Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

Meanwhile, Kira was calculating how much money she could make from the nobles if she launched ordinary formal wear and everyday clothes in this style… In addition, she was also to serve as the Finance Minister of Sochi Province, appointed by Ryuxia, to formulate new economic and trade policies, and she was already in work mode. The first thing she was thinking about was to have Ryuxia serve as the fashion designer and officially launch a clothing brand, something she had considered back in Linhu Town.

Several beauties were commenting on the clothes or gossiping about Liu Xia. Surrounded by these beautiful women, the young man couldn't help but lose his temper, and his magic instantly enveloped the beauties. Dark magic remotely stimulated everyone's sensitive nerves, and then his fighting spirit trembled in the air, the air waves brushing against their skin as if the young man's palms were teasing their sensitive nerves, causing them to let out a series of alluring moans.

Since Ryuga forcibly changed the rules of witch magic last time, his understanding of magic seems to have become more profound. Now, magic power is like a new limb growing out of his body. He can control the intensity and cast spells more easily. He can even use magic power to interfere with the surroundings directly, just like controlling battle aura, instead of having to form spells and chants to make them manifest.

It was just like 'qi'... Ryuka thought to herself, using her magic to rub and knead her several unruly older lovers until they finally calmed down amidst their fragrant sweat.

"You lot! Do you even realize how important today is? Still acting like this! If you keep this up, believe me, I'll put chastity belts on all of you! And you won't be allowed to take them off for a whole month!"

The older sisters, being scolded by Liu Xia, couldn't help but tremble. The chastity belt Liu Xia spoke of wasn't just a simple constraint; it was often accompanied by various methods that placed them between heaven and hell. For a moment, they couldn't help but squeeze their legs together, apologizing to Liu Xia. "You, Yongzai, are you free? Linzai, are you not here...?"

"Hey... there's no need to be so angry, it's just an awards ceremony..."

"Alright, I'll reward you with twenty touches before the conferment ceremony." Ryusha flicked Hetia's wrist lightly, a burst of magic precisely striking several of her sensitive spots. The magic began to relentlessly erode the delicate flower bud, but always just as it was about to bloom intensely, it stripped away all her senses, leaving her like a person dying of thirst in the desert, forever chasing the mirage of the oasis before her eyes...

"Wait, wait... Oops~ How am I supposed to face everyone like this... Ugh~"

Hetia couldn't help but groan, her legs buckled and she sat down on the ground. Her hands were tightly clamped between her fleshy and powerful thighs. She desperately tried to reach her climax through the knight's trousers, but it was all in vain, as if the place she was scratching didn't exist.

"Are you clear-headed? If you are, listen carefully to what I have to say."

Ryūka snapped her fingers again, and the tormenting feeling instantly vanished from Hetia. Ignoring Kania's envious gaze, Ryūka spoke seriously:

"Today is not just about receiving the delegation and accepting rewards. We need to pay attention to all the nobles present, distinguish between future friends and enemies, and ensure that security is handled properly. Especially since we are currently in Sochi, the Linhu Territory in the heartland is vulnerable. What if Clovis's people take the opportunity to do something to our territory? From today onwards, you all have your own territories. You can't leave all these things to me. You need to learn to take charge on your own!"

The main focus of the criticism was naturally the three female knights. As the combatants under her command, their personalities were often too aggressive and carefree, which made Ryuka very uneasy. She really didn't know whether she or they were younger.

Ryūka's concerns were not unfounded. From today onward, although they and Ryūka had gained territory and titles, there was always someone else sleeping soundly beside them. They would have to be even more vigilant in the future.

"We understand..."

Seeing that the group had finally admitted their mistake, Ryuka withdrew her magic, saying she would settle accounts with them later that night. Then she clapped her hands and said, "Alright, let's split up and patrol the city again to check on the condition of the soldiers and citizens. The nobles from other factions will be arriving soon. Zona, have you made arrangements with the Shadow Guards?"

As Liu Xia voiced her question, the half-blooded dark elf girl appeared in the room like a ghost, kneeling before Liu Xia and replying, "It's all arranged. Not only the reception hall, but all the streets, big and small, in Sochi City are under surveillance. The same goes for Linhu Territory; there are no abnormalities on the border, and no strange activity in the territories of other nobles."

Ryuka nodded to Zona: "Thank you for your hard work. What kind of reward do you and the Shadow Guards want?"

In this incident, Zona and the Shadow Guards made significant contributions in stabilizing the rear territory and gathering intelligence on the enemy's movements. However, as a mixed-race group that cannot be brought into the open, only they themselves can bestow rewards upon them.

"Thank you, Master. We don't want anything. Your families have been well taken care of in Linhu Town, and the children can even receive an education. This is something we never dared to dream of before."

Zona looked up at Ryūka, her face, hidden by the mask, filled with a smile, brimming with loyalty and affection for him. Then, somewhat shyly, she said:

"If I had to say, some of the Shadow Guard sisters, although their Dark Elf bloodline isn't as concentrated as mine, still have some bloodline-related concerns. They don't have a suitable partner, and they worry that intermarriage within their tribe might cause their offspring to have a more prominent bloodline. According to them, although it's somewhat presumptuous, if you don't mind, Master, could you perhaps…"

Liu Xia was taken aback. He hadn't expected the reward the other party wanted to be like this. Wasn't this actually a bargain for him...?

Seeing that Ryūka didn't answer immediately, Zona thought her conditions were too presumptuous. She mustered her courage and added, "They are all virgins, and they couldn't be more satisfied with their current situation. They are even willing to form a secret Dark Elf bond with you and become your most loyal servants..."

"Wow, there are more people now, wait, or rather, there are more people who can share the burden?"

Heflian couldn't help but mutter under her breath. Ryuuya had plenty of ways to make them surrender and be satisfied in no time. If he ever got into a playful mood, besides the inhuman Kania, all the female knights would be tormented to the point of near death. Having a few more people might actually be a way to share the burden.

Ryuka couldn't help but glare at her, then said to Zona, "I'll consider it. Is there nothing else?"

So Zona said again, "It has been a long time since I have returned to my master's side. If possible, could my master... help me resolve the bloodline suffering of the dark elves tonight?"

Kania, hearing Zona's words, clung to Ruka again, saying, "In that case, I'll also suffer some blood-related pain~"

Not only Kania, but the female knights, whose nerves had been stretched thin by the war and hadn't had a chance to vent their frustrations, also had burning eyes. Including Melanie, who would be returning to Sochi with the delegation today, all the girls who had ever been involved with Ryūka would be here, including Olivia, who had just been secretly moved here from the magic workshop in Linhu Town. According to his agreement with Ilias, he would help Ryūka operate in the capital, and in return, Ryūka would release Olivia—this was also her Heavenly Rank mother's 'request'. If she wanted to establish herself in the noble circles of Otus, Ryūka couldn't refuse this favor.

As for Olivia's chastity, such an issue might not be of concern to the Heavenly Rank families of this world. Everyone tacitly agrees on the fate of those who provoke and are defeated, not to mention that for Heavenly Rank families, Olivia's survival already indicates that Ryusha has considered their reputation. Furthermore, considering the tense relationship between Olivia and her mother, she probably wouldn't even want to bring it up.

Let's use it one last time before letting it go, otherwise it would be a huge loss. Ryūka smiled; it seems there will be another reward ceremony tonight besides the Empire's bestowal…

Chapter 2: Open and Covert Attacks at the Banquet

The streets of Sochi were packed with onlookers, and soldiers maintained order like statues. Those uninvolved in the fighting were excitedly discussing Sochi becoming a province, their new governor, and the impending arrival of the emperor's ambassador. It was a grand spectacle; everyone was gathered around as if it were a festival, watching carriages carrying nobles file in and head towards the castle.

"So, this is the magic gun. These lads are certainly spirited, aren't they, Your Excellency?"

Four white horsemen led the way in a magnificent carriage. Prince Hypnos stroked his curly beard, peering through the white veil at the soldiers lining the street with admiration. As the emperor's cousin and ambassador, he wanted to take in everything about Sochi before personally handing it over to His Majesty.

Opposite him stood a female clergyman addressed as His Excellency the Bishop, dressed in a white robe with gold patterns. Her long, flowing, jet-black hair cascaded from her white crown, draping over her golden shawl and resting on her high, full breasts. Despite being encased in conservative priestly robes, her alluring figure was undeniably striking, yet even Prince Hypnos dared not cast his gaze upon her, lest he offend or defile this noble and aloof woman.

“A ruler who is both benevolent and dignified will naturally have loyal soldiers. I heard that the new governor of the empire personally transported his soldiers back to their hometowns and made proper arrangements for their families. It’s hard not to be moved.”

The words of praise were spoken in an extremely indifferent and calm tone. The woman propped herself up with one hand, her long, narrow eyes framed by thick, glossy eyelashes that looked as if they were coated with ointment, as she glanced sideways at everything outside the window. In her gaze, there was a sense of indifference that the world was but a drama, and all living beings were merely passersby.

As the new province of the empire welcomed its new governor, its new bishop also arrived. Hypnos couldn't understand why the Papacy had sent this stunningly beautiful young woman to replace the original bishop of Sochi. The relationship between the Papacy and the royal family had always been delicate, but changes in regional bishops were usually announced in advance. This time, however, there was no such announcement. The day before his departure, a representative of the Papacy suddenly came to his door requesting to accompany him, which made Hypnos uneasy. But throughout the journey, the young female bishop rarely spoke to him, making it incredibly difficult for him to probe her for anything.

"That's enough for now, Your Highness."

As the carriage passed the Sochi Cathedral, the bishop spoke in a calm tone, his voice carrying an unquestionable command, without uttering a single word of thanks to the prince for giving her a ride. This displeased Hypnos. However, he remained silent, simply ringing the bell inside the carriage, and the coachman slowly brought the carriage to a stop.

The onlookers watched with curiosity as the car door opened, revealing a noble and ethereal woman holding a magnificent scepter. Without attendants or fanfare, she stepped onto the ground. The moment her white high heels touched the ground, it was as if the air in the city froze. An invisible aura enveloped her, making the devotees of the goddess feel as if they had witnessed an angel descend to earth, silently kneeling and whispering prayers in their hearts.

The noisy world fell into complete silence in an instant; the sound of the wind and even breathing ceased. It was only when the new bishop stepped alone into the church in Sochi that time seemed to resume its flow.

"A terrifying woman..."

Hypnos lowered his head, rubbing the ring on his hand, his eyelids half-closed. He circulated his Grand Knight-level battle aura through his body several times, as if warming his stagnant blood. As a prince, although he had never experienced combat, as a member of the royal family, he had cultivated since childhood and possessed the cultivation of a top-tier Grand Knight. Although limited by his talent, he might never hope to reach the Heavenly Rank, but Hypnos had faced all ten Heavenly Rank warriors. Yet, none of them gave him the same imposing aura as this bishop.

Everyone thought that the Three Saints and Ten Gods of Otus were the strongest fighting force in the world, but only people like Hypnos, who were close to the core of power, knew that the strength of the Papacy was truly unfathomable. However, they never revealed it and always presented themselves as the most unassuming saints.

"Your Majesty is right. If it weren't for the witch's power, there probably wouldn't be an empire anymore. For the descendants of King Kranar to have fallen to this state is truly... heh..."

Hypnos chuckled twice, then gently rang the bell again, signaling the coachman to continue towards the castle, no longer dwelling on matters he couldn't resolve. His task was merely to reward a young man and add a new force to Otus. As far as the Empire was concerned, it didn't matter which side Ryūsha stood on, as long as it wasn't with the Papacy.

As the bishop stepped into the magnificently frescoed Sochi Cathedral, all the clergy had been waiting patiently. Priests and nuns alike bowed their heads and closed their eyes, their hands folded in front of them. At the far end of the clergy line, the original bishop of Sochi stood there, his obese face trembling, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead, watching the woman approach him step by step, awaiting his pronouncement.

As the bishop stepped into the magnificently frescoed Sochi Cathedral, all the clergy had been waiting patiently. Priests and nuns alike bowed their heads and closed their eyes, their hands folded in front of them. At the far end of the clergy line, the original bishop of Sochi stood there, his obese face trembling, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead, watching the woman approach him step by step, awaiting his pronouncement.

As the Papacy's local agent, every change in the Otus Empire had to be reported to the Holy City. The Papacy did not interfere in the transfer of secular power, but it monitored them at all times. However, when the turmoil broke out in Sochi, Count Duke firmly controlled the city, making it impossible for the bishop of Sochi to send out messages. This was his first dereliction of duty.

Another issue was the forced conscription of Sochi's clergy into the Ryukyu army as healers, essentially turning them into mercenaries and tarnishing the Papacy's reputation. While it was almost common practice for local churches to assist their lords for extra income, in principle, each church was loyal to the Holy City, not the Imperial Capital. Although Clovis's camp also had clergy, this was due to a formal application submitted to the Northern Church by the Empire under the pretext of suppressing rebellion.

The bishop of Sochi, having just been released from house arrest by Count Duke, was forcibly conscripted by the Ryukhai, who had taken over Sochi, without even having a chance to report to the Holy City. Clergy from different regions serving different armies, and even opposing each other on the battlefield, while resulting in no casualties, was still a great disgrace! It was as if the Papacy was weaker than the imperial power!

With these two events combined, the Sochi bishop's abilities would naturally be questioned, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Holy City sent someone to replace him. But what made him nervous was that he had only learned of this news yesterday. This unusual situation made him extremely anxious, unsure of what kind of punishment he would receive.

Was it demotion, reassignment, or going to repent and atone for his sins? What terrified him even more was that the person who would replace him was her!

"The aura of the grave crawls out of the coffin and returns to the world. The saints of yesteryear are now nothing but empty names, and two gold coins above the eyes of the corpses. Your service ends today, and begins today. Respond to the call of God..."

The old bishop stared wide-eyed at the woman approaching step by step, seemingly unable to believe that she would say such a thing. He pleaded tremblingly, but his steps could not be taken back an inch.

"You...you want to kill me? How could that be?! Hinatil, it's not my fault...Sochi City has changed too quickly! And that kid doesn't know any noble etiquette at all!"

The newly appointed bishop, known as Sinatil, uttered a soft, red-lipped remark: "Interesting. You thought I came because of some pointless political infighting in Otus?"

The old bishop was stunned and asked in bewilderment, "Then, what is it because of? If it weren't for this, I didn't do anything!!!"

“It’s precisely because you did nothing,” Hinatil said calmly, “that you didn’t report the heretical incident months ago to the Holy City; that you turned a blind eye to the budding of a heretical cult in your parish; and…”

The old bishop suddenly interrupted Hinatil hysterically, frantically defending himself:

"The heresy from months ago? Isn't that a recurring anomaly? The resentment of fools breeds evil spirits, so it's not surprising that it appears at any time... Besides, that demon has already been eliminated by the local lord!!"

The so-called heresy and cult is nothing more than a group of poor people and slaves chanting Kurowell again. The poor chant Kurowell, merchants chant Petasos, soldiers and nobles chant Cranar… this is common in every parish! It's just that this year, because of the war, the unrest among the people is a bit greater!

Faced with the old bishop's hysteria, Hinatil simply lowered her eyes and murmured softly, "I hate it when people interrupt me..."

But the old bishop seemed not to hear her whispers, muttering incessantly, "Impossible... The Cardinal didn't tell me anything... That's right! It's you! Your Inquisition wants to seize power, doesn't it! It must be! That woman can't wait to become Pope, can she! I want to see the Archbishop! I want to go to the capital! No, no... I want to go to the Holy City to see His Holiness the Pope!"

His roar echoed through the church hall. The priests and nuns on either side trembled, their lips and eyelids shaking, yet none dared to move an inch, remaining as silent as statues. In this silence, Hinatil spoke: “Foolish, utterly foolish. Do you only understand when the temple of this heretical god is built for people to worship? And that’s not all…”

As she spoke, she gently tapped her scepter, and a platinum-like aura of holy magic instantly swept across the entire cathedral.

Boom! A section of the walls and floor collapsed instantly, revealing several hidden tunnels amidst the deafening sound and scattering dust. Hinatil pinched her fingers in mid-air, pulling a single hair from the rubble and dust. The fine strand of hair was enveloped in holy magic, not touching her fingers. The next instant, white flames incinerated the hair completely. She coldly and disgustedly uttered the third point, interrupted by the old bishop:

"As the bishop of the district, you've been under the surveillance of the local lord for decades, and those surveillance are none other than those filthy dark-skinned elves... It's disgusting..."

The old bishop stared at the exposed secret passage, unable to believe that such a thing existed within the church where he had lived for decades; it likely predated his tenure. For a moment, he felt as if he had been living a lie, repeatedly muttering, "I don't know… I need to see His Holiness the Pope…"

And Siennatil had already walked up to him and gently tapped his forehead with her scepter:

"No need. Your service on earth is over. Go and repent before the goddess. This is the highest glory, an eternal reward..."

The old bishop suddenly froze in place, and then the church bells rang out of nowhere. His tense face relaxed instantly, and his body slowly fell backward, silently closing his eyes on the ground.

"Notify all levels of churches below to thoroughly investigate local Kuroel believers; at the same time, open up relief efforts to help the civilians who have migrated south rebuild their homes, to surpass the relief efforts of the Governor of Sochi, and to rebuild our prestige; give me all the information on the new governor... no, all the intelligence from the Linhu region over the past year."

Hinatil didn't give it another glance and naturally began to give orders to the other clergy.

The clergy fell silent. They had all served the old bishop for many years, and even though they were terrified of the new bishop who came from the Inquisition, one of them gritted his teeth and said, "Your Excellency... this isn't the Holy City, it's a peripheral diocese of Otus. We don't even have many paladins or inquisition knights! We... we can't possibly go against the new governor..."

“He is the governor, not the emperor of Otus.” Hinatil gave the priest a cold look and said, “I will handle this matter. It’s time to stop making concessions to secular power.”

Empires, kingdoms, guilds, magicians, commoners… people gradually began to abandon their faith, regarding the Papacy as nothing. Even within the Papacy itself, corruption began; clergy abandoned their piety to interfere in secular affairs, and regional bishops and even cardinals sided with the crown prince in power struggles. It was time to change all of this.

Let's start here, but until that door is opened, we must pretend we know nothing...

“We’ve exercised restraint for so many years, and people seem to have forgotten the reverence they should have…” She looked towards the direction of the capital of Ottus and smiled meaningfully, “You are still bothered by things from a thousand years ago, and aren’t we the same…”

Having said that, Hinatil instructed, "Sister Luminova from Linhu Town, come to see me." Then she walked out of the church alone.

"Yes... Your Excellency, where are you going? Would you like us to prepare a carriage?"

"No need, I'm just going to the castle to see that young governor..."

Meanwhile, at a garden banquet in Sochi Castle, Ryuga was unaware that another troublesome force had emerged. He was facing a formidable figure, a fake, polite smile on his face.

Unlike the young man who was the center of attention, the man opposite him looked completely ordinary, making it hard to believe that such a dark-skinned man was the third prince of the empire.

"Oh~ you must be Liu Xiaqing. Tipalotula is really something, recruiting such a talent without even telling me, his older brother."

Ryūka suppressed the urge to twitch his lips as he watched Clovis approach, wine glass in hand. He had heard that Clovis had returned to the capital to report, but he hadn't expected him to suddenly appear here. When he first heard this news, Ryūka thought he had misheard. Although the nobles under Clovis's command were to receive their rewards together—this was an imperial order—Ryūka could only allow them to enter the city. But he hadn't expected Clovis to have hidden in their carriage and sneaked in with them.

What kind of prince is this!

He appeared silently and began chatting with nobles from all sides, his attire lacking any royal airs, looking more like an ordinary street vendor.

He spoke kindly and appreciatively of Ryūsha, and his nobles, nobles from other territories who had come to join the conversation, officers from Sochi, and nobles who had surrendered to Ryūsha all chatted together, making Ryūsha feel as if the previous war had never happened. No one mentioned the incident; everyone greeted and flattered each other, as if only the Duke family had disappeared, and everyone else was a hero.

This sense of disorientation was like a dream, making Ryuga feel as if he were in a darkly humorous movie. He watched Clovis walk towards him, gave him a polite smile, and nodded to him.

"Your Highness Clovis."

What utter disrespect! The royal family member opposite them didn't bow, but merely nodded slightly! The older nobleman behind Clovis glared angrily at Ryusha, while the other factions raised their eyebrows and took a half step back, wanting to see what kind of fight would break out.

Despite Clovis's amused gaze, Ryūka remained composed. In this world, even at major celebrations, nobles of some status would only kneel on one knee before the emperor. Ryūka, naturally, had no intention of yielding to Clovis's aggressive probing.

"Your Highness."

Even when she bowed deeply, the stunning Megan only stood level with Chloe, and her bow at that moment seemed to be a way of shielding her master from the brunt of the curtsy.

Megan then looked behind Clovis and said calmly:

"Uncle Hudson, it's been a long time."

Hudson, who was about to lash out at Ryukyu, saw Megan appear, his lips twitched a few times, and he said coldly, "I thought you would come back with Mara. Your father has missed you for a long time."

Even though everyone knew that Megan, the daughter of the Payne family, had followed Ryusha and was going against her family, Hudson couldn't bring himself to publicly sever ties and damage his family's reputation.

"Is that so?" Megan smiled radiantly, her alluring beauty eliciting gasps of admiration from the nobles present, who had only heard of her infamous reputation. She took a slight step back, standing behind Liu Xia, and said:

"My father has sent me to Sochi for so many years, it's time he missed me."

Hudson's face darkened. Besides Earl Duke, only Lady Mara knew that Megan had lost the duel and been captured by Ryukyu. And Lady Mara, after returning to the North, had only hinted at it vaguely.

But Megan's attitude at this moment seemed somewhat different; her barbed tone seemed to carry another meaning.

After all, the unruly Megan of that time considered herself the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Payne family, even despising her own brothers and believing herself to be the rightful heir to the family. As a result, she was abandoned by her own father and sent to Sochi as a 'hostage' to lull Earl Duke into complacency, thus severing almost all ties with her family.

Now, her words seem to suggest that her resentment towards her family, which abandoned her, has instead fueled a fanatical devotion to Ryūka's converts.

This once tyrannical female knight, who hated men, now stood obediently behind Ryūka. Her tall figure even hunched slightly inward, indicating her submission. Her ample breasts, encased in her knightly attire, almost touched the back of Ryūka's head, and her expression was devoid of any of her former arrogance, filled only with docile obedience.

What lies behind this is self-evident!

Such a scene is a desecration of the Payne family! Especially since Megan is Clovis's cousin! This way, Clovis can't make things difficult for her in public.

Despicable! Shameless! This is not something a mere slave contract could achieve! Her own niece has completely abandoned her identity! She has become this brat's follower! No… it's an identity even more unacceptable than that…

Hudson gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, his hand gripping the sword hilt cracking. But just as he was about to reach his breaking point, Clovis burst into enthusiastic laughter:

“Meghan. The last time we met was at Mother’s palace. You were... fifteen years old, right? It’s been so long, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Ryuka quietly observed Clovis. It seemed that this man was much more composed than she had imagined.

"Yes, Your Highness, it has been fifteen years."

Megan responded politely, but Clovis's next words surprised everyone.

“Really, if you and Liu Xiaqing knew each other before, you should have introduced us. It’s a good thing that Autus has such a talented young man… not to mention that he and my cousin… have such a close relationship.”