Monster Girl Development Master.

"Don't worry, the stronger they are, the greater their contribution will be. Besides, aren't our targets the lower-ranking members they summoned? They can't all be level three bloodline users, can they?" Celine curled her lips into a smile. "If that's the case, then I'm afraid you'll have to work harder, my dear, to recruit an army of monster girls to deal with these disgusting guys."

"You..." Zhuang Sen pinched the dragon girl's small mouth, "It seems you can't wait to go back?"

Celine pouted: "Stop talking, I've received several letters urging me to hurry up, it's so annoying; but thankfully, we have the intelligence from your side to make a difference, so we can explain it to Father, and that's enough."

Of course, the matter of the Bloodline Cult needs to be reported to His Majesty the King, since the eldest princess needs to mobilize a large number of people. However, a report is all that is needed; there is no need to disclose the specific details. These are things that can only be "surprisingly discovered" after the army has thoroughly swept through the enemy stronghold.

"Then you can go without worry, I'll take care of things here." Lisander snatched Johnson's face and covered Celine's lip print.

Celine exploded: "Huh? Who gave you a chance!"

Zhuang Sen shook his head and slapped each of the two noble princes, who were about to start arguing again, on the bottom: "Stop arguing and get to work."

……

The following day, a modest farewell banquet signaled the princess's departure. The Zhanxing Guards escorted the princess, who, as she had arrived, was fully armed and mounted on horseback, and hurried away. The difference was that this time, some of their armor was adorned with intricate runes, and the princess they were protecting was no longer as delicate as before.

However, no one associated it with the awakening of bloodline. Most people simply thought that this princess, who was not delicate to begin with, had adapted to long journeys and remote villages. Only Miss Judy, whose relationship with the princess had become even closer, smiled without saying a word and kept her identity hidden.

……

With Celine's departure, time seemed to speed up. Leon Territory operated smoothly according to Johnson's orders and plans. The implementation of the new law greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of the people, enhanced Johnson's prestige as the patricide count, and increased his influence among the people. Rune equipment finally entered the market, easily causing a huge reaction, even leading to several stampedes, forcing the dispatch of troops to suppress the crowd and maintain order.

Hana's perfume was also launched at the same time. Although it did not spread as widely as the rune equipment, every noblewoman who went there became obsessed with it. The expected income was even higher than that of the rune items. This was mainly because the production of rune items was limited, unlike the large production and wide market of [Jonsen's Love]. In addition, although Duke Starr's manpower had not yet arrived, the Black Gold Merchant Guild finally voluntarily contributed a large amount of resources. He really deserves some credit for what was mentioned earlier.

However, in addition to these good news items, there was also a lot of bad news.

For example, just as Lilith said, the Farau Territory began border raids. Apart from the Eagle Cliff section, which has natural defenses, other areas of the Leon Territory adjacent to the Farau Territory suffered a lot of attacks. They would also travel by boat to bypass the area, and even use small groups of people transported by the true form of the Holy Eagle bloodline to launch surprise attacks. Even though the lords in various places received reinforcements from Zhuang Sen, some places still suffered serious losses.

Burning down granaries and bridges, massacring villagers, looting caravans...

In addition, the Falau family also began a trade blockade of the Leon territory. Although the Leon territory was not greatly affected by the intervention and prevention measures of Lady Lia and Ange, as well as the strong support of the Black Gold Merchant Guild, it was not undeniably impacted. The most obvious effect was the rise in prices, especially for grain and charcoal. Fortunately, the increase was not significant. With the gaps created by Lady Lia's shady dealings with the Falau family and the voluntary contributions of the Black Gold Merchant Guild, everything was still under control and did not cause widespread panic.

Finally, there's the matter of the church.

It seemed that Celine's departure gave the inspectors confidence and hope. They, who had been lying low, suddenly became active again, and their first move was to target the High Priestess Loris, the close friend of the "Avenging Saintess" Dantalian. They accused Loris of betraying the church's interests and accepting huge bribes, presenting evidence that Loris had purchased large quantities of expensive bloodline-enhancing potions and had repeatedly met privately with high-ranking members of the Johnson Merchant Guild. Their wording was quite deliberate, subtly implying that Loris had an improper relationship with one of these high-ranking members.

The only thing left unsaid was the information about the "high-ranking member of the Zhuangsen Chamber of Commerce".

“Classic, absolutely classic.” Zhuang Sen tossed aside the report and looked at Lady Liya beside him. “So, which high-ranking member of my chamber of commerce is so capable that they managed to snag Loris?”

Ange pursed her lips, and the white silk ice cream draped on the desk swayed: "Besides the [Vengeful Saintess] who else, who else is there besides that unnamed Lord Leon? These guys are quite good at spreading rumors. I think their target was probably never Loris."

Dantalian nodded, her large breasts trembling slightly with the movement: "Judging from their propaganda, they are clearly targeting me. Although the nuns of the Church of Vengeance do not prohibit marriage, they cannot continue to serve in the church after marriage and interfere with the church's policies. From this point of view, I have indeed violated the rules."

After a pause, Dantalian continued, "So I'm wondering if I should abolish this rule once I become Patriarch or even Pope?"

This rule is actually a good thing, otherwise the Church of Nemesis might really be in trouble, but if it is not abolished, Dantalian will always have to carry a troublesome stain of violation.

Zhuang Sen flew up and tapped Dantalian on the head, saying with exasperation, "Idiot, the rules say that you have to step down from your post after marrying an outsider, but I'm not an outsider, I'm God's chosen one!"

Dantalian blinked, exchanged a glance with Zhuang Sen, and suddenly realized, "Oh right, then what was I so worried about before?"

“I didn’t see you struggling with this either,” Anjie complained. “All I saw was you swaggering around every day, hugging Zhuang Sen and showing off.”

"I'm conflicted, but giving up on Zhuang Sen is impossible." Dantalian said confidently, hugged Zhuang Sen and gave him a hard kiss, then licked her lips, "Hmm, it seems like he smelled even better before."

Zhuang Sen was at his wits' end with this group of female hooligans, so he could only pinch the enormous breasts that were twice his head: "Stop talking nonsense, tell me how to deal with these clowns?"

Dantalian and Ange spoke at the same time, one with a resolute tone and the other with excitement: "What to do? Only kill!"

The author says:

作者的话：月票达标，加一更~推剧情了~进度更新：月票7/50，催更票28/50，打赏3600/5000

Chapter 189: You actually did it?

Now, dealing with these inspectors is not too complicated for Zhuang Sen. It's a simple analysis: these inspectors' power comes from the Fallen Star headquarters of the Church of the Nemesis. Theoretically, they have a strong restraining power over branch temples like the Temple of Aranta in a count's territory because they are supervisors, "angels" who come to inspect.

In reality, the Temple of Aranta, from Bishop Rosa at the top, disliked the headquarters. Since they couldn't rely on the Temple of Aranta's power, the headquarters' prestige was essentially wasted. Of course, they could report to the headquarters to punish the Temple of Aranta, but the problem was that, not to mention whether the headquarters in the capital could even govern the Temple of Aranta, which had already colluded with Zhuang Sen, Dantalian was about to undergo its fourth awakening. At that time, it was uncertain which side would be the headquarters.

So these inspectors are nothing but clowns. They were kept around before because they weren't causing any trouble, but now that they're jumping around like this, they should just be slapped to death.

"If that's the case, then..."

“I’ll do it, after all, she’s a member of the church,” Dantalian said, her smile as usual. “But we need to treat her well, otherwise people will think the nuns of the Temple of Aranta have neglected their studies.”

Although Dantalian spoke lightly, her decision to arrest the inspectors from her own department was tantamount to openly severing ties and taking sides, which would be a major stain on her career within the church. As for the benefits...

Zhuang Sen patted Da Ke'ai's head and added, "Ledia, you take the Shadow Raven Knights with you. It's a good opportunity to test the extent of their combat improvement. Besides, we can't let Dantalian steal the limelight for something so impressive."

Dantalian gave Zhuang Sen a loving hug, then got up and left the room with Lydia.

……

In an inn near the Temple of Aranta, distinguished guests from the capital gathered. According to regulations, they should have stayed at the temple being inspected and enjoyed the treatment befitting bishops, but Bishop Rosa refused their stay, citing the presence of a man among them, and instead sent them to this inn.

So not only did they have to pay for it themselves, but they also received worse treatment than when they didn't have to pay. Coupled with their encounter with Zhuang Sen on the day of their arrival, they didn't receive the enthusiastic flattery from nobles and wealthy merchants they had imagined. After all, no one in the territory of Leon dared to offend the "Count who murdered his own father".

Under such circumstances, they naturally complained incessantly, even to this day.

Princess Celine has left!

"Ha, as expected, even Her Highness the Princess can't stand this kind of rural place!"

"Without Her Highness the Princess's protection, let's see what that child count can do with his arrogance!"

"And these rural nuns, not only violating church rules, but also being so arrogant, completely disregarding the church! They must be severely punished!"

Sitting around the lavish banquet, High Priestess Mary and her entourage, who had been grumbling and complaining recently, became smug. In their view, without Princess Celine standing up for Johnson and the Temple of Aranta, they could manipulate Johnson and Dantalian at will.

They're just counts and priests from the countryside; do they really dare to oppose the chief inspectors and trusted confidants of nobles from the capital?!

Therefore, they spread rumors with a clear conscience and were not worried about retaliation at all, even though the strongest among them were only two bloodline users who had awakened three times—which was already quite impressive, considering that the entire Alanta Temple, including Dantalian, only had two bloodline users who had awakened three times.

But amidst this lively and joyous banquet, a robust man with a resolute face and a doubtful expression seemed somewhat out of place. However, before he could express his opinion, a chaotic commotion erupted outside the inn, with shouts faintly audible: "In the name of the Earl! Arrest the spies of Farau Territory!!"

……

Fully armed Shadow Raven Knights galloped through the streets, their raised banners and thunderous hooves scattering the pedestrians and leaving only billowing dust as they charged toward the luxurious inn. But their shouts announcing their crimes arrived even earlier, startling the innkeeper, who had been peeking out to observe the situation, back into his room.

The charge Zhuang Sen assigned to these inspectors was "Faraw spy," since it was the most useful charge available at the moment. Moreover, according to Lilith, most of these inspectors were indeed connected to the Faraw family, so it wasn't entirely unfair to accuse them.

Since their mission was to capture spies, the Shadow Raven Knights were anything but gentle. While they weren't so excited as to charge into the inn on horseback, they did show off their warhorses' drifting and sudden stops. Then, the front-row knights dismounted and charged forward, while the rear-row knights drew their crossbows and aimed at every window and door of the inn.

"Follow me! For the Earl!!! The feast has begun!!"

The commander of the Shadow Raven Knights brandished his brand-new rune longsword, which he had only acquired a few days prior, and shouted with excitement. The other knights were equally in high spirits, eager to rush in and capture the evil Farau spy to present to the Earl.

After all, after Zhuang Sen took office, he not only equipped them with better weapons and equipment, but also taught them powerful and practical swordsmanship. Even their treatment was improved, and the deductions and differential treatment that they used to feel were unavoidable were gone!

The knights will always remember the Earl's kindness and are ready to serve him at any time, and this time is no exception!

loyalty!

The knights shouted maxims, their heavy rune-plate armor gleaming in the sunlight, and charged toward the inn's gates under the watchful eyes of their clever and agile warhorses!

Sister Anne, who had just come out of the hotel to check the situation, was confronted by this group of high-spirited knights and instinctively used her bloodline ability to attack!

A crimson, bee-like ray shot out from her fist, engulfing and knocking away all the knights at the forefront, including the knight commander. The raging offensive paused, and Sister Anne calmed down, realizing that everything was alright.

She's a bloodline user who has awakened three times and has already demonstrated her strength. Normal soldiers wouldn't dare charge her head-on. Moreover, she possesses the speed-enhancing Bloodthirsty Bee bloodline, has an inn behind her, and isn't afraid of crossbows. However, the earl of this small town is so rude; just a rumor and he's already sending troops… wait, why are they attacking again? Don't they have a death wish?

Although the Shadow Raven Knights were shocked by the enemy's identity, they did not stop their attack! What Johnson had given them was enough to spur them on to this death-defying courage! And…

"Charge!! For the Earl!!"

The knight commander, who had been knocked away, stood up again. The runes on his plate armor had dimmed considerably, and he was covered in dust when he landed, looking extremely disheveled. However, his powerful roar as he got up instantly boosted the already high morale back to its peak. The defensive power of the rune plate armor dispelled the Shadow Raven Knights' last concerns.

"Looks like we don't even need to lift a finger?" Lydia rode her little mare, gazing at the "battlefield" in front of the inn.

But Dantalian shook her head: "That's a bloodthirsty bee. The knights can't catch it. I'll do it."

The nun raised her hand, and holy spears appeared in the air—one, two… twenty!

The dazzling holy light coalesced, even overshadowing the sunlight. Sister Anne, of course, noticed this scene. She first showed an expression of shock and fear, then looked at Dantalian, who was completely unmasked and dressed in her nun's habit, and issued a threatening but cowardly statement: "Dantrian! How dare you attack a patrolling nun! You have committed treason!!"

Dantalian raised her hand and swung it downwards, sending twenty holy spears flying that pierced through Sister Anne's limbs as she screamed. The immense impact carried her through the hotel doors and into the depths of the lobby, where she finally embedded herself in the elaborately decorated stone wall. The aftershocks caused a large decorative painting hanging on the wall to fall off, delivering the final blow.

Sister Anne tried her best, bursting forth at top speed in an attempt to dodge, but before she could dodge the Holy Spear spell, she had to break free from the Shadow Raven Knights who were grabbing her, and also dodge the barrage of arrows from the Shadow Raven Knights behind her... Although even without these obstacles, she still couldn't escape Dantalian's attacks.

However, Dantalian and the others were no longer paying attention to this useless man. Their gazes were focused on the group of patrolling nuns who were trying to cross the hall, or more precisely, on the resolute-looking man among them—Mann Farau.

No, you guys actually do spy work?

Chapter 190: Those Who Understand the Times Are Wise

"Lord Mann Farau, I never expected you to visit such a small shop. I was really looking forward to the beauty of the Radiant Hall, but now it seems I should probably lower my expectations?"

Dantalian entered the inn's lobby, and the knights who had made way for her closed in again. Their synchronized movements and impeccable order made Mann Farau uneasy. But putting that minor issue aside for now, he glanced warily at Dantalian and at Lydia, who had been largely ignored, knowing that today was probably the end for them.

He was merely a second-level bloodline user who had awakened once, and among his "allies," apart from Sister Anne who had lost her ability to fight, only Sister Mary was a third-level bloodline user, and there were two second-level bloodline users; the rest were ordinary people.

This level of strength is already quite formidable, equivalent to two counts plus a viscount and a baron as assistants. Even now, it seems that they still have the advantage, since the other side only has the priestess Dantalian, a third-awakened bloodline user, and the other one should be Lydia from the Ston family, who, according to the intelligence, has only just awakened for the first time.

But Mann Farau couldn't say "the advantage is mine," and neither could anyone else, because nearly fifty holy spears hovered above Dantalian's head. Each one radiated a powerful aura—the genuine power of a third awakening!

That's enough to kill them all three times over and still have some left over!

Perhaps Sister Mary, who also awakened three times and whose bloodline is the speed-savage Bloodthirsty Bee, could survive, but the knights outside have already proven their strength and courage. Even if the wounded Sister Mary rushed out, she would only die a little slower.

Sister Mary clearly understood the situation and had no intention of making any rash move to escape. She simply shouted, "Dantrian, this is apostasy!"

Dantalian chuckled, her smile polite yet carrying an air of disdain: "I'm here to arrest a spy, Sister Mary. You'd better think about how you're going to explain why you're with Lord Mann Farau, the eldest son of the Farau family—what's the punishment for inspecting nuns who violate the rules again?"

In theory, the Church would not intervene in the internal disputes of the nobility, especially for clergy members with special duties such as inspectorate nuns, who were absolutely forbidden from establishing connections with the nobility. After all, losing its neutrality would hinder the development of an organization like the Church, so such a violation was far more serious than a nun having an affair.

“You…” Sister Mary was speechless for a moment. She wanted to deny it, but the countless eyes outside and the Holy Spear hanging above her head made her afraid to speak.

Dantalian's smile vanished, and she coldly ordered, "Take them all away!"

The Shadow Raven Knights, armed with chains and poison, swarmed forward, first forcing them all to drink poisonous potions that would weaken their physical abilities, then binding them all tightly with chains and shoving them all the way to the dungeon of Leon Manor.

……

In the dungeon, Zhuang Sen stepped into the candlelight.

Her petite figure and the holy aura of an angel cast a soft halo around the candlelight, but to the group of "spies" chained up in shackles, it looked more like a demon had walked in.

Dantalian knelt down and picked up Zhuang Sen, saying slowly, "Darling, why did you come to a place like this yourself?"

"Didn't we hear they caught a big fish?"

Zhuang Sen's gaze swept over the fourteen spies lined up on the wall, then stopped on Mann Farau: "Mann Farau, the eldest son of Olco Farau, by all accounts, I should call you uncle, shouldn't I?"

Mann Farau forced a smile: "Sir, there's no need to be so polite. You can just call me Mann."

"I thought so too." Zhuang Sen nodded. "But I can call you brother-in-law, so, Brother-in-law Mann, what brings you here at this hour?"