523 Protection (1/2)
Camil had never agreed with Natasha and Lucien's test for Sard. She believed that it was too hasty and best be postponed until Natasha had a bunch of loyal supporters because it might infuriate the Church. However, she barely objected to Natasha's decisions after they were made, and she tried to cover the traces after they had determined their relationship.
At this moment, her solemn and rigid face looked somewhat strange. ”A secret letter was delivered from the Radiance Church, reminding you that you should know your boundaries when you appease the nobles who are in favor of the Congress of Magic, and that you should not go to the royal magic tower of Holm too often, which would disappoint the devout and loyal nobles.”
”Just that?” Natasha raised her eyebrow. It was a reasonable reaction, but the problem was that it was too reasonable. There was no telling what was on Sard's mind at all.
She, too, felt that Lucien's proposal was a bit risky, but she understood that the situation could not be changed if she did not overstep the boundary. Under the threat of the Congress of Magic and the Church, all the nobles would sit on the fence first before leaning to any side. The current situation was like a pool of dead water. She could not achieve a satisfactory result without churning it first.
Keeping the strange look, Camil continued, ”Also, it encourages you to instigate Lucien Evans to repent, whatever it takes. As long as Lucien Evans betrays the Congress of Magic, and joins the inquisition and becomes a leader of the night watchers, it will be the greatest contribution. The Church will give you full support.”
A grand-arcanist-to-be, and a talented sorcerer regarded as the future of the Congress of Magic, seemed to be in love with a certain pious believer. Such encouragement was more a reaction that the Church would take.
”The reaction is a little weird.” Natasha paced back and forth, not knowing what Sard meant exactly. Did he really believe in her devotion and think that she could seduce Lucien over, or was he just covering the incident with a random excuse?
”It's hard to guess what an old fox is thinking…” Natasha raised her left hand and touched the communication earring subconsciously, hoping to discuss with Lucien. But then she realized that Lucien should've returned to Allyn. Therefore, she hurried to stop in case the purpose of the test was exposed.
When her long, vigorous fingers accidentally touched her earlobe, Natasha suddenly recalled how Lucien cared for it. Her lips immediately curled into a smile, and her eyes became gentle, too.
Camil turned around at the window, as if she found such an expression unsuitable to look at. It was not until Natasha was back to herself a few seconds later that she continued, ”There's something wrong with Sard's reaction, but it is still reasonable. I suggest you stop testing him in such a way in case you cause a fire. Sometimes, you just need to wait for changes to happen.”
”Aunt Camil, I understand. The most important thing right now is to improve my strength and to control the Sword of Truth as soon as possible.” Natasha said calmly, not making any radical judgment because of ecstasy.
After Camil shut the gate of the palace, Natasha stood behind the desk and picked up the quil. Taking a deep breath, she began writing: ”Protection, sympathy, justice, kindness, bravery…” Find authorized novels in Webnovel,faster updates, better experience,Please clickfor visiting.
The words that represented chivalry flowed from her pen, fluent and magnificent at first but dim and obscure later, as if they were interrogating her own heart, faith and path.
After a long time, the only words below Natasha's pen was 'protection' and 'bravery'. Also, the strokes became clear and emitted firmness.
In such a way, Natasha sorted through her experiences so far, her recent confusion, the dawn she saw after she made up her mind, and the ideas that Lucien imbued with her, gradually locating the source of her chivalry and her faith, which was the love for her family and subjects and the bravery against enemies and schemes.
”Perhaps, this is the Lord in my heart.”
Natasha dropped the quill. Looking at the words on the paper, she had a strong sense of relief, as if the dust on her heart had been wiped off. While her confusion and hesitation in the past hadn't been completely eliminated, she believed that she could definitely walk out of the swamp as time went by.
That would be the moment when she advanced into level eight and drew the Sword of Truth.
When that day came, she would not need to activate the defense in the Nekso Palace, or cover herself with Lucien's 'Congus Ring' next to her, when she intended to test Sard's reaction.
Warming up her body, Natasha suddenly had the desire of fighting that she hadn't felt for a long time. Therefore, she grabbed 'Pale Justice', opened the gate of the palace, and went to the 'Knight's Corridor' that had been intensified specifically, eager to unleash her delight by exhausting herself.
......
Inside Duke of Frenburg's residence…
The conservatives, who have waited for a long time, also rose when Rex finally walked in. They asked, ”What's the Church's attitude regarding the incident last night?”
Rex sat straight and frowned, ”His Excellency Saint Sard reminded Her Majesty that she should not visit the royal magic tower of Holm too often, and that she should have boundaries when she appeases the nobles who are inclined to the Congress of Magic.”
”Only a reminder?” Count Barady observed in disappointment.
Rex snapped his crimson coat. ”The queen is also encouraged to allure Lucien to betray the Congress of Magic.”
”Isn't it feeding a goat to a tiger?” Duke York said angrily.
In his eyes, Lucien would grow into a grand arcanist and a legendary sorcerer sooner or later, finding his way into the Highest Council. Even though Douglas would be the president for a long time due to the longevity of sorcerers, it would still be much better than betraying and joining the night watchers.
It was not the War of Dawn where sorcerers could barely keep themselves safe. The current arcana system was not esoteric for him, either. Queen Natasha would only be seduced by him if she were to seduce him. It would be best to ask them to draw the lines.
Could they only use radical methods when the queen was already enchanted?
Duke Rex shook his head. ”His Excellency Saint Sard was worried that radical methods would anger the queen and make her lean towards the nobles who favor the Congress of Magic.”
Duke of York was a grand knight in his thirties. Not as patient as the older men, he couldn't help but stand up and pace anxiously. ”Are we going to let things run their course? The queen's tendency is apparent now. It is balanced but more inclined to the Congress of Magic. Many nobles on our side are not firm. They are used to following the crown and their lords. It is estimable that more nobles will be working with James, Russell, Henson and the rest of them. Our comparison will be reversed in a year. We have to make preparations.”
Duke Rex stared at Duke York. ”What preparations?”