Our Family Has Fallen

Compared to the chaos outside, even after nightfall, the security environment under Lance’s rule in Hamlet remains excellent.

It’s not exactly where doors are left unlocked at night or things left on the road go unclaimed, but at least there are no sudden barbarian night raids, and no thieves or robbers dare to show up.

This is all thanks to the vigilant sentries and the sheriffs who patrol tirelessly all night long.

Of course, the most important person is the one who dispelled the ignorance of the night.

From then on, to the people of Hamlet, the coming of night no longer meant chaos and fear but merely the transition from daytime work to an evening of leisure and rest.

And the change was all due to the arrival of Lord Lance, whose order has become deeply ingrained in people’s hearts.

And today, our Lord especially waited until after dark to meet someone, that was the long-silent Junia, the nun favored by the Holy Light.

Junia herself was someone exiled by the Church, handed over to Lance and easily kept, even fooled by the damaged [Saint’s Torch] Tamara had collected, and usually just prayed in her room without causing trouble for Lance.

Junia and mercenaries like Geralt and Tadiff aren’t supported by Lance in their lifestyle, unless recruited for a mission, their movements aren’t particularly restricted.

However, they’ve made quite a bit of money in Lance’s hands, so Junia no longer lives in the embarrassment she once knew, and even rented a standalone house.

However, it’s not like others who live near the center square but rather on the outskirts.

Because she is accustomed to spending most of her day in prayer and engaging in occasional rituals, she needs solitude to avoid disturbing others, even lodging houses won’t accept her for long stays.

In truth, this stems from the encroachment of divine power on his lordly authority, as Lance enlightens the populace and suppresses religion, even altering the church, with Junia somewhat implicated.

Nonetheless, residing here, nobody interferes with her praying, which could be seen as convenient.

”How is everything? Have you been facing any issues in life recently?” Lance’s gaze fell amusingly on the Iron Torch in her hand.

Because he noticed that its spiritual glow seemed richer than last time.

Is this truly the power of faith? Or simply the nurturing of spiritual essence restoring it?

”No, I’m doing well here.”

Junia had almost no demand for material things, barely living on a loaf of bread and a cup of water each day.

What truly mattered to her was spiritual fulfillment, which Hamlet was able to provide.

Firstly, the existence of the evil cult provided her a clear enemy, and secondly, someday the Saint’s Torch would be restored.

One must admit she is genuinely devoted, even though Lance dislikes the oppressive nature of religion, he respects her bold commitment.

”Blow out the Candle, I’ve got something amusing to show you.” Lance approached her mysteriously, somewhat peculiarly.

Though puzzled, Junia blew out the Candle, displaying significant trust in Lance.

The next moment, a ball of fire illuminated the room that just turned dark, and Junia noticed that the torch in Lance’s hand was quite an unusual item.

”This isn’t something from the Church.”

By the firelight, Junia immediately recognized the item as not being from the Church.

”Of course, I acquired this from a Transcendent. This isn’t an ordinary torch; if you channel your strength into it, it will light up automatically without needing kindling…”

Lance introduced it while handing the torch to Junia, ”Of course, it extinguishes when you stop.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the flame on the torch slowly faded, plunging the room back into darkness.

It wasn’t until under Lance’s guidance that Junia managed to ignite the torch on her own, leaving the nun with devout faith in the Holy Flame staring blankly at the flame, lost in thought.

Lance contemplated deeply as well, verifying something by visiting Junia, which was now confirmed.

As before, he had successfully tested it with other Transcendents.

This implied that the item was not as restrictive on users as others, making it a universal Superordinary Item, accessible to anyone who knew how to handle it.

Thus, the manipulation of fire, or so-called Divine Arts, wasn’t exclusive to the Church.

”Is my Lord telling me that the Holy Flame is but one form of Supernatural Power?”

Junia’s simple statement brought Lance’s attention back.

”My research into Supernatural Power is just beginning. Unlocking its secrets to benefit humanity is a long-term undertaking.

However, things like light and fire are ubiquitous. Despite the Church’s oppression, there are still Transcendents capable of controlling flame.

How is it that he who is more skillful in fire than your Priests becomes a heretic? While those who merely burn wood are Bishops?

For years, you sisters have guarded that altar and Holy Flame, yet a single verdict negated half a lifetime’s work, executed your fellow sisters, and exiled you. By what right?”

Lance didn’t intend to directly attack her faith, merely presenting the facts.

Neither fire nor Holy Light was ever the Church’s exclusive property; a group exploiting nature for personal gain isn’t faith but rather business.