Chapter 131: Windy Tower (Part 1)
As evening descended, bonfires flickered to life across the city. The flames danced, illuminating the gray sky, while the sounds of stringed harps and operatic melodies floated through the air, the moonlight gradually enveloping everything in a magical ambiance.
Days had passed since the Day of the Divine Birth, yet the streets of the royal city remained vibrant and bustling. The sound of music blended with the flowing firelight, amplifying the lively atmosphere before night fully settled in. Underneath the glow of lanterns, graceful figures twirled on stage, accompanied by the most beautiful poetry, their lyrics echoing like sweet music in the air.
“The bagpipes echo, wandering in the deep valley… if you must leave, I will wait… but upon your return, whether in the summer’s green fields or atop snow-capped mountains, in sunlight or shadow, I will be there…”
It was sung by Pope Knight Silvya, expressing deep feelings shared with Queen Elizabeth.
This year, in stark contrast to the joyous revelry of the citizens in the royal city, the northern parish was in turmoil. The Knowledge Association had completely collapsed, the Currency Exchange was back under the control of the Ethanbel royal family, and the second phase of “de-churchification” had officially commenced. The palace was on high alert as it prepared for an anti-church propaganda campaign. The main concern was guarding against a surprise attack from the Fifth Knights Order, which had been stationed in the southern regions of Ethanbel for years.
“In a contract signed a fortnight ago in West Dhihasal Castle for the procurement and smelting of iron from the Valen Empire, the subsequent advancement will be overseen by the royal palace’s Minister of Finance. We estimate that by the end of the month, the first batch of steel swords, hooked polearms, and modified church-style plate armor will be delivered to the royal city…”
At a wooden table in the king’s office, an Elder was reporting to Queen Elizabeth. The flickering firelight cast shadows that danced across the room, and the joyous sounds from outside wafted in through the windows.
“Regarding the reformation of the German Knight Order, negotiations have been completed with the Reikmon family. The council has agreed to let Little Reikmon step out of the picture and has suggested Old Henry from the northern light cavalry family be the interim leader; currently, he has gained support from half of the members…”
“From the Empire, Emperor Skarlij has sent a letter congratulating us on last year’s victory and has proposed a joint military training of elite forces from both countries at the northwest border early next month…”
“…”
As he reached the last point, the Elder’s voice briefly faltered.
“Bad news has arrived from the south. The Church’s Second and Sixth Knights Orders, stationed at the southern boundary of Silgaya, have launched a meticulously planned food raid on the entire eastern region of Silgaya, towns and villages included, due to a series of reasons, including food shortages.”
“This has prompted a united counteroffensive from multiple cities in the south. Nearly ten thousand coalition troops met the main force of the Second Knights Order in the Pevensky Canyon. Two days later, the coalition army suffered defeat, with casualties reportedly exceeding half, and the civilian toll remains unquantified. Currently, the Emerald City is maintaining silence on this matter.”
“It is said that the Second Knights Order has now joined forces with the Sixth Knights Order in Port City Onstan. Commander Kolarons and Commander Rodris met publicly, and there’s a possibility they might ship east…”
That night, it was rumored that Queen Elizabeth, upon hearing this news, remained silent for a long while and said but one word.
“Prepare.”
…………”
Almost at the same time, to ensure the smooth signing of several agreements between the two countries, the young princess, who had almost run the vast royal city ragged over the past fortnight, received messages and letters from all sides.
News about the progress of the central workshop’s black powder development, the Second and Sixth Knights Orders breaking away from church control, and recent actions by St. George in the Holy City.
“Old George is planning to seek peace.”
By nightfall, after returning to Vilo Garden, Her Majesty the Queen went to her room to discuss it with the young princess.
“Thanks to Tarlasya’s assurance, the Sword Demon has now infiltrated their ranks. Goat Cheese returned to the royal city today, and the latest update is that St. George’s intentions to negotiate peace are becoming increasingly clear. He advocates for reconciliation with the Temple Church to eliminate the church’s extremists, namely Pope Angel and his loyalists, two old cardinals, and Romani Doctor.”
“It’s too late.”
Victoria changed into a thin silk nightgown that revealed her delicate shoulders and legs. She had just come out of the bathroom, her hair still slightly damp, not bothering to have a maid help her. She sat on the bed, letting the princess attend to her.
“However, if that’s the case, it might not be such a bad thing.”
With her eyes closed, the queen remarked, “If St. George can unify the Temple Church’s voice, we can reestablish contact with the Holy City. The pope’s downfall would place all blame squarely on him, allowing the two empires to bury the hatchet and unite against the possible impending disaster—that would be the ideal scenario. But the preconditions are numerous, and the variables are endless.”
She paused, then countered the young woman’s thoughts, “What do you think?”
“I don’t think it looks good.”
The young princess shook her head gently, her lovely face taking on a serious demeanor. “The resistance is too great. Right now, the only one looking to negotiate peace is St. George, and that includes the Williams Family and the Pope Knight, who is second only to the pope. None of them want to see this situation unfold.”
“The Williams Family has enemies everywhere in the Holy City. Half the members of the Temple Council have connections to the heretic wars, the downfall of the Third Knights Order, and the collapse of the Williams. This includes the Faith Organization, especially the First Knights Order’s Commander Seattle and the Rossius family.”
“Many of these people, whether directly or indirectly, caused the deaths of the finest members of their families. How many sons and parents perished in the subsequent purges? This bl**d feud cannot just be swept under the rug with a simple reconciliation. If we are to communicate with the Temple Church, these matters must be set aside, perhaps even forgiven for good.”
“They have already surrounded the Holy City, losing the protection of the First Knights Order. Moreover, there has been infighting in the Holy City. If they gain the means to break into the city, what everyone hopes for is to storm in and take their revenge on their enemies one by one…”
“They probably don’t realize the consequences of such actions! Some even hope for the entire First Knights Order to d*e at the Holy Wall, and we can deal with the aftermath later. We still haven’t heard anything from the Holy Wall; we don’t know the extent of the situation, which might indicate someone is working behind the scenes.”
“And then there are the claws of the Underground Prison; they value profit, adapting to the wind, with their current stance ambiguous. As for the one who stands second only to the pope, based on Tarlasya’s feelings, he seems inclined to charge into the Holy City too. That’s why he came to me—he’s afraid his teacher will go haywire, and if that happens, there’s nothing he can do to stop it.”
While the young princess combed Queen Elizabeth’s hair, she chatted animatedly, her words flowing swiftly and clearly, making it evident she had given this matter considerable thought during this time.
Listening to her, the queen wore an inscrutable expression, a blend of laughter and concern, though subtle and difficult to decipher.
After the princess finished speaking, the queen chose not to continue the discussion. Instead, after a moment of silence, she seemed to recall something suddenly. “Oh right, did you know Carlos has recently arrived in the Holy City?”
She turned her head to observe the young girl’s reaction.
…………”
Outside the Holy City, in a desolate village.
Inside a dilapidated thatched hut, St. George, disguised as a peasant, sat in a filthy armchair. He looked at Beiyard, who was standing before him, feigning calmness while refusing to meet his gaze. With an expression of neither anger nor frustration, he asked, “Tell me, where are the members of the Saintess Class?”
“And who suppressed the news they held?”
