Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

She tentatively tossed a twig over, which was smoothly sliced ​​in half after grazing the light screen.

"Well……"

An unsettling feeling made the hairs on her body stand on end, and Vitry decisively decided to avoid the suspicious orb of light.

Perhaps I should inform Ryūka. Besides that, Vitry has been having strange dreams lately, in which she is worshipped by a large group of humans, yet they don't offer her any food! This makes Vitry feel inexplicably aggrieved, and she also hopes to get some verbal comfort from Ryūka.

When she arrived in Linhu Town, she indeed found Liuxia there, though the boy was busy leading the townspeople in repairing the damaged classrooms. At the same time, she was discussing with Earl Duke how to provide the mixed-race dark elves near the hot spring resort with a more secluded base, so they could evade the Holy See's search should anything happen.

Although the snow spirit girl was greedy, she wasn't stupid. Seeing that Liu Xia was doing something serious, she obediently put the rabbit aside and went up to him to tell him what she had seen in the forest.

"Is it asleep...?"

Ryusha was excited by the news; it seemed Atina had inflicted considerable damage on Hinatil. Although she didn't know how long Atina would remain asleep, the situation was quite advantageous to her. The clergy who had come with her, having broken free from the bishop's command and finding nothing further in Linhu Town, had no choice but to leave dejectedly.

They also took away several suspected heretics.

"Now that the tiger's not home, I should definitely visit the monkeys in the mountains and give them a surprise when they wake up..."

Ryuu smiled slightly, keenly noticing the rabbit and the little flower Vitris had hidden, and said to the girl with a smile:

"Spring flowers and winter girls go very well together~"

"Is that so? Hehe..."

Vitry laughed cheerfully; although she couldn't have the roasted rabbit, the compliment was enough to make her happy.

Considering that Vitris was also a heretic, Ryuka felt uneasy not having her by his side, so he extended an invitation.

"Vitry, would you like to go to Sochi? Lindsay and the others are coming too."

Sochi?

"That's right. Although I might not have time to spend with you, well... basically, I'm the boss there, so if you go, food and lodging will be provided. There are still plenty of new things to see in the city."

"I want to go! I want to go!"

"Is that so?" Liu Xia looked at the group from Linhu Town and gave them instructions:

"Lindsay, you two go pack your clothes and stuff. Mr. Ronald and Uncle Maya, I'll leave Linhu Town to you for now. I'll have Luca and the others come over in a few days to increase our manpower. I'll go find Anyaberg again, and then we'll set off."

Everyone nodded. Earl Duke patted old Myar on the shoulder; the former earl and the old militiaman seemed like two old buddies sharing a deep bond. No, including Clemens, there were three. The three old men, with different backgrounds and experiences, looked at each other, determined to ensure that the younger generation would have no more worries.

The two sisters, Elena and Evelyn, seemed quite excited, their eyes sparkling, but their excitement quickly faded.

Having been slaves in the past, they were already quite satisfied with their life in Linhu Town. But Sochi City was, after all, a big city. Shops, food, bustling streets and buildings would certainly excite the girls, as would their familiar sister, Qila.

However, Atina's departure still saddened them somewhat, as they felt guilty for enjoying themselves while their friend was in trouble.

Going to Sochi with Ryūka would be great if we could help deal with that annoying Papacy. But the two sisters don't know magic or fighting spirit, and while they want to contribute a little, they're afraid of causing Ryūka trouble.

"By the way, Evelyn and Elena, you two can take some extra things with you, since you might not be back for a while."

"Hey?"

Perhaps sensing the sisters' disappointment, or perhaps just suddenly remembering something, Ryuka, who was about to leave, turned back to give them some more instructions, which made them look curious.

"Sochi City is preparing to open a branch of the Imperial Military Academy. You two have learned quite a bit from Atina, haven't you? Your literature and history must be quite good. You can take the entrance exam later, and maybe you'll even have the chance to study magic and martial arts."

Ryuka encouraged the two sisters, "When Atina comes back, we'll give her a real shock!"

Evelyn and Elena's faces flushed slightly with excitement. They nodded vigorously, their neatly combed hair bouncing with joy, and they ran off to pack their things.

His steps were so light, and the boy's words alone dispelled the gloom in their hearts.

That's right, we need to work even harder! Whether it's to help Liuxia in the future or to live up to the knowledge Atina taught them, now is not the time to be discouraged!

Seeing them regain their spirits, Lindsay, unusually, took the initiative to speak, and in Ryūka's eyes, the nun smiled shyly:

"Mr. Ryuka is really good at charming girls."

“Really?” Ryusha wasn’t shy about the compliment; instead, she answered Lindsay frankly.

"If I told you that the nun needs a new pair of glasses, and that the shops in Sochi have them, Lindsay, would you think I'm just 'pandering to a girl'?"

Lindsay was taken aback. Seeing the boy's smile, her face flushed red, and she couldn't help but turn her head away.

How annoying! She was calling me "Sister Lindsay" just a moment ago, and now she's calling me by my real name with such a bright smile at a time like this, and saying such frivolous things.

No, not pure!

But my heart was beating so fast.

"For example, if it's an donation to the church, then I accept it..."

"Really?"

Seeing Lindsay's shy and dishonest demeanor, Liuxia felt a surge of desire to bully her.

"Now that you've accepted my gift, shouldn't you reciprocate?"

"Hey?"

Lindsay blinked at the boy's mischievous grin. Return the courtesy? Return what courtesy?

Recalling Liu Xia's romantic escapades, Lindsay couldn't help but feel her face burning. She started imagining things that a nun shouldn't think about, without considering how she could have made that kind of exchange just for a pair of glasses.

Is that what you mean? Is that what you mean? Really? It can't be, right?

She was so plain and unremarkable that even though she hadn't had much contact with Ryuka over the past year, the boy's dashing appearance when they first met was unforgettable.

Just as Lindsay was agonizing over her troubles, Ryusha seemed to have timed it perfectly, revealing a sly smile of triumph:

"My request isn't unreasonable, all I ask is that Miss Lindsay help me become the Bishop of Sochi~"

"Okay, alright..."

Phew—what? It wasn't that kind of thing after all. I was such a fool to be overthinking things like this! Lindsay, even if you spent your teenage years in a nunnery without boys, you shouldn't have been thinking like this! How shameful!

Hmm... wait a minute? What did Ryuka just say?

"Why??????"

Lindsay couldn't help but scream when she realized what was happening. She looked at the boy's wicked grin with an incredulous expression.

"My Lord, my Lord, my Lord Bishop??? Me???"

Putting aside the fact that she was just an ordinary nun who had just graduated from the academy, she had never participated in the examinations and rankings within the clergy, and her strength was only that of an ordinary full-time nun.

Becoming a bishop! No matter how I look at it, it's impossible for someone with my personality to do that!

But Ryūsha's words, though sounding like a joke, were actually quite serious. He looked at the uneasy Lindsay and smiled:

"What's wrong, Lindsay? Didn't you just say before, 'Just tell me what I can do next!'"

Seeing the boy deliberately mimicking the tone she had used when she mustered the courage to speak, Lindsay felt both ashamed and indignant, and stammered as she waved her hands:

“But, but, a bishop, however, requires qualifications… strength and rank within the Vatican… someone like me, someone like me…”

The nun looked like she was about to cry, muttering, "I only got a B+ in the nun's exam... The town officials are already struggling, how can I possibly advance..."

Ryuka smiled confidently: "It's alright~ I'll make you a bishop."

Indeed, if he could make good use of the internal strife within the Papacy, as long as he could find a way to get acquainted with Randall, who was opposed to the Inquisition, and then find a way to get Prince Hypnos to help him, and with his position as governor, it wouldn't be a pipe dream to turn the bishops in his province into his own people.

As for changing to a more legitimate name.

For clergy, as long as there are holy sites, that counts as a resume, right?

And historically, most sacred sites are man-made.

After all, he had no intention of openly opposing the entire Papacy; supporting one faction while attacking another was the optimal solution.

Having made plans here, there's another place Liu Xia needs to go in Linhu Town: the Magic Workshop.

Unlike other aspects, although Ryuka planned to gather everyone around her to Sochi City, it would be inappropriate to place the Magic Workshop, which was an armory, in too conspicuous a location.

Although we wanted to bring Anyaberg to Sochi City to cultivate magical technology talents for the academy, it was still necessary to leave the magical workshop deep in the mountains.

Ryuka quickly arrived at the magic workshop on the outskirts of the town. The entrance was filled with boxes and miscellaneous items to block the crowd, and the people inside heard her footsteps and soon came out with threats.

"This is Princess Tipalotura's magic workshop! If you people from the Holy See dare to cause trouble, we won't be polite! The magic weapons from the Sochi battlefield are already laid out!"

Hearing Anyaberg's shouts, Ryusha realized that the Vatican's people must have tried to search this place before. After all, Sinatil should know about Tipalotura's heretical ruins plan. Whether she would try to sabotage it was still unknown to Ryusha, but she certainly wouldn't let her subordinates miss the opportunity to harass this place.

It seems these magical engineering students from the Imperial Capital Military Academy, though technical personnel, also possess the courage to stand up to others. Ryuka couldn't help but laugh and shout at the fortifications at the entrance of the magical workshop.

"Is that so! So it's Her Highness the Princess's workshop. Does that mean I don't need to provide the payment or raw materials?"

"Lucia?"

A commotion and a delighted scream came from behind the makeshift fortifications. Anjaberg's round head popped out, followed by a second and a third. The magical engineers, wearing thick work hats and looking somewhat tense, held all sorts of bizarre magical weapons, appearing both comical and endearing.

Especially Anyaberg, she looked like she was going to war, covered in all sorts of bizarre items, and wearing a helmet. The thick armor plates looked like unfinished magical armor; the details of the work didn't seem to be hers, but rather a prototype from another student that she had 'borrowed' for this emergency. "Are you here? Am I here? Are you here, Lin?"

"You've finally arrived! Those damned charlatans! They're not just fragile healers; several knights from the Sochi Cathedral are here! If we hadn't been armed, we probably would have been forcibly searched like the rest of the town!"

Anyaberg nimbly scrambled over the fortifications and jogged to his feet, his half-finished magical armor clanging and several parts missing.

She glared at Ryukyu with displeasure: "How can you be the governor of Sochi! You've only been in office for two days! And the Vatican's headquarters have been raided!"

"Well, there's a reason for that. That bishop seems to have some means of obtaining information from Luminova."

Ryuka's explanation didn't satisfy Anyaberg. Still angry, she muttered in a low voice, "I bet you were having too much fun with them last night and that's why you let your guard down. Honestly, this is an important magic workshop! It's where all our research and magical analysis work is concentrated..."

It's not jealousy! Anjaberg thought about how Olivia, that excellent source of magic, had been taken away by Ryūka. Although he had received the emperor's reward, he wasn't really happy. After all, apart from himself, most of his classmates were still struggling as engineering geeks. It seemed the world didn't value magical technology enough.

Even with Ryuka's and his own excellent designs, every step of the production process still relies on ordinary people. They've all retreated to the mountain town, yet they still can't find peace. This is truly infuriating!

Listening to Anyaberg's complaints, Ryuka also felt that these students of the Department of Magical Engineering had been wronged. Although they came here under the orders of Tipalotura, in addition to developing and perfecting the device to break the seal of heresy, they had also made many contributions to Ryuka's production and military.

Although food, lodging, and a salary are provided, the remote environment here might still be too demanding for these students from Beijing.

Unlike the magicians recruited by Liuxia who only do basic work, each of them could have their information gathered about the workshop if they went out. So even on vacation, they rarely went to places like Sochi to relax.

Looking at the innocent smiles on the faces of the male and female trainees, Ryuga seemed to resonate with what Anyaberg had said on their behalf, but also tried to appear indifferent. This made Ryuga feel a little guilty about keeping them in Linhu Town any longer…

After thinking it over, Ryuka couldn't help but say to them:

"As you all know, I have become the governor of Sochi Province. Although you came here on Her Highness the Princess's orders, you are ultimately working under me, so I have a responsibility to you all..."

“Many people around me have gone to Sochi now, but the Magic Workshop will stay here because everyone understands its importance better than I do. However, if anyone wants a change of scenery, there is another way now…”

"That's the soon-to-be-established Sochi Military Academy. I also plan to develop a department of magical engineering, so I'll need a group of teachers. The academy will also have laboratories built and funding provided for research, and it will also allow for closer interaction with mages..."

As Liu Xia finished speaking, the crowd began to discuss among themselves. Some showed expressions of interest, while others pondered the matter and then adopted a determined look.

"If anyone is interested, please submit your opinions. Of course, those who leave here must sign a magical contract and cannot reveal anything about this place. Also, resources and funds will be prioritized for the magic workshops here, while the laboratories at the academy will receive funding in batches based on everyone's research results, just like in the capital. You should all know this."

Seeing the magic engineers discussing among themselves, Ryuka calmly said, "I believe everyone can make a contribution, no matter where they are. If we stay in Linhu Town, I plan to relocate the magic workshop to the vicinity of the hot spring resort, and also have some shops and entertainment venues built so that everyone can relax when they want to rest."

Ryūka's words sounded impeccable to them, and even those who left wouldn't feel too much psychological pressure. This greatly comforted the magical engineers, who further endorsed the young governor. No one harbored resentment anymore, but instead seriously considered their choices.

Chapter 27 Dishonesty and Honesty

After a long period of deliberation, a group of magical engineers stepped forward: "Governor...Governor, a few of us intend to stay here."

The boy in the lead smiled. "To be honest, I'm not good at city life or interpersonal relationships. Here, we have food, drink, work, and money. Princess Tipalotura has even promised we can graduate early if we complete this task. We're not as talented as Anjaberg; this stable, uneventful life suits us better, and besides..."

He exchanged a glance with a girl next to him, and the two held hands: "Men teaming up with women makes the work easier, right? I feel like I have everything I need here!"

A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd, and the girl pinched him shyly. Then, several other young people stepped forward and bowed deeply to Liu Xia.

"Thank you, Your Excellency..."

He looked up, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face: "I know what you said was very lenient, but I don't want to be stubborn. We do find life here a bit boring. But what you just said really impressed me. It not only saved us face, but also made us realize that even if we leave here, we can still play our part..."

The people behind him wore somewhat awkward smiles, but the surrounding classmates also showed understanding smiles. Everyone has their own ambitions, habits, and choices.

The representative who wanted to leave continued, "But we've discussed it a bit. If you can let us work at Sochi Academy, we're willing to accept a lower salary, and if we fail to produce even half the results or any further progress, you can dismiss us at any time! We're willing to sign a magical contract, whether it's for confidentiality or for future service!"

Ryusha showed a satisfied expression. These students came to Linhu Town with the hope of getting credits and graduating early, and also realizing their scientific research ambitions. It was Tipalotura who made the promise to them.

As long as they help her complete the research, the princess will naturally intervene at the Imperial Academy. However, if they withdraw halfway, they'll be left with no way out; having participated in the selection of the imperial heirs, they might not have an easy time returning to the capital. Liu Xia, however, has offered these people another way out, making them willingly express their loyalty and gratitude in this way. (The last sentence appears to be unrelated and possibly a fragment from another text.)

"I have a feeling that you're trying to poach His Highness's man..."

Anja Berg couldn't help but mutter under her breath, while Ryuka rolled her eyes and asked her:

"What about you? Are you going to stay here, or go to Sochi?"

This question made Anyaberg hesitate; she actually preferred secluded and quiet environments where she didn't have to consider anything else.

But... is Ryukatsu going to stay in Sochi after this...?

She couldn't help but look at the students who wanted to stay, feeling conflicted. The couple seemed to understand something, and smiled and nodded at Anyaberg, as if to encourage her.

After all, some things are more sensitive to those who have experienced them.