Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

"Hayden's guess was right. Even without the matter of the Judgment Knight, Adela's move alone is enough to give me a headache. Although Kira and I were prepared, once things get complicated at the market, I tend to overlook other things. By the time I realize it, the Judgment Knight will probably already be in Sochi!"

What a vicious opponent! Compared to the overwhelming army of the Third Prince Clovis, this bloodless method is Elias's style, yet he always presents himself as the 'savior of Sochi,' maintaining his image as a good person. [The rest of the text appears to be gibberish and unrelated to the initial statement.]

No wonder Clovis once said to be careful of his brother.

Sensing Ryusha's anger and the seriousness of the situation, Kania couldn't help but worry: "If the Judgment Knights discover what we did to Shinatiel, won't the Holy City launch a punitive expedition?"

"That's unlikely. The cost of war is too high. They'll probably use this as leverage to force me to submit to Elias. After all, Elias helped Carmela, and Carmela wants him to benefit as well. Besides, Elias isn't just working for the Papacy; like all royal heirs, he wants even greater power!"

Liu Xia sneered. It seemed that although the emperor himself disliked the Papacy's interference in the empire, his shrewd son was different. He would befriend and win over anyone who was beneficial to him.

Kania sighed, "Ilias has been extending olive branches to you so many times, but instead of giving a response, you resort to this kind of tactic. Ryuka, what should we do this time?"

Kania's concerns were valid. Even with this information from Esther, Ryuka's situation remained dire.

But Ryūka was only angry, not flustered. As if she had everything under control, she smiled at Kana and said:

"Don't worry, there's someone who can help us. Although I didn't know what Adela and the others were planning before, I invited this person to Sochi a long time ago. Now it seems that he can help us with these matters... but I need to go and talk to him again."

"Who is it?" Kania couldn't help but ask, looking at Ryusha's mysterious demeanor.

Ryuka simply smiled slightly, deliberately keeping everyone in suspense: "You'll find out then~"

Chapter 34 Final Game Opening

It was another seemingly ordinary summer day. The rain cooled down the sweltering heat, but on this apocalyptic day, the weather made people feel even more depressed.

"What?! He's gone?"

"Yes...yes, they were supposed to pick up the goods today, but they're nowhere to be found, and we can't even find them at the hotel where they're staying!"

Such conversations took place in every corner of Sochi, from large workshops with independent stores to small merchants with stalls, their moods becoming even more anxious amidst the rumbling thunder.

Initially, some in the industry felt a sense of schadenfreude, after all, not everyone would risk taking on large deals. But they overlooked one crucial point: human existence is not isolated; whether in business or daily life, people are interconnected in a vast web. When a significant number of people are affected, others cannot remain unscathed…

"The boss is in trouble? What do you mean? Does that mean he won't pay this month's wages? My family is waiting for them..."

"Sir, here are the fruits and vegetables you ordered. No, you don't want them anymore? Are you having problems with your other businesses and can't pay? But these things don't keep well!"

"Hey! Get out here right now! It's time to pay back the money! Still trying to deny it? It's written here in black and white!"

"Please keep your voice down, my wife and kids can hear me... No! Don't smash my things!!!"

A series of chaotic events erupted in Sochi, with the impact of the conflict far exceeding that of the demonstrations of the previous days. The general public, confused about what was happening, became increasingly uneasy. Workers found their workshops in disarray, and the city guards, having just dealt with one dispute, received three or four more reports. While they were all busy running around, a carriage quietly arrived near Sochi Cathedral.

"Thank you so much, Esther! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to come in and enjoy watching that kid's utter defeat so openly!"

Inside the carriage, Adela smiled contentedly at Esther sitting opposite her.

Based on Esther's understanding of Ryukyu and Megan, Adela used a well-planned formation to draw away most of the city's defense forces stationed near Sochi Cathedral. The guards at Sochi Academy, which was not yet open to the public, allowed Adela's carriage to proceed unimpeded towards the central cathedral area after recognizing Esther, a friend of the Governor of Ryukyu, in the carriage.

Moreover, this economic chaos was only launched with full confidence after Esther revealed the economic situation of Ruxia.

When Esther, who deserved the most credit, faced Adela's flattery, she remained cold: "Yesterday you were still doubting me, thinking that the destruction of the magic jammer on the territory was something that Ryukatsu and I did in secret."

"How could that be!" Adela exclaimed in surprise. "I trust you completely, Esther~ After all, you're a smart girl. Once you understand the balance of power between the two sides, you'll definitely stand on our side~"

Adela laughed in an exaggerated voice, her tone sounding quite cheerful. She boldly lifted the carriage curtain and looked out at the clean and beautiful Sochi Academy. The smooth roads, beautiful buildings, and spacious campus resembled a royal garden; even the main campus in the capital of Otus wasn't as beautiful and grand.

The academy, which was not yet open to the public, was deserted. Adela drove along the academy's main road, admiring her spoils like a queen, and let out a triumphant laugh.

"To be honest, that kid does have a talent for aesthetics. Although the architectural style of this academy is simple, the buildings and greenery complement each other. Not to mention that the latest cement materials were used. Although it lacks the grandeur of stone slab buildings, it is much smoother, and the carriage can't even feel the slightest bump. Ahh, how much money did that kid spend to build this academy? Does he still have the strength to compete with our business wars now?"

No! Impossible! Even considering the wealth Ryukyu seized from the Sochi nobles, the emperor's rewards, and the revenue of the past few months, Adela calculated that he was already strapped for cash. To think he could issue a loan to save Sochi was a pipe dream!

Therefore, Ryūka had no choice but to compromise with his alliance with Elias! This is also why Adela dared to openly show her face in Ryūka's territory, not to mention that a group of Judgment Knights followed behind her carriage!

These knights, disguised as carriage guards, wore thick overcoats and exuded an invisible pressure from their silent demeanor. Joe Harvey led them from Ravenhill into Sochi, traveling day and night to reach the outskirts of the city before Hetia's army could divide the entire Sochi province. After Adela ignited the unrest in Sochi, they successfully took advantage of the city's lax security and, with Esther's guidance, arrived here without incident.

"Everyone, be on high alert."

Just as they approached Sochi Cathedral, the leading Inquisition Knight slightly raised his head, revealing a weathered face beneath his hood. Cohen Drummond, this paladin in his forties, was only one step away from reaching the Heavenly Rank, his expression solemn and composed. Unlike ordinary knights, the Holy See's paladins practiced holy magic rather than martial aura, making them powerful warriors skilled in both offense and defense, and also adept at some special holy arts.

Everyone stopped. The man next to him turned his head slightly; it was Joe Harvey. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's wrong, Paladin Cohen?"

"There is the aura of a great knight ahead."

"It should be Megan Payne. At a time like this, Ryūka would definitely be worried that the clergy inside the cathedral might try to escape in the chaos, so he'd have Megan strengthen the guard. There's nothing to worry about, after all, we're on our side..."

Joe Harvey glanced at the people behind him and said leisurely, "There are a full ten high-ranking officials here."

Paladin Cohen merely glanced at him, his heart not agreeing with Joe Harvey's use of the word "us." For him, the only important thing on this trip was rescuing Sinatil and the others from Sochi Cathedral; the clergy were his own people. He didn't care what kind of agreement these nobles and merchants had reached with his superior, Archbishop Carmela.

As if he had sensed their presence, Megan quickly appeared in front of them and shouted at them to stop:

"Who goes there! Who allowed you to come here!"

"It was a convoy delivering regular supplies to the church... I was going to say that, but it seems there's no need for that."

"Miss!"

At Yulina's worried exclamation, Adela appeared confidently from the carriage, standing outside Sochi Cathedral with the air of a victor.

"You are... Adela from the Chamber of Commerce!"

Megan's surprised expression pleased Adela greatly. Ignoring Megan, she politely gestured to the paladin Cohen behind her, seeking his permission. After receiving a nod from him, Adela took out a magic crystal ball and called out in a clear voice towards the cathedral in front of her:

"Father Rocco! Paladin Joel! Please come out! Lord Cohen and the Judgment Knights have arrived!"

Her voice was amplified countless times through the magic crystal ball, ensuring that even those behind high walls could hear her clearly. After setting down the crystal ball, Adela gave Megan, whose face was gloomy, a flirtatious smile. Like a salesperson, she first twirled cutely, then held up the magic crystal ball and said:

"A new product from the Chamber of Commerce! It's only five gold coins now! Miss Payne, would you like to consider it?"

Megan just gave a cold laugh.

"Ha~ you filthy bitch!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she rushed in front of Adela and swung her battle axe down at Adela without any mercy!

Boom! A massive shockwave struck, and Megan's enormous battle axe was firmly held in place! Beneath her towering figure stood the incredibly petite maid, Yulina!

And what blocked the giant battle axe was that seemingly fragile combination staff in her hand...?

Despite the protection of the magical shield, Megan's attack still shattered Yurina's maid outfit! Beneath the dignified maid outfit was a black bodysuit adorned with metal plates. The bodysuit, which encased the girl, slowly glowed with the light of magical crystals, forming skeletal lines along her shapely body.

"Magic armor?! No, it's not just that..."

Even Joe Harvey, standing behind her, couldn't help but be astonished by this sight. He watched as the streaks of light on Yulina's clothes began to spread, gradually creeping onto her exposed skin. Her hands, neck, cheeks... As the rune-like patterns spread to Yulina's eyes, the usually dignified and timid maid's eyes began to change.

Fierce, yet cold...

"Magical modification of the human body?! Miss Adela... your merchant guild alliance is truly..."

"Don't put it so harshly, Young Master Harvey. It's just magic that amplifies the human body... Yulina is special. If we really had this kind of technology, we would have made a fortune long ago."

"Is...is that so?"

With Adela's explanation, Joe Harvey gradually breathed a sigh of relief. Since Ryūsha's magic gun made its mark in eastern Ottus, the world had begun to focus on the research and development of magic engineering. The various magical weapons that the merchant guild had previously lobbied for had gained the attention of many nobles and even kingdoms, and many forces had begun to recruit magic engineers and magic scholars for their own research. Among the many academic arguments, only the idea of ​​using magic to modify the human body was met with public resistance. After all, it was acceptable for soldiers without magic to use magical weapons, as mages and knights could also use them, and were even stronger than ordinary people. But if magic modification were to be carried out, it would shake the very foundation of the existence of all mages and knights.

As Megan launched her attack, the Judgment Knights behind Adela drew their weapons. Beneath their trench coats, longswords and staves gleamed, unleashing a dazzling, uniform white holy light.

Seeing this, Megan immediately retreated. Fortunately, the Judgment Knights had no intention of helping Adela and Yulina; they were merely deterring Megan from approaching. This caused Adela to click her tongue softly, but she quickly regained her smile.

"See that, Father Rocco? That's a real Knight of Judgment! You should all come out now!"

Cohen, as the team leader, stepped forward and showed his face.

On the other side, Rocco, who was peeking through the crack in the door, was excited. After confirming that Adela had not lied to him, he shouted to the clergy behind him in a trembling voice.

"Yes, it's Holy Knight Cohen! Lady Carmela has sent men to liberate us!"

"Oh oh oh!!"

Amidst the excited shouts of the priests and nuns, Rocco pushed open the door and sprinted towards them. He immediately used his holy energy to send Megan's city guards blocking the cathedral entrance flying, his face once again displaying the arrogant and self-important demeanor of a clergyman.

However, he looked rather disheveled; his priest's robes looked like they hadn't been changed in days, and were even a spring style. His messy hair and stubble made him look like a homeless man. After all, Ryūsha only provided them with food to survive, and cared about nothing else, making this elite of the Holy City look like an escaped convict.

"Holy Knight Cohen! You've finally arrived! I knew the goddess wouldn't abandon us!"

Cohen looked at Rocco, whose eyes were bloodshot and who was clinging tightly to the reins, his expression unchanged. He looked up at Megan ahead and asked in a calm tone:

"Miss Knight, could you please explain?"

“What’s there to explain?” Megan sneered. “The area around Sochi Cathedral is all private land. Even your entry now is illegal trespassing.”

“Is that so…” Cohen’s eyelids twitched slightly, and the nine Grand Masters behind him also had icy expressions. These Judgment Knights’ emotional fluctuations were very subtle, but their anger could be felt at this moment.

“This is a statement and action that cannot be ignored. Unless it is your own arbitrary decision, please have the Governor of Sochi, that Ryukyu, come out.”

Amidst this tense atmosphere, Joe Harvey suddenly stepped forward. The Judgment Knights' killing intent was quite evident; these people were all religious fanatics, but he, or rather, the fourth prince Elias behind him, had not orchestrated this conflict to pit them against Ryukyu.

"Yes, yes, I think this must be a misunderstanding~ right, Miss Payne? Perhaps we should let Ryūka come out and have a proper talk, or I can go find him myself~ It just so happens that His Highness Elias also has some intelligence from the capital to discuss with Ryūka~"

Chapter 35 An Intricately Set Trap

Even when facing an entire squad of Judgment Knights, Megan showed no fear. She smiled coldly and spoke to Joe Harvey with an air of utter disdain:

"Sure, but unfortunately, the Governor is very busy right now and doesn't have time to meet a young master who likes men's buttocks, a treacherous and cunning bitch, and... a traitor..."

Megan glanced at the pale-faced Joe Harvey, Adela, and the silent Esther, then looked at the ten Grand Master Inquisition Knights opposite her, brandished her battle axe, and immediately gave the order:

"All personnel, prepare to fire! Free fire permitted! I will take full responsibility!"

Encouraged by her, the city guards immediately rallied, each finding cover and adjusting their magic guns to firing mode. But this intimidation sounded like childish boasting to the high-ranking paladins; they couldn't understand where Megan got the audacity to speak like that.

Their only concern was Megan, who was also a Grand Master. Although it was ten against one, Megan's tall stature was incredibly imposing in close combat, especially with her deadly aura. This made Paladin Cohen's eyes turn cold.

Megan smiled dismissively, inwardly encouraging herself: these so-called knights of judgment are nothing more than thugs who, backed by the Papacy, bully others in their territories. They usually deal with local nobles who are weaker than themselves; although they have the support of fanatical faith, they are ultimately different from soldiers who have come from the battlefield.

For soldiers, every battle is a gamble with their lives, especially after the Battle of Sochi, which changed Megan's mindset. Having witnessed thousands of troops, why should she care about a mere ten people?

Not to mention, this is on our own turf!

"Come on, esteemed paladins, you are illegally standing on the governor's territory. I suggest you leave first. If you wish to enter the cathedral, you must honestly go and request permission from the governor..."

Boom! The battle axe swung, carving a deep trench in the ground.

"Either prepare for a thorny 'diplomatic' problem, Paladin, who thinks he has legal immunity!"

Megan's tough stance surprised everyone. With ten against one, one would expect her to back down, but she wasn't intimidated at all, and the situation instantly became tense.

Shall we take action?

At this moment, even though the main fighting force of the Ryūxia camp is all outside—Hetia and Melanie have been transferred to the outskirts of Sochi—they still don't know the location of Hafren. Although, including these few and Ryūxia, Ryūxia's forces only number five Grand Masters, the young man's performance in the previous battle is far beyond that of ordinary Grand Masters, not to mention they also have thousands of troops. If a battle breaks out here, although they are confident they can defeat Megan, even if no one is killed, if Megan wounds a few of them, significantly weakening their strength, by the time Ryūxia mobilizes its troops to defend, they will likely find it difficult to leave Sochi alive.

After all, this city was a fortress painstakingly built by the Duke family over a century. The walls were protected by defensive magic, and there were likely hidden passages throughout. Add to that the heavy weapons known as magic cannons, and even if they captured Sochi Cathedral, it would likely escalate into a brutal and devastating battle!

Cohen's eyelids twitched. Although they had legal immunity, that only applied to special cases like dealing with heretics; it didn't mean they could act recklessly. If a battle between Grand Masters turned the capital of one of Otus' provinces into a battlefield before sufficient evidence was delivered to the Holy City, things would likely become much more complicated.

Even if they obtain evidence of Ryukyu's conflict with the Papacy, if the two sides end up fighting each other, it will become a matter of face for the Otus Empire. The other side might simply deny everything and insist it was a setup by the Papacy!

But then, someone burst into maniacal laughter:

"Hehehe, hahahahahaha!!! You filthy bitch! You're about to die and you're still being stubborn! Paladin Cohen!!! Her governor! That brat named Ryusha is a heretic!! The toxins in Lady Hinatil's body can prove this!!! This is a fact they can't deny no matter what!!"

Rocco excitedly tugged at Cohen's trouser leg, pointed at Megan, and shouted. The word "heretic" put everyone on alert!

"heresy?!"

Adela and Joe Harvey's expressions also suddenly changed. In their view, Ryūsha's actions against the Sochi Cathedral were more like a power struggle and a battle for interests. After all, he was using Archbishop Randall of the capital to weaken the Carmela faction, so neither of them had considered this possibility...

But if Hinatil has evidence that Ryukyu is a heretic... then today's events are not as simple as a struggle for politics and interests!

Because any exposed heretic will not be allowed to live! Otherwise, they will be relentlessly hunted down by the Vatican! Heretics are like wild beasts; what's most frightening about them isn't their superhuman abilities, but their combined strength and cunning ruthlessness. Once exposed and hated by the entire Vatican, they will fight to the death! After all, there is no turning back!

“This…how is this possible…” Joe Harvey’s lips trembled slightly. The Harvey family had participated in the heretical extermination campaign at Ravenhill. When he was young, he often heard from his elders about the madness and terror of heretical ability users.

But as Ryūka's deeds resurfaced in his mind, Rocco's words became increasingly credible. Joe Harvey couldn't help but feel a chill; if Ryūka truly was a heretic, then the situation was truly terrifying.

Adela was equally surprised. She considered today's events a political and business struggle, but if they involved heresy and the Vatican...

Forget about negotiating with Ryukyu and getting any benefits; they've probably made a huge mess of things! There's no way the other side will let them go back alive!

"Haha~ You must be joking... If Ryūka is a heretic, how come someone as powerful as Prince Ilyas is completely unaware of it? Right, Young Master Harvey?"

Adela's somewhat nervous question snapped Joe Harvey out of his reverie about his bloody and dark childhood. He twitched his lips and, as if to reassure himself, said:

“That’s right. If Ryūka is a heretic, Miss Olivia, whom His Highness rescued from him, would definitely know…right? Unless…”

Unless Olivia knew but didn't say anything!

Joe Harvey's face changed drastically again, this time draining all color from his eyes! He remembered the day Ryūsha handed Olivia over to him, the Frost Iron Knight of the Northern Snowfield, the daughter of two Heavenly Rank Generals of the Empire, trembling like a little girl under Ryūsha's smiling face! Without a word, he boarded the carriage heading south to his mother's place!

Even when His Highness Elias wanted to invite her to the capital for a chat to get closer to her, she shook her head repeatedly, looking like she just wanted to leave as soon as possible!

At the time, Joe Harvey simply assumed that Olivia, as a beautiful woman, must have suffered some unspeakable treatment after being captured, leaving her with some psychological trauma...