The Villain Saint is my secondary account

Ella recounted everything that had happened in Windseeker's Hold. Upon hearing that the Fourth Order of the Holy Order had arrived in Stormport, the Archbishop couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his brow.

"I never expected that Her Majesty's journey would be so perilous. Your safe return is truly a blessing from our Lord." Holmes breathed a sigh of relief. "The current bishop of the Ocean Sanctuary and the heir to the earldom are both young and have a bright future ahead of them."

“Yes, the Fourth Knights are still helping to maintain order in Stormport, so there’s no need to worry about chaos after the great battle,” Ella nodded. “What’s the situation in the Imperial City now, Your Excellency? What happened while I was away? I heard that His Majesty was assassinated. I wonder if the palace has caught the murderer yet?”

The first thing Ella wants to know is the background and consequences of the assassination of the old king.

Observing the ring of fate, in another history, she was pushed to the execution platform by the people and the royal family as the "murderer" who assassinated the king, but this time the king's assassination was obviously unrelated to her.

In the previous life, the fourth prince Raymond was the murderer and was thrown into the dungeon by the newly enthroned second prince Ken.

Although the time and the "murderer" do not overlap in these two timelines, the old king's death seems to occur in both.

So, who is the "murderer" in this assassination of the old king, which happened so many days earlier than expected?

"This also seemed very sudden to us. The obituary was issued by the palace, stating that the body was found dead in the bedroom that afternoon," Holmes said. "But the palace did not disclose the killer or any specific details, and only told us that they hoped the Holy See could provide some support."

"However, this is only on the surface. In fact, the four princes are already secretly gathering their own factions, and various lords are also rushing over from all over the empire."

“Your Grace, we just received a letter from your father, Duke Heville, today. He should be on his way to the capital.”

The imperial city is located in the heart of the Loren Empire, with convenient access in all directions. Apart from the Shrieking Mountains, which are necessary to travel to and from the Coastal Province, nobles from other directions will take other routes.

However, the province of Walund has a unique topography. Apart from the plains and forests surrounding the mountains where the royal city is located, the province is surrounded by natural mountain ranges that act as natural barriers. Therefore, coming from other directions requires passing through valleys similar to the Howling Mountains.

This natural barrier also allows the imperial city to clearly understand the population movements in the border areas between the Walund province and other provinces.

As for the coastal province, Duke Seychelles was probably still recovering from the loss of half of Stormport, the economic heart of his territory, and the near death of his eldest son, Simon. Now, the king had passed away, which was truly a difficult situation for him.

"Thank you for letting me know." Ella nodded slightly.

"Furthermore, Your Excellency, you have completed all the required training hours at the sanctuary from today onwards... Of course, I think you no longer need to take these basic courses."

"No, no, no, I've actually benefited a lot from my studies at the sanctuary during this time," Ella, who usually just sleeps in class, said with a shameless grin.

"You were originally supposed to go to the Holy City of Morning Star Ridge to complete the Holy Temple Trial and hold the coronation ceremony, but now the situation in the Imperial City is turbulent, and it is up to you to decide what to do next."

Hmm... so this is a branching event? Should I go to the Holy City to be crowned as the official Holy Maiden of Light from the prospective Holy Maiden, or stay in the Imperial City to deal with this chaos first?

“I’ll stay in the capital for now; you all probably still need me here,” Ella replied.

There's no rush to go to Morning Star Ridge; the sanctuary won't collapse even if we go a year or two later.

Even if they could take the Seven Luminaries to Morning Star Ridge to avoid trouble in the capital, the outcome of the Loren throne would have far-reaching consequences.

The Duke of Hevil's mansion, Eileen and Vanessa in Stormport, the Loren Sanctuary... Now, Ella has many more concerns in the vast Loren Empire.

Moreover, Ella's current combat strength and status are no longer those of the adventurer who had to tread carefully and be subservient as before. Even if she were to overturn the political chessboard and directly engage in hand-to-hand combat with several gods, it would still be a matter of who would defeat whom.

“Thank you very much, Your Grace.” Holmes bowed. “I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to you.”

For Ella, if she didn't want to get involved in this seemingly turbulent and treacherous royal selection, she could simply leave under the guise of participating in the coronation to avoid the risks.

She fled to Morning Star Ridge and became the lord of the Holy Temple; the state of the imperial city was naturally no longer her concern.

But since she stayed to face the challenges alongside the Loren Sanctuary, whatever the reason, it put the Loren Sanctuary, which currently lacks extraordinary combat power, at ease.

"However, even so, Your Excellency, you may still need to leave the Loren Sanctuary for the time being."

"Hmm? Why?" Ella asked, puzzled.

“Actually, it’s less about leaving and more about having a new destination.” Holmes smiled kindly and took out a piece of parchment from his pocket. “This is your certificate of completing your studies at the Sanctuary. After that, according to the Duke’s previous arrangements, you will need to return to the Academy.”

"Um...can I not go?" Ella took the certificate, glanced at it, and saw that the Holy Church advanced courses had "fairly" given her a perfect score.

In such a turbulent and unpredictable time, it seems a bit unreasonable to waste time attending classes at the academy.

“Your Grace, I understand your considerations, but in reality, the academy is the closest to the center of this royal selection.” Holmes seemed to have anticipated Ella’s answer. “The third and fourth princes of the four royal heirs are still studying at the academy, as are the children of the vast majority of the empire’s political figures. This may sound a bit direct, but the power struggle among the younger generation and the people who can determine the future of the empire are basically all there.”

"Later, I will also represent the Holy Church to participate in the council at the palace. If Your Excellency is free, it would be my honor to accompany you."

Upon hearing this, Ella understood what Archbishop Holmes meant.

Although her strength and status are now undoubtedly those of the true leader of the Loren Sanctuary.

However, on the surface, the Archbishop is still in charge of the Loren Church, so it has to be a game of old versus old, young versus young. Holmes will participate in the game of the princes and ministers on behalf of Ella, while Ella will participate in the game of the young crown princes.

And, of course, if Ella had the energy, Holmes would be happy to share the burden with her. The archbishop only hoped that the Church of Loren would remain uninvolved in this struggle for the throne, and had no other ambitious goals.

There are quite a few twists and turns involved, but it's unnecessary to take on all the mental work yourself.

She nodded slightly, then asked Holmes, "Can the academy currently increase the number of places available?"

“You have actually been enrolled under the Duke’s name. If the Holy Maiden needs it, the Loren Sanctuary can recall a few students who are currently on exchange at the academy and replace them with the people you need.”

"Um, wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"

"This is also a form of protection. It's fine to let them go back for further studies after the incident is over."

“Alright then.” Ella nodded. She already had a few people in mind to bring along as her study companions. “Then I’ll have to trouble His Excellency the Bishop.”

"It is my honor, Your Majesty."

Chapter Nineteen: The Second Princess's Wish

After finishing her conversation with Holmes, Ella went to the Second Princess's residence.

The sanctuary's carriage had barely stopped at the manor's entrance when Ella spotted a small head peeking out of a second-floor window of the mansion and retreating back into the room.

Just as the servants of the manor opened the iron gate, Lilia, dressed in a dark blue gauze dress, came running out from the first floor of the mansion.

"Holy Maiden!!!"

Ella quickly grabbed the little "black whirlwind" that was rushing towards her with one hand. After being headbutted by this guy multiple times with rockets, she had become subconsciously on guard.

"Ahhh, don't be so heartless, Holy Maiden! It's been so long, let's have a little intimacy with your most loyal follower!!!"

"...We're still outside, Your Highness." Ella glanced at the servants around her and the old butler who was rushing over from behind.

However, it seems that everyone is already used to it and did not show any surprise, which shows the professionalism of servants.

"Ah, cough cough, Your Majesty, it's been a long time, I've missed you dearly." Lilia tidied her messy hair, lifted her skirt, and bowed slightly to Ella.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Ella straightened her clothes and returned the greeting with a smile. "I apologize for the intrusion."

"Alright, alright, let's go!" After the simple aristocratic exchange ceremony, Lilia couldn't wait to grab Ella's arm and head into the mansion.

As soon as Ella entered the lavender-scented bedroom, she saw a mountain of books piled up on the floor.

"Ah!... I'm so sorry, Your Majesty. I was looking through the closet earlier... and I forgot I didn't tidy up properly, hehe. Please sit on the bed, and I'll have Winnie tidy it up." Lilia seemed to only then realize how messy her room was, and hurriedly ran off to find the maid.

“Uh, no need to be so polite,” Ella quickly took Lilia’s hand. “I’ll just sit for a bit and then I’ll leave.”

Upon hearing this, Lilia immediately grabbed Ella's slender arm, "Why the rush? It's been so long since we last met. Can we stay a little longer?"

"We met just over a week ago..." Ella was speechless. "Let's get down to business, Your Highness Lilia. We have something important to discuss."

"After you've said that, you can do something a little inappropriate."

Ella couldn't help but tap the little princess on the head, and said seriously, "What are you thinking... cough cough, well, first of all, I must express my condolences on behalf of His Majesty."

“Ah, that’s just his remains on the throne,” Lilia waved her hand. “His soul has probably long since dissipated.”

"...You know about this?" Ella raised an eyebrow.

“Of my brothers and sisters, apart from two who are truly stupid, the rest are probably just pretending not to know,” Lilia chuckled. “I didn’t see my father very often when he was alive, so I can’t say I have any feelings for him. Your Majesty, you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Okay, I was thinking I needed to comfort you or something.” Ella nodded.

"Hey! We still need the comfort of the gods!" Lilia's restless hands once again reached for Ella's neck.

Ella decisively pushed the guy away. It seemed like his attack frequency was getting higher and higher; he would pull her away after saying just a few words.

“But… a friend of mine found this at the bottom of the Dead Sea prison when he was in Stormport.” Ella took a small silver box out of her pocket and handed it to Lilia.

“Friend…it’s definitely that Mr. Ye, right?” Lilia pouted. “That stinky man is the closest to the God.”

"You know quite a lot." Ella said, slightly embarrassed, as she flicked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Of course, I’m quite interested in the gods.” Lilia puffed out her chest, seemingly a little proud, but then, as if remembering something, she deflated like a balloon. “Ugh… I also want to get closer to the gods.”

"You're already very close..."

"Then let's get even closer!" Lilia took the opportunity to try to move her body closer to Ella.

Ella, who was already prepared, pressed down on her soft cheek and said, "Take a look at the box first."

"Okay." Lilia opened the box and saw something wrapped in several bandages, resembling a small twig. "This is..."

“This is what Your Majesty Harold Betis wanted to give you through my friend,” Ella said softly. “My friend met Your Majesty’s remnant soul at the very bottom of the Dead Sea prison.”

"Give it to me? To my father?" Lilia was somewhat confused. "What else could he possibly leave me?"

Afterwards, Ella relayed to Lilia the series of conversations that took place between Ye Xiao and the old King Harold in the Dead Sea prison.

This includes the old king's awareness of the cursed royal bloodline, Lilia's uniqueness, and the connection between this finger and the God of Dreams.

Of course, most importantly, it was the old king's dying wish that Lilia Betis could end this cursed bloodline here.

After listening to all of this, Lilia looked sorrowful and remained silent.

Then, she gently rested her head on Ella's shoulder and wrapped her arm around the petite girl's slender waist from behind.

Ella hesitated for a moment before pushing him away, but perhaps the little princess was currently seeking comfort amidst her grief.

While the gesture might be a bit too intimate and inappropriate, it would be rather heartless to shake off the other person at this point.

It wasn't until she saw the other person slip into her chest that she noticed the slight upturn of their lips peeking out from between their black hair.

Ella immediately flicked Lilia's forehead, "Hey!"

"Oh, God, please comfort me!!" Caught off guard, Lilia showed no remorse, instead pressing her face even closer to Ella, her arms wrapped around her waist like an octopus, impossible to pry off. "Just one hug! Just one hug!!"

The little princess was already delicate and weak from being burned by the Holy Flame, and Ella didn't dare to use too much force, so she didn't know what to do with this guy for a while.

"I'd like to comfort you... ah..." Smelling the faint lavender scent on the other's hair, Ella's face flushed slightly. She really couldn't handle this guy whose thinking was so different from ordinary people. "Stop fooling around, Your Highness. What are your thoughts on this matter, His Majesty?"

“Alas, God, even if he suddenly told me now, ‘Daughter, I actually trust you the most, and the future of the kingdom depends on you,’ I couldn’t possibly be burdened with such a grand mission for no reason,” Lilia sighed softly in Ella’s arms. “I was left to fend for myself in this place for so many years. If it weren’t for you healing me, God, it would be a question of how long I would have lived.”

"Now that everything is almost finished, they've thought of me. They say they're relying on me to 'end the cursed bloodline,' but it's really just because I'm the only one left among their offspring to continue the 'Betis' family line. Otherwise, their lineage would have been wiped out. They only came to me because they had no one else to entrust with their business."

This girl has a very clear understanding of things.

Ella pondered carefully. Although she didn't know whether the old king's true intention in entrusting Lilia was "there was no other way but to take a gamble" or "this is a great step in the plan to save the empire," Lilia would indeed be a key figure in this event, no matter what.

With her special status as a member of the royal family but unaffected by the curse, if she could prove to the public the existence of the divine curse within the direct line of blood, she would instantly rise from an illegitimate child to the most legitimate heir to the throne.

But this guy doesn't seem very keen on it...

"So, you're not planning to participate in the imperial selection?"

“I’m not interested in that at all.” Lilia turned her head slightly, her deep purple eyes curving into beautiful crescents, meeting Ella’s pair of red eyes from below. “However, if Your Majesty is interested…”

"...I will help you become the Empress of the Loren Empire, okay?"

Chapter Twenty: Difficult Choices

"not good."

"Ah, why did you refuse so decisively, my lord!"

Ella gave Lilia's head a good rub. "What are you thinking in that little head of yours? That's practically the Holy Temple's ruling empire."

"That would be wonderful!"

"I don't want to." Ella lifted the little princess off her. "You don't want to take this trouble yourself, so you're trying to dump it on me."

"Hmph, then I'll go and fight for the throne, and then announce to the whole country that the throne has been passed on to you!" Lilia laughed. "That way, we won't have to trouble the gods."

"Are you really not afraid of starting a world war?" Ella felt a chill run down her spine. What was most terrifying was that she felt Lilia wasn't joking; this girl might actually be capable of it.

She suddenly realized that if this guy really ascended the throne of Loren, he would be a much greater threat than the other members of the royal family.

If divine authority interferes with secular imperial authority, not only the Loren Empire, but the entire Human Federation will be thrown into chaos.

Moreover, would the mortal realm allow a god to reign supreme? Throughout history, there have been so many powerful deities, but in every mortal empire, it seems that the only king has always been a human.

The Holy Temple wields considerable influence across the continent, making it a colossal entity capable of directly counterbalancing the three major human empires.

If the Loren Empire were to be annexed by then, Ella figured that sooner or later she would see the hero protagonist group coming to punish her.

She didn't consider herself a ruthless, ambitious figure who wanted to conquer the world, and there was no need for her to wade into these troubled waters and challenge the existing order.

"Don't think about these things. If you recover well, come with me to the academy to report the day after tomorrow." Ella patted Lilia's head. "I need your help with this royal selection. There are many mysterious gods and strange forces behind the current royal family. We can't let the empire face the risk of destruction."