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https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-247-Lanchi-s-Positive-Work-Ethic/12584311/
Chapter 246: Cardinal Lanchi Enjoys the Peace and Quiet
Chapter 246: Cardinal Lanchi Enjoys the Peace and Quiet
The Silver Armor Paladin swiftly made his way through the corridors of the second level of the ship, his footsteps steady as a mountain despite the gentle rocking of the vessel beneath his feet. He first paid a visit to the captain's room, retrieving a logbook before ascending the stairs once more.
When he returned to the deck, the situation remained as calm as when he had left. A group of Silver Robed Clerics stood guard, keeping the bound crewmembers in check.
The clerics turned their gazes towards the Silver Armor Paladin, awaiting their leader's orders. It seemed that no combat had taken place, or perhaps any enemies they had encountered were too weak to pose a challenge to the Silver Armor Paladins.
In one corner of the deck, Viscount Francis was being closely watched by several Silver Robed Clerics. His expression remained calm, even indifferent. The slight furrow of his brow, however, betrayed his unwavering attitude towards these cultists, regardless of any compromises that may have been made.
The Silver Armor Paladin glanced at Viscount Francis and approached him, their eyes meeting briefly. The air seemed to freeze, and the crewmembers, tense with anticipation, swallowed nervously. Their lives and fate hung in the balance, awaiting the paladin's next words.
The coldness in Viscount Francis' eyes deepened as he realized that the Silver Armor Paladin had simply searched the captain's room and retrieved their logbook. Although he couldn't fathom what use it could be to them, he knew that their greedy demands would remain unchanged.
Just then, the Silver Armor Paladin produced another document. He compared it to the logbook and said to the Silver Robed Clerics beside him, "Untie them."
Everyone was taken aback by the unexpected order, and the Silver Robed Clerics hesitated for a moment before complying and releasing the crew from their bonds.
"Viscount Francis, today's events were merely an anti-terrorist drill that we organized on our own initiative. My apologies if we startled you."
The Silver Armor Paladin bowed slightly to Viscount Francis.
"Are you trying to intimidate me?"
Viscount Francis remained silent for a moment before speaking. He wondered if he had heard the paladin correctly.
"Not at all. We would never engage in such tactics. I merely wanted to use our actions to remind Viscount Francis that there are those who wish for this accident to become a reality. If I had simply approached you and told you this, I believe you would not have taken my words at face value. Hence, our methods may have been a bit drastic, but I hope you can forgive us."
The Silver Armor Paladin handed Viscount Francis a copy of their itinerary, along with the open logbook. It seemed that he had only wanted to confirm something.
Viscount Francis glanced at the document and quickly understood where this itinerary, which exposed his travel plans, had come from. He also realized which individual in the city had provided it, intending him harm.
"I wasn't sure if this could be considered incriminating evidence until I confirmed it just now. Now that I have, I can rest assured and present it to you as a gift. This is our token of sincerity."
The Silver Armor Paladin offered a smile.
"I won't take it as a gesture of goodwill from you," Viscount Francis replied, unsure of the paladin's motives.
However, this itinerary was more than enough to be used as evidence in the provincial court.
"That's quite alright. You will soon witness our new face, and this is just the beginning."
With those words, the Silver Armor Paladin and his entourage of Silver Robed followers bid farewell to the viscount and departed.
"..."
Viscount Francis stood alone on the deck, a slight daze in his eyes.
The crew embraced each other in relief and cheered, while Viscount Francis remained tense, unable to relax.
"I apologize, Lord Francis," said a guard who approached him, his voice filled with guilt.
"It's not your fault. Those heretics were too strong, and I'm afraid I put you in danger." Viscount Francis replied, leaning on his cane as if his back was stiff.
He couldn't understand what these Resurrectionists were up to. Could it really be as they had said—a drill? Or was there someone powerful aiding them?
Viscount Francis shook his head and took out his cigarette case, lighting a cigarette.
...
The merchant ship sailed calmly on the peaceful sea for several hours.
Around 5 p.m., the sky began to transform into a spectacular display of colors as the sunset painted it with shades of pale orange, violet, and pale pink. The sun slowly sank, leaving a golden afterglow on the horizon.
The sea, bathed in the light of the setting sun, took on a softer hue, its waves shimmering like countless diamonds.
The ship's paint showed signs of age, but this only added to its vintage charm. The sailors on board finally seemed to be winding down, relaxing as they gazed at the distant coastline.
The merchant ship was slowly approaching the quiet town's dock.
In the spacious cabin, Lanchi, carrying minimal luggage, soon left the guest room after receiving a friendly reminder from the crew. He made his way along the corridor to the exit, from where he would later descend onto the pier.
Viscount Francis and his secretary-guard were already waiting there.
After exchanging greetings, Viscount Francis, true to his earlier words, invited Lanchi to join him for dinner at the lord's mansion.
"You'll stay in the guest room at our mansion for the night," Viscount Francis offered, leaning on his cane.
This was the usual arrangement for tutors invited from elsewhere.
However, most of them only stayed for a few days before leaving.
Some impatient teachers even tried to discipline Zestira, resulting in burns or being knocked out and sent to the doctor.
This young man with brown hair and green eyes seemed gentle and was unlikely to be angered or injured by his daughter's antics.
"Thank you, Viscount," Lanchi smiled gratefully.
"Mr. Rocky, did you know what happened on the ship earlier?" Viscount Francis asked after a moment of silence, turning to Lanchi.
"The ship stopped for a while this morning, but it seems nothing happened," Lanchi recalled, sharing his experience from the guest room.
When the ship first halted, Cat Boss had used his psychokinesis magic to float out to the edge of the deck to assess the situation. Lanchi, reassured by Cat Boss that the situation wasn't urgent, chose to use the Friendship Bug to send a telepathic message to the Silver-Armored Cleric instead of immediately turning the entire ship into a ghost ship and making a personal appearance to rescue the Viscount.
"I see," Viscount Francis said, his doubts assuaged by Lanchi's innocent demeanor.
Perhaps he was overthinking things due to his old age.
It was unlikely that the Silver-Armored Cleric had ill intentions from the start, only to be swayed by this young man's words upon seeing him.
Such a ridiculous thought was better left behind, and he could only pray to the goddess that this scholar from the Southern Continent would be able to tolerate his unruly daughter to some extent.
(End of Chapter)
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