Chapter 256: Plano Town (12)

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• Adventurer GrimV

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1:14 p.m.

Temple of Priest Building, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.

Vivian was inside her room. She sat in front of a desk and ran her hands on her hair as she stared blankly at the desk.

“Fuck…!”

She took a bath and changed to a fresh set of clothes when she arrived here earlier from the branch Knights Headquarters Office located in the Market District. And at

I wonder what's happening…?

They're not letting me go out…

Should I make a run for it…?

Can I make a run for it…?

If it was in the evening…

Sure…

She got up from her seat and began walking around inside her room.

But I'm not the culprit, right…?

I mean, how was I supposed to act…?

That fucking Alejandro and his group have been hounding all day…!

And then that fucking fat pig eyepatch weirdo deliberately removed my mask…!

Who wouldn't get fucking pissed…?!

On top of that, there was also fucking stupid idiot Caleb…!

Has he ever heard of friendly fire…?!

Fucking idiot…!

She raised her head and stared at her reflection on the mirror.

"Motherfucker…!"

But at least I didn't kill him…

And his uncle who is supposed to have 4 Magic Arts is coming this afternoon…

A Viscount or Baron-level person...

There was also that VIP named Joseph who I came here to escort who is also coming…

Furthermore, the Priests from the Marbleam Chapter Temple and the Branch Chapter Temples in the Duke Faction are coming…

So I should be safe…

But what if they all decide to sell me out…?

I swear to God…

If I smell even just a whiff that I'm going to be sold out by the Temple of Priests to the Duke Faction, I'm running…

Or if I'm going to be punished, I'm running…

Fuck this shit…

Like hell if I fucking care about the brother or sisterhood of the Temple of Priests…

Her gaze landed on the items on her desk. There was makeup kits, nail polishes, lipsticks, combs, perfumes, and Inquisitor Masks.

What should I bring if I run away…?

I mean…

I can also steal…

But I want to at least have the items that I want and were never been used…

I would die if I were to use someone else’s makeup kit, let alone lipstick…

Clothes as well…

She shook her head.

But let's see...

Let's see if the Temple of Priests is truly powerful like they say or if it's just a paper tiger…

Let's see if the Temple of Priests would truly protect their members or is it just another corporate bullshit that all companies would say to their employees…

If it turns out to be all bullshit --…

Knock, knock.

"Shit!" Vivian cursed as she jumped from her seat and then she immediately turned to the door.

Who the fuck is that…?!

"Sister Inquisitor Monad?" a female voice asked behind the door.

Is this it…?

Judgment time…?

Vivian let out a sigh and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them.

"Wait!"

She picked up her Inquisitor Full-Mask and wore it.

If I'm going to die…

I like to die beautiful…

Or at least presentable…

After she was done adjusting her mask, her gold necklace with a sun pendant and the rest of her clothes in front of the mirror, she finally went to the door.

Ka-cha!

Upon opening the door, a slightly tall and beautiful White Cloak Priestess in her early 30s with long and wavy orange hair and tanned skin stood there. She was one of the Priestesses assigned here in Plano Town.

Vivian's eyes turned to slits behind her mask.

Tch…!

She clicked her tongue mentally.

I don't have time for this…

But this woman is Tuno's sister…

And Gusto's wife…

Not to mention she's one of the people in charge of cooking the meals…

I can't be rude…

Especially now…

"Sister Arianna, how may I help you?"

"Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother Inquisitor Pen is requesting for you at Meeting Room 2-7."

"Okay, sister."

Vivian closed the door behind her and they both started walking.

Eh…?

She's coming with me…?

She rolled her eyes.

I really don't want this woman walking beside me…

She glanced at a window.

Hmm…

Come to think of it…

Isn't all of this that fucking old guy's fault…?

If he didn't send me here, I never would've met that fucking Alejandro and piglet eyepatch weirdo Ferdino…!

I know I'm perfection…

But my God…!

Why can't people just leave me alone…?!

"Sister," Arianna said.

Vivian turned to her.

"Yes, sister?"

Arianna grabbed Vivian’s hand.

"For what it's worth, as a fellow woman, you have my support no matter what." 

And then hugged her.

“Uh…!” Vivian was caught-off guard and her first reaction was to push her away but then summoned all of her strength to stopped herself.

As an average 24-year-old man in her original world, she has never hugged a beautiful woman like Arianna, let alone a beautiful woman like her initiating it.

“Just tell me if you need anything okay? I’ll be here.”

“Ah… Yes… Thank you, sister. I appreciate it.”

“I’ve talked to my husband and brother and they said everything is going to be okay.”

“Again, thank you, sister.”

Right…

I’m a woman now…

Sometimes I forget about that…

The power of relying on men to do my dirty work or act as shields…

Arianna released Vivian and then resumed walking.

When they finally arrived in front of the door of Meeting Room 2-7, Vivian stole a glance at Arianna.

Is this woman also coming with me inside…?

"Sister, I will wait here outside," Arianna said.

Wait outside..?

So I'm still under house arrest…?

I mean…

I guess you can call it room arrest…?

"I see."

Knock, knock.

Vivian knocked twice and then placed her hand on the handle.

Ka-cha!

When she opened the door and stepped inside, she immediately swept her gaze around the room to see if there was anything strange or suspicious, like a false wall or something. However, all she could see was Pen who was seated at one of the single-seat sofas.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad, please take a seat," he said and gestured towards one of the sofas.

Vivian went over to one of the sofas. She saluted first and then sat down.

"Sister, I want to ask you a few questions and I want you to be honest."

"Sure, brother."

"How do you feel about killing Lord Ferdino?"

"I feel some remorse. But it's not like he can't be resurrected."

"How do you feel about Lord Alejandro?"

"Annoyed."

"Why?"

"He kept harassing me the whole morning."

"How do you feel about Brother Caleb?"

"A liability."

"A liability? Why?"

"At his age, he still doesn't know how to fight with allies."

"I heard that you were greatly affected by his Lore Magic. Is it true?"

Vivian shook her head.

"Honestly, I don't know. All I know I was blown away by his gold-colored wave-light and then found myself on the floor coughing out blood and my whole body in pain."

"You struck him, right?"

“Yes, because he struck me first.”

Pen nodded.

“I see.”

"Brother, I'm confused about something."

"Go on."

“What was that power that Brother Lieutenant Caleb shown? Is it a Class Magic, a Lore Magic? Because I was shocked when I landed a hit on him.

“I mean, correct me if I’m wrong: If a person’s Magic Force is 2 Grades higher than his/her Physical Force, then it would mean death, right?

“So how is it possible that Brother Caleb was able to hit and injure me with his spell but then when I struck him, he was so weak?”

Pen raised an eyebrow behind his mask.

“He was weak?”

Wait…!

Fuck…!

Did I make a mistake…?

What was the Grade of his armor…?

Was it only Mithril…?

“Sorry, I mispoke. What I wanted to ask is, what’s going to happen to me now?”

“You’re going to stay inside your room until further notice and I will meet with the representatives of the Viscount’s family. Don’t worry, I’ve spoken to all the possible witnesses and Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino are the aggressors.

“But I have one last question.”

“What is it?” Vivian asked.

“Do you have anyone to call right now in case something happens to you?"

"No."

"I understand," Pen said and nodded. "That will be all, sister. Thank you. You may go back to your room."

"Yes, brother," Vivian said and then got up.

***

2:00 p.m.

Temple of Priest Building, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.

Ka-cha!

Lozario was walking on a corridor and behind him were Francisco, his personal bodyguard, and Pablo, the Royal Assistant of Estevan who was the Royal Adviser of Plano Town. The three of them were being led by the two Red Cloaks of the Branch Chapter Temple here in Plano Town -- Timoteo and Gusto.

All of them walked in silence until they finally reached a double door with a plate that read Meeting Room 1-1. And outside the door, there was Nicandro, a Gray Cloak, and Julio, a White Cloak, standing on guard and a couple of empty chairs on the side.

Nicandro and Julio bowed.

"Your Excellency, Lord Knight Major Francisco and Lord Royal Assistant Pablo," they said.

When Lozario nodded, Nicandro and Julio opened the door.

Only Lozario entered while the rest sat on the empty chairs on the side.

The Meeting Room that Lozario entered was one of the larger ones that was enough to house around 30 guests.

There was a section that had a long table for formal meetings, there was a section that looked like a lounging area decorated with several furniture for casual meetings, and there was a section that had a kitchen, bathroom and toilet.

Pen, who was seated at the long table got up from his seat, went over to Lozario and then lowered his head.

"Thank you for coming, Your Excellency," he said and then gestured over to the long table. "May we sit over there?"

Lozario nodded.

When they got to the long table, Pen sat on the side. Lozario, on the other hand, thought about it for a moment before finally sitting on the opposite side as well.

"Your Excellency, once again, I would like to express my gratitude for you coming here. I would also like to express my sincerest apologies for what happened today and I hope that this matter won't affect the friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom."

"Where is Ferdino?"

"Lord Ferdino is within the building and he's safe."

A small smile appeared on Lozario's lips.

"So this is how you’re going to play it?"

"Your Excellency, you're older than me, more experienced than me, and more powerful than me. So I'm not going to play any mind games, I'm just going to be honest.

"Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino attacked first and there are several witnesses who could confirm this.

"So here's what my brothers and sisters want:

"Firstly, Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino would stop bothering Sister Inquisitor Monad and also should also compensate her.

"Secondly, the peaceful and friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom to continue."

Lozario didn't say anything and studied Pen for a moment.

"You're the new Chapter Master, aren't you?"

"I will neither confirm nor deny it. May I ask what is your answer to our demands?"

"What I refuse?"

"Then there's nothing I can do but accept our fate. However, you will also have to accept your and your family's fate."

Lozario raised an eyebrow.

"Accept my and my family's fate?"

"With all due respect, Your Excellency, just with your Physical and Magic Force alone, you can kill everyone here if you want to and no one could do anything about it even if we all teamed up together. However, once the Holy Kingdom retaliates, you and your entire family will also share the same fate. As a matter of fact, I've already sent a message to the Holy Kingdom about what happened here."

The temperature inside the room suddenly started to heat up despite the Magic Panel making the air cool and Pen swore that it looked like there were flames on Lozario's pupils.

"Is that a threat, Priest?"

Pen shook his head.

"No, Your Excellency. But may I share something with you, Your Excellency?"

The heat only increased and Lozario nodded.

"I've been an Inquisitor for more than 3 decades now so I've met a lot of powerful people. And one thing I've noticed about powerful people: All of them need something to keep them grounded -- call it a purpose or a rai·son d'ê·tre if I were to quote Her Holiness Light Saint Jean, the 38th Light Saint. And those who don't have such a thing or loses it would always fall to the path of self-destruction.

"What I'm trying to say, Your Excellency, I believe I know what your rai·son d'ê·tre is and that is making sure your family's legacy continues. And because that that, I trust that you will choose peace."

"Are you that confident, Priest?" Lozario asked.

Pen nodded.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

The temperature inside the room dropped back to slightly normal.

"I was informed that Ferdino was killed."

"Yes, and he has already been resurrected and is being taken care of."

"What is the real name of the Priestess Inquisitor who killed him?"

Pen shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I can't share any personal information about her."

"You can't or you won't?"

"Both."

"You mentioned that you've been an Inquisitor for a long time and even quoted this rai·son d'ê·tre. So you must also be familiar with how fragile the minds of Aristocratic Nobles are, are you not?"

Pen nodded solemnly.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"If Alejandro and Ferdino end up being mentally scarred for life and then fall to the path of self-destruction because of this experience, who will our families ask to pay for this? Those two are important members of their respective main families."

"With all due respect, Your Excellency, Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino aren't the only gifted people."

"Oh? You're saying that that Priestess Inquisitor is on the level of Alejandro and Ferdino?"

"Her talents lie in other fields."

Lozario's eyes turned to slits and the temperature inside the room began to rise up once again.

"Didn't you say you're not going to play mind games and would be honest, Priest?"

Pen adjusted the collar of his shirt.

"I did, Your Excellency."

"Then what is this?"

"Sister Inquisitor Monad might be strong for her age, but that was because she over-trained. She could never reach the heights that Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino could reach. As a matter of fact, this is why she's part of the Inquisitory Division, not the Infantry Division."

Lozario increased the temperature inside the room to the point that an aura made out of transparent flames began to manifest around him and the things around him started to slowly melt as well but nothing was caught on fire.

Meanwhile, Pen, who was sitting in front of Lozario, didn't flinch despite being covered in sweat.

The temperature inside the room then returned to normal.

"What about Duke Freca?"

Pen took out a piece of paper and passed it to Lozario.

"I've prepared some special favors for Your Excellency's family and His Excellency's family."

Lozario read the paper and then returned his gaze to Pen.

"You think you can bribe an Aristocratic Noble, let alone two?"

Pen shook his head.

"Of course not, Your Excellency. Which is why I didn't present that right away."

One corner of Lozario's lips curled up into a smile.

"I'll change #3 and #5. But I'll still have to talk to Duke Freca before I can give you an answer on what we will replace it with."

Pen lowered his head.

"Thank you for choosing to continue the peaceful and friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom, Your Excellency."

***

3:00 p.m.

Caleb let out a sigh as he stood in a corridor and in front of a door.

He wasn't wearing his Crusader Armor set because one of the gauntlets was destroyed and the breastplate was bent out of shape. So he was wearing a White Cloak and civilian clothing underneath it.

He let out another sigh.

You got to do this right away…

If you prolong it…

It will only get more awkward…

He raised his fist and placed it near the door.

Knock, knock.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad? It's me, Brother Caleb. I wish to apologize to you."

Better to be direct than indirect to avoid any further complications…

Ka-cha!

A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing Vivian with her Inquisitor Full-Mask on.

And before she could speak, Caleb lowered his head.

"Sister! Please forgive me for what happened earlier!"

"You're forgiven. I apologize as well."

A surprised look appeared on Caleb's face and he slowly raised his head.

"Huh…?"

If he were to be honest, he wasn't expecting Vivian to accept his apology just like that. He thought he had to go through some trials or experience a couple of pushbacks before she would forgive him.

"Are you not on room arrest?" Vivian asked.

Caleb straightened his back and cleared his throat.

"Thank you for accepting my apology, sister. But I don't think you should apologize to me because I was the one who attacked you first even though I was assigned to be your bodyguard."

Vivian didn't say anything.

Caleb cleared his throat once again.

"About your question, yes, I was, in a way. As a matter of fact, aside from apologizing to you, I also came here to inform you that we're no longer under room arrest. I asked Brother Inquisitor Pen and the others to let me say this to you so that I can talk and apologize to you."

"I see."

Caleb scratched the back of his head.

"So… that's it, I guess," he said. "By the way, High Brother Joseph and High Brother Zacharias would arrive around 4:00 p.m. The representatives from the Marbleam Chapter Temple and the Branch Chapter Temples under the Marbleam Kingdom's Duke Faction would also be arriving later. It's going to be a full-house tonight."

"The issue with Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino has already been solved?"

Caleb nodded.

"Yes, Brother Inquisitor Pen met with Viscount Lozario and it's already been settled. In fact, we will resume attending the Feugo Tournament tomorrow."

Vivian folded her arms around her chest.

"Tell me, brother, since you've seen my face and attacked me, you at least owe something, right?"

Caleb's eyes blinked a few times.

"Sure, of course, anything."

"Come inside and close the door," Vivian said before turning around and entering her room.

Caleb blinked his eyes a few times once more before entering.

As he stepped inside Vivian's room, his nose was immediately assaulted with so much feminine scent.

Vivian turned around and sat down on a chair.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but a person's Magic Force can't be more than 2 Grades of his/her Physical Force, right? So if that's the case, how come I was able to land a heavy blow on you?"

An awkward and pained expression appeared on Caleb's face.

"It's my family's Lore Magic, [Holy Wrath]. I thought you were the career-driven or political type so I didn't think that you were going to be affected by it."

Vivian knitted her brows behind her mask.

"What do you mean? Describe to me the effects."

"Okay…" Caleb said and nodded.

The Lore Magic spell [Holy Wrath] costs 40 mana points to cast and it releases a 5-meter golden wave that knocks back enemies. And as for its damage, it's more potent against targets with people who are morally evil and less potent against people who are morally good.

But, of course, just like with any skill or spell, it comes with its limits and flaws.

#1 - The damage is based on the morality of the target(s). No matter how powerful the caster is, if the target(s) is morally good, they won’t take any damage.

#2 - If the target is morally evil, the highest damage they can inflict is 90 points or 3 Grades.

#3 - If the target’s Magic Force is more than 100 points compared to the caster, they won’t be affected by the spell.

#4 -  And the most important of all, the question about “morality” itself.

To the simple mind, it’s easy for them to say that good people are good people and bad people are bad people. But what when other factors come in like morally gray people, geopolitics, the Temple of Priests trying to monopolize the people with Light Affinity, the racial war between humans and demon-kins, and many more, that’s when things get complicated.

Are the only people to allowed to serve as leaders or at least hold authority morally good people?

Is possible to run a successful organization, let alone a kingdom, solely by only doing “morally good” things?

What about the Brothers and Sisters who are gifted and talented but have an unhealthy obsession in killing demon-kins?

Are all demon-kins evil? What about the newborn demon-kins? What about the humans who transformed into demon-kins not by their own choice?  One could even point out that in the eyes of demon-kins, Priests and Priestesses are evil, the Temple of Priests in an evil organization, and the Holy Kingdom is an evil kingdom.

What about the powerful people outside the Temple of Priests, such as the Royal Families and Aristocratic Noble Families? Are they also required to follow the rules of the Temple of Priests?

Because of these things, although the Magic Effect of [Holy Wrath] was effective in fighting people who are morally evil, when it comes to complex ideas, it falls apart. So for the most part, the Temple of Priests doesn’t completely rely on it, especially when it comes to governing.

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I’ve posted this chapter at WebNovel, Royal Road and Patreon. However, the main is P-a-t-r-e-o-n (Immortal_Shades) because I want to post pictures and videos there without any restrictions.

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Chapter end