Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1307: A Suggestion For Proof, Driven To A Forced Hand!

“Holy Saintess, there is no need to listen to their nonsense any longer! Just give me the order and I will have them confess their sins before the brightest light!” The man who stood next to the Holy Saintess said with a heavy aura.

“You..! So, the Radiant Order finally reveals its true colors! When things don’t go your way, you want to use force to solve matters! What would others think of your hypocrisy?!” Rakuno stated mockingly.

“Sir Ravi, I believe I already made my decision regarding this matter. Or, is it that you do not have faith in the brightest light, whose will is a part of me?” Lucilla said in a gentle tone; however, there was a weight of clear authority behind it.

Ravi kneeled on one knee, lowered his head and placed his right hand across his chest.

“I dare not judge the will of the brightest light. I beg your forgiveness, Holy Saintess.” Ravi said respectfully.

“Rise, Sir Ravi. It is not my place to forgive you. But, seeing your devotion and willingness to admit your faults, I am certain that the brightest light remains shined upon you.” Lucilla said gracefully.

Ravi stood to his feet and resumed his place at Lucilla’s side. When Rakuno saw this, he seemed displeased; however, he quickly hid his expression.

“I have no intention of using force to resolve this situation. However, as a Holy Saintess, it is my duty to ensure that those who walk the path of faith are not led astray. For that reason, I must insist that you and your companions cooperate so that we can find the truth together. Our journeys may vary, but you are also ones follow the brightest light. As such, is it not also your duty to ensure that this does not come to harm those who are innocent?” Lucilla stated calmly.

“Based on their reactions when I first arrived and the way the isolated space that hid that creature of darkness had been set up, they are undoubtedly connected. Unfortunately, I lack solid proof to order their capture. The relationship between the Radiant Order and Undying Desolate Valley has always been one of discomfort. The destination is the same. It is a pity that the paths we walk are too different. Starting a conflict with a Light Keeper—I am afraid that the other Saints and Saintess’ will accuse me of stirring up trouble. The Archbishops that support them will also use it as an excuse to suppress me. I will not allow the Radiant Order to succumb to its own darkness.” Lucilla thought to herself.

“You speak of duty, but what exactly is it that the Holy Saintess would have us do? Surely, you do not expect us to confess to a sin that we have not committed? Ultimately, we have no proof of our innocent and you have no proof of our guilt. Instead of wasting each other’s time chasing phantoms, why not ends things here? Or, is it that the Holy Saintess is determined to antagonize the Undying Desolate Valley?” Rakuno said as he waved his hand dismissively.

As Izroth silently observed both sides and maintained his role as an impartial witness, he could not help but to notice the agitation and anxiousness of the group from the Undying Desolate Valley. The leader of their group, Rakuno, was able to hide it quite well. However, the other two could not dismiss their nerves so easily.

‘I don’t have any particularly good feelings toward the kingdom of O’Tohelm. But, a narrow mind only limits one’s outlook and opportunities. Still, her presence here is strange. It’s true that the War Intelligence Division has suffered some internal issues lately, but they should be aware of the Holy Saintess’ presence here in Danaharpe. The fact that a Holy Saintess dares to reveal her identity so openly—I’m not sure whether it’s naivety or intentional.’

Not much time had passed since O’Tohelm forces attacked and occupied Terraharpe, an outpost city that belonged to Amaharpe. Their intentions were still unclear; however, since Terraharpe was not an important city strategically wise and Amaharpe did not want to risk pushing O’Tohelm into the arms of Tempest, their response had been relatively light-handed.

Of course, the War Bridge forces currently stationed in Danaharpe would soon be headed toward Terraharpe to retake the city. Though the only reason they did not depart with haste was so that Amaharpe had more time to discover the meaning behind O’Tohelm’s actions.

‘If it’s a Holy Saintess of the Radiant Order, there’s a good chance that she knows why O’Tohelm chose to occupy Terraharpe at the risk of starting a war with Amaharpe. Lending her a hand here could prove useful.’

“If it’s simply a matter of proof, perhaps I can offer a suggestion.” Izroth spoke up.

“This is no place for an observer to step in! It is between the Undying Desolate Valley and the Holy Saintess—unless you want to drag your Fourth Pavilion into this!” Rakuno scowled.

“Seeing as how you have come to an impasse, as an impartial party, it is precisely the moment that I should step in. That is, unless the Undying Desolate Valley is afraid of the truth.” Izroth stated in a meaningful tone.

Lucilla glanced over at Izroth. She had a rough idea of why he chose to step forward. Furthermore, it was true that they would end up going in circles at this rate. As such, Lucilla decided to go along with Izroth for now.

“I agree with the Supreme Elder’s wisdom. If it turns out that you are innocent, I will offer a fair amount of compensation for wasting your time. Why not hear what the Supreme Elder has to say?” Lucilla chimed in.

Rakuno clenched his fists behind his back.

“Very well..! Let’s hear the Supreme Elder’s suggestion!” Rakuno said as he grit his teeth.

“I have a trustworthy acquaintance who possesses an ability that allows them to see what’s hidden and connect missing pieces as one. Their identity might trouble the Holy Saintess, but if there are no issues, I can contact General Solomon of the War Brigade’s 1st Legion.” Izroth suggested.

The moment he made this suggestion, Izroth secretly focused on the reaction from both sides.

‘General Solomon is someone who has contracts with two daughters of the Queen of Spirits. He is also one of the most likely candidates to become the next High General of the War Brigade and a future Warlord. His name and reputation is one that is well known throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Being in the spotlight, naturally, his abilities are also difficult to hide.’

General Solomon had an ability known as Absolute Symmetry. As long as Rakuno knew of its existence, there was no way he would allow General Solomon anywhere near him. As for Lucilla, if she rejected Izroth’s suggestion, it would mean that the Holy Saintess did not wanted to remain hidden from the eyes of the War Brigade. This would help bring a bit of clarity to O’Tohelm’s overall stance.

“So, the Supreme Elder is acquainted with General Solomon. The General has quite the reputation. He is someone who is known for being merciless to his enemies, yet always upright when it comes to matters involving the lives of innocent civilians. Such a trustworthy person—it must be the will of the brightest light that has connected his path to ours on this day.” Lucilla said with a warm smile as she clasped her hands.

‘Hm?’

Izroth narrowed his eyes as he noticed a strange shift in the mana within the atmosphere.

Woosh!

All of a sudden, the entire room filled with black smoke as pulses of a dark purple energy spread throughout the private room.

“Light Keeper Rakuno, what is the meaning of this?” Lucilla asked as her eyes emitted a faint golden glow of divine power.

At the same time, Ravi created a protective barrier that expelled the black smoke from the immediate area around himself and Lucilla.

“I gave you a chance to leave with your lives! This is a fate you brought upon yourselves!” Rakuno’s voice sounded throughout the black smoke.

“All it took was a few words and you’re finally willing to show your real face. How disappointing.” Izroth said calmly.

“Silence! Supreme Elder or not—you should not have stuck your nose where it did not belong! Now, you must share your fate with the false light that dares call itself a Saintess!” Rakuno’s voice echoed angrily.