The day after the succession election, at the Twilight Knights' camp in Holy Guard City.

Todd took a small sip of his mead and said to Tristan, "You mean, the Church is planning to withdraw from this city?"

Tristan smiled and shrugged: "After yesterday's election turmoil, the church has become the target of everyone's criticism, and there is no reason for it to stay."

Todd nodded, then changed the subject: "I want to thank you."

Todd's words startled Tristan: "Thank me? For what?"

"Without your help in collecting the evidence against Mathilde, we wouldn't have been able to prepare it so quickly."

Tristan waved his hand dismissively: "It's nothing, and besides, I've always disliked that guy anyway."

Todd smiled at the church deacon: "Tristan, don't blame me for being abrupt, but have you ever considered leaving the church, joining Twilight City, and becoming my advisor?"

Tristan was taken aback at first, then asked in confusion, "Excuse me for being frank, but why did you invite me? I am just a lowly deacon who studies scriptures and runs errands for others."

“You and I are a bit alike in some ways.” Todd placed his glass on the table and looked at Tristan with great seriousness. “As you can see, the church today is dominated by corruption and chaos. I hope to initiate a reform, a reform for the entire Christian faith.”

Tristan was somewhat taken aback by Todd's words: "Your Majesty, do you know what you're saying?!"

Todd nodded. "I naturally understand what I'm about to do; to others, it sounds like a pipe dream. But I'm confident I can complete this reform. What I lack now is only a theologian well-versed in scripture. In my opinion, you're perfect for the job. So, are you interested in coming to Twilight City?"

Tristan thought for a long time and finally gave Todd an answer that disappointed him.

"I'm sorry, I don't intend to leave the church, at least not now..."

Todd sat back in his chair, looked at the resolute expression on Tristan's face, and calmly asked, "May I ask why?"

"Because of my master, Lord Abel..."

Todd repeated the familiar name and said, "If I remember correctly, Abel is a cardinal of the Church. He organized several evacuation operations of scholars from the Papal States?"

“That’s right,” Tristan said excitedly. “Lord Abel is one of the few people in the Church with a conscience. He is not only an expert in theology, but also an expert among experts in ordinary academic subjects!”

Todd pondered for a moment before asking, "Why would someone with such a conscience remain in the church? Is it because he can't bear to give up the power he holds?"

Tristan exclaimed, “Absolutely not! Lord Abel values ​​his followers and justice more than power!”

Looking at the other person's unyielding expression, Todd shook his head and chuckled: "Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you any further."

Watching Tristan disappear from his sight, Todd leaned back and sighed softly.

"You've already given up?"

A soft, alluring voice came from behind Todd. He didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.

Everyone has their own aspirations, and it is inappropriate to force them.

Rachel came up behind Todd, gently lifted his head, and pressed his temple with her thumb and forefinger.

Todd let out a long, satisfied sigh.

"The throne of Holy Guard City has been decided. How do you plan to control the situation here now?"

Todd frowned at Rachel's words, and asked, "Control the situation? What do you mean by that?"

Rachel walked up to Todd, sat in his lap, and whispered, "You should know who I'm referring to."

"The new Queen Mary of the Holy Guard? What happened to her this time?"

Rachel gently stroked Todd's hair, her voice barely audible: "I don't believe her."

Todd gave Rachel a puzzled look.

"She was the Queen of the Silver Rings in the past, and now she is the Queen of the Holy Guard. Aren't you worried that she might succumb to the game of power and try to establish herself independently between Twilight City and other forces?"

Todd smiled and shook his head: "Mary originally didn't want to participate in the race for the Holy Guard throne. She mentioned to me more than once that she preferred staying in her room and doing design work rather than being in a high position. It was only after I repeatedly persuaded her..."

“Your Majesty, people change. Moreover, Mary, being of a different race, has always kept her distance from matters concerning other races.” Rachel said thoughtfully, “Saint Guard City is the military bulwark of the Kingdom of Muxi against external enemies in the future. Letting such a person control this city will create a series of uncertainties.”

Todd was silent for a moment, then asked, "So in your opinion, how should Muxi City control the situation here?"

"There are many solutions, but the key to the problem lies with Mary."

Rachel held up a finger: "If we can get some leverage over her, she'll be more careful before she tries to harm us."

Todd had a bad feeling: "What exactly do you mean by 'handle'?"

"Her background and her alien identity are key points that we can use."

Todd rubbed his forehead, looking exasperated. "Rachel, sometimes, don't you overcomplicate things?"

Rachel's eyes widened: "Complex?"

"Interpersonal relationships don't always have to be based on threats and constraints to create a sense of closure. Sometimes, it's not necessarily a bad thing to build a more peaceful relationship between people."

Hearing Todd's words, Rachel leaned down and gently kissed his lips: "See, this is the difference between you and me. You trust your partners and believe that sincerity can earn loyalty; but I'm different. In my eyes, everyone has the potential to betray, and the only reason they haven't is because they don't have enough leverage."

Todd sighed softly, put his arm around Rachel, and asked, "And what about us? We've been through life and death together. Do we really have to use constraints to maintain our relationship?"

Rachel smiled and shook her head, burying her face in Todd's chest: "You are special to me."

Todd gently stroked Rachel's hair and whispered, "I'll talk to Mary about it sometime. Until then, I don't want any complications..."

"Um."

Like a kitten, Rachel nestled against Todd's chest and gave a soft nasal sound, indicating her agreement to restrain her behavior.

But what Todd couldn't see was that Rachel's eyes flashed with some indescribable emotions.