Amber Sword

"If that’s the case, it’s fine, but unexpectedly, it was just a conspiracy by him to infiltrate the Holy Hall. Later, evidence showed that this person was secretly supporting the Princess in inciting rebellion, and organizing pagans to assassinate the participating nobles in Ambeser."

"So, this person is actually a spy for the Unity of All Things or the Shepherd Tree Man?"

"I’m afraid it’s not just that, my Lord." Marquis You Xi respectfully saluted: "The second time I saw him, he was with the Earl of Yan Castle. However, at that time, I suspected that he was actually the Earl of Yan Castle."

"Oh, that Guardian Sword family?"

"Exactly, but it turned out that I guessed in the wrong direction. Later, according to our investigation from the Princess’s side, the origin of this person is very suspicious, not only colluding with the Cultists, but also secretly allying with the Naga Alliance. From the latest news we just received, the Rubis Mercenaries are also under his command..."

"And earlier, the one displaying the Heavenly Armament in the city was probably him as well." Marquis You Xi replied with a cold smile, word by word targeting the heart.

The world is aware that the Rubis Mercenaries come from White Port and the city-state Rubis, both of which belong to the Ten City Alliance, which falls within the influence range of the Holy Temple Kingdom Fanzan. With Brand having both Rubis Mercenaries and Heavenly Armament, the implication here is quite thought-provoking.

William’s expression turned dark: "Hmph, the Holy Hall’s hand is extending a bit too far," he glanced at Count Vitokin and others, speaking with a somewhat educational tone: "But it seems they are just trying to restrain the Holy Hall’s actions, for them it’s just an isolated territory, don’t forget who is closer to the Empire."

None of the Kingdom’s members replied, only Reid’s face darkened. Speaking of qualifications, he was no less than the Deputy Commander of the Holy Temple Knights. The two fought side by side during the November War, and their positions were similar, except William was lucky to be born in such a Great Empire like Kruz. If the Old Knight had such robust financial support backing him, his accomplishments might not be limited to Element.

Besides, he represents the White Lion Legion, Innate enemies of the Cruz people. The old man simply snorted, too lazy to look at this guy.

Marquis You Xi didn’t expect that his words would cause his side to start quarreling first, hurriedly changing the topic: "Actually, there is more, my Lord, there is more important information that has been omitted."

"It’s enough," William looked at this person with some disgust: "I know what you want to say, but colluding with the Holy Hall, this charge is enough for him to bring about his own destruction, I know you want to request the Holy Hall to take action. But if you want me to take action, I have one condition, which is that your Princess must be escorted back to the Empire—"

He did not mention the Cultists issue, as this Deputy Commander of the Holy Temple Knights is not a fool, and has long seen that there is actually trickery involved here. However, the nobles have more or less some shady relations, as long as they do not stand entirely on the opposing side of Order, it can be tolerated.

Anyway, he knows these guys are just mutually exploiting.

Marquis You Xi slightly froze, not expecting the other to bring up this suggestion. To be honest, Princess Griffine is still a member of the Royal Family; at most, they would dare to poison her to assassinate her secretly. But to escort her back to the Empire, the Erune nobles would have no place to save face.

But the Deputy Commander of the Holy Temple Knights clearly wasn’t here to reason, only responded blandly: "Since the Holy Hall is involved, the Holy Temple must need a sinner of sufficient weight to account for."

"But that person is also sufficient weight." Duke Xifah, who had not spoken, suddenly replied.

"Hm?" William snorted discontentedly.

"The previous speech of the Highland Knights has already exposed the other’s identity. If I am not mistaken, the one beside the young man should be Char of the Pallosh family. So, the identity of the young man who has always been surreptitiously stirring the storm from the shadows is obvious, who else in the Kingdom has such influence, it’s only his descendant."

"Cadilos Darus."

When this name was mentioned, William’s expression immediately changed. He turned back, glaring coldly at Duke Xifah—as if he were a subordinate rather than a Duke of the same country.

Duke Xifah, at that moment, suddenly had the impression of being coldly stared at by Brand back then, feeling as if falling into an icy abyss.

"You best not joke, even if you don’t understand the seriousness of this matter, you should understand the Holy Temple’s bottom line."

"No, my Lord, we’re speaking the truth..." Marquis You Xi also felt the sudden chilling intent, stammeringly replied.

"No, it’s merely your speculation." The Old Knight Reid suddenly furrowed his brows, interrupting them: "As Duke Doronk said, you should understand the seriousness of this matter. Until you are one hundred percent sure, you mustn’t speak rashly!"

"Old Leader Reid, you of all people know! Beigening already stated before, holding the Lion Heart Sword is the descendant of the Earth Knight, that girl is Frey Everton. Back then, who took away the Earth Knight’s descendants, everyone knows clearly, since she’s appeared, why couldn’t he appear?"

"All clues point to the truth!" Marquis You Xi shouted hoarsely: "Mr. Reid, I understand your sentiments. You should know what choice is advantageous for the Kingdom!"

The Old Knight slightly paused, then could only sigh deeply and shake his head.

William’s expression fluctuated unpredictably; he stared at these individuals, finally nodded: "Very well, it better be true, I can’t decide this, but I will immediately inform the Holy Temple."

Having said that, he slightly closed his eyes. Moments later, he opened them again, those sky-blue eyes filled with killing intent. "Darus is already dead, but indeed left descendants, whether or not that is true, but better to wrongly kill a hundred than let one go."

This Deputy Commander of the Holy Temple Knights coldly glanced at a few people: "You best be accountable for your words and actions, you should be responsible for all the souls wrongfully dying here today, anyone who followed him must die without exception."

"The Holy Temple will never repeat the mistakes of the past, leading to today’s repeat of history. I will take action personally, but you had better keep your mouths shut."

Marquis You Xi and others found themselves cold and speechless for a moment. Only Knight Reid aged decades in an instant, turning into a frail old man, shaking his head and sighing deeply.

William turned back, questioned his subordinates from the Holy Temple Knights: "I need manpower, tell Wood Main Priest, whether there’s a trace of Mephisto found."

"My Lord," the Holy Temple Knight immediately replied: "There should be news, but can’t return for a while. This is Wood Main Priest’s original words."

"Old Slippery." William couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Yet, he raised his head, his gaze already firm and icy: "Where is the Princess now?"

"They have gone towards the direction of the Mar Highlands, my Lord."

"Attempting to enter the Anlek Mountain Range?"

"Not so easy—"

...

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Background notes:

(1) Doronk, located in the Northern Duke Domain of the Cruz Empire. Duke Doronk is also one of the powerful Dukes with succession rights to the throne within the Cruz Empire.

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PS: Finally managed to type it out before sleeping, still a 5K word large Chapter, didn’t break my word after all. So tired, going to sleep early, by the way, request for tickets.(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, your support, is my biggest motivation.)