853 The Unannounced Guest Side Story: Rise of the Congress (1/2)

”My lord.” The farmers who were busy working in the land greeted their liege humbly and obediently. Most of them did not quite see the face of the earl, but they knew that the only person who could have been surrounded by so many knights, who could have ridden the magnificent Dragon Scale horse, who could have worn the fancy clothes, and whose necklace was above the back of his head and covered his ears, was the distinguished Lord Earl. Also, the guys before them were also paying respects.

With the Dragon Scale horse between his legs and a whip in his hands, Earl Paphos heard nothing of the farmers' greetings. It was a privilege that any noble deserved, and there was no need to feel surprised.

After he left his manor and reached the highroad, Earl Paphos slapped his horse hard to let it run faster, surpassing the wagons and the passersby on his way.

Earl Paphos had always despised the nobles who took wagons. The nobles who had been knighted for eliminating sorcerers and the other heresies should not abandon their pride and their knightly instincts! Vanity was also an original sin!

The Paphos family was one of the earliest knight families who resisted the Magic Empire with the Church and the king. The title of the earl had been earned by the magnificent strength of every generation and the remarkable achievements they made. Earl Paphos himself was among them. He had become a radiant knight before forty, winning the nickname ”Dragon of Protection”. His hands were stained with the blood of evil sorcerers and other heresies.

Dozens of Dragon Scale horses galloped fast all the way into the city. The guards of the city cleared the path when they saw the emblem of the Paphos family far away, not daring to stop or examine them at all.

Hooooooo!

Earl Paphos pulled his bridle, and the Dragon Scale horse rose like a human and roared as if it were a dragon.

The knights that followed him did the same. All the horses were stopped simultaneously.

”Good evening, my lord.” At the entrance of the villa, two nobles were already standing.

They were wearing the fashionable two-layered shirt inside, whose many buttons were all made of gems. Outside, they were wearing a high-collared coat that was decorated with many accessories.

Earl Paphos got off the horse and nodded. ”Thank you for your trouble.”

They were the two barons on his land. Today, they helped him summon the nobles that were close to him for a private meeting.

”It's our pleasure,” the barons answered respectfully and directed him into the villa.

Earl Paphos did not smile or say anything, but he was quite satisfied with the two barons' attitudes, which made him feel the honor and power of a senior noble.

Several long tables were placed in the hall, and steaks, roasted chicken, and the likes were on them. Many nobles were already gathered in small groups with their wine cups.

”Good evening, my lord.” All the nobles greeted Earl Paphos as soon as possible.

Earl Paphos raised his right hand and waved it. ”Everyone, good evening.”

He enjoyed such occasions. Power was always most fascinating at these moments.

Handing over his horsewhip to a knight who came with him, Earl Paphos was ready to host the meeting when the guard at the gate led in a cleric who was in a sacred white robe.

”Esteemed earl, the bishop invites you to the church.” The young cleric was very polite, but his facial skin was tightened without the slightest smile, giving an arrogant feeling. However, none of the nobles felt inappropriate. He was the Lord's shepherd. Even though they were dissatisfied with his attitude, they could not reveal it, or the night watchers of the Inquisition would come.

”Is there anything urgent?” Earl Paphos asked slowly.

The cleric seemed to be looking at the ceiling. ”I'm not sure about that. You will know it after you come to the church.”

Earl Paphos was secretly infuriated by the guy's attitude. Did the clerics of the Church not have the basic manners now?

However, he got his feelings under control and said expressionlessly, ”Alright.”

”Right, earl, it's past six in the evening. None is allowed to ride a horse except for the knights on watch,” the cleric added in a rough tone.

Earl Paphos clenched his fists, feeling that fury was surging into his head. As an earl and the lord of this city, he did not even have the privilege to ride a horse?

After delivering the information, the cleric drew a cross on his chest. ”I hope that you will come to the church as soon as possible. Only Truth lives forever!”

”Only Truth lives forever…” Earl Paphos drew a cross; his eyes deep and dark. He decided to hold it back. What else could he do? Defy the Church? How could he resist one demigod, fifty legendary Grand Cardinals and divine knights, and seraphs who can arrive at any moment? That was a force even more terrifying than the three Magic Empires in the past!

Also, as the remaining forces of the Magic Empire were gradually cleared, the Church was less and less dependent on the nobles, with a worse and worse attitude.

The wagon slowly reached the city church. The sky was dark and full of clouds, suggesting an upcoming storm.

Boom!

Thunders rumbled, and the silver snakes of lightning illuminated the sky. Earl Paphos looked at the sky, got off the wagon, and entered the church.

”Good evening, Your Highness. Please allow me to pray to the Lord first,” Earl Paphos said politely. The dissatisfaction and fury in his heart were already gone.

The city was the capital of the county. It was at an important location and was relatively prosperous. So, the bishop here was Field, a newly promoted red robe. He nodded. ”It's very pious of you.”