https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-338-Hiberlian-Comes-to-Steal-the-House/12584492/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-340-Serene-Days-of-Bishop-Serene/12584494/
Chapter 339: Heather's Puzzlement at Such Ease
Chapter 339: Heather's Puzzlement at Such Ease
"Our family has been devotees of Lady Luck for generations, and we firmly believe that she will bestow her protection and guidance upon us. There's no need for excessive gratitude, my lady priestess."
Count Milford, leaning on his cane, addressed the group of clergy with a respectful tone.
Hearing herself addressed as 'my lady priestess', Heather felt a sense of purpose well up within her that was difficult to put into words.
Back in her homeland of Hutton, she had rarely received such sincere respect from the elder nobility.
Ironically, it was in this foreign land that she encountered extremely friendly treatment time and time again.
In the brief silence that followed, Count Milford sat in an antique sheepskin chair. The curtains behind him were drawn, and only a faint light filtered through the delicate, dark mesh, illuminating the room.
The parlor was dimly lit and shrouded in secrecy, yet the space was comfortably lit without being harsh on the eyes. A bronze table lamp stood tall on an ornate table, its shade adorned with fairies symbolizing good fortune. They chased each other as if dancing with the light and shadows.
"Starting today, your identity, my lady, is that of my late brother's illegitimate daughter, Miriam Milford, currently enrolled at the Milford Magic Research Institute in our border territory. After you've had some time to adjust to this identity, you will transfer to Proteros Royal Magic Academy as a third-year student in a week. A female guard from our manor has been assuming this identity for a long time, and all the necessary arrangements have already been made. You just need to step into this role."
Count Milford fixed his gaze on Heather as he explained.
He was aware that these three powerful sixth-rank clergy members would be staying in the Northwest Province for an extended period.
And as Heather, disciple of the Ice Snow Witch, would be heading to the imperial capital, Hellrom, alone, her mission would be even more perilous.
Even before receiving the Ice Snow Witch's request, he had prepared this identity for Heather, handling everything personally. Even the Extinction Branch wouldn't be able to trace anything back to him in his territory. Moreover, this identity was nominally linked to their family's secrets, providing a reasonable excuse for any necessary alterations.
However, for now, the Northwest Province didn't seem dangerous to Heather at all. The only peril that remained was the series of core tasks that awaited her once she arrived in the imperial capital, Hellrom.
"No problem," Heather nodded.
Assuming the identity of a count's daughter wasn't a difficult task for her. Even during her time in the Kingdom of Aethertalan, she had studied various Proteros imperial etiquettes.
She was confident that she could quickly and perfectly assume and adapt to this identity that had been crafted for her.
Count Milford pondered for a moment before continuing in a slow, measured tone, "Additionally, my daughter, Michelle Milford, your cousin in name now, will accompany you to the imperial capital, Hellrom. She's a first-year student and is unaware of your specific situation. She only knows that she has an older sister like you and that I recently intended to bring you to the forefront of the family… She has been to the imperial capital many times before and is quite familiar with Hellrom. She should be able to offer you some assistance. Of course… there might be a bit of personal motive on my part. If, in the future, you are unable to return to the Northwest Province, please take her with you to a safe place."
Count Milford's voice carried a hint of regret, as well as a plea.
No matter what, he would never betray the land that had been the home of the Milford family for generations. But just in case, if one day the Northwest Province were to descend into the most brutal war zone, he hoped his daughter would not return.
The clergy of the Church of Lady Luck were trustworthy and would surely protect his daughter.
"For the duration of your stay in the Milford Territory, just treat me as your uncle. The Milford family will provide you with all the help we can offer," Nelson, the Count of Milford, assured Hepburn.
"I understand," Hepburn replied.
This could also be seen as the Count of Milford entrusting his daughter to her care, as the situation in the Empire seemed dire, with war looming on the horizon.
Despite the count's stern countenance, his tone conveyed his sincerity and friendliness as a great man.
After conveying all the important matters,
Count Milford stood up and walked to the window.
He gazed at the distant spires of the city-state with a complex expression.
"That most prominent building is the fortress of the Extinction Knights. Like the Imperial Army, they control a significant amount of intelligence and authority in many city-states... But for now, as long as you don't actively seek to cross them, you have nothing to worry about, so there's no need to be overly tense while within the city," Count Milford turned and said seriously to Hepburn,
"Take these days to adjust to the Proteros imperial life in the Milford Territory and relax a little. You can go shopping with Michelle; she has been looking forward to meeting her rumored older sister."
"Mhm."
Hepburn understood what Count Milford meant.
His seemingly casual words carried a deeper meaning.
Hepburn had prepared herself for this, knowing that the most dangerous challenge in the Northwest Province—the first of many hellish trials—would be evading the elite members and the Saint of Extinction from the Extinction Branch.
Currently, these minions of the Extinction Bishops were conducting an intensive search throughout the Northwest Province, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of enemies. They were the most fearsome foes she needed to avoid during her week-long stay before departing for the imperial capital, Hellrom.
According to the Ice Snow Witch, the Saint of Extinction was like a relentless pursuit fox. Once he set his sights on someone, there was almost no escape unless one could defeat him!
With Hepburn's current strength, even with the assistance of the three sixth-rank clergy members, she stood little chance against the Saint of Extinction, not to mention that the entire Northwest Province was the home turf of the Extinction Branch. Engaging them was out of the question.
As per Count Milford's request, only by flawlessly portraying herself as the count's daughter could she hope to deceive everyone without a hitch.
"Rest assured, I will maintain my best condition and ensure that the Saint of Extinction does not take an interest in me," Hepburn said, her voice firm despite the tension she felt.
However,
"..."
Count Milford was slightly taken aback.
He felt that the lady priest might have misunderstood his intentions.
"I forgot to mention... You're quite lucky, as the Saint of Extinction left a couple of days ago for unknown reasons, leading the entire main force of the Northwest Province towards the far north of the Empire... So, for now, the Milford Territory is very safe."
Count Milford explained awkwardly,
"You can relax and enjoy yourself. Unwind a little after being so tense. It must be Lady Luck smiling upon you."
Perhaps because he rarely smiled, Hepburn also misinterpreted the atmosphere as being solemn.
"Ah?"
Hepburn was stunned.
The Saint of Extinction had left with the main force? She could even go sightseeing in the Milford Territory for seven days? She had been led to believe that the journey to the Empire would be incredibly dangerous, but now it seemed like it would start with baby difficulty.
(End of Chapter)
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