Chapter 546

Chapter 546: Midsummer Excursion

—

The headquarters of the Sacred Lance Knights.

Odysseus sat at the head of the Knights’ Hall, with rows of armored knights standing below him. These individuals were mostly Sequence 7 beings, serving as captains of various thousand-man units within the order.

A knight draped in a white cloak entered the hall, briefly saluted, and began reporting recent developments.

“According to reports from each dispatched unit, the missing knights from those anomalous churches have mostly perished.”

He paused momentarily, allowing the news to sink in before continuing.

“The personnel in these anomalous churches have largely fallen into corruption, aligning themselves with an unknown organization. Our knights have already begun cleansing these corrupted members.”

“Do you have any leads on the upper echelons? This isn’t something a small organization could achieve,” Odysseus said, his voice steady as he rested his hand on his cheek.

“Not yet. These people seem fearless and reckless; after their deaths, all clues vanished,” the knight replied.

“Oh, what about the Tribunal? I heard they’ve made some significant gains recently,” Odysseus continued.

“We do not have permission to inquire about the Tribunal’s activities, but their personnel movements suggest they have indeed made progress,” the knight explained.

“I understand. You may leave now,” Odysseus said.

After the white-robed knight left, Odysseus slowly spoke up.

“With the Papal election approaching, there has been much unrest within the Holy Land, which is not a good sign. It seems they will escalate their actions.”

“As the Church’s most critical and resilient combat force, we must be more vigilant.”

Having addressed the necessary precautions, he discussed internal matters with the assembled knights before dispersing them.

Once everyone had left the hall, Odysseus stood up.

“Ferella, is there something you need?” he asked the lone knight remaining.

“Yes, sir. There is something I wish to discuss with you privately,” Ferella responded.

Odysseus studied the brown-haired knight for a moment before descending the steps. “Come with me.”

“Yes, sir.”

The two walked down the fortress corridor atop the mountain, nodding to the stationed knights along the way, eventually reaching a lookout post that was spacious and slightly secluded.

“What is it?” Odysseus asked casually. They had known each other for many years.

“There is.” Ferella placed his hand on the dark blue stone bricks, looking down at the sparse buildings below and around, then turned to ask, “Are you planning to run for Pope, Odysseus?”

“Planning to run, and planning to fail,” Odysseus replied, feeling the wind on his face, his thick beard trembling slightly.

“I still support you,” Ferella’s voice came from beside him.

“Interesting. Because I am the Grand Commander of the Knights?” Odysseus asked.

“Yes, but there are other reasons as well.”

“Tell me.”

“Sebiss is too pragmatic. Although he was good in his youth, he has changed over time. Byness is strong but lacks resilience; she can be too soft at times, making her hard to trust.”

“That makes sense. What about Charenton? He was a significant figure when I first joined the Church.”

“Charenton is impeccable in both character and ability, but he is nearly indifferent to change. If he becomes Pope, it would mean the Holy Land effectively has no Pope,” Ferella said, turning to face him.

“I see. You believe I have greater aspirations and a determination for change, but I sometimes adhere too strictly to my principles, making it difficult to act.”

“I am willing to rally behind you, hoping to share in your glory when you succeed.”

“Hahaha, I didn’t expect you to be so ambitious, Ferella,” Odysseus said, slapping the crenellations of the wall, causing a slight clink from his metal armor.

“But how can I trust you?” His tone suddenly turned serious, his deep blue eyes like ice, scrutinizing the man before him.

“You just need to wait. Good news will come within three days.”

Ferella extended his right arm, forming a fist and striking his left shoulder armor, creating a metallic sound.

—

The Ten Swords Palace, Inner Water Palace.

Clear mountain springs flowed from the top of the courtyard into a central pool, splashing up water droplets and producing pleasant sounds, while the heat of midsummer was significantly dispelled, leaving the interior cool.

An elderly man with a kind, plump face sat on a bench by the pool, while a young nun beside him fed him slices of fruit.

A guard in golden armor entered the courtyard and reported.

“Sir Sebiss, a bishop from the south wishes to meet you.”

“Oh, what’s his name?” Sebiss leaned back on the bench, his figure resembling a large winter melon.

“He’s called Pickpen, reportedly the bishop of Greenwater Port in Vergha,” the guard replied.

“It sounds familiar,” Sebiss mumbled, chewing on a crisp slice of melon.

“He’s a junior colleague of yours from when you were in Olive Palace. He went south as a priest over a decade ago and gradually rose to become a bishop,” one of the attendants explained.

“Oh, let him in. I have an idea why he’s here,” Sebiss said slowly, swallowing his food and sitting up slightly with the help of an attendant.

“Yes, Sir Sebiss,” the golden-armored guard stood and left the palace.

Soon after, a slender, goatee-bearded white-robed bishop entered the palace, followed by two young priests.

“Long time no see, Pickpen. It’s been tough on you these years,” Sebiss said, preparing to stand up to greet him, while the attendants helped him up.

“No need, Sir Sebiss. No need to be so hospitable,” Pickpen waved his hand, stepping forward to stop Sebiss’s actions, then they exchanged pleasantries.

They reminisced about their time in Olive Palace, as if it were their most precious memory.

As they recalled past touching moments, their eyes reddened, and a few genuine tears fell. Unconsciously, they sat together.

Sebiss gently patted Pickpen’s shoulder with his broad palm, sighing, “It’s so nostalgic. Back then, we were so young, with our own dreams.”

“Yeah,” Pickpen sighed deeply, continuing, “But over twenty years have passed, and now, with age, many things are beyond our reach.”

He paused for a moment before continuing.

“This visit is also because I feel my days are numbered. I want to see old friends and arrange my affairs. Come, child, let me introduce you,” he beckoned, calling over a young priest who had followed him in.

“This is Sir Sebiss, the High Priest of the Ten Swords Palace, a respected and trustworthy elder,” Pickpen introduced.

“Sir Sebiss, it’s an honor,” he nodded respectfully and introduced himself.

“This child is someone I adopted. I have high hopes for him,” Pickpen said.

Sebiss squinted slightly, sizing up the two, noticing a resemblance between them, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

“Good boy, good boy,” he said, reaching out to pat the young man’s head.

“Rest assured, I’ll remember this child. Rosa, go to my cabinet and bring that pendant. Let’s give it to an old friend as a gift,” he instructed.

“Yes, Sir Sebiss,” the nun quickly left for Sebiss’s bedroom, opening the bedside cabinet to reveal a mix of gold necklaces and pendants. She picked one, examined it, and placed it in a small box before bringing it out.

Seeing the nun return, Sebiss took the box, pressed a button, and the pendant inside emitted a gentle glow.

“This is something I made in my free time recently. It’s about silver quality, a small token of my heart. Take it,” he handed the pendant over.

“This, this…you don’t have to. It’s something you spent time on, how can you give it away so easily?” Pickpen protested several times, but the young priest took the pendant and put it on his chest.

“Perfect, perfect,” Sebiss chuckled, making the young priest feel deeply moved.

“Would you like to stay a bit longer? We’re about to have dinner,” Sebiss suggested.

“No, no. Even though you’re an old friend, I shouldn’t keep disturbing you, Sir Sebiss,” Pickpen stood up, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and left with the two young priests.

“Take care, old friend. If you ever need anything, come find me,” they hugged again before parting ways.

In Sebiss’s smiling gaze, the three slowly left the palace.

A moment later, Sebiss looked at the clear pool and asked, “Have they left?”

An attendant quickly stepped out and returned, whispering, “Sir, they’ve left.”

“Mmm,” Sebiss nodded, his expression slightly cold.

“Help me up. I need a bath, and tidy up this place,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” the attendants slowly supported the rotund bishop Sebiss toward the rear of the palace.

—

Since meeting Byness, Lolan Hill had garnered much attention lately. That day, her encounter with the Church’s giant was witnessed by many nuns.

Later, people found out that this seemingly young silver-haired nun had quite an extraordinary background. Not only was she a top student from Emanas, but she was also the class president, leading the academy to win the Battle Crown championship.

Everyone began discussing this girl.

“Has Lohil changed clothes?” Two young ladies waited outside the bedroom door.

“She’s almost done. Just a moment,” a light, melodious voice came from inside.

Lolan Hill looked at the clothes laid out on the bed, hesitating before choosing a black dress with white pleated patterns on the hem and cuffs.

This one was slightly more modest, she thought, taking off her nun’s robe and changing into the black dress.

Today was a gathering of classmates. They had taken leave and planned to tour the scenic spots on the holy mountain in the afternoon and evening.

Wearing her work attire would be inappropriate, so Lolan Hill was changing here.

The door creaked open, revealing Lolan Hill in a light green sandal, black dress, and twin tails.

“Woah.”

“How beautiful, Lohil,”

Jellica gave a thumbs-up, and they left the small courtyard, heading towards the mountain path.

Jellica wore long pants and a shirt, her golden hair tied in a ponytail, while Boley wore a summer dress with pink and white stripes. The three girls walked along the path, chatting.

“Let’s start at the Elephant Palace. Hesin and the other boys will be waiting for us there. The architecture and statues there are impressive. After that, we’ll go to the Anthem Palace to listen to the choir sing, then watch the sunset, and finally head to the Saint Flame Palace. There are several restaurants there, open to tourists and church members alike, with a variety of flavors.”

Jellica outlined their plan, and they quickened their pace.

Half an hour later, Elephant Palace.

White marble sculptures of exquisite human figures were displayed in flower beds near the roadside, for the enjoyment of passing travelers and church members. The group ascended the stone stairs.

After turning several corners, a spacious platform gradually came into view. As they approached, they heard familiar voices, those of students from Emanas.

“It’s so hot. Why aren’t those girls here yet?”

The sun shone on the white square, and the surrounding trees echoed with continuous cicada calls.

“They should be coming soon. Jellica and Lohil are usually punctual,” someone said.

While they talked, the three girls finally appeared at the edge of the square.

“Phew, I’m here, guys!” Jellica waved and jumped.

“Hey, finally,” the four approached, having not seen them for months, they were a bit tanned.

“Want some water?” Hesin led the way, still in his wide white priest robe, as if he had just finished work.

“A little, we still have to play,” Jellica agreed, and they headed to the shade under a tree.

Opening a large stone-pressed well, Hesin pulled up a wooden bucket filled with glass bottles.

“Is that really just water?” Boley asked curiously.

“Of course. Just water, but it’s much cooler,” Hesin handed out a few bottles and retrieved some cups.

So the seven of them, like drinking, sat under the shade, sipping.

They chatted about recent events, some complaining, some grumbling, others teasing each other, laughing and joking.

“There are so many rules and regulations to memorize in the Ten Swords Palace,” Crow leaned against a tree, one foot propped up on the bark, saying slowly.

“Sigh, you just have to memorize. We’ve had a lot more training lately,” Jellica put down her cup, sat on a stone chair, stretched her legs, then yawned lazily.

“My body’s sore after sleeping lately.”

“Maybe I can massage you,” Boley offered eagerly.

“Great, thank you, Boley,”

“Me too,” the boys chimed in.

“Never mind,” Jellica waved her finger, dispelling their fantasies.

Lolan Hill drank some water, put down her cup, and sat under a tree, slightly dazed, enjoying the rare tranquility of the past few months.

(End of Chapter)