Monster Girl Development Master.

"Lord Johnson."

Dantalian, Nia, Hana, and Loris, leading the four war church priests who were bound to death with iron chains, looked at Zhuang Sen in astonishment.

"Dantrian, Nia." Johnson dropped Ange, put Mira in the carriage, caught the adorable dwarf girl who pounced on him, then looked up and gave Dantalian a passionate kiss before freeing his hand to ruffle Hana's green hair. Loris, whose hands were now bound by two iron chains, watched this scene with a helpless shake of her head.

Ange and Mira, who had been left behind, exchanged a glance, both seeing relief in each other's eyes.

There are too many enemies.

After a day apart, the group lingered intimately for a while. Zhuang Sen pulled his tongue out of Nia's mouth and looked at Dantalian: "Dantrian, how did you get here? Didn't those people outside stop you?"

"The manor situation has been taken care of, and Knight Harper can handle the rest, so we came to help. As for this place, Bishop Rosa is watching outside; they wouldn't dare to make a move," Dantalian explained simply, then added sarcastically, "Miss Mira is one thing, there were signs all along, but what's going on with Miss Angela?"

Faced with Dantalian's taunts, Mira looked down at the ground as if the shadows on the ground were some rare masterpiece, while Ange looked up at the sky as if the dim sunlight had turned into a sky full of flying gold.

Then the two looked at each other again, this time with a hint of mockery in Anjie's eyes: I thought someone was of such high status, but it turns out yesterday was also their first time. Wasn't that also stealing a man?

Mira glared back defiantly: "No matter what, I'm still better than you, a prisoner. We're a couple who like each other. You're just a trained female dog!"

The friendship that had just begun to blossom was shattered once again.

Nia grinned and smeared her saliva on Zhuang Sen's face: "What's wrong with that? Anyway, Zhuang Sen is so strong, it's good to have more people to share the burden."

Loris and Hannah, standing to the side, had complex expressions, but the former was more "shocked to the core" while the latter was "envious, jealous, and wanted to sneak away."

In short, Zhuang Sen was very pleased.

But some people are not so happy.

Chapter 98: The Horse Trapped in Thorns

While Johnson was enjoying a pleasant post-war silver party, the outside world was undergoing dramatic changes.

Countess Lia Faro, the highest-ranking official of the Faro Merchant Guild in the territory of Leon, was nearly assassinated by a priestess of the Church of War, and dozens of Leon's sons were even suspected of involvement—this was already a huge political storm, but it paled in comparison to another matter.

That is, all the bloodline members below the bishop of the War Church were mobilized to attack Johnson Leon's Thorn Manor, but they were all wiped out and captured alive by Johnson Leon, a young man who was only sixteen years old. The only result was that more than a dozen farmers' wooden houses were burned down.

This isn't just shameful, it's downright disgraceful!

Because the emblem of the Church of War is a red horse leaping high, this conflict, which ended in one night, was called "Horse Trapped in Thorns." After a day of fermentation, the news spread rapidly along countless flying ravens and galloping horses to the nobles of Leon and even to other territories.

However, what is most eye-catching is not the disgrace of the War Church, but the strength displayed by Johnson Leon.

Before this, everyone thought Thorn Manor was only promising for the future. Although it had many bloodline users, they had only awakened once, and it would take at least ten years to develop before it could rise to prominence. But now? The strength of the War Church is evident to all. A level 3 bloodline user who had awakened twice, a level 2 bloodline user who had awakened twice, and two level 1 bloodline users—this lineup, and with a sneak attack, still lost without any chance to fight back, and couldn't even seriously injure a single one.

So, besides Priestess Lolis from the Church of Vengeance, Zhuang Sen needs at least two other bloodline users who have undergone secondary awakening, right? And they need to be quite powerful in combat! This way, after dealing with the secondary awakening bloodline users from the Church of War, they can ensure that the first-awakening bloodline users do not suffer any casualties.

But as everyone knows, aside from Rom Harper, who is a Level 1 bloodline user, the rest of the people at Thorn Manor have only recently awakened their bloodlines. How could they possibly have already awakened a second time? That's not bloodline!

There must be a secret!

Whether it's a method to quickly enhance one's bloodline or a treasure that allows one to defeat opponents of higher levels, it has attracted the attention of all bloodline holders and nobles! Everyone sprang into action, trying to find out the specifics.

However, Glory Manor is currently closed to visitors. Apart from the envoys of Earl Cross and the Farau Merchant Guild, who were received, and Bishop Rosa of the Church of Vengeance, who was allowed to linger, everyone else was turned away. Therefore, many people turned their attention to the other side of this conflict: the Church of War.

“Bishop Charles, don’t worry, it’s just a temporary setback. We still have you and High Priest Wall. We’ll get that kid Johnson’s secret sooner or later!”

The bishop of the Healing Church looked at Charles with concern, his face full of indignation. He seemed particularly indignant about the defeat of the War Church. It would be best if he didn't mention the secret of Johnson.

Charles was too lazy to beat around the bush and said bluntly, "I really only sent people there to destroy Johnson's blacksmith workshop and damage his arms business."

The bishop of the Healing Church nodded earnestly: "I know, I know, but there's no way to stop him from there now. The only way is to get the secrets about him..."

Charles took a deep breath: "Get out!"

The bishop of the Healing Church exclaimed in surprise, "What?"

"Get out of my temple, you fool!"

Charles's eyes blazed with fury as he roared and howled, successfully conveying his meaning to the bishop of the Healing Church, who then quickly left.

This also confirmed to the bishop of the Healing Church that Charles was suspicious. Originally, if the goal was simply to disrupt Johnson's arms business, sending people to attack Thorn Manor, destroy the blacksmith's workshop, and kidnap the blacksmith would have been enough. Why did he send someone to assassinate Leah Farrau? Just for the arms business, he assassinated his wife right under the nose of the Kingdom's Minister of Intelligence?

Charles, you are a fiery horse, not a brain-dead horse!

Having driven away the obviously suspicious bishop of the Healing Church, Charles took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to rush out and kill Johnson. He picked up a piece of paper and began writing to Earl Cross again. This was the thirtieth letter since last night. And he hadn't received a single reply, not even a rebuke or a severing ties!

This made Bishop Charles very uneasy, uneasy about what he would suffer next. Although theoretically, as a bishop of the Church of War, a third-level bloodline user who had developed his bloodline to its fullest potential, even if he failed to assassinate the Countess, he would at most be exiled and imprisoned for breeding, not to mention that this was something Count Cross himself requested.

But he was very uneasy, always feeling that great danger was approaching from the shadows, threatening his life which was still a long way off.

He picked up the quill pen from the ink bottle, and the tip, which had been soaking for too long, dripped thick ink onto the blank paper, quickly spreading out. Looking at the large ink stain, Charles suddenly felt a little weak.

“Charles.”

The door was suddenly pushed open, and Wall strode in: "There's been some movement at Glorious Manor. The priestess from the Church of Vengeance has brought them into Glorious Manor with her men. Also, they're looking to buy a medicinal herb called Sunshine Honey Flower."

Charles sighed as he looked at the blackened white paper, then put the quill back in the inkwell and looked at his old friend: "Wall, just tell me, I don't want to think about it anymore."

Wall looked at the exhausted Charles with sympathy, paused for a moment, and then said, "I remember there are some Sunshine Honey Flowers in the warehouse. Maybe we can do this business."

Charles rubbed his temples, his face growing increasingly weary: "Are you suggesting we surrender?"

“There’s nothing wrong with that, Charles. He’s Earl Cross’s son, and it looks like he’ll be the next Earl of Leon,” Wall said earnestly. “And we still have leverage. He can’t have made plate armor just for business in Leon. And can he control us? Can he control the war churches in other territories? He needs us too.”

Charles's mind stirred slightly, but he still hesitated: "But we assassinated his mother..."

“So it didn’t work out?” Wall’s voice was quick and tempting. “And it’s even better this way. We can use this as a reason to talk directly to Mrs. Leah. She’s a shrewd businesswoman and she won’t refuse such a lucrative opportunity.”

"You mean...we should go and beg Lady Lydia, and then tell her about that person?" Charles understood his old friend's hidden meaning, but hesitated greatly.

"Do you think we can't guess if we don't tell them? Would we really dare to lay a hand on Lady Leah without that person's permission?" Wall continued.

Charles's straight back slumped slightly, and a helpless sigh escaped his lips: "Fine..."

quack!

A raven flew through the window and landed in front of Charles, tilting its head.

The author says:

Author's note: Please vote for me! o(￣┰￣*)ゞ

Chapter 99: Surrender (2710 words)

On a bright and sunny morning, Lady Lydia was studying the potion used for Johnson's third awakening in her room when the door was suddenly pushed open and Lydia walked in: "Madam, the Sunflower has been found, but it was sent by Bishop Charles of the Church of War. They said they don't need any payment, they just want to see you and apologize."

"People from the Church of War?"

Lady Lia frowned slightly. As the victim of the assassination attempt, she naturally disliked the Church of War, especially since the Church of War had also targeted Zhuang Sen. However, while Sunflower Honey, a material, wasn't particularly rare, it wasn't commonly used either. As a result, it was unavailable around Starry Night City, and it would take at least a week to procure it from elsewhere.

After much deliberation, Lady Lydia decided to meet with them: "First, send someone to invite Bishop Rosa and Johnson to the reception room, then bring Bishop Charles over. I want to see what he has to say. Oh, and have someone accept the items and check them. If they refuse, then forget it."

Lydia respectfully noted it down and turned to leave the room.

After some time, Bishop Rosa, who had been staying at Radiant Manor, arrived first, followed by Johnson, who was being pestered by Dantalian, Nia, Hana, and Mira, and led by Lydia to the reception room.

Lady Lia, who was having a pleasant conversation with Bishop Rosa, looked at Zhuang Sen, who was covered in women, and a strange thought arose in her mind. Her eyebrows furrowed and she said, "Zhuang Sen, don't be rude in front of His Holiness the Bishop."

Johnson shrugged, put Nia down from his arms, and released Mira and Hanna's hands. Dantalian also regretfully let go of Johnson's shoulder. Only then did the group find seats and sit down, looking a bit more presentable.

Bishop Rosa, who was being used as a pawn, maintained a kind smile and didn't say much. After all, it was best for her, who was at most half a mother-in-law, not to interfere in matters between mother and son.

Once Zhuang Sen and the others were seated, a maid's voice came from outside the door: "Madam, the Sunshine Honey Flowers have been stored in the warehouse separately, and the tests showed no problems."

"Have someone escort Bishop Charles to the reception room," Lady Lydia commanded sternly. The maid acknowledged and turned to go about her work.

Not long after, Bishop Charles, looking exhausted and dejected, entered the drawing room filled with people, led by a maid. His face, which looked decades older, made Bishop Rosa raise her eyebrows in surprise.

"Lady Leah, Chosen of Johnson, Bishop Rosa, and ladies and gentlemen, greetings." Charles was not surprised by Bishop Rosa's appearance. Without a bloodline member who had also awakened three times, how could Lady Leah possibly receive him?

“I’m not good at this, Bishop Charles.” Lady Leah’s attitude was unfriendly, her displeasure almost written on her face. “Just say what you have to say, or do you want to start fighting?”

“I am no match for Bishop Rosa, and I have come to apologize to you and ask for your and the Chosen of the Lord.” Bishop Charles bent his knees and knelt down on the ground. His tone and actions showed his utmost sincerity. However, apart from Hannah, who looked surprised and shaken, everyone else looked indifferent and mocking.

Zhuang Sen sneered, "At this time? Are you kidding me? If it were just Thorn Manor, I wouldn't mind, but since you dared to lay a hand on my mother, then prepare to die."

Charles felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Normally, if a mere sixteen-year-old dared to speak to him like that, even if he was the son of an earl, he would be beaten to a pulp. But now... he could only hope that Bishop Rosa would not immediately lash out.

So he quickly said, "I've come to inform you all who is trying to harm Lady Lia—I think you all know very well that our Church of War alone would never dare to do such a thing."

That's true. Zhuang Sen held Dantalian's hand, temporarily putting aside his thoughts of pursuing her, and decided to see what Charles would say. It wasn't that he couldn't let him die a quick death.

Lady Leah then spoke up: "Stop beating around the bush, just tell me, who gave you this courage?"

Charles paused for a second, then gave a name that everyone present was very familiar with: "The Faraw family, madam, it is the Faraw family that wants to cooperate with us."

This sounds utterly absurd. Why would the Falao family target Leah Falao? For Zhuang Sen's plate armor? But Zhuang Sen has a strong cooperative relationship with the Falao Merchant Guild. On the contrary, without Lady Leah, the relationship between the Falao Merchant Guild and Zhuang Sen isn't as close.

However, none of the intelligent people present intended to reprimand Charles.

Because this news sounds absurd, but it is actually quite possible.

Lady Leah said calmly, "Why?"

Charles immediately replied, "Because your son is too outstanding, madam. You know, if Johnson is chosen to become the next earl, their fate will likely be..."

"So we decided to strike first, even if it meant destroying all our interests in the territory of Leon. I was wondering why Cross was so slow to react; it turns out my dear brothers and sisters made the offer."

Lady Lydia spoke calmly and without any inflection, but her words revealed an undisguised hostility and anger, as well as a deep sense of grievance that only Johnson and Lydia could hear.

Charles maintained a facade of tension, helplessness, exhaustion, and frustration, but inwardly he felt a surge of excitement—he had passed the test! Lady Lydia had actually believed him!

"But do you have any evidence?"

The calm voice extinguished Charles's excitement like ice water, making his heart as gloomy as his outward appearance. However, he maintained his pretense and slowly reached into his pocket: "I have their cooperation letter. I think you, Mrs. Leah, can tell whether it's real or fake."

This was obviously fake, forged by Earl Close, but Charles had no choice at the moment. The letter from Earl Close left him with no option but to continue hiding the truth.

Lydia took the letter Charles was holding up, carefully opened and examined it. After confirming there was no danger, she handed it to Mrs. Lydia. As soon as Mrs. Lydia saw the familiar handwriting, she believed most of it. After reading the whole letter, she believed it ninety percent of the time.

“Lilith, my dear sister, you still love to use such despicable means, and you are still so willful and reckless. You are even willing to give up the grain market to kill me. No wonder you are so tempted.”

Charles was sweating profusely, which was quite fitting for his current situation.

Fortunately, he soon heard a heavenly voice: "Alright, it seems you were right, this letter is indeed genuine..."

Charles was overjoyed, but he knew he couldn't just get away like that, so he continued to listen. Sure enough, Mrs. Lydia changed the subject: "But that's not enough to get your forgiveness."

Charles kowtowed to Mrs. Lydia without hesitation, almost breaking the floor in the process: "I am willing to compensate you for all your losses, and at the same time, I will open all sales channels and raw material channels for the Chosen of Johnson. I can also use the church's connections to ensure that the Chosen of Johnson's products are quickly sold throughout the country and even to other countries. We only need 20% of all the profits to maintain basic operations and management. In addition, if you are willing to return Nils to the church, we can open all the knowledge, treasures and even manpower of our church to you!"

Charles's long speech was indeed very sincere. Opening up all sales and raw material channels essentially turned the Red Horse Temple into a distributor for Johnson. It's easy to give away channels, but difficult to get them back. Moreover, he even wanted to include other territories, essentially using the entire Church of War to vouch for Johnson and promote him—this was even more effective than the Falao Merchant Guild—specifically in the area of ​​weaponry.

This doesn't even include compensation for all losses, access to knowledge, treasures, and other conditions. All he asked for was 20% of the profits and the originally designated next successor, Nils—to put it more vividly, even Li Zhongshu might not dare to sign such a treaty.