https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-484-A-Few-Things-After-the-Helrom-Decision/12584677/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-486-Lanchi-s-Date-with-Sigrid-Part-I-/12584679/
Chapter 485: Cardinal Lanchi's Leisurely Morning
Chapter 485: Cardinal Lanchi's Leisurely Morning
The antique clock in the office ticked softly and steadily, its hands just passing nine o'clock.
Unconcerned by the time, Cardinal Lanchi spent his morning in a leisurely manner, a stark contrast to the vibrant spring sunshine outside. Everything around him seemed tranquil and orderly because of his presence.
The office door was knocked on gently, and Planai's voice came from beyond it: "Mr. Rocky, Miss Cloris is here to see you."
"Come in," Lanchi replied, lifting his head to look toward the door, his voice calm and friendly.
The door slowly opened, and Planai stood there respectfully before stepping aside for an extraordinary woman to enter.
She was dressed in a noble hunting gown and tailored trousers, her intricately braided hair falling gracefully over her shoulders, looking even more formal than before.
"Headmaster Rocky, it's been over a month since we last met," Miss Cloris said as she removed her hat and sat down across from Lanchi at his desk, a note of wonder in her voice.
Her vibrant aura seemed to bring with it a breath of fresh air and floral fragrance. Even on this clear spring day, her arrival made the entire office seem brighter.
"It must have been difficult being confined to the ducal mansion all this time," Lanchi said with a smile as he stood up and gestured for Miss Cloris to join him in the discussion area to the left of the office.
In the past, when they talked as headmaster and student, they could sit at his desk and chat at their leisure, but now it didn't feel appropriate.
"Yes, every day was a gamble on whether I would live to see the next," Miss Cloris said with a shrug. "But fortunately, in the end, I emerged victorious."
There was no hint in her demeanor that she had just endured a harrowing experience that had brought her to the brink of death countless times.
After the two of them were seated on the sofas in the discussion area, Planai gracefully turned and walked to a cabinet nearby. He opened a drawer and took out a small packet of finely selected tea leaves, skillfully preparing a cup of tea for Miss Cloris.
Lanchi quietly watched Planai's graceful tea-making motions, feeling a sense of peace and contentment in this serene daily routine.
After months of intense work, he now enjoyed this relaxed moment, his mind at ease.
As Planai brought over the freshly brewed floral tea for both of them, he once again excused himself and gently closed the office door behind him, leaving them to their conversation.
"Since when did our school have such an incredible teacher?" Miss Cloris wondered aloud, feeling as though she had been under soft detention for over a month. She was surprised to encounter this professor, whose presence and abilities were completely unfamiliar to her.
"Perhaps he has always been here, and we simply didn't notice," Lanchi replied with a smile.
"I see," Miss Cloris said, as if she had figured something out, but even if she had seen through something, she wouldn't reveal it.
"I heard that His Majesty Franklin III invited you to dinner yesterday," she said, picking up her teacup and studying the headmaster with interest.
"That is true," Lanchi nodded.
In fact, on the day of the cardinal election, even the Emperor of the Protoss Empire had been terrified.
One could even say that for these past few months, Franklin III had not known a moment's peace.
Until the arrival of Rocky McCarthy, who helped settle everything.
This dinner invitation held a hidden meaning—an implication that the emperor hoped he would ignore public opinion and continue to lead the Protoss Empire.
Lanchi and the Emperor of the Protoss Empire talked for a long while.
Even though many of the empire's aristocrats were now wary of Rocky McCarthy due to his close association with the Dominant Church, and it would be wise for him to avoid seeking more power, the emperor still expressed his trust in Lanchi.
Lanchi understood that this meeting was likely partly orchestrated by Isis, and the emperor seemed nervous during their dinner.
However, as their conversation progressed, Emperor Franklin III gradually opened up to him.
Franklin III confessed that he, too, was afraid of Rocky McCarthy, as many perceived him to be an incomprehensible being to ordinary beings.
But rather than gamble everything on an unknown factor, it was better to place one's bets on someone capable.
According to the currently undisclosed information, the investigation revealed that Duke Morotian had colluded with the extinct bishop Askesang to orchestrate a conspiracy aimed at inciting a war that would result in countless deaths, thereby providing Morotian with the souls he needed to ascend to the ninth rank.
If Duke Morotian's plot had succeeded, not only would the northern frontier provinces of the empire have been devastated, but the northern kingdoms would also have become a feast for the two ruthless masterminds behind the scenes.
However, the reason for the appearance of the northern demons and the changes in the duke remained a mystery.
"It may be related to the Calamity Earth in the far north of the Northern Continent, but whether the Church is involved is also unknown.
After all, the Protoss Empire is only a country on the southern shore of the Northern Continent, and there are still many mysteries in the north that are incomprehensible to modern humans.
Perhaps one day, an even deeper danger will resurface, and Franklin III hopes that by then, the Protoss Empire will still have Rocky McCarthy."
"I see."
Cloris nodded. She could guess what the headmaster and the emperor had discussed.
In the end, it was likely that Rocky McCarthy had gained the emperor's trust and agreed to continue his tenure.
"What brings you here today, Miss Cloris?" Lanchi asked as he fixed his gaze on her. "No, I should call you Duchess Cloris now."
He thought for a moment, slightly adjusting his phrasing.
【Original Stone Tablet-Wraith】, a national treasure of the Protoss Empire and a treasure of the House of Duke Berenhald, is currently in the possession of the Great Sage Isis, who took custody of it after the death of Duke Morotian.
Isis has indicated that she will return the tablet to the House of Berenhald when Cloris reaches the seventh rank, out of a sense of protection.
Now that Cloris has been exonerated and will inherit the dominant position of the House of Berenhald, becoming the Duchess of the Empire.
Although this news has not yet been made public, it is expected to be announced soon, and the empire's high-ranking officials are all aware of it.
"No matter what changes my status has undergone, the House of Berenhald will remain your ally, and I thank you for your continued trust in me until the very end."
Cloris expressed her gratitude. Each step she took was a risky move, and if she had lacked the trust of her allies, everything would have collapsed.
"There's no need."
Lanchi averted his gaze and smiled gently.
"Why?" Cloris asked, her eyes fixed on him.
She didn't understand why Rocky McCarthy would refuse her.
"I'm planning to retire."
Leaning back in his chair, Lanchi spoke with a carefree look in his eyes, as if he were preparing to retire the very next day.
"..."
Cloris couldn't understand this man. He was just one step away from controlling the Protoss Empire, yet he didn't want anything.
Then what had all of this been for?
"I've never had much interest in fame and fortune. I just want to return to my hometown and live a peaceful life."
Lanchi smiled lightly,
"After my retirement, the Protoss Royal Magic Academy will revert to its previous system without a principal. The governorship of the Northern Snow Province will be handed over to Viscount Quinston, and as for the Overlord branch, if possible, I hope Duchess Cloris will lend her support."
He knew that the woman before him shared some similarities with her father, Duke Morotian, but they were fundamentally different, and she was a more trustworthy partner.
"Of course, we have always been allies."
Cloris nodded firmly.
She paused slightly, glancing at the clock on the wall as if she felt she had stayed too long.
"Then I won't disturb you further, Mr. Rocky."
Cloris stood up and bid Lanchi farewell.
Her demeanor was elegant and calm, and she walked lightly towards the door of the principal's office.
As she grasped the doorknob, she turned back, a subtle smile playing on her face.
"By the way, Principal, a girl with light-colored hair asked me to tell you that she's waiting for you by the lake. She wants you to change into more casual and handsome clothes before you come to see her."
Cloris delivered the message, and then she nodded slightly and gently closed the door, leaving behind a tranquil space.
Lanchi's gaze lingered on the slowly closing door for a moment.
He didn't move, looking a little dazed.
Then he smiled with realization.
"A date between a bishop and a saint, is that really okay?"
Lanchi stood up and muttered to himself, feeling a bit helpless.
That night, he had only intended to give Sigrid an example of what not to say before a battle, but somehow, the two of them had ended up on an actual date.
Despite his words, he didn't linger any longer and exited the principal's office with a lively stride.
The theme of the new fourth volume is mostly about daily life and campus stories!
Xi is extremely grateful for the monthly tickets from the fathers. Yesterday, she even got the daily crown. Now, this book has over 40,000 reserved subscriptions and 26,000 chasing subscriptions, full of hope, let's run towards 50,000 reserved subscriptions!
(End of Chapter)
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