https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-825-Houbailian-Meets-Ifatiya-Part-2-/12934374/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-826-Torliado-s-Tearful-Overtime-Part-2-/12934385/
Chapter 826: Torliado's Tearful Overtime (Part 1)
Chapter 826: Torliado's Tearful Overtime (Part 1)
November 15th, Kreitania Empire Calendar.
The day of the Moon Goddess Festival.
In the midst of winter, the Moon Goddess Festival arrives once again as scheduled.
The north wind howls, and fine snowflakes drift in the sky.
"It's snowing."
"Thankfully, the snow has lessened since morning."
In the early morning light, the capital of the Kreitania Empire is already bustling with excitement.
On both sides of the streets in the commercial district, colorful flags of the Elsaya Sanctuary are hung high, with a full moon painted in the center, fluttering in the wind and snow.
In the southern part of the city-state, the street lamps of Saint Kreithian Monastery are adorned with wreaths made of laurel branches, and the priests, dressed in white cloaks and wearing bronze crescent crowns, start heading towards the main square of the monastery's central hall early in the morning.
The bell in the temple rings every quarter of an hour, its melodious sound echoing through the snow-covered streets.
The priests line up in front of the temple, ready to welcome the citizens who have come to worship from various districts of Brillada.
The Moon Goddess Festival is one of the most solemn festivals in the Kreitania Empire, symbolizing that all things will be reborn after the winter's desolation. Both nobles and commoners dress up and solemnly participate in the ceremony, and even though the weather is cold, their hearts are filled with piety, joy, and hope. People believe that the Moon Goddess will bless the human realm on this day, listening to everyone's wishes and fulfilling their year-end desires.
In the central square of Saint Kreithian Monastery, a several dozen-meter-tall statue of the Moon Goddess stands quietly, her beautiful and benevolent face shining brightly in the morning sun.
Later in the day, a grand procession will depart from the palace and eventually arrive at the altar of the Moon Goddess.
Inside this grand monastery, the residence of Professor Landry has already been covered in snow, reaching the roof.
"It's about time, I'll see you all off."
The young professor in the dining room closes the book in his hand and speaks to his friends.
Today, he is wearing a gray woolen overcoat, maintaining his usual work attire and not changing it for the festival, still in a working state.
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the Moon Goddess Festival this morning? Although the weather is cold, the grand scene is definitely worth seeing."
Antanas asks as he stands up, his tone carrying a hint of regret.
Sigrid had been the first to go out, as she was very interested in the Moon Goddess Festival. The Moon Goddess is the deity most revered by Archbishop Sigrid, and when she heard that Saint Kreithian Monastery would open many sacred sites today, she had gone to line up even before dawn.
Later, Talia, Houbailian, and Ifatiya also went out together, and Antanas called this the 'Demon Princess Bond.'
Now, only Lan Qi, Xiao Hei Mao, and the other four great demons remain at home.
"You guys go and have fun, I still have a few reports to review, so I probably can't leave."
Lan Qi speaks gently.
He will likely have to work overtime today.
"You should also take a break, Lan Qi."
Sinora has always thought that Lan Qi becomes too engrossed when he works.
It was the same in the northern continent of the Protos Empire. Whenever she saw Lan Qi in the headmaster's office, he would be working with his head down.
Sometimes, seeing this, she would feel a bit sorry for him.
"Yeah, yeah."
Antanas tries to tempt Lan Qi, feigning a devilish whisper and leaning close to persuade him.
Encouraging Lan Qi to take the day off and have fun with the others.
"Today, as a professor of Saint Kreithian Monastery, I have events like the Elliot Hall to attend. In the morning, I need to confirm information with Abao, and in the afternoon, I'll be busy with school affairs. After the evening ceremony, I also have an appointment with the Sixth War Deity, Violet. I probably won't be able to join you all."
Lan Qi smiles apologetically.
He understands that Sinora and Antanas mean well.
In the past, in the northern continent of the Protos Empire, he might have had no interest in having fun, but today, he actually wants to spend time with his friends. Unfortunately, he is genuinely busy.
"Sigh, today, no one wants to work overtime except you."
Sinora speaks helplessly.
She, Talia, Armis, and Pranae, the few demons who can stay calm, are unwilling to work alone in the festive atmosphere. As for Antanas, Ifatiya, and Torliado, the three playful demons, if they were made to work today, it would probably be more painful than killing them.
"I can stay and help you."
Pranae places his hand on the back of the chair in front of the dining table.
In fact, for Pranae, today's main interest is not in experiencing the festival but in studying human culture. However, he doesn't really need entertainment, as his greatest strength is his patience.
"No need, these tasks mainly involve mage engineering, and there are few administrative aspects. If I do need your help, I will definitely ask, but today, no matter what, go and enjoy the festival first."
Lan Qi shakes his head, feeling too guilty to drag others into working overtime with him today.
Perhaps the Moon Goddess Festival is the last day to slightly relax before the final battle in Bloody Moon City.
After the Moon Goddess Festival, they will have to face the battle of fate in Bloody Moon City, and the pressure of combat for the other strong ones will be greater than his.
According to their current assembly situation, their pure combat strength should be advantageous, and passing through the dilapidated Bloody Moon City of the Blood Moon Dark Age should not be a problem.
However, besides the Third Ancestor, Duke Rashal, the Seventh Ancestor, Marquis Helitier, the Eighth Ancestor, Marquis Somerset, and the Ninth Ancestor, Marquis Bernhard, it is unknown whether there are any additional top-tier battle forces in the Bloody Moon City under Kreithian.
"Okay."
Pranae sighs.
"The moon lanterns are ready, and we can light them together in the courtyard tonight."
The Ice Maiden puts down her handicraft and speaks to the others.
Yesterday, Ifatiya was weaving moon lanterns on the sofa, and the remaining materials were also prepared by Armis after Ifatiya's weaving was complete.
The bamboo strips are made from resilient bamboo segments, shaved into thin and light strips, both flexible and sturdy.
These moon lanterns, in essence, are a type of lantern, but they are a traditional symbol of the Kreithian Moon Goddess Festival.
Antanas curiously leans in to examine the handicrafts made by the Ice Maiden.
Their structure is quite simple; first, the bamboo strips are woven into a cage, then colored thin paper is attached to form an umbrella shape, and finally, oil paper is lit inside the cage—
"After lighting it, it will float up into the sky, right?"
"Pranae was well-versed in such structures, which were called Moon Lanterns in the Kreithian Empire."
Lan Qi nodded in agreement.
Having lived in the Kreithian Empire for many years, Ifatiya was, to some extent, half-Kreithian herself. She was the most familiar with these matters, and the Moon Lanterns were mostly her handiwork.
The morning sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room, casting a slanted light on the table by the window. Two thick stacks of oil paper were neatly arranged on the table, their pages glowing with a warm luster in the sunlight.
Inside the house, a pine log crackled in the fireplace, bringing warmth to the room.
The scent of tea from the teapot on the coffee table mingled with the aroma of the burning wood, creating a cozy atmosphere.
They were chatting in the dining room, bidding farewell before their departure.
"Well, we're off. If you feel lonely, feel free to contact us anytime."
Just as the words left their mouths, the air in front of the living room began to distort. The colors grew brighter, and a silver vortex gradually took shape, forming a seemingly illusory door with countless twisted souls swirling within.
Eighth-rank mana blossomed in the space, capturing the attention of several powerful demons.
The intensity of the mana made them feel like they were facing a formidable enemy, but they soon realized the source of the mana and lowered their guard.
If it weren't for the all-encompassing barriers around Professor Landry's mansion, such a powerful mana fluctuation would have undoubtedly caught the attention of the Kreithian Empire.
The dimensional gate's vortex gradually solidified, its edges glowing with fiery arcs, emitting a teeth-grating hum.
"Torliado, you're here," Lan Qi said with relief as he gazed at the dimensional gate.
Today's schedule included a visit to Torliado.
When he had contacted Torliado yesterday, hearing the tension in his voice, Lan Qi had been concerned that something might have happened to him.
"Lan Qi, I have a surprise for you," a steady and swift sequence of footsteps sounded from within the dimensional gate.
A handsome young man, excited yet slightly fatigued, stepped into the room, carrying a thick photo album.
He wore a well-tailored black trench coat, which covered his black and white checkered shirt. The boots peeking out from beneath the coat's hem were slightly dusted with snow seeds, indicating he had rushed over.
"Fog grass!" he exclaimed.
However, upon seeing the figures in the living room, he took a half-step back in surprise.
The other powerful demons seemed unperturbed, as if they had anticipated his arrival in Brillada and guessed that he would come here.
"Abao, long time no see," Antanas waved.
"Good morning," Pranae greeted him.
"Huh?" Torliado's jaw dropped as he stared at them.
In the blink of an eye, all his old friends from the Demon Realm had gathered.
"Wait, what did I miss?!" Torliado's mind raced, and he immediately clasped his head in disbelief.
In just one day of his absence, four powerful demons had appeared at Lan Qi's house.
Logically, they should have been in Hutton Capital, protecting Princess Houbailian in Icrite.
This meant that Princess Houbailian must have brought them to Brillada!
What had happened yesterday?
"I must master the power of time and reverse the flow!" Torliado muttered to himself in anguish.
"Stop dreaming," the Ice Maiden replied, officially speaking for the goddess.
After a century apart, Torliado was still as eccentric as ever, showing no signs of his high position, often causing the Demon Realm's military to mistake him for a soldier.
"Do you want to come with us?" Antanas asked with a smile, inviting him along.
She loved chatting and gossiping with Ifatiya or Torliado.
They were planning to stroll outside the school grounds, and there were several Moon Goddess Festival-related activities in Brillada City today.
Since they weren't part of the school staff, wandering around Saint Kreithian Monastery during the festival could draw unnecessary attention and trouble if their faces were remembered.
"I... I have work..." Torliado's eyes darted towards the photo album in his hands, torn between his desire to go out with his old friends and the task he needed to discuss with Lan Qi.
Today, he was in a foul mood and hoped no one would provoke him, adding to his workload.
"Oh well, good luck. You've changed, you don't smile as much anymore," Antanas patted Torliado's shoulder and shook her head.
It seemed like a very important task for Torliado to be willing to work overtime.
It felt like seeing friends going out together during the holidays while you're stuck at school for extra classes.
"Yeah, I was never a smiley person," Torliado clenched his teeth.
"Since you're here, make the most of it. Think positively; you're not alone in working overtime. Maybe we can finish early and still have time to enjoy the festival," Lan Qi could only offer words of comfort to Torliado and waved to the other powerful demons.
"Let's go!"
"We won't lock the door."
"Later, let's gather in the courtyard to light lanterns and set off fireworks."
The powerful demons bid farewell and exited the mansion one by one.
The lively dining room fell silent once again.
Outside the window, the courtyard was covered in snow, and a tall spruce tree stood in the center, its branches adorned with sparkling ice crystals that refracted colorful light.
"Lan Qi, you're too twisted. How can you focus on working overtime when everyone else is out having fun?" Torliado gazed at the misty window, feeling envious of the others.
"Just imagine we're at the Protos Royal Magic Academy. You're the professor, I'm the principal, and the students are on vacation, so it's normal for us to work," Lan Qi pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.
"Where were you yesterday?" he asked Torliado, getting down to business.
"Well, you know we still have four unidentified members in the Silver Moon Renaissance, right?" Torliado casually placed the photo album he had brought on the dining table.
"Do you have any leads?" Lan Qi's voice grew more serious as he asked Torliado.
He knew that Torliado had been trying to locate their allies these past few days.
Currently, there were 4689 members whose identities were unknown.
According to previous group discussions, Number Four [Flame] was one of the nine members who hadn't returned to Brillada last month, Number Five [Struggle] was the Alyksea Princess, Number Six [Loyalty] had access to first-hand information about mana fission from Saint Kreithian Monastery, Number Eight [Purity] remained silent when asked about mana fission, possibly to avoid suspicion, and Number Nine [Hope] could obtain any information for a price, suggesting he might have significant connections.
These five individuals were all companions of the Princess, known and trusted by her.
Initially, Number Four and Five's Holy Communication Cards were created together, and Abigail gave them to the Alyksea Princess. The Princess used Number Five for herself and gave Number Four to her trusted subordinate.
Later, the Alyksea Princess requested Number Six's Holy Communication Card and gave it to a suitable person she had chosen. Then, Abigail sent Number Seven to her younger disciple, Landry, through dimensional branches. Numbers Eight and Nine were the last ones made, and the Princess also took them.
The founding agreement of this organization was that no one would know the identities of the others.
"I privately chatted with these four people, but due to the Princess's current crisis, they completely distrusted me."
Torliado patted the photo album on the table, indicating to Lan Qi that this was the clue.
"It wasn't until yesterday that I finally managed to infiltrate the Creedentia Imperial Palace, disguised as a court attendant. This morning, while delivering meals, I saw the Princess. Under the surveillance of the Vampires, the Princess dared not communicate with me. She signaled with her eyes for me to steal her photo album, so I took it."
Torliado explained to Lan Qi.
Yesterday, he had sneaked into the Creedentia Imperial Palace, and even when he received Lan Qi's communication, he couldn't chat further.
"You went to the Creedentia Imperial Palace?"
Lan Qi was genuinely surprised.
Only the Dimensional Bishop Torliado, with his exceptional skills and courage, could pull off such a feat. If something went wrong, he could escape using teleportation, but for others, it would be a ten-to-one chance of survival if they made a mistake.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get any information from Princess Alyksea. It was too dangerous in the palace."
Torliado carefully weighed the risks and decided against taking further action to bring the Princess out, as it would have involved significant danger.
With the decisive battle approaching, if they were to kidnap the Princess now, the severity of the situation would escalate to the entire Creedentia Empire. It wouldn't just alert their target, causing their surprise attack on Bloody Moon City to fail, but it might also provoke a joint operation by the War Deities and the Vampires, leading to their annihilation before the National Day.
Aside from obtaining this photo album and confirming that Princess Alyksea was still safe, there were no other gains.
"It's okay, you've done a great job. You're truly a master thief."
Lan Qi praised him.
Initially, he had thought it would be impossible to find these Silver Moon Renaissance companions, but now it seemed there was still hope to locate one or two more before the battle.
Torliado was the Brillada Thief King; not only had he stolen from the Imperial Special Operations Division, but now he had even managed to steal from the Imperial Palace.
On the day of the actual assault on Bloody Moon City, any critical combat power could significantly tilt the scales of victory.
(End of Chapter)
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