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"Not only those who break the doctrinal laws are to be burned at the stake, but those who embrace Protestantism... must also die."
Niccolo's first reaction was that this queen was certainly a ruthless character.
He looked at his silent teacher, who wore a rather serious expression.
"Continue," Leonardo said.
"About Queen Isabella, what she’s been doing is actually quite well-known locally," the official mumbled. "She was raised under strict religious education, and not only was she the heir to the Castilian throne, but she was also once the wealthiest woman in Europe..."
"Then she defied the arranged marriage and ran off to marry Ferdinand of Aragon, right?" Niccolo suddenly recalled this part of history and sped up his speech. "Later, the throne passed to Joanna, but Isabella publicly declared that the throne should belong to her, sparking a civil war?"
The official nodded with a complicated expression.
—She was never a devout believer!
If she truly held religious doctrine in the highest regard, she would never have escaped her marriage, nor would she have eloped.
Moreover, this queen forcibly took the throne from the rightful heir and used civil war to annex two kingdoms...
In terms of strategy and decisiveness, she was certainly not an ordinary person.
Leonardo crossed his hands and placed them on his forehead, remaining silent for a long time.
He realized just how serious this matter was.
Her husband, Ferdinand, was a cousin of the king of Naples, who had tragically died in prison.
"The Spanish Inquisition is even more brutal than the old Papal Inquisition..." The official shook his head and sighed. "Though it doesn’t directly concern us, it’s truly horrifying. Its power is boundless, and it has already killed so many people..."
Pagans, even ordinary peasants whose names were unknown, would die painfully once they were targeted.
No formal procedures were followed, and no evidence was needed—
If those arrested resisted or denied the accusations, theInquisition would torture them until they confessed.
In recent years, this situation had only worsened, with methods becoming increasingly extreme.
Not only were the political enemies of the queen and king eradicated, but many Jews and Muslims were forcibly converted, leaving no room to breathe in that land.
"They are erasing the existence of Protestantism?" Niccolo's expression turned serious. "No mercy?"
"No mercy." The official's face showed fear. "The Inquisition is controlled by that fanatic monk, Thomas Torquemada, and the entire country's judges have gone mad."
"This concerns Italy..." Niccolo’s expression grew stern. "We must intensify our intelligence gathering in this area, and absolutely avoid exposing our movements."
He glanced at his teacher, signaling for him to step away. "Write a comprehensive report. The sooner it’s delivered, the better."
The official hurriedly nodded and, as if escaping, rushed out of the room.
Once the man was gone, Leonardo finally exhaled deeply.
“We previously reached an agreement with the Upper House to halt any expansion plans over the next few years, focusing instead on improving the prosperity and advancement of multiple territories,” Leonardo said, breaking the silence.
Niccolo looked confused. “Teacher, this doesn't seem to contradict our plans, does it? We’re just aware of a madman to the west.”
Leonardo countered, “Do you think they’re buying up so much timber for no reason? Just to build enough inquisitions and burn all the rebels?”
Niccolo froze for a moment, his lips turning pale. “Do you mean…”
