90 The Baptism (2/2)
”Thank you, Divine Flame Lord, for your grace!”
Hearing this, the exarch wanted to spurt blood, but because his flame spirit body was chiefly composed of fire, he didn't have blood to spurt. So, he just drew in a deep breath and barked:
”The ceremony is over, and now I must return to prayers! Disperse!”
And with a sweep of his long sleeve, he stormed out of the altar room, leaving some of the still dumbstruck noble to wonder what was wrong with him.
The baptism's end quickly spread throughout the Holy Flame City, carrying alongside it the news of the birth of a new holy talent!
…
”What dog-level intimidators is your department producing that you can't even coerce count-level nobility children into submission? Are you sure you've not been bribed by house Kracht? Is that why your results were this pathetic? Lost to a trivial count! Fuck! Do you even understand the importance of this quota?
On the young, it represents a potential saint, but on established peak-level Semi-Saints, that's an immediate ticket to sainthood!
With it, we could have instantly replaced Heinrich's loss. With those damned barbarians showing signs of action. What is the current worth of a Saint? Damn Olrich and damn your useless worms!”
The Flame Spirit vented his anger on one of the two exarchs in charge of the inquisition department.
”Our people followed the instructions to the letter. If you want to blame something, blame yourself for getting outplayed by the ”trivial count.” You not only failed to gauge his real strength but provided him with the opportunity to conceal all his close relatives.
Now you want to put the blame on us?!”
The argument was getting increasingly more heated. Meanwhile, others were discussing what to do with Konrad.
”Have the inquisitresses cleanse all his wounds and release him.”
”Just like that?”
The flame spirit couldn't accept such an end. Due to his lack of cooperation, Konrad was one of the chief culprits of this debacle. If he didn't beat him senseless, he could never vent the hatred within his heart.
”Of course, just like that. What? Have you not created enough doubts? Must we also answer for the sudden disappearance of the country's new number one talent right after his victory? Or are you that eager to give others the opportunity to cause trouble?”
”This…”
…
Two inquisitresses came down Konrad's cell to clean and prepare him for release. Afterward, they led him back up and brought him all the way toward the church's exit, where Iliana had been waiting for hours.
As soon as Konrad's eyes laid on her, he activated his Origin Sight to see the baptism's results. What he saw didn't disappoint him. If she could digest all her gains and build on them, Iliana's battle power wouldn't be inferior to Nils' in human form.
It would even be a step above.
As for her, as soon as she saw him, Iliana leaped onto his chest, collaring him in a tight embrace. She pressed hard around his neck, as if afraid of again losing him.
”I…can't...breathe.”
”Good. Why does a scoundrel like you deserve to breathe? Just die within my arms.”
As usual, the words didn't match her heart where relief now overflowed.