Just became an evil god and was summoned by the saint.

Chapter 244 But Then Again
After returning from the ruins, the two resumed their preparations.

The rapid clearing of the three floors allowed them to obtain a large number of magic crystals again.

Since it was Celia's scroll that made the greatest contribution this time, the spoils of war were divided equally, and the costs were also divided equally.

So, apart from the intermediate magic crystals being divided equally, Elena took two high-grade magic crystals and gave one to Celia. As for the most precious fourth-tier silk thread material, it all went into Celia's pocket.

Elena was very sensible; she knew that without Celia, she wouldn't be able to have it so easy.

Many elves have learned Forest Silk and Steel Spikes, and several of them have come to participate in the strategy.

Celia can find someone to replace her, but she can't find someone to replace Celia.

Why not just stick with Celia? Give the lion's share to Celia and keep the rest for yourself; you'll still make a fortune.

The so-called mixed learning.

While Celia was drawing the scroll, she chose to purchase potions, specifically the more expensive ones that might be useful during the campaign.

Just as the two calmed down and focused on clearing the ruins, on the other side, inside the Royal Mercenary Group's camp...

Pascal returned with a big smile, just as Emilia came back and bumped into him. She asked in surprise, "My dear brother, what's making you so happy? Where have you been these past few days instead of exploring the ancient ruins?"

Pascal was in a good mood and even spoke to Emilia in a friendly tone: "I did something important and confirmed something."

Emilia chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, feigning curiosity as she asked, "What have you confirmed?"

Pascal chuckled: "It's a secret. If you want to know, look it up yourself."

Emilia chuckled and said, "I'd like to investigate too, but I haven't had much free time lately. I've been busy exploring the ruins."

Pascal waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Ancient ruins are never easy to conquer, especially those with such high difficulty."

Emilia nodded: "Normally, that's true, but every day when we enter the ruins, we see the number of floors on the central tower of the castle getting higher and higher, and it's getting very close to the light at the top of the tower. I'm getting anxious."

Pascal was stunned, and exclaimed in shock, "What did you say?"

Emilia said, "In the few days you were gone, those two elf ladies reached the eighth floor of the tower in one go, and they are only one step away from passing the level."

After saying that, Emilia chuckled to herself.

On the surface, however, he wore an expression of helplessness and admiration.

Pascal frowned upon seeing her expression. "Emilia, don't be so quick to admire them. They are both 'elves.' If two elves were to conquer the ruins within our Ishtar Empire, that would be disastrous!"

Emilia laughed and said, "What else can we do? Stop others from conquering us?"

Of course, it cannot be stopped.

Various empires and races have agreements regarding ancient ruins, and they do not prohibit people of other races from exploring them.

Because many ruins require specific racial talents and skills to resolve their respective problems, like this ancient castle maze, where only the Elven Blessing can suppress the curse for now.

Can you forbid elves from exploring these ruins?
If it's banned, everyone will run away. Who will treat the mercenaries who went on adventures?

This situation is not unique to this site; many sites have similar characteristics.

Instead of prohibiting it, let's make an agreement and explore ways to make decisions based on individual abilities.

Emilia said calmly, "Even if they clear the level, this ruin still belongs to our Ishtar Empire according to the agreement. They can take everything they obtain during the raid, but they are prohibited from taking the key to control the ruin. I will not allow the key to the ruin to be lost, so don't worry."

Pascal opened his mouth, wanting to tell Emilia that the elf 'Celia,' who shared the same name as the Holy See's prospective saintess, was actually the prospective saintess, but he felt it would be a loss to tell her so easily.

However, it seems like I can't just not tell them either.

It doesn't matter if it's a pure elf team.

But one of those who passed the test was a human in disguise, and a prospective saintess at that. Wasn't that just becoming a lackey of the elves?

After hesitating for a long time, Pascal ultimately didn't say anything—Emilia had no intention of giving him the money.

Pascal was still hesitating.

He hesitated, wondering whether to expose Celia or pretend he didn't know.

According to intelligence obtained from the Southern City, the elven girl was a member of the elven royal family and made little attempt to conceal her presence within human territory.

Is the Holy Court and the Elven race secretly plotting something?

Pascal was afraid of this.

If he were to expose Celia and discover that her accompanying Elena to conquer the ruins was actually an order from the Holy Court's higher-ups, then he could forget about inheriting the empire; he might not even have any territory left.

But what if there are no instructions?

After all, they're here too.

If the Holy Court takes any action, the Royal Family should notify them.

Without the Holy Court's instructions, if Celia had gone to conquer the human ruins with the elves on her own and then handed over the conquered plaque, it would have been a small matter for an ordinary person, but a significant one for a prospective saintess.

That would be a diplomatic incident that would cause the Holy Court to lose face.

Hmm... the Holy Court losing face isn't necessarily a bad thing for the royal family.

Lowering the other party's prestige would indirectly enhance the Ishtar royal family's control over the empire, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

But Pascal was too risky to gamble.

Even if he felt the latter was more likely, he didn't dare.

After much hesitation, Pascal came up with a compromise.

"Try buying their licenses at a high price and see if they'll sell them. If they don't, it means the Holy See and the Elves have some secret dealings. If they do sell, it means it's very likely that it was Celia's personal act. Then we can call the Bishop of Southern City to testify and expose her, thus damaging the Holy See's prestige."

If he could use some means to make the Holy Court lose face and reduce its prestige, his influence in the royal family would inevitably increase.

Even the Holy Court is powerless to stop him from exposing this behavior!
Having made up his mind, Pascal looked at the sky and decided to go and take a look the next morning.

……

the next day.

As Celia emerged from her tent, breathing in the fresh air and preparing for meditation, she suddenly saw a miserly rooster appear outside.

Pascal extended his hand in greeting and said politely, "Hello, Miss Celia, I'd like to discuss something with you. Is this a convenient time?"

After confirming that Celia was a candidate for sainthood, Pascal placed her on an equal footing. In his view, he was also a candidate for emperor—although his chances of becoming Emperor Ishtar were hundreds of times lower than Celia's chances of becoming sainthood.

Celia didn't want to deal with this stingy guy who was short on cash and demanding, and said indifferently, "I'm sorry, I don't have time. If you have something to say, have your sister come and talk to us."

Emilia was generous with her money, and Celia was happy to be her friend.

As for Pascal, let's just forget about him.

It's ridiculous for a prince to haggle over a few gold coins!

"I would like to purchase the relic tokens you have for 500 gold coins."

"...But then again, we are very happy to talk with Lord Pascal. Please come in and have a seat!"

　Thanks to Martial Law for the donation!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)