city, making it a very livable place.But the mountains on the canvas seemed more like those of the northern mountain city of the Kryll Empire. It was not at all like the capital of Heton, Ikereth.The...Chapter 368: Ranchi's Business Acumen

In Gloria's mansion living room, the dark floor-to-ceiling curtains were drawn, casting an afternoon gloom and stillness. The only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.

Lanche and Sigrid remained silent, communicating only with their eyes. Glori became even more nervous, keeping silent as she waited for them to speak.

"I'll have to leave in about fifteen minutes for a trip to the Helstrom Broadcasting Company. After that, I'll go see Duchess Cloris Berlenhardt. She can be very helpful."

Finally, Lance glanced at the clock in the living room and addressed Sigrid and Glori once more.

Tonight's talk show appearance will be influential in expanding their reach within the Protoss Empire. It will allow more Protoss, who have only heard of them but haven't directly interacted with them, to learn more about Locutus Maximus.

Before setting off from the Protoss Royal Magic Academy towards the north, Lance had formed an alliance with Lady Cloris, the duchess —

She provided her with intel and assistance, while she needed to help her gather information from the dangerous north.

Although the intelligence gathered by Lance in Bandra City, on the northern border province, may not be exactly what Corliss wanted, the mere fact of the city's true state and the shadowy figure of the robed man is already weighty enough.

This is an impossible task, just like General Farnese's investigation team. Even if they found some clues, there was no hope of escaping the city of Bandera, let alone passing through the checkpoints and pursuers on their way north back to Herlome.

Therefore, the value of the mission materials Lanche received is currently unknown to anyone.

Next, I should discuss with Cloris a plan to further delay the war of the Protoss Empire.

"... !"

Upon hearing this, Gloria's expression worsened considerably.

What's wrong

Ranch noticed Gloria's change in expression.

"Corlisse was recently suspected of treason and is currently restricted to Duke Berengar's mansion. She is forbidden from leaving until the investigation is complete and cannot contact anyone else."

Gloria quickly said.

Although she should have been happy to hear the Holy Child say that help could be sought from Duke Berhardt, in reality, it's best not to get involved with Cloris right now.

When was it

Lance frowned slightly.

About two weeks ago.

Gloria replied.

Lanch and Sigrid looked at each other.

Two weeks prior, that's about when the two of them encountered Ashkand and the Black Robes in Bandar City, in the Northern Border Province.

So, is it because their raid and escape at the northern border triggered a change in plans and countermeasures from the enemy behind the scenes, leading to this simultaneous attack on Cloris' side

What about Duke Amalfi

Then Lance asked.

In his collaboration with Cloris, one of the most crucial pieces of information serving as Cloris's sincerity was the disappearance mystery of Duke Morotien.

Lance also promised Cloris not to tell anyone else about this information.

The true Duke of Morotio has long since vanished in the northern reaches of the Empire. The current figurehead, the one masquerading as Duke of Morotio, is a puppet controlled by Cloris, a masterful manipulator who now wields dominion over all of the Berenberg family's influence, capable of swaying the upcoming election for Bishop with ease just one week away.

"Duke Morotiano remained unaffected and, at this crucial juncture for the Empire, has publicly stated that if treason is proven, he will not shield his daughter and requests the Empire to execute her."

""

Finally, a look of confusion appeared on Lance's face.

According to Imperial law, a prisoner like Corlys should have her magic and movements restricted by the Empire. She shouldn't be able to control her puppet, Duke Morotianne, anymore, and Duke Morotianne himself should also be unable to act actively.

If it's not Cloris manipulating him, then who is the Moridian Duke on stage now

"Didn't you tell me something"

Siegfried gazed into Lance's eyes, without a hint of reproach. She knew Lance was a man of his word, he must have promised Coralis that she couldn't share certain crucial information with others.

Saint and Duchess Corliss were in contact, something Lance hadn't concealed from her. Previously, the large number of purple rare enchanted card packs he had were obtained by Corliss for him.

Sigrid had been paying attention to every promising student since she infiltrated the Protoss Royal Academy of Magic. She also knew something about Duchess Cloris.

Though this duchess possessed the qualities befitting a Heavenly Saintess, her cunning was too deep. She couldn't truly be loyal. Siegried didn't want a Saintess who couldn't be trusted.

In fact, Duke Morotiane disappeared not long ago. All the Duke Morotiane we saw on the surface were puppets controlled by Miss Duchess Cloris. The biggest part of my deal with Cloris was to help her investigate the mastermind behind the empire's turmoil in the north. Actually, it was also saving her.

Lance, having nothing more to lose at this point, answered honestly.

For this collaboration to continue, the Batian branch is now an indispensable force.

He had planned to, after returning north, have the Berenharde family and the Overlord branch ally. That information absolutely needed to be shared.

Siegfried processed the information with a slight hesitation, while Gloriana momentarily froze.

"I didn't expect the duchess to be so ruthless. I have to admire her."

Sigrid spoke to herself.

She has understood the whole situation, but she is also grateful that she never considered making Cloris a saint. If the bishop had been in trouble, Cloris, as a saint, would probably be the first to attack her own mother.

"Normally, we could count on their family's votes, but now it's uncertain."

Lance sighed.

The concurrent situation in the capital city still didn't go as planned.

Or perhaps the true enemy lies hidden in the shadows, the group of collaborators behind Asksan. They are the most formidable and those who truly control the situation.

"You even helped me secure votes from the von Berrenhardt family"

Siegfried's lips parted in surprise.

She thought this kid had laid the groundwork for her in the south and then went north to win over an entire province, and as a result, even the Duke House of Berengar in the Imperial Capital was already settled.

He kept his promise to help himself win. He didn't cut any corners; he was putting in the real work.

The happiest thing in the world is that she doesn't know anything, and someone has already helped her complete most of her work.

「……」

Gloria looked at Lance and Sigrid, left to right. Her brain was a whirlwind of receiving and processing information until finally, she understood how formidable this domineering Saint Son truly was.

His work capacity is a bit too explosive.

It's hard to imagine where he could be in a year, if given another year in the Empire.

Even Glorilla was worried that if this went on, her bishop might fall for the Holy Child. He seemed to be everything the bishop desired, except for his age and strength.

But Gloria soon let out a sigh of relief.

That single point about capability immediately disqualifies them.

Gloria was sure that the arrogant, domineering Catholic Church wouldn't look down on a man weaker than her. At most, she saw the Holy Son as a boy to be raised.

Unless one day this man becomes so powerful that even the bishops need to rely on him, there is little chance that they would develop any romantic feelings for him.

(The End)

[ ]accompanied by his retinue of silver-robed disciples, bid farewell to the Baron and departed."…"Only Sir Francis remained on deck, looking a little dazed.The crew members all embraced and cheered like...