Chapter 801

Chapter 47 Victoria’s Actions (Part 2)

[When I thought about these things, I was shocked to the core. The human heart, at times, can truly be the source of all evil. Power, greed, and malice ultimately bring the most terrifying disasters and risks to innocent commoners, leading them to their deaths and exposing their bones in desolate wilds. As for people like you and me, we are merely small pawns deeply entangled in this chaotic situation.]

[I later read Teresa’s autobiography. Although I only read a bit of it, one sentence left a deep impression on me. She said that all the suffering in this world is merely caused by the human heart, nothing more. Setting aside her actions and experiences, just considering this sentence alone, I now somewhat agree with her.]

[The partial information that Queen Elizabeth could tell me is related to what she needs me to do next. Even so, it was enough for me to understand many things. Her willingness to share with me and Salman the dirty secrets behind the church, and her candid discussion about establishing contact with Cardinal St. George, already shows that she considers us as her most trusted confidants.]

[After all, compared to before, she has changed significantly.]

[Without the obstruction of the Lex family and the past pressure from the Empress Dowager, Queen Elizabeth’s path in governing the kingdom has become smoother. She began to fully exert herself, and those who previously avoided the royal family due to lack of confidence in them gradually recognized the capabilities and strong personality of this young queen, not yet twenty-five years old.]

[Gradually, various talents began to vie for recognition in front of her. Now, a large number of capable individuals have gathered around her. Almost everything in Ethenbel is decided by her. She is no longer that isolated monarch who was restricted in every move, nor does she only have Salman and me as her loyal followers. Sometimes, looking back, I feel quite感慨. Many things are now hard to judge whether they are good or bad.]

[However, the two people she trusts the most will always be us.]

[What she mentioned as uncertain, whether right or wrong, is that Queen Elizabeth has decided to ally with Cardinal St. George. Although she didn’t explicitly explain it to us, both Salman and I are not fools; we can see that she wants to do something significant with that old man. Perhaps it will be earth-shattering, and these matters will inevitably involve you.]

[I don’t know what those two intend to do, but you understand, right? Regardless, it means that in the near future, they might become enemies with the entire church, including the current young but deeply cunning Pope. If things go badly, it could drag the whole of Ethenbel into the water.]

[Of course, I won’t oppose any of her decisions. I will always stand by her side. As long as she is the queen of Ethenbel, I, the Sword of Canri, will follow her to the death. I’m telling you this so you understand a point. Both Salman and I know that the reason she made such a decision, which may be harmful to the kingdom, is because of you.]

[That night, she instructed me and Salman and ordered me to take people to Xergaya to investigate everything related to you. But rest assured, the words I told you just now are known only to Queen Elizabeth, me, and Salman. Even the people I brought from the Sword of Canri are unaware of our specific mission here. They just need to follow my orders.]

[But perhaps soon, they will guess the dirty truths behind the church. We have actually already uncovered the truth.]

I have learned quite a few things, and this is what I wanted to tell you. The arrival of the Caneen Sword here is the second matter that needs clarification, and I believe it is also related to you.

In March, when I brought Nuo Ren to Woodward Forest, I saw you and the heretics, as well as the so-called sealed fearsome demon—the source of the heretical power. I don’t know what it was, but I saw the traces left by that great battle; almost the entire forest was burned down, and even the soil was completely destroyed. From high up, there was no end in sight; it was all cooled-down black lava rocks resembling large earthworms.

That must have been a grueling battle. You made remarkable actions and paid a heavy price for it. But that price exceeded your expectations, as well as those of Her Majesty the Queen. I believe this is why you went missing for nearly two years, leading everyone outside to think you were dead, right?

If you don’t want to tell me, then I will investigate on my own. I roughly understand your current situation; you can no longer show yourself openly, especially not in front of the clergy. What did you find out? Hmph, there’s no need to explain to me. Just go and explain clearly to Her Majesty when you feel it’s appropriate.

Now, I only tell you what I’ve found out; the rest is up to you to judge.

Woodward Forest has long been extensively sealed off by the Church, and the surrounding villages have been relocated. Didn’t you mention having relatives there? There’s no one left now.

After some inquiries, I learned that nearby villagers have all been concentrated in a town called Ta’an. The town isn’t far from Emerald City, but it’s not close either, taking three to five days to travel. The Church’s clergy manage it, so it should be relatively safe, I suppose.

When we tried to venture deeper into the scorched area, we found it impassable. The burnt forest was heavily guarded; the watchtowers built during the war are still in use. There are many clergy members whose roles are unclear, making it difficult for us to sneak in. We couldn’t risk exposing our identities, so we pretended to be travelers, gathering information around the area. To avoid suspicion, we didn’t stay too long and left the next day. However, we managed to learn something.

That lava-damaged area has now become a forbidden zone where civilians are prohibited from entering. They claim it’s for safety reasons, worried that residual demonic power might leak and cause serious consequences for ordinary people. We disguised ourselves as travelers who had heard about the heroes and came to pay respects. There were many like us, so we didn’t attract suspicion, but we could only offer flowers and prayers at the designated locations.

The Second Knight Order is stationed there, with their leader apparently present as well. There are also many monks and nuns. After chatting with some people, I learned that several well-known archbishops, such as Anseil and Hughes, have been staying in the deep forest for nearly a year. Saint Margaret was reportedly there before, but she seemed to have left early in the year. Additionally, Cardinal Michel was seen there.

How much time has passed since the battle against the heretics and the appearance of the so-called demon? Why are these people still frequently appearing in such places? I believe it has a significant connection to your battle back then.

I can feel that the Church urgently wants to seek something from there or clarify something. I have considered many possibilities, and the most likely one is what the rumors suggest—that someone wants to obtain divine power. That thing is not really a demon, is it? As a witness to the event, you should know more clearly than I do.

Although I only stayed there for a day, there is one thing I am certain of, and it might be what Her Majesty wants me to thoroughly investigate for her.