The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 332 In the Name of Saint Sith

In the banquet hall of the Valencia family estate, the air is filled not only with the aroma of perfume and fine wine, but also with an indescribable anxiety and expectation.

Under the gilded lights, the guests, dressed elegantly, gathered in groups of three or five. They chatted and laughed quietly, but their eyes were involuntarily focused on the entrance of the banquet hall.

Or to be more precise -

The same figure is reflected in each pair of pupils.

"...I didn't expect the Regent to come out to greet him personally!"

In the corner, an elderly baron could not hide the surprise in his voice. Although his voice was very soft, it still floated clearly into the ears of many people around him.

A noble nearby chuckled softly.

"What's so strange about this? In comparison, I'm more surprised that the Duke of Valencia also came downstairs."

"Forget about the Regent King, but the Marshal is here too... and Army Commander Julian!" another noble whispered, his face showing even more obvious surprise. "This is not like his style."

"I'm even more surprised that he actually received an invitation..." The gentleman with his arms folded narrowed his eyes slightly, with a hint of mockery on the corners of his mouth, "Since when did even those guys without titles get to enter the Valencia family's manor?"

The Aberg family had a title, but Legion Commander Julian was obviously just a commoner with an honorary title... at least that was the case in the eyes of the old nobles.

"Don't just focus on the army and the Senate," a baron not far away said with sparkling eyes, "Saint Sith, I actually saw the president of the Adventurer's Guild here! From what I remember, that guy doesn't like to appear at the nobles' banquets."

The companion next to him glanced at him and said with a smile.

"What's so strange about this? It's obvious that the Adventurer's Guild has also set its sights on the business in the Cana Continent. I heard that a Demon Lord seemed to have appeared there recently."

Another noble interjected.

"What's the point of the Adventurer's Guild's president? The Count Cassiter Hilfen next to him is the real big shot!

The man holding the red wine glass smiled and said meaningfully.

"Indeed, everyone knows that the Hilfen family is the confidant of His Majesty the Pope. The Senate, the army, and the Holy See... Oh, there will be a good show to watch tonight!"

The open and covert struggles between the three major factions in the Holy City were no secret to the guests present. Many of the guests invited by the Valencia family were members of the Senate themselves, or had close ties with the Senate.

However, just as everyone was waiting for a conflict between those big shots who usually disliked each other with a watchful attitude, an unexpected scene took place.

Regent Granville Porta and Marshal Laco Aberg were seen smiling and talking cordially with Prince Colin in an elegant manner. Soon, Count Cassiter Hilfen and President Abel also joined in without making a sound.

The atmosphere between them was harmonious and there was no sign of any deep rift between them.

There is certainly an element of playfulness in this. After all, the more powerful a person is, the more he values ​​his reputation, and even if he is unhappy, he rarely gets angry in person.

However, even if it was just a casual act, there was no need to be so dramatic.

After all, if they meet someone they don't agree with, they can just turn around and leave. There's no need to force themselves to waste time on something as meaningless as playing the lute to a cow.

obviously--

They became interested in the topic raised by Prince Colin!
And this interest was obviously not out of personal preference, but was related to the actual interests of the family and even the faction, so that none of them could turn around and leave... At least they were unwilling to hand over this opportunity to their political opponents and were willing to listen to the young man finish his words.

This unexpected harmony caused ripples in the hearts of many nobles who were secretly observing, and they wondered whether they should find an opportunity to go over and listen to what they were talking about.

"This young Prince Colin has extraordinary social skills..." An elderly earl narrowed his eyes and whispered to his companion standing beside him, "It has been many years since the Holy City has seen a person who can be favored by three forces at the same time."

His companion nodded slightly, with a barely perceptible sign of approval in his tone.

"It seems that our Prince is indeed a man of character. The people from the Senate, the Marshal's Office, and the Holy See can actually get along so well... This is really rare."

Compared to the older nobles who were observing secretly, the noble children who had not yet inherited their fathers' titles were much more straightforward.

They gathered in groups of three or five, chatting excitedly, their eyes full of longing for Prince Colin and the distant continent.

"Have you heard? Baron Tichi Cosia, who has been in the limelight recently, became rich overnight in the Janna continent! It is said that there are gold and gems everywhere, and there are endless opportunities for wealth! I heard it from my good brother Langton!" A young nobleman said excitedly to his companions, his eyes full of yearning.

Another young man also said excitedly.

"I've heard about it, too! That Cosia, he's been staying at the Royal Empire Hotel recently! His story is spreading all over the Holy City now, and the Holy City Gospel seems to be planning to publish his personal biography, telling how a down-and-out young man who lost all his family fortune was blessed by Saint Sith because of his piety, and expanded the empire's territory in a strange land!"

The eldest son of the earl, who was almost forty years old but had not even been given the title of baron, could not help but say this with envy.

"If we can climb up to Prince Colin's side, maybe we can make some money there!"

The land of the Old World has been divided up, and even the land of the New World is almost divided up, and no one wants the remaining places.

After listening to Baron Cosia's story, many young men became interested and thought that they could also try their luck in the world.

Besides, there is no entrance to hell in the Janna continent... at least not for now. It should be much safer than places like the New World that are close to the front line.

The young men's faces were filled with excitement, and in the sound of their lively discussions, it seemed as if the wealth everywhere was within their reach. The ladies not far away, shielding their faces with fans, whispered about topics that would make the girls blush and their hearts beat fast.

"Have you heard? Prince Colin is still single," a lady in a gorgeous evening gown said in a low voice, pretending to be reserved, but her eyes were shining with joy. "He is young, handsome, and has enviable wealth and status... I don't know what kind of girl he likes."

The best friend next to her gave her a glare and said with a giggle, "What? You still want to volunteer?"

The girl who was teased didn't blush, but instead straightened her chest confidently, and the full moonlight swayed on her body.

"why not?"

The noble lady next to her covered her mouth with a fan, snickered, glanced at a young girl hiding behind her father not far away, and said in a sarcastic tone.

"Then you better hurry up. The Duke of Castellón's little daughter seems to be very interested in him. Did you see the expression on that girl's face? Tsk tsk, she looks so delicate, as if she has never seen a man before."

The lady in the evening gown shook her wavy hair, glanced in the direction of the little girl, and said with disdain.

"Haha, His Highness Colin doesn't like women who are worthless except for their family background. He only likes women who are full of wisdom, tenacity, courage, beauty and talent..."

Before she could finish her words, her best friend couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Oh, by the grace of Saint Sis, I have never seen such a shameless fellow!"

Apparently—

Their relationship wasn't as good as it seemed, but this lady was still a little bit tactless and didn't complain behind his back.

The conversation between the three people was just an insignificant episode in the banquet, but this episode was also a microcosm and, to a certain extent, reflected the interest of the imperial upper class in the prince who came from afar.

At least--

The Duke of Castellón was indeed very interested in the marriage with the Colin family, and his young daughter, who was not very worldly-wise, was indeed very fond of that heart-warming smile, and her rosy face was filled with joy.

It would be best if two people could fall in love with each other.

It's a pity that Mr. Colin is too busy and has no time to waste his attention on anyone.

He has to meet everyone's expectations.

And that’s where he’s selfless.

Whispers and chuckles were like a gentle breeze, passing through the bustling banquet hall, bringing a bit of coolness to the restless dinner.

Feeling the enthusiasm from the empire from the expectant eyes that gathered around him, Luo Yan carefully listened to the adventure stories of Mr. Todwin, the president of the Adventurer's Guild, and his request to open a branch on the northern coast of the Janna continent. After thinking for a moment, he spoke.

"Mr. Todwin, your proposal is indeed very tempting. As you said, the Adventurer's Guild is well-known and can not only bring vitality to Deadwood Harbor, but also spread the gospel of Saint Sith. As the most loyal servants of Saint Sith, our Colin family will naturally welcome it very much, not to mention that we are now facing the threat from Hell."

After a pause, Luo Yan continued with a hint of regret on his face.

"It's just... To be honest, although the land of Janna is vast, my territory is sparsely populated. Even if this branch is opened, I'm afraid it will be difficult to recruit enough adventurers."

When Tuo Dewen heard the word "just", his heart skipped a beat, and sure enough, he heard a tactful refusal afterwards.

However, he did not give up, but hurriedly spoke.

"Your Highness, don't worry about it! The Guild has already considered the issue of manpower. As long as Your Highness agrees, we can transfer experienced elite adventurers from various branches of the empire to the Janna Continent! Not only can they quickly help you open up the situation and suppress the mazes that have not yet formed a climate, but they can also help train local newcomers. I can assure you that we will not take up too many of your resources, let alone cause you any trouble!"

Looking at Mr. Tuo Dewen with a sincere face, Luo Yan pretended to listen carefully, but he just smiled in his heart.

It's okay as long as it doesn't cause any trouble.

You are the biggest trouble!

Not to mention how troublesome an organized and disciplined "civilian violence group" would be for the ruler, even for the sake of his little brother Yiger, he could not let this group of beasts take root in the Janna continent so early.

unless--

This group of monsters is under his control.

He pretended to think about it for a few seconds.

Just when Count Cassiter Hilfen was about to step out to smooth things over, Luo Yan casually threw out the words he had already prepared.

"Mr. Todwin, you misunderstood. I am not reluctant to invest resources in the noble cause of the Adventurer's Guild. In fact, it is quite the opposite. As long as it is beneficial to the empire, the Colin family will do it without hesitation even if there is no benefit."

"Then..." There was a turning point in the situation, Tuo Dewen spoke quickly, but Luo Yan did not give him time to finish his words.

"Compared to the Adventurer's Guild, I was inspired by you and came up with a better idea."

"Oh?" Legion Commander Julian raised his eyebrows and said curiously, "I'd like to hear more about it."

He was different from Cassiter. As an officer, he had no interest in the Adventurer's Guild. The only way out for men in the Empire was to join the army. Only those "second-rate people" who were greedy for money would become adventurers and exchange the power given to them by Saint Sith for money.

Regardless of how the adventurers see him, at least that’s how he sees the adventurers!

Luo Yan looked at him, nodded slightly, and continued.

"I heard Marshal Aberg mentioned earlier that there are many young people in the empire now, and these young people are eager to make achievements, but it is difficult to find opportunities; and the Duke of Valencia also lamented that although the noble children of the empire are ambitious, they suffer from the lack of ways to display their talents. I don't look down on the profession of adventurers, but... if all these ambitious people are allowed to become adventurers, it would be a bit of a waste of talent."

Cassidy said with a light cough.

"Your Highness, I cannot agree with this. You may not understand since you just returned to the Empire, but the Adventurer's Guild in the Empire has been very different from what it was five hundred years ago."

Don't understand?
I understand that very well!
Luo Yan nodded slightly and said to Cassiter.

"Mr. Hilfin, I understand what you mean. The Adventurer's Guild is the child of the Church. I agree with this, but... I am talking about the thoughts of the vast majority of people present. Even if the Holy Light is equal to everyone, we have to admit that some children are closer and some are farther away. I respect Mr. Todwin as an adventurer, but please don't be offended. This is what I saw after arriving in the Holy City."

Cassidy was silent.

This is indeed true.

He would not let his children become adventurers, and the other nobles present would be even less likely to do so... Only nobles from remote areas would let their children, who had no inheritance rights, become mercenaries or adventurers to take an unrealistic chance.

Tuo Dewen smiled bitterly and nodded.

"It's okay... Your Highness Colin, I understand that you are telling the truth, and I believe that you have no prejudice against me personally. Let's put this topic aside for now and talk about the idea you came up with."

perhaps--

I chose the worst timing.

After all, this is the Valencia family's manor, and those standing here are from a completely different world from the Adventurer's Guild.

He did not blame His Royal Highness Colin for his refusal.

After calming down and thinking about it carefully, he realized that His Highness Colin had already given him a lot of face. In comparison, Legion Commander Julian could hardly hold back his laughter.

Luo Yan smiled and nodded, then continued speaking as he handed over the steps.

"As I said just now, since you are all optimistic about the prospects of the Janna continent, and the young people of the empire just happen to need opportunities to venture out, why don't we set up an organization that is more suitable for those brave young men - for example, set up a knight order in the name of Saint Sith!"

As soon as these words were uttered, it was like throwing a stone into a calm lake, immediately causing waves.

Marshal Laco fell into deep thought, and the Duke of Valencia's face flickered with an unpredictable light, while the Regent Granville standing next to him carefully observed the Duke's expression.

The Knights

The first thing Laco thought of was the Royal Knights.

Although the Royal Knights were originally composed of nobles, as time went on, the order was filled with the "new nobles" of the empire.

The reason is very simple. The imperial nobles do not like to practice martial arts at all, especially charging with lances. That is just a circus performed by the barbarians of the Kingdom of Ryan.

Instead, they prefer to gracefully wave their wands, raining death upon their enemies' heads from thousands of meters away.

Another thing is that the conditions at the front are too harsh, and the Empire's teleportation technology is not as advanced as Hell's. If they want to go to the front to show their skills, they have to take a boat ride for more than a month. If they die in the Demon's territory, there is a risk that their souls will not return.

Over time, the knights of the empire were basically under the control of the military officers, and even the Holy See found it difficult to intervene.

Thinking of this, Laco's lips curled up into a barely perceptible smile.

Sure enough, he was not wrong—

Colin was on their side.

However, just as he was about to say something, the Duke of Valencia spoke first, looking at Colin with a scrutinizing gaze.

"A knightly order? Your Highness, this is really an unexpected proposal. I wonder how this knightly order you envision is different from the existing knightly orders in the empire, such as the Royal Knights?"

As if he had already expected someone to have such a question, Luo Yan smiled slightly and continued.

"The difference is... the Knights I'm talking about is not a purely military organization, but a quasi-state organization with its own territory and laws, which exists to fulfill the sacred obligation of expanding the empire's territory!"

As Luo Yan expected, the moment he finished speaking, the expressions on everyone's faces became interesting.

Especially Legion Commander Julian, who was standing next to Marshal Laco, had an eager look in his eyes that was like a blazing flame.

Your own territory!
That is the most straightforward desire in the hearts of the imperial officers, but it is suppressed by tradition by the imperial nobles.

"...It does not belong to any family, but is only loyal to the Holy Emperor and Saint Sith. However, everyone in this organization can share its glory equally!"

In response to the burning desire, Luo Yan vividly described the blueprint that no one present had ever seen, and splashed paint on the white canvas.

That paint is exactly the color of flame!
Luo Yan did not focus all his attention on Marshal Laco's faction. He soon turned his attention to the unnatural-looking Whig Duke of Valencia, and aimed at the pain point deep in his heart.

"Everyone can share its glory, even if that person is not on the front line of the Knights, as long as he contributes his strength to the Knights!"

The Duke of Valencia was slightly stunned.

"What's the meaning."

Luo Yan said with a smile.

"This Knight Order is a joint-stock company."

Joint-stock system?
The Duke of Valencia was stunned.

Not only him, all the nobles present looked at each other in bewilderment, except Cassiter Hilfen, who had a thoughtful expression, as if he had heard some hidden meaning.

Most nobles' property income was attached to land. In comparison, the Holy See was more adept at management. However, the fact that "even the Knights Templar could operate in a joint-stock partnership" still surprised him.

But for Luo Yan, it was too early to be surprised.

While Mr. Cassidy was still thinking, His Royal Highness Prince Colin quickly made a proposal that even the nobles of the Senate could not refuse -

"To put it more bluntly and secularly, those who have money can donate money, those who have people can donate people, those who have strength can donate strength, and even those who have nothing can dedicate their devout faith and a heart full of enthusiasm to Saint Sith!"

Having said this, the Duke of Valencia immediately understood, his eyes gradually brightened, and when he looked at Prince Colin again, his expression was filled with admiration again.

If we really talk about financial resources, these poor guys who can only "take advantage of the emperor" are not even one-tenth of the Senate nobles.

The nobles contributed money and land, and the common people contributed their strength and lives... This is the most traditional and pure model of the empire.

As expected of the Colin family with a profound historical background——

The young man is still very sensible!
Although Legion Commander Julian, who was standing nearby, frowned slightly, his frown soon relaxed when he saw that Marshal Laco said nothing.

If something is only beneficial to the imperial officers, the imperial Senate will definitely not pass it easily.

The same is true for the Vatican.

As a member of the nobility, it is not easy for His Highness Colin to take into account the demands of the middle and lower-level officers of the empire and put forward some plans that are beneficial to the officers' faction.

In the end, wasn't the Empire's Knights still controlled by the military officers?
No matter how many of their own confidants the nobles have placed in the army, nothing will be a problem in the face of time.

After all, they were unwilling and unable to leave the Holy City and develop outside the Vast Ocean. The Emperor had a throne that he could not leave, and they also had their own throne - and the name of this throne was the Holy City.

And those impoverished nobles who were squeezed out of the core circle by them, even if they were once members of the elder faction, would eventually be assimilated by the camaraderie of comrades after going to the front and become part of the officer faction - just like Marshal Laco.

"…Whether it is a family with strong financial resources like the Duke of Valencia and the Duke of Castellón, or other nobles with foresight but no chance to realize their ambitions, they can all participate in it through funding or direct investment, and share future profits according to their contributions. Of course, we also welcome adventurers to participate, and I even urgently hope that the 'Unfathomable Baron' Todwin can lend me a hand!"

"I will!" Tuo Dewen, who was stunned by the broad prospect, responded subconsciously. After a moment, he suddenly came to his senses and felt embarrassed.

The Unfathomable Baron was a title he earned while training outside as an adventurer. Although he often talked about it after retiring and becoming the president of the Adventurer's Guild, he was actually ashamed to mention it at a banquet like this where the guests were either rich or noble.

By the way, did I mention this nickname just now?

He couldn't help but feel moved and even flattered. He didn't expect that Prince Colin, who had just arrived in the Holy City for less than two days, had heard about the deeds of a small person like him.

Seeing that Tuo Dewen was looking straight at him, Luo Yan smiled and nodded at him, then faced those pairs of fiery gazes and continued speaking in a passionate tone.

"Although it may sound vulgar to say that we should distribute worldly benefits to those who are passionate about sacred causes, I still have to say that its mission is grand and sacred! It transcends all worldly interests! It is for the expansion of the empire! To spread the fire of civilization! And most importantly - to spread the gospel of Saint Sith to every piece of land we have seen but not obtained!"

When he sorted out the practical interests and talked about these ideals, those pairs of eyes became obviously more passionate than before.

land!

honor!

And there is faith!

But it is not enough to just draw a pie in the sky, he must make the pie look big enough - both in terms of future prospects and in terms of what exists now!
"In order to show the Colin family's determination and sincerity in this matter," Luo Yan threw out the most tempting conditions, his voice calm but resounding, "I, Roxel Colin, am willing to allocate a piece of land with rich resources and superior geographical location from the Colin family's direct territory on the Janna continent as the fiefdom of the Knights!"

Looking at the banquet hall that had become quiet at some point, and the excited faces, he continued in a clear voice.

"In the name of Saint Sith, this Knight Order will establish civilization and order on the barren land, open up safe trade routes, shelter all kind and law-abiding citizens of the Empire, educate the barbarians, and spread the glory of the Empire and the gospel of Saint Sith forever on the continent of Janna! Not only with swords, but also with holy light and prosperity, so that the barbarians there will submit to our empire from the bottom of their hearts! Before hell touches there!"

"Because it is in the name of Saint Sith..."

"Let's call this knight order the Knights Templar!"

(End of this chapter)