They are all characters I control.

Such a magnificent building is comparable to even a royal palace.

Although the Church of Goddess is headquartered in the distant holy city of Spera, most devout believers regard it as the final resting place for their souls and the highest holy site of their faith.

But bishops and archbishops wield enormous power, managing vast church property and countless believers. Even the 'holy city' cannot compare to the luxurious, castle-like churches built by the archbishops themselves.

Karl declined to comment on this, saying that while the archbishops wielded such immense wealth and power, they also needed to work hard to maintain the peace and tranquility of all the churches, knights, and believers within their jurisdictions.

This job is no easy task; the archbishop who died a hundred years ago is a prime example.

Therefore, Karl never thought about becoming a bishop or archbishop in the future; he only wanted to fight and eliminate heretics for the Church of Goddess.

With that thought in mind, Captain Carl stopped outside the oak door decorated with intricate reliefs and knocked on the door.

A moment later, the heavy wooden door slid open a crack without anyone noticing, and a middle-aged female official dressed in a simple nun's habit but with sharp eyes bowed slightly, gesturing for him to enter.

The world inside the door is completely different from the simple and sacred world outside.

The spacious reception hall was covered with thick, soft animal skin carpets, and the walls were adorned with huge oil paintings depicting the miracles of the goddess, each framed in gold and shimmering under the soft glow of the magic crystal lamps.

In addition to incense, the air was filled with the scents of fresh fruit, fine wines, and a post-bath fragrance.

Carl waited for about fifteen minutes in the ornately carved chair with velvet cushions.

The door to the inner room was then pushed open, and a moist, warm atmosphere, accompanied by an even richer fragrance, wafted out.

Bishop Simon emerged slowly, clearly having just taken a bath, wrapped in a thick velvet-trimmed robe, his hair still damp.

Four beautiful maids followed behind him. Some gently wiped the water droplets from the back of his neck, some carried a silver platter filled with various fruits and candied fruits, and others carried warm, fragrant drinks.

“Karl, my knight commander, is there something urgent that comes up so late?” Bishop Simon waved his hand, and the maids immediately left the room.

Karl stood up and gave a standard knightly salute.

"Your Excellency, there are some new developments in the investigation into the attack on Miss Lydia von Rost of the Marquis Rost family that I need to report to you."

"Oh? That little girl? The one from the Marquis of Rost's family who proposed the new tax?" Bishop Simon seemed to take a liking to it, and popped a grape into his mouth.

"What? That libertine Earl Orlando, really is the attacker? Is the evidence conclusive?"

Bishop Simon knew in advance about what Karl was going to investigate today, but he sounded more like he was talking about an interesting piece of gossip than a serious matter that might involve the remnants of the "Evil Emperor".

"Based on past records and patterns of conduct, Earl Orlando is the prime suspect," Karl reported truthfully, his brow furrowing in disdain as he mentioned Earl Orlando.

"But what is even more noteworthy is that Lia Rost used runic magic."

“Rune magic?” Bishop Simon paused in his chewing of grapes, but quickly regained his languid air. “I remember that the eldest daughter of the Rost family didn’t have much magical talent, did she?”

“Runic magic is indeed much simpler. If you ask me, the Marquis of Rost started teaching her a little too late.”

"There's nothing surprising about that. Many nobles are secretly learning it now, but runic magic can't compare to holy magic."

With that, Bishop Simon raised a finger and summoned a magic circle of holy magic.

The magic circle illuminated the entire room, making it as bright as day.

The spreading magic also made Captain Karl, who was in the same room, feel relaxed. His fatigue and exhaustion disappeared without a trace under the divine magic.

This is divine magic; its healing, purifying, and protective properties are what make it far superior to other forms of magic.

As a pure physical knight with absolutely no magical talent, Karl felt a little envious.

"Yes, many nobles are secretly learning magic forbidden by the church, so I did not hold Lia Rost accountable on the spot."

“I intend to continue investigating and monitoring the Rost family. I have always suspected that Earl Orlando is connected with the followers of the Evil God Emperor.”

“He did it perfectly, but now that the Earl is actively approaching the Rost family, I want to get information from them.”

Bishop Simon naturally understood what Karl meant, but he didn't show much interest at the moment.

“Hey Karl, you don’t have to be so rigid. You know, the Rost family deserves some credit for this new tax.”

"In five days it will be the festival of the Goddess Church, and the 'Holy Council' will be convened as usual."

“As long as the archbishops see my new taxes, I’m 80% sure I’ll become the next archbishop. The new taxes are more important than the Rost family’s heirloom, ‘The Keeper’s Spying.’”

"Before the holiday arrives, Karl, why don't you relax a bit? You even locked Prince Alvin up today? Don't get angry about young people dating."

"Haha, you don't have a wife yet, do you? Why not find a woman you like and get married soon? Our Goddess Church doesn't forbid marriage. Karl, you're thirty-five this year, aren't you? Not young anymore."

Amidst Bishop Simon's teasing and laughter, Karl left the bishop's residence.

He stood in the courtyard, looking up at the gradually darkening sky.

Although Bishop Simon told him not to worry about it and not to waste his energy investigating the Earl of Orlando and the Rost family.

If Bishop Simon becomes archbishop, the power he wields will increase many times over.

Whether it's a larger knightly order or building more churches.

The new empire will naturally become more stable by then.

But as a knight, Karl didn't understand politics very well; he only knew that...

Beneath the seemingly calm and peaceful surface of this new empire lies a danger that, if ignited, could cause the empire to crumble.

However, he could not refuse Bishop Simon's words.

Chapter 81 The Day of the Holy Arrival

The Earl of Orlando's carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the imposing yet somewhat old-fashioned gates of the Marquess of Rost's mansion.

"We've arrived, my dear little Lia."

Earl Orlando personally opened the car door for Leah and, holding her wrist, led her up the steps in front of the Marquis's mansion.

Anna, the maid, stood to one side with the gifts the count had given her.

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Lia blushed slightly.

Although she knew that the count in front of her was her aunt, her aunt was dressed as a man, so others would only think that the two of them were lovers.

Especially since this was happening right in front of her own house, the fact that she was playing such an ambiguous role with her aunt made the shy Liya feel extremely ashamed.

Fearing being seen by others, Lia didn't want to talk too much with Earl Orlando at her own doorstep.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Your Excellency. I will go back to rest now."

However, even though Lia was so decisive, she was still a step too slow.

"Your Excellency, you've arrived?" Marquise Marla's high-pitched voice came from behind the door.

The Marchioness, dressed in a rather alluring and revealing outfit, stared intently at Earl Orlando and reached out to grab his arm.

"Why don't you come in and have a cup of tea before you leave? I have some things I want to tell you about Leah's childhood."

“I’m sorry, madam, I have official business to attend to. Maybe another time.” Earl Orlando subtly avoided Marquise Mara’s advances.

"Well then, Miss Liya, see you tomorrow. Have a good night's sleep."

After sending a shock to Leah, Count Orlando turned and got into the carriage.

“Your Excellency, please go first…”

Watching the carriage disappear from sight, Marquis Mara slowly turned her head and glared at Lia beside her with a venomous look.

The count had been very interested in me before, but now he was so obviously indifferent to me.

This is clearly not right. Someone is definitely trying to sow discord between the Earl and me, and talking badly about me behind my back.

"Lia, did you say something to the Earl in private?! Why is the Earl ignoring me? Hmm? What exactly did you do?"

"I didn't say anything," Lia said innocently.

She felt very wronged, because Count Orlando had approached the Countess with ulterior motives from the very beginning.

Now that he has gotten what he wanted from the Countess, there is naturally no need to continue associating with this stepmother.

Unfortunately, her stepmother seemed to know nothing about this.

"Didn't say anything? If not, why is the Earl so cold to me?! It must be you! It must be you, you little bitch, who can't stand seeing the Earl and me getting close..."

Marquise Mara is using Lydia as a punching bag. Regardless of the truth, the unsatisfied Marquise is looking for someone to vent her anger on.

Even if Liya were slow-witted, she would have figured it out by now.

The maid Anna immediately stepped forward and stood in front of Lia.

[Lia: Guiding God, what should we do? My stepmother seems very angry.]

Claire: Go, kill her.

[Lia: ...Isn't this a bad idea?]

Just then, a man emerged from the mansion.

The other person stood directly next to Lia, staring fiercely at Marquis Marla.

"So what if Leah did that? What else do you want to do to Leah? Do you dare to do anything? Leah is still the eldest daughter of the Rost family! It's not your place to lecture her like this."

The Marquis Roth, wearing a house coat, stood solemnly in the brightly lit foyer.

Seeing the Marquis so angry, the Marquises' wife couldn't help but calm down a bit.

She retorted unwillingly, "Hmph, as a noble, one should be mindful of one's behavior and not do despicable things like talking behind people's backs."

“Father…” Watching Marquis Mara’s departing figure, Lia did not forget to greet her father.

She originally thought that her father would just give her a cold reply as before and not bother to talk to her.

But to everyone's surprise, the Marquis of Rost did not do so this time.

At this point, why is he protecting me? And reprimanding the Marquise Marla?

"Come with me, Lia." Marquis Rost's expression changed instantly when he faced Lia.

It was as if his angry demeanor towards the Marquis was just an act. Perhaps this is what a normal father-daughter relationship is like?

Watching her father's retreating figure, Lia glanced at Anna, the maid beside her.

She was a little nervous, but decided to follow anyway.

Marquis Rost's study was not much different from when Lia last visited, except for the wine bottles on the table.

"Please sit down, Lia." Marquis Rost sat down in the high-backed chair behind his desk, rubbed his temples, and gestured for Lia to sit in the chair opposite him.

"Lord Karl...did he give you any trouble?"

The Marquis spoke, his voice gentler than before.

He clearly knew that Lia had been taken away by Karl today.

“No, Lord Karl only asked about some details of the attack that day,” Lia replied, shaking her head.

"Hmm." The Marquis nodded, his gaze sweeping over the wine glasses on the table.

He paused for a moment, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, but still asked, "I heard that Elena and Prince Alvin were taken away by Captain Karl's men?"

Lia understood immediately; it was indeed for this reason.

"Yes, the Earl said that Elena and Prince Alvin will not be imprisoned for long and will be released later."

"Well, then I must thank the Earl very much."

Marquis Rost lowered his face slightly, making it difficult to discern his expression for a moment.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "By the way, in a few days it will be the important festival of the Goddess Church, 'Advent,' and you and I will attend it together."

Lia looked up in surprise.

In the past, the Marquise and Elena would always represent the family on such occasions.

His daughter, whom he had left behind by his ex-wife, was of mediocre talent and not good at socializing. She was always forgotten in a corner and was not even allowed to appear in formal occasions, so as not to "bring shame to the family".

What's going on this time? Why did my father actually ask me to attend?

"Yes, Father. I will prepare." She suppressed her doubts and replied.

"Well, you must be tired today. Go back and get some rest. If you need any clothes or anything else, just let me know." Marquis Rost waved his hand.

Lia bowed and took her leave, and the maid Anna gently closed the heavy wooden door of the study behind her.

Walking in the empty and quiet corridor, she was still somewhat dazed.

My father's attitude tonight is like that of a completely different person. Is it because of Earl Orlando?

[Lia: Your Highness, why did Father's attitude towards me suddenly change so drastically?]