Chapter 277

Chapter 64 The Situation

What…

I purse my lips.

I roughly understand what Margaret is hinting at. It must be that the cardinal has objections to Angel’s actions and is dissatisfied or skeptical about my existence. He might think I am a monster, but should I just—

“Then I, wait?”

Should I do nothing because of this?

Margaret sensed the emotion in my words. She slightly lowered her head to ponder for a moment before showing me a serene smile.

“Miss Silvija, I understand your thoughts, and I know you’re probably anxious because of that small village in Silgaya… If I were to say something unpleasant, I feel relieved seeing you now… If that makes you uncomfortable, I apologize. But I don’t want to hide my feelings; I genuinely feel relieved, which proves you are not the monster people say.”

“Miss Silvija, you are different. But precisely because of your difference, I don’t want those who might try to erase this difference to meet you, at least not now.”

I furrowed my brows slightly.

Margaret used the word ‘those’… It seems there are more than one or two people in the Church who consider me a monster, and she seems to think I will be influenced by them?

“I won’t.” I looked at her seriously.

“It’s not about that.” Margaret shook her head gently. “Even if you went back, you couldn’t do anything now, and it would be meaningless. I hope you can meet with His Eminence at the most critical moment, avoiding premature contact and excessive communication, proving that you are not what he thinks… okay? Listen to me, it’s not bad for you.”

Not bad?

Her words made some sense; they did sound like she was considering my welfare.

It seems I got a bit impatient…

After a moment of thought, I nodded. “Alright.”

Margaret smiled slightly.

The carriage rattled over the gravel, turning a corner, causing slight jolts inside.

After a brief silence, I asked her again, “Have you found that blood bead?”

“Unfortunately, no leads yet.” Margaret replied softly, “The Church has posted a reward notice, and it will also be published in the next issue of the Gazette. Based on our previous deductions, the other party is likely trying to meet with the heretics crossing the Ipos Sea. I have already reported the intelligence to His Holiness, and the checkpoints leading from Ethsembel to Silgaya will be strictly inspected. However, it’s possible someone might help him…”

I tilted my head in thought.

If someone helps him, it would probably be the Duke’s family… or even internal betrayal within the Church. After all, there’s the precedent of Teresa… Margaret can certainly think of these scenarios, and I can’t help much; I’ll just wait for news.

Rather than these things, I’m more concerned about—

“Is there any new news from Silgaya?”

I’m more concerned about this. If those insane heretics come, and if they successfully reach Woodworth Forest, then that small village… would Claire and the others still be safe?

Every time I think about this, a faint worry gnaws at my heart, unwilling to dissipate.

“According to the latest report, the third legion of the Church Knights has set out for the coast of Silgaya, where they will join forces with the sixth legion stationed there to confront the enemy. In addition, this interception operation will involve many excellent bishops, priests, monks, and nuns, as well as two Papal Knights. The main person in charge is the commander of the third legion, Nick Williams. You should be familiar with him; he is an excellent commander and will not let the heretics land… Does this make you feel more secure?”

I pouted.

Nick Williams?

Isn’t he the one who hit me along with Carlos and the old man in robes… He almost froze me solid, so this isn’t very convincing…

But with two Papal Knights involved and the combined forces of two legions… hearing this does calm the knot in my heart considerably.

“Oh…”

“Serving demons and harming the populace, the Gate of Truth is extremely evil. They dare to act so openly, the Holy Church will surely give them the harshest punishment.”

“Mm.”

After a while, the carriage came to a slow stop. I jumped out eagerly and bought ten chicken legs from the stall Margaret mentioned. On my way back, I remembered another matter.

“Margaret.”

“Hmm?”

“Did you see any soldiers outside the city? The iron-armored guards.”

Margaret shook her head. “No. Why?”

It seems she doesn’t know yet…

So, I told her what happened in the palace last night. Margaret frowned after listening, remaining silent for a long time.

“Will the Church intervene?” I couldn’t help asking her.

“Hmm…” She pondered for a moment. “This is a bit complicated. I don’t know how much you understand about human society’s rules… According to what you said, if one side truly committed war crimes, the Church should not turn a blind eye. But given the current situation, those iron-armored guards are only stationed far outside the city… They are originally the kingdom’s soldiers, and they have clear reasons for killing the Rose family. Although regrettable, as a fair and holy church, we

It’s not biased. The Church’s principle of protection only applies to civilians and does not interfere with internal affairs… I hope you can understand that if the Iron Guard does not take further action, this actually cannot constitute any crime.”

Uh…

What is this?

I feel a little unhappy.

But I also understand that Margaret isn’t speaking lightly because she doesn’t want to stir things up.

I don’t know how war crimes are judged in this world. But given the current status of the Church… I suppose for them, as long as their own interests are not harmed, it doesn’t matter who becomes king of a country. In such a world full of conflicts, just like when we killed Edward in the Valen Empire, similar incidents probably happen every day. The power structure is not as stable as in my previous life, and the Church lacks the manpower and energy to handle many conflicts among royal families or nobles. They have more important matters to deal with, like the Abyss, like heretics.

It seems we can’t rely too much on the Church for Victoria’s situation… But Margaret, just speak your mind, why do you keep looking at my chicken leg?

When her gaze inadvertently swept over again, I hugged the paper bag containing the chicken leg tighter.

Not even helping, yet wanting to eat… No way!

Margaret immediately looked away and continued, “At this stage, all we can do is mediate conflicts and prevent war. Miss Silvera, I understand your concern for Her Majesty. Just don’t think too much about it. Actually, we are already assisting her. If the Church didn’t help with the treasury, it would be far more difficult for Her Majesty to implement her plans. Furthermore, the Clive family has been listed as suspects for colluding with heretics. On this point, the Church will certainly assist fully. She may have many things she hasn’t told you, but you know her, you know she can handle it well.”

“Um…” I nodded.

Indeed. Victoria gives me the impression of being omnipotent, as if everything can be resolved once it comes to her hands… But I just want to fight for her a bit more…

“As for that old duke, I’ll find time to meet him in the next few days.”

“Good.”

I smiled.

But even so, you won’t get a single chicken leg from me.

…………

The carriage soon arrived at the mansion gate. I stood up, holding my clothes and chicken leg, and suddenly remembered something before getting out of the carriage.

“Oh, Margaret. A few days ago, a man was drunk and wanted to…”

How does this sound so hard to say…

Strange, did I blush?

“I injured him, but it wasn’t intentional… I was scared… I sent him to the church… to see if he was okay.”

That man was disgusting. Although he was disgusting, he was drunk and encouraged by his friends, which led to his actions. That night, I wasn’t in good condition. If he had… died, I might not have slept well.

I don’t want him dead, and I certainly don’t want the Church to deduce that I might lose control, so I must explain clearly.

“I understand,” Margaret said softly.

After saying it, I felt much better and jumped down from the carriage. The luxurious carriage sped away, and after standing there watching for a while, I turned around to head home when I saw a small figure squatting at the iron gate.

She hugged her knees, curled up in the shadow of the corner, seemingly looking up at me, hesitantly standing up and taking two steps toward this side—sunlight shining on her round and adorable face.

“Aly!” I exclaimed in surprise.

“It’s me, Peyelo sister.”

The little girl’s face lit up, her braids bouncing as she ran over happily, her hands behind her back, somewhat shyly saying, “I’m here…”

It really is Aly… When did she come? Her nose and forehead were sweaty; she must have waited for a long time…

“I’m sorry. I went out, and there were no servants at home…”

The little girl gave me a sweet smile.

“It’s fine, sister. I just got here myself.” She hopped back to the iron gate, her little hands gripping the bars as she curiously peered inside, her lively eyes sparkling, “Sister, is this really your house?”

“Yes.”

I stepped forward and gently pushed open the iron gate, “Come in quickly, let’s go inside. It’s hot outside.”

“Oh… Sister, let me carry your stuff.”

“No need.”

“It’s fine, give it to me!”

Aly snatched the clothes from my hand and slipped through the gate like a little rabbit, and I followed closely behind her.

“How big! How beautiful…”

“I’ve never been to such a beautiful big house with a fountain…”

“These flowers are so beautiful. Did you take care of them, sister?”

“Oh, not me…”

As we walked through the courtyard onto the lawn, Aly was as excited as a little girl finding her favorite toy, chattering non-stop along the way.

“When I came earlier, I couldn’t believe you lived here. I was afraid I made a mistake and didn’t dare to knock. If I made a mistake, I’d be beaten out. Hehe, I don’t want to be hit.”

“If anyone hits you, I’ll go hit him.”

Walking through the courtyard with Aly, we reached the entrance to the inner residence. She suddenly noticed the muddy shoes thrown at the door last night, and her delicate eyebrows furrowed.