Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

Not to mention, this princess also has a witch among her subordinates...

Chapter 23: She is both a princess and a witch.

However, nowadays, besides the female knight Gerberi, Tipalotura has no other female attendants, which makes Ryuka feel somewhat uneasy.

Considering the messenger witch he encountered last time possessed the ability to lurk in the shadows of living beings, Ryuga had ample reason to believe that the princess's guards were far more numerous than just these royal knights and court magicians. He hated opponents lurking in the shadows, like playing cards with a hidden trump card. Not seeing any attendants resembling witches made Ryuga even more vigilant and cautious.

At this moment, Tipalotura's light chuckle seemed to Ryuka even more like a tease:

"Liu Xiaqing, do you have something on your mind?"

“No, Your Highness…” Liu Xia bowed slightly, then extended her hand toward her central command tent, “The border is still two days’ journey from Sochi City. A banquet has been prepared in the tent. Please rest a bit today, Your Highness, and we will head to Sochi City tomorrow…”

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Liu Xiaqing."

Tipalotura finished speaking with a light laugh and returned to the carriage. Gerberi also returned the weapons to Ryūsha and the others. As a fellow Heavenly Rank cultivator, Ryūsha could clearly sense the hostility and wariness emanating from the female knight as they passed each other, which infuriated him.

This woman makes such a fuss just from saying a few words to Tipalotura's carriage. What will she be like in Sochi?

This princess isn't just staying for a few days. If everything is done according to Gerberi's style, I'm afraid I'll have to disarm myself in Sochi to show my loyalty and let her and her royal knights take over the defense!

Two tigers cannot share one mountain. Regardless of your rank, we must make this big white girl understand who the real father of Sochi City is!

As soon as the princess's entourage entered the military camp, the military band that Ryūsha had arranged beforehand began to play a stirring and rousing melody. This piece, "The Triumph of King Kranar," is the national music of the Ottus Empire and is played on important occasions attended by the royal family. The majestic music made the royal knights straighten their backs slightly. It seems that this junior governor of the border is quite perceptive; although it was a welcoming ceremony in the wilderness, he gave her ample respect in terms of solemnity.

But Gerberly didn't see it that way. She clearly noticed that the music didn't start when the princess's carriage entered, but rather when Ryūsha raised her hand to play it and then stopped after she gestured again. Coupled with Ryūsha's earlier failure to send an envoy to dissuade them, this Heavenly Knight felt a sense of intimidation.

This place was no different from the territories they had passed through before; the soldiers only recognized their own lords and not the royal family of Otus. However, the noble armies she had encountered before were not as disciplined and imposing as Ryūsha's army... Even the ordinary soldiers carrying magic lances were no less imposing than any knight or mage.

More importantly, these soldiers saw absolutely no enthusiasm or reverence from Gerberi in welcoming the royal family. Even in their previous territories, soldiers and civilians alike displayed a kind of worship for the Ottus royal family when they saw Tipalottura's convoy. Even if that worship was based solely on the royal family's status and power, it was still better than no worship at all.

Sochi seems to have undergone a completely different transformation.

She was, of course, unaware that both Sochi law and the churches under Ryukyu's control were instilling the concept of 'equality for all' into the minds of the people. Yes, people differ in position, ability, and power, but in spirit, all are equal. You can admire someone for their achievements and abilities, but you don't need to blindly worship them because of their background or status…

This can even be explained by the doctrines of the Vatican, since "everyone is a child and creation of the goddess," and there is no difference between an ordinary believer and the pope in this respect. Ryusha believes that the idea that "every believer has the right to receive revelation and interpretation from the goddess" jointly created by Linus and Lindsay will play a significant role in dealing with the Vatican in the future.

Furthermore, with the training and development of the army's core personnel that began during the Linhu Territory period, Ryukyu was very confident that even if the Emperor of Autus came, he would not be able to command any army without his own orders!

Royal authority and commands? Go to hell!

Therefore, even though Ryusha readily agreed to let Gerberi let her subordinates take over the defense of the central camp, the female knight still harbored some wariness.

But Tipalotura seemed very relaxed. She entered Ryūsha's tent, politely took the seat of honor, and her words and actions were perfectly natural.

Aside from not removing her veil, she didn't touch the exquisite dishes at the banquet. Whether with her former subordinate Hetia or with Hefren, the daughter of the Heavenly General, their conversations were intimate and proper, displaying the grace and poise expected of a princess.

"Liu Xiaqing, I wonder how Anjaberg is doing now?"

"She's fine..."

Ryuga put down his chopsticks. The strange tableware made Tipalotura and Gerberi glance at him repeatedly. Wiping his mouth, Ryuga made a decision that made Hetia sweat.

"Moreover, the research she conducted for His Highness will soon yield results."

Hetia couldn't help but swallow hard. Anjaberg was responsible for creating a magical weapon for Tipalotura that could break through the heretical ruins of East Heaven Lake, a secret that she and Anjaberg were supposed to keep together.

But now, they've long since become Ryūka's people. The tasks Tipalottura gave them are still being completed, but Ryūka is now in control. In fact, regarding the ruins of East Lake, Ryūka has even more reasons to want to enter than Tipalottura. And it's not just the princess who has secrets she shouldn't know; Ryūka himself has no fewer secrets than the princess. Whether it's his own abilities, Kania as a witch, or even the Chloeur Cult that Ryūka secretly supports, these are things that Tipalottura probably shouldn't know…

*Crack!* Gerberi, standing behind Tipalottura, gripped the hilt of her sword, making a distinct sound. But Ryūsha seemed oblivious, his gaze fixed on Tipalottura in the main seat, fixed on her deep blue eyes behind her white veil, his eyes unwavering.

It's better to ask this princess, who has precognitive abilities, how much she really knows about herself, and what her plans and intentions are.

With just one Heavenly-Rank female knight, Gerberi, and the royal knights and mages outside the tent, they posed no threat to Ryūka. And if a witch were lurking among the princess's companions…

Under the table, Liu Xia was fiddling with a cross; he was prepared.

"Is that so... She must have had a tough time."

Surprisingly, Tipalotura remained unchanged, still possessing that gentle and dignified demeanor.

"Of course, thank you for your hard work, Liu Xiaqing. However, my purpose in coming here this time is not solely for the opening ceremony of the Sochi branch of the Imperial Military Academy..."

Is she coming? Ryūka's eyes narrowed as she stared intently at Tipalotura, who was slowly rising. In an instant, Tipalotura transformed from a dignified princess into a regal empress, speaking to Ryūka in an unquestionable tone:

"Governor of Sochi Province, Minister Liu Xia, I order you to break the seal on the heretical city in Dongtian Lake before the end of the year. Also, make use of the complex terrain of Linhu Territory to build a forward position, with Sochi as the rear support, and eliminate all possible heretical remnants in Dongtian Lake that may pose a threat to the Central Continent."

Boom! A pressure even stronger than when he first met Shinatiel instantly invaded Ryukatsu's consciousness! It turned the princess's cold words into an irresistible will! Although the others on the field did not realize any changes, Ryukatsu was different.

"Oh! Damn it! This is the power of the 'Fragment of Order'!"

In Ryūka's mind, the voice of Yu, which he hadn't heard in a long time, echoed. 'Fragments of Order'—this was the power that Chloe had mentioned, the power that arose during the upheavals in the God Realm, and also the source of Ryūka's proof of leadership.

But what Ryuka sensed was more than that!

The cross in her hand was crushed by Ryuka in an instant!

"Not only that, this princess before us, she is..."

Ryūka's pupils instantly turned gold, and the golden scepter symbolizing power was summoned into his hand at that moment! His desire to submit to Tipalotura vanished instantly!

"Witch!"

In Ryūka's view, Tipalotura was not merely a mysterious princess veiled in mist. Behind her, a profound and all-too-familiar power coalesced into a colossal, eerie humanoid form!

This power is absolutely that of a witch! But in addition, Ryukatsu also sensed the power of the 'Fragment of Order' that Yu mentioned, which is from the same source as her!

The twisted yet alluring, inhuman, and profound humanoid figure was bound layer upon layer by golden branches and veins, forming a gigantic golden disc behind Tipalotura, like a divine wheel. Hanging from within the disc was the image of a female figure executed on a cross. No explanation was needed; Ryūka's intuition told him what it was!

Cruel Witch! Belle!

This feeling is exactly the same as when it invaded Yu's body and made Ryuka directly face the will of the Bell Witch! But if the last time it was the consciousness of the cruel witch, then this time it is the body!

It is the body left behind after King Kranar killed the cruel witch with the holy sword!

Deep in the distant mountains, in a secluded temple, Sasha, dressed as a nun, stared blankly, her pupils gradually turning golden, before letting out a meaningful sigh:

"It's finally starting, isn't it? The endgame from a thousand years ago..."

Kania, who stayed behind in Sochi Castle; Esther, who was at home; Linor, who served Ruxia in a maid's outfit; and all sorts of girls in every corner of the continent... At the same time, a sharp, miserable, rampant, and exhilarating laugh echoed in their minds.

"A thousand years have passed~~~~ and you're still relying on my power~~~ Hahaha~~~ Hahahahahaha!!!!!"

In the mountains of Linhu Territory, a girl with short white hair kicked off her shoes and leaped barefoot into the forest, calling out to the green-haired girl behind her:

"Paruru, quick, the roe deer here is delicious!"

“Holy Spirit, I am a priest, not a hunter…”

Paruru, leaning on her ritual staff, chased after them, panting as she looked up at the snow on the distant mountain peaks.

"It seems winter won't come this year..."

Chapter 24: Conversation with the Witch

Ryūka no longer cared about what Tipalotura meant by asking her to open the heretical ruins and clean up the heretical remnants.

Because the princess of the mighty Otus Empire is actually a witch herself!

Inside the tent, time seemed to stand still. Whether it was the Heavenly-ranked female knight Gerberi or Hetia, every hair on their heads was frozen in place. Only Tipalotura remained conscious. She looked at Ryūka and repeated the command she had just given. On the halo behind her, the witch's mangled body, like a puppet, creaked its head, its deep, empty pupils seeming to suck in one's soul, attempting to control Ryūka's thoughts.

"This is an order, Liu Xiaqing, do you understand?"

It seems that only she noticed Tipalotura's strange behavior, while she herself was unaware that she hadn't yet been controlled...

It seems that her so-called precognitive abilities and special rumors stem from two forces: the witch's remains and the golden power that sealed the witch! That is, the 'fragments of order' that leaked out when the laws of the ancient divine realm shattered, sharing the same source as the power of her Leader's Proof!

She could only foresee that she would help her complete her plans in the eastern part of the empire, but she was unaware of the true power she possessed. This means...

She can't do anything about herself!

At that moment, the crucifix that Ryūka had crushed transformed into a wisp of white holy energy that coiled around his hand. This power helped Ryūka resist the witch's abilities, while the golden scepter he had hidden under the table also began to exert its power.

Across the entire Sochi Plain, all living things and plants began to offer their strength to their master, and countless points of light, imperceptible to ordinary people, began to gather here.

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness, we've only just met and you're already making such an unreasonable request..."

Thump! The heavy golden scepter tapped on the table. Ryuka slowly rose to her feet, giving the princess a mocking smile.

"Anyone who didn't know better would think I was on a blind date with you~"

Tipalotura's deep blue pupils suddenly widened. She looked at the boy who was slowly rising opposite her, her gaze lingering on the scepter in Ryūka's hand. Her expression quickly changed from surprise to calmness and relief.

“So that’s it, it’s ‘Order’… No wonder you rose to prominence in such a short time. I thought you had received the power of some heretical god, like the Chloe Order that appeared on the edge of your territory—or perhaps… the power of the witch beside you…”

Her attitude changed instantly, as if her previous aggressive demeanor had never existed, and she smiled gently at Liu Xia:

"Liu Xiaqing, can we have a proper talk?"

Tipalotura's rapid change in expression made Ryūka's lips twitch involuntarily; it was a stark contrast to her haughty demeanor when she had just unleashed her power. Seeing that she couldn't control it, she turned around and reverted to her usual amiable princess smile.

This woman... how can she be so shameless...?

Her knowledge of the 'Fragments of Order' and her own intelligence only adds to her mystique.

"Talk? Talk about what? Talk about dating?"

Ryūka hefted the scepter in her hand as if she were holding a warhammer, ready to crack open the princess's pretty little head at any moment, showing that she had no intention of reconciling with Tipalotura.

Regardless of how much she helped Linhu and Sochi in the past, it was all for her own plans. Just now, her attempt to control herself with the power of a witch greatly displeased Liuxia.

After all, he had witnessed firsthand how Kania controlled people's minds—far more terrifying than slave contracts. Those controlled were often completely unaware of their loss of self. Not to mention, Tipalotura's order wasn't a trivial matter like 'spitting out information,' but rather demanding that he risk his life for her! And the power she had just displayed far surpassed that of this little witch. If it weren't for his Earth-level authority, he would probably already be her loyal servant, and outsiders would be spreading the 'tale' of the empire's princess turning a favored son of heaven into her devoted subject…

However, Ryukyu was also not prepared to go to war with the Otus Empire right now.

After all, he was also quite concerned about the heretical ruins that Tipalotura had just mentioned...

Judging from what this princess said, there is a heretical force in the heretical ruins where Atina is hiding that can threaten the Central Continent.

Therefore, although Ryuka's tone carried a hint of threat, he did not act rashly.

He wanted to see how the princess would behave.

Seeing that Ryūka made no further move, Tipalotura walked lightly toward him. With a gentle lift of her slender, delicate fingers, countless black tentacles bound by golden veins rose from the ground, sweeping away the food and wine on Ryūka's table and instead carrying up some indescribable things...

"This is... a spirit?"

On the golden platter lay wriggling, leaping spirit balls—some bluish-white natural spirits, others dark and sinister vengeful spirits. These lively little creatures trembled with fear the moment Tipalotura settled comfortably opposite Ryūka, who watched as Tipalotura, with fingers as soft and flawless as jade, picked up a spirit and brought it to her lips from beneath her veil…

"Hmm, seeing how much you enjoyed your meal just now, I was actually starving."

Even with the most beautiful deep blue eyes of the woman before him, and the most alluring sound of her softly licking her fingers emanating from beneath her veil, Ryuka still found the woman before him utterly bizarre as he watched Tipalotura invite him to eat with her fingers glistening with saliva…

Not to mention the swaying, black tentacles around her, like little slaves bound by golden chains, accompanying their master.

The bizarre scene, coupled with the pristine white Tipalotura in the center and the golden halo behind her bound with the witch's remains, made Ryuka curse inwardly.

Damn it! Now that's what a witch looks like! Compared to Tipalotura in front of me, my own Kania is like a harmless little white rabbit who only knows how to play pranks!

As for her invitation to eat these spirits, Ryuka just pursed her lips and said, "Thanks, but no need."

At least he now knew that Tipalottura didn't eat at the banquets he prepared not because she was afraid her subjects would poison her, but because of her recipes...

His refusal elicited a strange look from Tipalotura: "You've never consumed a spirit?"

I'm full, not hungry.

Liu Xia twitched her eye. Those poor little balls looked too harmless. What was the difference between eating them like this and gnawing on a live, cute rabbit?

As for those deep, viscous vengeful spirits... Ryuka would rather eat another goblin's thigh than swallow such a strange thing.

But Ryūka's words couldn't fool Tipalotura, whose clear voice held a hint of interest:

“Interesting. You haven’t consumed any spirits, but you’ve only borrowed their power, yet you’re able to wield the authority of a Earth-level being and even touch the edge of a ‘star’… The ‘fragment of order’ you obtained must be very special.”

Instead of answering her question, Ryūka put on a disdainful expression and sneered at Tipalotura:

"Is it just you eating this, or does everyone in your royal family eat this? Your digestive system is really good."

"This is pure energy; only it can nourish a true witch."

Tipalotura showed no anger, smiling as she picked up another twisted vengeful spirit and tucked it under her veil. Yet her eyes were so beautiful that this rather unnatural scene appeared somewhat alluring.

"So, you really are a witch. And what about your identity as a princess? You're not actually one of those 'daughters' kept by Emperor Otus, are you?"

Compared to her previous sarcasm, these words seemed to have struck a nerve with Tipalottura. The black tentacles beside her instantly lunged at Ryūka! But Ryūka blocked them all with her scepter! And in that fleeting moment of light and shadow, Tipalottura returned to her previous calm and collected demeanor:

"It seems the witch beside you has told you quite a few things..."

Yes, the curse of the cruel witch, King Kranar's insane decision, the cruel and twisted methods the Otus royal family used against witches... Tipalotura looked into Ryukyu's unwavering gaze, closed her eyes, and silently said:

"I am indeed my father's real daughter, but I am also a witch."

Ryusha was taken aback. Could it be that Tipalotura's father had violated the rule that King Kranar's bloodline should not unite with witches?

Tipalotura, who had just reopened her eyes, noticed Ryūka's slight surprise and said calmly:

"That's right, the bloodline of the King of Heroes ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of the witch's bloodline..."