andals. It had the most extensive following and impact.
Egon's name was continuously brought up for public discussion, including the "good deeds" he had done.
For instance, donating the royal family's living expenses to the poor, leading a frugal life, and being willing to entertain himself with the poorest folk in the flea-ridden areas of King's Landing.
Moreover, behind Egon seemed to be powerful figures supporting him. Although they hadn't shown themselves publicly, all of them held significant positions in the empire.
They were capable of making King's Landing tremble with a stomp. Though the high-ranking members of the church were considered noteworthy in the eyes of the commoners, they couldn't withstand the pressure these influential figures could exert.
Therefore, in a short period, from the outbreak of the High Septon's scandal to his removal and the subsequent election of a new High Septon, the entire process was completed swiftly.
As for who would be the next church leader, the competition unfolded intensely.
Although the Seven Faith was declining, a thin camel was still larger than a horse. It remained the predominant religion among the Westerlands and the Andals, with the largest number of followers and the widest range of influence.
The name of Brother Egon was repeatedly mentioned and openly discussed. Various "good deeds" were recounted, such as his charitable donations and his willingness to mingle with the common folk in the poorest neighborhoods of King's Landing.
It seemed that Egon's silver hair had also played a role in making him stand out. Born into the imperial family, he willingly embraced the Seven Faith, which added a touch of mystery and fascination to his candidacy.
Even though the usual practice was to elect the High Septon from among the diocesan bishops, exceptions had occurred throughout history. For instance, during the reign of Baelor I, a stonemason became High Septon, and an eight-year-old ascended to the position during the same period.
Now, discussions about the next High Septon became heated.
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