Under everyone's gaze, Maggie slowly walked out of the training field, her steps as graceful and elegant as when she first stepped in. This time, however, no one shouted at her, and the area outside the field was completely silent.
"Your Excellency, we may proceed to the next step."
Maggie wore a polite smile, so natural that no one could doubt her sincerity.
Given the current situation, it's impossible for anyone to dare to continue accusing her of fabricating her talent, including Yarlin.
His gaze was fixed on Maggie, his eyes filled with disbelief as if to say, 'How is this possible? How could she....'
Maggie didn't know if he regretted it, but she had already achieved her goal.
If nothing unexpected happens, Yarlin's importance to Ford has already dropped to its lowest point, and Ford may already be preparing to abandon him and find a new lackey.
This killed two birds with one stone, not only eliminating the hidden danger of talent fraud, but also making Yarlin pay the price.
Maggie watched Ford quietly, waiting for him to smooth things over.
Given this situation, would Ford, as shrewd as an old fox, really allow her to continue doing talent assessment?
She was gambling that Ford wouldn't actually let her go.
Everyone knew that if she really did take the talent test again, everyone present who criticized her would be imprisoned for insulting the saint.
The death of just one member of the Motley family is not a major loss to the temple.
But if so many people were imprisoned at the same time, even Ford would probably be troubled, right?
As Maggie expected, Ford showed a hint of helplessness on his face, took two steps forward, gently patted Maggie's shoulder, and said to her in a kind, aged voice.
“Your Highness, this farce is over. As the old bishop, I guarantee that no one will question your position anymore.”
As Ford finished speaking, Maggie lowered her eyes slightly, bowed respectfully to the archbishop, concealing the mockery that flashed in her eyes, and softly acknowledged him.
"Then let it be as Your Excellency says."
Maggie gave him a way out, and it's perfect that the show has ended now. If she were to continue with the charade of needing further authentication, it would only annoy Ford and create more risks.
Seeing that Maggie was so obedient and knew when to stop, Ford was very satisfied. He turned around, his expression turning slightly cold, and said to the group of troublemakers who were bowing their heads and acting like timid quails.
"This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time."
Most of those present were nobles from the Kingdom of Saint Na, and no one wanted to lose their place in the Temple of Light. The Archbishop's decision was the most moderate and the best choice.
The air fell silent; no one dared to refute it anymore.
After Ford left, Maggie slowly raised her head. Many eyes were fixed on her, some admiring, some fearful, and some perhaps resentful.
For example, Yarlin.
Before leaving, Maggie deliberately turned her head to the side and smiled slightly at Arlin. There was no provocation or mockery, just a very simple smile, but it made Arlin's face turn ashen instantly.
She finally resolved the life-or-death crisis in the comic, the heavy weight on her heart was lifted, her steps became lighter, and even her back view exuded ease.
Only Maggie herself knows how much she paid, how much effort she put in, and how she almost died to get to where she is today.
The training grounds returned to calm, and the paladins returned to their ranks one after another.
Motley's body had already been removed; only the bloodstains remaining on the training field proved that he had died there.
Faced with this special situation, the usually quiet and serious paladins began to whisper among themselves during their training breaks.
"I never expected Her Highness to have this kind of personality?"
“She comes from the Duke of Zefnia’s mansion, and among the nobles of the Kingdom of Saint Na, she is a figure who can control everything.”
"I've heard about the talent fraud, but I never expected Her Highness to prove her innocence in this way."
Sometime later, Harun had disappeared from the training field.
...
Maggie never expected to see Harlan on her way back to her room.
The tall paladin commander leaned against the right side of the corridor, as if waiting for someone.
He lowered his eyes, his brow bones were deep, his features were handsome, and his long legs, encased in boots, were crossed. The moment he saw her figure, his deep, ocean-like eyes turned to look at her, and he turned his body towards her.
"Did the Knight Commander need to see me?"
The man was blocking the middle of the road, and Maggie couldn't ignore him, so she had to stop and ask him politely.
"Naturally, I've come to apologize."
Harlan's beauty mark at the corner of his eye was particularly attractive, adding a touch of allure to his upright and sacred temperament. At this moment, his eyebrows were slightly narrowed, a smile played on his lips, and his gaze became even more affectionate.
"There is no conflict between us, so why should I apologize?"
Maggie's brow twitched; she really couldn't figure out Harlen's purpose.
Having read the comics and understood his nature doesn't mean she can see through all of Harlan's thoughts, like right now.
"We caused Her Highness trouble today, didn't we?"
Harlan's smile deepened, a knowing glint in his eyes, and Maggie didn't miss the mockery and amusement in them.
In an instant, many images flashed through Maggie's mind, finally settling on the words he had used to extricate her from the predicament, but...
He should have called it helping out; he didn't need to apologize to her.
Maggie's thoughts raced, and she could only guess that he was reminding her that she had forgotten to thank him.
"Knight Commander, you are overthinking it. I should be thanking you for what happened today."
She flashed the same smile as Harlan, eager to deal with this guy as soon as possible and get back to her room to rest.
Even with the help of the stray elves, the mental exhaustion from continuously casting spells couldn't be alleviated; her head felt very heavy.
"Does Your Highness truly think so?"
Harlan composed himself, his tone becoming inscrutable, his eyes darkening, which made Maggie's heart sink.
What's wrong with this person?
In the comics, he never reveals his true nature to anyone. This expression now seems more like his state when he is alone in private, which is a bit creepy.
"certainly."
Maggie was filled with mixed emotions, but she nodded happily without showing any unusual expression.
Regardless of his purpose, revealing his weakness would give her leverage against him; that was her survival rule.
"In that case, I was just overthinking it."
Harlan didn't press the matter further, only leaving behind an ambiguous statement.
When Maggie returned to her room, she was still pondering the meaning of Harlan's words, which left her completely baffled.
Could it be that he discovered something?
Maggie's head was filled with question marks, but unfortunately no one could answer them.
Before she could even rest, the maid knocked on the door and brought her a letter.
"Put it down and get out."
Her gaze swept over the letter bearing the Zefneria family crest, a hint of disgust flashing across her brow.
It's disgusting that they couldn't wait to send a letter as soon as they heard she was back.
Having just committed murder, Maggie had no interest in dealing with the letter, which lay quietly on the coffee table.
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