Chapter 465: A Traitor In Their Midst.

Chapter 465: A Traitor In Their Midst.

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Total follower count updated. Total followers of [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]: 48427

The knights have returned Wrong time for them to leave, the church ridiculed Champion Hestia, and now they come back like that?

Where is the Goddess? Why is Her Holiness not helping us? Are we losing to the demonkin?

Maybe its time to move. Back to my family in Rakatheen, dear?

From all the gossiping done in the back of the reluctantly cheering crowd, the atmosphere of the situation was pretty clear to see. Despite all the festivities of welcoming back their knights, nobody was excited. They were faking it as it was the right thing to do, while those who werent smiling spoke their true thoughts.

I couldnt help but frown when I saw the pristine armor the Knights of Aurena wore had been reduced to tatters. The white was gone, replaced by blood, dirt, and other marks I couldnt identify. Pieces of armor were just missing, dent, or cracked open, to the point you could see their ruined chainmail and gambeson underneath it.

The battle against the sin heir of envy had left its mark, reducing the morale of the entire city after we had raised it up with the citys reconstruction. Most people only knew that the knights had been sent to fight a normal demonkin, so seeing a platoon of them at low energy and act defeated dampened the mood. To the citizens, it was if the military lost a fight against the enemy.

Since the knights had their helmets on, we couldnt see their expression. This was probably for the best.

Yikes.

I sighed before I patted the newly-made roof of this freshly built building literally made just a bell ago. The sounds of the earth rumbling and molding, the hacking and sawing of wood, and then the loud groans of buff men combining all the materials to construct a house. A beautiful, simple craft.

Well, all the cheering and bonding I was doing with the citizens vanished with the knights return A bit of me did feel sad it had to end like this, but I was fully aware making fun or being angry at the knights would be an insult to them and their efforts. Honestly, this should be a moment of silence.

The two wagons being moved in the middle of the line were covered in two large white clothes, hiding whatever was there. The knights driving the carriages forward were using wind magic, hiding the smell of whatever was under it. To the citizens, it could be anything, but as someone in the know, I knew they were the bodies of the knights fallen comrades.

It must not feel good to receive such a welcome.

I stood up after I located Master, the saurians, Yorshka, and Midirn, waving at them which they reciprocated. I gave them a thumbs up before dashing across the rooftops, flying over to the relief camp where I informed everybody what had happened. Having anticipated this, Fleindia wasnt surprised and told me we had to return to the basilica to greet them properly.

After some flying, we arrived with enough time to clean ourselves up in our rooms and meet back up at the basilicas entrance. Unlike the lackluster welcome in the lower city, the clergy had prepared an elaborate celebration for the knights, including a grey-robe choir, white-robes using [Create Light] to send small light particles into the sky, and even the five cardinals gave a honeyed speech, praising Aurena for helping them return.

Yet, the mood of the knights couldnt be worse. They glared at the cardinals, moving past them and returned to the knights headquarters, where the Knight-Commander awaited them. Yorshka and the other scale-kin left them and returned to us, where Yorshka and Midirn saluted Neill and me.

We have returned, Your Graces. They then bowed with their tails tucked in between their legs. Once done, Midirn continued.

It will be announced by Royce later, but we managed to slay the two demonkin who attacked the city, including a few others who attacked us. We managed to take down some of the mercenaries, but most escaped after the situation worsened. The sin heir did escape. He then gazed at the wagon. We lost good companions. I would suggest you give the deceased a send off to garner the respect of the knights. After what happened, I would go as far as to urge you to take part in the rites. This is an opportunity you should not let go if you wish for harmony after this battle ends.

Midirn was a professional through and through. He probably was leaving most of the tedious information out, only reporting on what was important. Presumably, at least, since I could see from his expression that he was holding onto something he wanted to tell me. Allowing him to do so, he bowed and thanked me.

From a quick search, none of these knights seem to be part of that group. That is why I urge you to snatch the gheeper before it runs away. Especially those affected by their battle are easily manipulated and persuaded.

You didnt have to add that last part to it. Im not the type to take advantage of a trauma.

If I may speak up, I object to that notion. You are not taking advantage of them maliciously, which is the important point here. You are safeguarding them by taking them under your wings when they are at their most vulnerable. If you do not act now, you leave them free to be preyed on by those without your moral compass. A leader must know when to strike to progress.

Its a fair point, Neill agreed. You have no problem fighting dirty if you have to survive, right? This is all part of the process, so why are you so afraid of playing dirty now when its for a good cause?

Lady Hestia, this would be the chance to change your reputation for the better, Yorshka added.

Theodore nodded. Since the majority of the clergy isnt on your side, having Aureoliss citizens and the Knights of Aurena support your cause will make it easier to keep order once our duty here is done. It does mean we have to protect them, though, which is why this isnt a suggestion. This is an objective you must undertake.

Oh, come on

Ill help, of course, Fleindia said. They saw you help them. We can work with that, and I can use our allied priests to cajole them even further. Have friends to make friends.

Well, at least I dont have to do this alone.

Agreeing with their idea, we all headed over to the knights headquarters, where I saw Kuornig greet the knights, followed by a report coming from Royce. The deceased were presented, having been preserved using our [Air Shield] rune. Aside from Akasht, about seven knights who had lost their lives in the raidfour recently promoted squires, two normal knights, and one veteran.

None of the captains were killed, but Kirstine, who was an archer captain, was mentally broken. With her helmet off, you could see the dark shadows under her eyes, not to mention the empty gaze she directed at the Commander. There was no hint of emotion in her gaze. Then again, it wasnt to the point I thought she was depressed. Maybe it was more apt to call her pensive, or pondering, but since I didnt know her, I could hardly guess.

I can see the damage our enemies have done to us. A sin heir of envy? I will notify Vicar Marius about this. He frowned, but interestingly, he didnt look surprised. None of us had informed him about the battle on Yorshkas side, yet he took it all in stride. Also, this bit here, Champion Hestia appeared from a portal and fought with us, summoning a massive white flaming ball. Merciful white grace descended on us, healing our wounded while burning the mercenaries.

Royce is also a professional, huh? How thankful!

Suffice to say, I was annoyed he had to mention that last point, making me question why nobody spoke up to stop him. That was when Master said, Does it matter at this point, my apprentice?

I asked him to elaborate.

You have already shown your cards with the subspace, and in fact both sin heirs understood the principles behind it, considering the sin heir of envy enacted their counter by calling the Warbringer out to gain his attention. Four days have passed since our fight; the information has already been spread. Master stroked his chin. Think about it from their perspective. They know we have such an option, but not how it truly works outside of the runes we use. As long as we have one shadow member around, we can appear anywhere. Let the enemy fear us; perpetuate that fear!

A secret is only valuable if its kept under lock, Grazlahta added. Yet information is both a currency and a weapon in the right hands. The five of us agreed to this plan.

Seeing Yorshka, Midirn, and Krim agree with it, I left it alone. I should trust them on this.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Yorshka! Over here! And bring the others with you, the Commander shouted, waving at us. Once Yorshkas group stood before him, he continued. I have read the reports and Royce mentioned that your quick thinking saved the majority of our forces by preventing the sin heir of envys skill from activating. Saint Kushlekzar, I appreciate not only your water magic that kept the injured alive but also your quick thinking and action by deploying the counter measures. You have my thanks.

He was probably speaking about the [Air Shield] plus [Defensive Rune: Auracoil] combination to stop [Original Sin: Yaldabaoth].

Midirn, it looks like the years of peace havent stifled your ability to command. I thank you for helping Royce when it mattered. Next time, though, less arguing.

Midirn smiled. Train him better then.

Kuornig nodded and then looked at the saurians. Kushlekzar, Krim-Slak, Grazlahta. My condolences for the death of such a brave warrior. Tide Watchers, you have the respect of the Knights of Aurena, and Akasht will live on as a mighty warrior from the jungles of Aelozonia.

Kri. The saurians pressed their fists on their chests.

Krim then continued, Do not worry. The seven who died on your side deserve as much respect. They fought to the bitter end to defend those affected by the demonic ability. I would recommend you handle those still affected by this. Our sadness and grief have faded, replaced by the duty to assure Akashts sacrifice is not in vain.

Let us fight for a better future, Knight-Commander, Grazlahta said, almost like a demand.

Kuornig didnt react to this, instead, he called Royce and Yorshka, telling them to meet him in his room for a personal talk. Once they were inside the headquarters, most of the knights dispersed, with most returning to their dorms to rest. Surprisingly, a few approached us.

I still felt apprehensive of him due to how he protected the Vicar from my beat down, but we needed him to listen to our interrogation. There, in our clinic, Cardinal Wendel rose up, eyes widened as we all entered the room. Grimnir, who was guarding him, nodded and left the room, after handing us a note.

Got some answers on who ordered that Dhuinn rune used during the attack. A mayor in Aureolis. Good luck.

Not just any mayor, but a deceased one, Cardinal Wendell added after handing his soup to Svena, who left the room as well. The man has been dead for a while, leaving only his son behind. His killer.

Okay, were starting with this, huh?

He continued, Commander, how has the city been? Ive only heard from the wolfkin about everything.

Its in the rebuilding phase. The basilica is back in shape,while the lower city still requires at least a week for the lost buildings to be replaced, not to mention the logistics and bureaucracy required to assign residents to their new homes. A month, the head shrine maiden estimates. More, if we want to replace the lost public services and furniture for the populace.

Building was the easiest part of this entire ordeal. Thankfully, I didnt have to take care of the paperwork.

Glad to hear I do not believe apologizing will help right any wrongs, no? Wendell asked.

The Commander shook his head. I cannot judge you, for I have shut my eyes to all you have done. Instead, I must ask, how much do you know?

I know Ive been working against the church ever since this Reinhart healed my sister, doing his bidding by dragging myself through the muck. I didnt learn he was a demonkin until a year into working with him, and it was already too late at that point to say anything when he revealed what my actions caused. I prayed to the Goddess that she would forgive me, but even I have a hard time doing so. Wendell sighed. I actually do not know as much as you wish to believe. However, to the new Champions fortune, I know Marius has been working with us, Kuornig.

The Commander did not react much, only massaging his chest as if he had heartburn.

Us six cardinals and the Vicar have been plotting together, and I even heard the Vicar announce the propaganda campaign against Champion Hestia was ordered by him. Gwyn had been under house arrest all this time. In fact, Marius is the main partner of the demonkin that led to us cardinals betraying the Goddess, as he was the one to discover and exploit our weaknesses. Everything we told him in private was leaked. Gwyn, poor Pope Gwyn; he was the first victim, with him being forced to work with Marius to usurp the Church of Aurena. I do not know where Gwyn is, but

The Pope is dead, I interrupted. He has been dead for a while now. Goddess Aurena revealed he was replaced by the Prince of Envy using [Original Sin: Demiurge]. His body was eaten.

Wendells eyes widened, stuttering as he tried to make me take my words back, but when he saw the whole room dead silent, refusing to refute my claim, his expression turned into fear and horror. The old, wrinkly man held his hand in front of his mouth, sickened to the point he puked.

Once we cleaned it up, he apologized to us, breaking out in tears as he began admitting to his crimes. Yet, we stopped him, trying to make him focus on the main matter.

Do you know where the traitors amongst the clergy are? Or the intruders? Saori asked.

Yes, I do! I know my contacts and those I had to order around and how some were persuaded to work with us. Th-they might have fled the city, I dont know. Its been four days, right?

A few knights have gone missing, the Commander confirmed.

T-then they must be holing up in their hideout. Tanzania Town! he shouted.

Midirn squinted. Thats the place where we fought the demonkin.

The mayor is a contact for the demonkin, replacing the previous mayor when his son killed him. The boy was cajoled by one of our priestesses, a childhood sweetheart of his. A noble and commoner; only trouble, I tell you. He scowled. Thats where all the documents are placed. You need to hurry. They must realize you might be interrogating me. You must purge this filth out of our Goddesss place of worship!

For an ass, he still has Aurena in his heart.

I asked, Before we go, I have a question. When I found you, you said something about not being responsible for the first terrorist attack.

T-that I was the contact the demonkin wanted to helm the attack to sabotage your reputation, my lady. By assuring maximum destruction and deaths, the demonkin were planning on ruining your chances to do anything in Aureolis. Meanwhile, I was supposed to send a small group of bandits to attack Saintess Fleindia to raise her public opinion, he stated before stopping, looking pale. He massaged his head. Y-yet everything went awry. The positions were wrong. The two demonkin sent to create the destruction were in the wrong locations, while the bandits went directly towards your group. They got caught too early.

Fleindia again? What is going on here?

I was blamed for this catastrophe. Not only did the attack do the exact reverse of what was planned, it raised the public opinion of you and Saintess Fleindia. People in the lower city have become too fond of you. He grimaced. Yet, I wasnt at fault! I gave the bandits the correct information, down to the exact second. I know I didnt do anything wrong, but none of the demonkin believed me before that demonkin Reinhart appeared! ReinYond! That was his name, he-he

Yaldabaoth, Ellaine stated, earning her a quick nod.

Wendell graduated from the imperial officers academy before he became a cardinal. Simple information as placements should not be a problem for him. He could not have gotten it wrong, not unless he wanted to betray the demonkin, the Commander stated.

Exactly, thats what the demonkin thought as well! It only got cleared up when Reinhart used his ability on my soul. Argh, I-I had to relive everything that happened in my past. To my sister.

Do you know who did it? I asked.

No, of course not. Otherwise, you would see another cardinal missing. Have you?

I shook my head, confusing me at how this lead would go. Thankfully, Tasianna had an idea.

Then, who visited you? My lady found a note under your chair when she found you, which stated she was in the wrong location and that she should run.

Right! That note.

I The two sin heirs, Cardinal Roderick and Lamberto and the Vicar.

Who came first, who came last? Saori pressed.

The sin heir of wrath came first, fully stating his name and such, so I remembered it well. He was the one who tortured me first, right after his soldiers had their way. When they left unsatisfied and me near death, they invited Roderick and Lamberto to heal me, while also trying to get me to reveal the real traitor if I wasnt it. Nothing I could answer, of course, since I didnt know. He gulped. Then came Reinhart and lastly the Vicar, telling me he was disappointed in my actions. I thought I thought I would die soon. I do not have much to live for after I took my oath, but my sister and her family. I couldnt let them down. I feared for their lives. Champion Hestia, please, even if you cannot forgive me, please help my family. Saintess Fleindia, please!

Fleindia nodded, but frowned in pain. If it isnt too late, I will do my utmost, Cardinal Wendell. I just fear that my influence in the Empire has dwindled too much after the demonkins coup detat.

As I had feared. We are at fault for their deaths, arent we? By giving the demonkin too much power, we doomed our religion. Noo Orianna, please, forgive your foolish younger brother. Please, be safe, please

Nobody answered his question as we left him alone to cry. After all, we had to mobilize now. Time was ticking.

Vicar? Did you leave that note behind?

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