Chapter 472 The Prince Who Cares for Women
The "big one" is finally here.
That was the long-awaited cleansing for the believers of the Twilight Province.
In fact, before the Inquisition came here, it’s not that no one had come to this land, but that time they cleansed those who believed in Saint Sith, while now they are cleansing those who do not believe in Him.
Left and right, they are all themselves.
If you look down at this land from Saint Sis's perspective, Count Theron Gad is actually the luckiest person.
He didn't run away when the Green Army came to attack the city. When the flag was changed and he saw that he couldn't win, he ran away immediately. Now that the Savior Army left, he went back again.
Although he did not receive guidance from the devil, his actions were indeed as soft as a worm, and he followed the principle of fighting if he could win and running away if he couldn't.
Sometimes Leiden also felt that maybe Saint Sith was really dead, otherwise why were these rats favored by fate?
But the final price is many ordinary people.
He was almost certain that the actions of the Inquisition would sow the seeds for disaster twenty years later, but how could the "people of the Holy City" who would never visit the Kingdom of Ryan once in their lifetime care about the flood that would occur in the border area twenty years later?
It's just like drowning a group of ants.
Standing on a hill far away from Quemu Castle, Leiden, carrying the "Shield of the Holy Grail" on his back, looked at the army heading towards the castle with an expressionless face.
He, who once regarded the Lionheart Knights as an honor, had never hated the fluttering lion so much. Perhaps the loss of the king was the best outcome for everyone.
At this time, a man in leather armor walked behind him and grinned at the holy grail on the shield.
"What's the matter, Master Knight? Can't bear to leave your home?"
"That's not my home. My home is near the castle, by the river near the mill."
Leiden withdrew his gaze from a distance, turned back to look at the unremarkable middle-aged man, and continued with an expressionless face.
“I just want to see it to the end.”
He recognized this man, his name seemed to be Gregar, one of Kallen's intelligence officers.
Before this, this so-called intelligence force had no presence at all, and only recently began to emerge.
It is said that it was their doing to secretly invite the god Theron out of Twilight City.
They were also responsible for spreading information about the Savior Army and the whereabouts of "Saint Kallen" in Twilight City.
"Please do as you please."
Grega shrugged his shoulders and had no intention of stopping him, nor did he have the ability to dissuade a platinum-level expert.
Leiden hadn't asked for his opinion. Seeing that he had nothing else to do, he turned his head back, raised the monocular telescope in his hand, and continued to look in the direction of Quemu Castle.
Brennan wasn't the only one reluctant to leave.
Leiden, who values honor, is also unwilling to leave the land where the Keshitel family has lived for generations as a fugitive.
Even though he knew in his heart that staying would be a dead end and that he would die in a more shameful manner than a fugitive.
Selling your soul to the devil will not necessarily implicate other members of the family, but "treason" is a different matter.
It must be said that although the bottom line of the Holy City Tribunal is not high, it is still far higher than the ceiling of the Green Forest Army.
They kill without blinking an eye, do not hesitate to use torture, and even use family members as threats, but they rarely kill an entire family.
The handover of Quemu Castle was peaceful, just like when it was handed over from the Earl to the Salvation Army, and no one died.
The flag of the Lionheart Knights entered the castle, and standing at the gate to greet them was Count Theron Gad, who had been "invited" back earlier.
The Earl, with his usual flamboyant demeanor, excitedly shook the chief judge's hand, probably expressing his gratitude for their timely arrival.
The expressionless chief judge glanced at the priests and nuns in the castle, then looked at the earl, and moved his lips as if to say something.
Redden couldn't read his lips, but from Count Theron's ecstatic expression, he could tell that the Gad family's difficulties seemed to have passed, and they were even rewarded for their piety.
After all, from the perspective of the Holy See, they don't want people to think that it was the saint who saved them. In comparison, a pious count is more in line with their propaganda.
Just as King Ryan would rather praise a pig than praise the greatness of the "Light of Praise", the Holy See certainly has its own considerations.
This lucky pig!
Leiden really didn't want to look at him. After confirming that everyone in the castle was fine, he turned his eyes away from him and glanced at the "Glorious Knight" Hegemer Devalu beside him.
The guy seemed to be in a very bad mood, his face was so gloomy that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it, and this seemed to be after he had eased up a bit.
Speaking of which, they were brought here from Griffin Cliff.
Leiden couldn't help but think of the rumors he had heard before. It seemed that Hegemer and Count Wilfort were old acquaintances. Both of them were pillars of the kingdom, so they must have a good personal relationship...
Although they had buried the bodies of the Earl's family for the people there after they captured Griffin Cliff Castle, this blood debt would obviously not be let go.
At this moment, Hegmer suddenly raised his head, and Leiden immediately put down the telescope without hesitation for a second.
Grega coughed lightly and interrupted.
"I suggest you don't stare at a demigod for too long. A demigod is a demigod because one foot has already stepped into the realm of the gods."
It would be nothing if ordinary people looked at them, especially those without extraordinary powers. Their aura was as weak as weeds on the roadside, and it would probably take overwhelming hatred for the other party to sense it.
However, for a superior transcendent like Leiden, no matter how hard he tries to conceal his aura, it is inevitable that the other party will notice it.
"I know. You don't need to remind me."
"Of course, I'm sure you do."
Looking at Leiden putting away the telescope, Grega nodded slightly and reminded him in the most tactful tone possible, "It's just that... after all, you are now a wanted criminal of the Empire. I still hope you can consider the overall situation."
"I will."
After replying briefly, Leiden suddenly turned to look at him and spoke.
"...I've always wanted to ask, do you trust Theron Gad so much? From what I know about him, he's no pushover."
Grega was stunned for a moment when he heard this, then he grinned and said jokingly.
"I can see that you hold a deep grudge against him."
Raiden shook his head.
"No, I have no reason to resent him. I am just evaluating him objectively."
Is it objective?
Grega's expression turned into one of amusement, and he said after thinking for a moment.
"Then do you want to hear an ordinary person's evaluation?"
Raiden stared at him for a moment.
"Go ahead."
Grega smiled and continued.
"I am unfortunate enough to live under Theron's rule, relying on hunting to eke out a living. I dislike him as much as anyone here, and have complained about his stupidity, but I must say... this fat pig isn't the worst choice for an ordinary person. At least he does one thing well."
"oh?"
Raiden raised an eyebrow.
"May I know what it is?"
Grega said calmly.
"He's not that extreme."
I didn't expect him to answer like that, Raiden said with a smile.
"Anything more specific? What is extreme?"
As if he had guessed he would ask this, Grega smiled and continued in a chatty tone.
"The Green Army, the Church, the King, and even the late Earl of Wilfort. Especially the latter. He failed to protect neither his family nor his people... Even I have to admit that he put in a lot of effort, even risking his own life."
"On the other hand, look at Theron, that greedy and cowardly guy. I can't say that no one around him died, but following him is definitely luckier than following Count Wilfort."
It is said that the Inquisition issued a killing order after seeing the tragic situation in Griffin Cliff Territory, and the "Glorious Knights" who were supposed to protect their people remained silent this time and directly acquiesced to the Inquisition's ruling.
Looking at the middle-aged man's smile, which didn't seem like a joke, Leiden was silent for a while and said expressionlessly.
"I don't want to interpret the gods' favor as his own ability. I even think that the existence in the dark might be blind. Otherwise, why would noble souls be punished while humble souls are rewarded?"
Grega said with a smile.
"Perhaps it's just that mortals can't see all the causes and effects."
Raiden asked, looking at him.
"Did the servants of the Son of God teach you this?"
Grega shook his head.
"No, this is my realization after witnessing so much death. We are all sheep walking in this mortal world, the only difference being whether we know it or not. When will this cycle of killing end? Today you kill my entire family, tomorrow I kill yours, and we both think we've eradicated the roots. But in reality, you and I are both weeds, and we're only eradicating our roots."
This time, Leiden didn't refute it.
A long time ago, he believed that Princess Kallen had really heard the oracle, and for a time he really regarded her as the saint sent by Saint Sith to restore order in the mortal world.
However, when he was confused about the future, she retreated. It was this retreat that once again shook his faith.
Even though the Sword Saint approved of the Saint's choice, and even thanked her for taking on everything for the civilians of Quemu Territory and considering the damn overall situation.
It was also from then on that he realized that there was no Saint Sith behind Her Highness the Saint, and that she did not represent the purity and justice he longed for.
Leiden even felt a hint of pain.
His Saint Girl was just someone else's pawn...
Seeing that the knight didn't say anything, Grega made the sign of the cross on his chest and a pious smile appeared on his face.
"But I must say, our Kallen is different. Most of you were forced to join that princess's team, but I... I joined her army from the bottom of my heart."
Is it different...
The corners of Leiden's mouth curled up slightly, and he spoke in a voice with a hint of sarcasm.
"Are you trying to say she's not the 'extreme' you're talking about?"
"certainly."
Grega nodded, looked at Leiden who had a hint of surprise on his face, and continued happily.
"I know she's not as innocent as outsiders think, but does it matter to an ordinary person like me?"
"She could have stood in the safest place and made the most brutal remarks, forcing you and me to die to please the gods behind her, and to fight as pawns of another group of gods."
"But she didn't do that, and neither did the gods behind her."
Leiden thinks that the gods are blind, but Grega doesn't think so. He even thinks that the cause and effect in the dark has always been fair.
Those who had good karma had a good end, while those crazy people all suffered retribution.
The Green Forest Army was the first to be proud and has been burned to ashes.
As for those guys from the Holy City...
Even though they are having a great time making lists now, the strong wind of karma has never forgotten them. It’s just that it can’t blow them away for the time being as they are in their prime.
They better pray they never grow old.
But is this possible?
They just don't want to admit that they are old!
In that borderland where the holy light cannot reach, west of the Brass Pass that isolates the chaos, people holding the "Book of the Holy Word" and trying to undermine the Saint Sith have appeared.
and--
They actually received the tacit approval of a Grand Duke for such blasphemous behavior!
Campbell's army briefly regarded them as allies, and both sides tacitly refrained from attacking each other, and this tacit understanding is likely to continue.
This was unimaginable before.
Grega even had a hunch that perhaps the demon from hell had already quietly entered St. Clement's Cathedral...
…
A small person who has never left the Twilight Province would not know that the devil from hell had not only visited St. Clement's Cathedral, but also held a funeral for his "father" there.
Although it was his brother's name.
Andes Manor in Thunder City.
Luo Yan had just stepped into the hall of this magnificent manor when he heard a loud voice coming from the stairs.
"Your Highness Colin! How are you? I'm glad to see you at last!"
He looked up and saw Lord Edward walking down from the second floor quickly with a sincere and warm smile on his face, as if he had met a close friend he hadn't seen for a long time.
"How are you, Your Highness Edward? It is an honor to see you again."
Luo Yan touched his chest and saluted, then showed a hint of just the right amount of embarrassment on his face, and apologized for leaving without saying goodbye.
"However, before I express my joy, please accept my apology. I should have come to visit you as soon as possible, but when I read the news in the newspaper that Her Highness Irene had gone to the front, my mind had already flown thousands of miles away, and I couldn't help myself—"
Before he finished speaking, a loud voice came from the stairs, which not only resolved the "awkwardness" but also brought the atmosphere of their meeting back to the joy of reunion after a long separation.
"Haha, don't worry about it, Your Highness Colin, I completely understand how you feel!"
Edward walked down the last step, smiled heartily, and shook Luo Yan's hand vigorously.
"Noble souls always attract each other. The citizens of Thunder City all say that it was Saint Sith who guided you there. I think they have a point! Irene is lucky to have a friend like you. I sincerely wish you both the best."
These flawless yet enthusiastic remarks really brought a smile to Prince Colin's face, and he felt warm as if he were bathed in spring breeze.
Luo Yan couldn't help but sigh in his heart that the Campbell family was indeed a family favored by the gods.
In less than two years, it was not only Irene who made progress, the Grand Duke's abilities also improved significantly.
Even though he was still not very skilled at the beginning, now his Highness has become a qualified "Your Majesty".
The only regret is that the territory of the Duchy of Campbell no longer matches his ever-expanding ambitions.
No wonder his neighbors are so wary.
Luo Yan could feel the prince's strong desire for him and the Principality of Colin behind him, even though he hid this desire behind hospitality and friendship.
It is difficult for a duke to fight against a king.
But two might be enough.
While greeting the Grand Duke, Luo Yan couldn't help but think.
tentatively……
Just play the role of his chess piece for now.
The two chatted as they walked towards the manor's reception room.
Edward walked beside him and chatted casually about family matters, and their topic soon turned to the Duchy of Colin.
"...By the way, that unprecedented storm a few days ago swept across almost the entire coast of the Vast Ocean, even affecting the Whirlpool Sea. Irene and I are very worried about you. I wonder how your territory is doing? Has it been affected?"
Luo Yan gave a bitter smile upon hearing this, with a look of headache on his face.
"I can only say... the situation isn't optimistic, but it's still manageable. And it's all thanks to General Hamelton. He urgently transferred a batch of building materials from Fort Saint-Il that were originally destined for Port Saldo. This allowed us to repair several of the most important ports and barely get through this difficult time."
"I see... That storm was truly torturous." Edward paused for a moment, then sighed with empathy. "Our principality also lost several merchant ships. Mr. Andes was troubled by this for a long time."
"It was the same situation over there. An unlucky cargo ship was even blown onto a mountain. The crew members were terrified when they opened their eyes and found that the sea had disappeared...haha."
Luo Yan took over the conversation, and his voice, which was difficult to describe, contained both fear and relief, as well as the ease and freedom of surviving the disaster.
It seemed as if he had completely forgotten who had done that good deed.
"...There were few usable cargo ships left in the entire Vast Ocean. Even the larger freighters that managed to escape the disaster were unable to dock due to the damage to the port. Ultimately, thanks to the Imperial Navy's help in establishing a temporary port at Deadwood Harbor, we were able to resolve this major problem."
"Haha... that's a disaster."
"Yes! A complete disaster!" Luo Yan sighed, then changed the subject, a sly smile on his face. "Of course, we didn't let our brothers in the Empire help us in vain. Thanks to connections in the United Kingdom of Gutaf, we managed to get a large shipment of corn shipped to St. Ilburg, which helped General Hammerton solve the urgent supply shortage on the Empire's front... Of course, it wasn't free."
"Corn? Are the young men in the empire used to eating that stuff?" A hint of curiosity flashed in Edward's eyes.
It wasn't because he was really curious, it was simply because he couldn't join in the conversation on other topics, except for eating habits.
To a duke far away at the edge of the empire, what this imperial prince from the center of the world said seemed like things from another world.
"I hope they can get used to it, but I've heard some people can't seem to digest it. But in these tough times, we just have to make do."
Luo Yan shrugged, and without waiting for Edward to speak, he turned the topic back to that distant world and talked about what happened after the storm.
"Later, I took the opportunity of delivering supplies to visit His Highness the Marshal in the Holy City. We discussed the profound impact of this storm on the future order along the coast of the Vast Ocean. We all agreed that the natural disaster was both a challenge and an opportunity bestowed upon us by the Saint Sith. It was the gods guiding us to explore the new land—the continent of Janna. To this end, we established the Knights Templar."
"Holy... what is that?"
"A knightly order that specializes in recruiting young men who are willing to expand the empire's territory and go to the land under the sun that they long for."
When it comes to the continent of Janna, Luo Yan seemed to open up and started talking to Grand Duke Edward, who had no chance to get a word in.
He talked about the unique geographical and climatic environment of the continent, the long history of the United Kingdom of Gutaf, and their intricate but little-known connections with various ethnic groups in the Old World.
He knew Edward must be confused.
But what he wants is this kind of "unclear yet powerful" effect!
As expected, Edward did not understand the names of people and places he was talking about at all, but he was deeply shocked by the world outlined by these nouns.
But he is Edward Campbell after all, not one of those unknown people who thinks he owns the entire Colin Group just by buying two stocks.
He suppressed his inner shock and used appropriate conversation to coax His Highness Colin into revealing more information. He then unraveled the complex information and captured those things that interested him and were of great use to the Duchy of Campbell.
No doubt!
This Prince Colin not only has an exchange of interests with the imperial military, but also has intricate ties with the major families of the Holy City elder faction!
He had never been to the Holy City, but he was not completely unfamiliar with it. At least he had read history books, and he himself was within the feudal system of the Holy City. His understanding of the power structure far exceeded that of those who stood outside the system.
Without the approval of the military, the elders, and the Vatican, such a large project would never be possible!
And being able to deal with these three factions at the same time...
This prince's strength should not be underestimated even more than he showed before!
Thinking of this, Edward's heart became even hotter.
Luo Yan keenly caught the flash of heat in Edward's eyes. He knew that the pie he had painted was big enough, so he stopped the conversation about that distant world at the right time.
"I'm sorry... Your Highness, I unknowingly talked about some trivial things that you might find boring." Luo Yan smiled apologetically, as if he felt rude for his endless chatter.
"No, Your Highness, quite the opposite! It's not that I wasn't interested, but I was listening so intently that I was almost mesmerized."
Edward immediately recovered, a genuine smile on his face as he continued.
"We Campbellites have always been interested in the outside world and have always been working towards the Holy City with a sincere heart. I have benefited greatly from the experiences you just shared. If you have anything else you want to share, your friends would be happy to listen."
He expressed in a tactful tone that he wanted to hear more about the inside story of the "holy city", especially the part about "piety".
Luo Yan naturally understood the desire in his words, but deliberately did not satisfy him. Instead, he changed the subject and brought the topic to a place that Edward was caught off guard.
This is Professor Lilith's class, which Mia never really listened to.
High-end succubi often do not focus on the art of "satisfaction", but are good at the art of "dissatisfaction".
The smile on his face faded, and Luo Yan put on a slightly serious expression. He stopped and looked at Edward who was a little caught off guard.
"Then, Your Highness, since you consider me your close friend, I will tell you frankly what is in my heart."
"You've gone a bit too far this time!"
(End of this chapter)
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