Chapter 254: Clash (2/2)

Stark replied, “Your Majesty, that girl over there slipped into the Holy Temple and killed Archbishop Alves. Not only that, she even took away the Devil Suppressing Gemstone from the Soul Suppressing Scepter. That is why my troops and I are trying to hunt her down and take back the gemstone. However, we weren’t expecting Xue Wei of the Blood Dance Legion to interrupt our pursuit!”

Karinshan pressed her lips together before glancing at Xinran and me. A bit of hesitation crept into her features before she asked, “That girl killed Archbishop Alves?”

“That’s correct, Your Majesty!” Stark implored passionately. “From what I gathered, that girl is no normal human being. She is very likely an evil spirit who had escaped from the cracks of hell. Not only that, the templars of the Holy Temple claimed that she could be a sovereign of the Devil Domain. We need to eliminate her as soon as possible!”

But Karinshan rejected his request calmly, “Blood Dance Legion has never interfered with our business, and vice versa. I see no need for us to wage war against one another!”

She then walked past Stark and grabbed the hilt of her sword. Exuding natural pressure, she asked, “Which one of you is Xue Wei?”

Shadow Dancer Xue Wei urged her mount out into the open before dropping to the ground. Gripping her own bow, she replied, “I am. Are you… the legendary princess of Floating Ice City, Karinshan?”

Karinshan nodded before asking her a question, “What is the goal of the Blood Dance Legion?”

Although Xue Wei was caught off-guard by the question, she quickly responded, “Our goal is to rebuild the Violet Empire, protect the dignity of the undead and push against the invasion of the Night Creatures!”

“Is that so?” Karinshan smiled. “It sounds like we share the same goal then. In that case, shall we work together to defend the southeastern lands of Heavenblessed Continent and shatter the destructive power of the Night Creatures?”

“You are wise, Your Majesty!” Xue Wei smiled. “As for Xinran’s matter, I hope that you will make a righteous decision, Your Majesty!”

Karinshan nodded. “I’ve more or less investigated the ins and outs of the incident. Archbishop Alves has killed countless civilians in the past decade or so to absorb the power of faith in their souls. I don’t fault Xinran for killing him!”

“I see. Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“You’re welcome. By the way, please send my greetings to Princess Sophia when you return. Also, I would like to meet her personally on a future date so that we may discuss how to push back the Night Creatures together!”

“Understood. I promise to bring your message to the princess!”

“Thank you.”

……

When Karinshan turned away, a hint of killing intent flashed behind her eyes. Whatever the outcome of the negotiation, it didn’t change the fact that Xinran had killed her archbishop and undermined the royal authority of Floating Ice City. She was only compromising because of the greater good; she knew that only one of the two factions would be left standing if they were to wage war against each other now!

“Your Majesty, we cannot let this go like this!” Stark pleaded angrily.

Karinshan’s response was a harsh rebuke. “Are you going to refuse my order, Stark? Withdraw your troops and return to your fortress now, or you will be punished by the laws of the empire!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Forcing himself to swallow his anger and indignity, Stark turned his back on us and ordered, “Black Cavalry Legion, retreat!”

……

The army of Floating Ice City retreated like tidewater, but Karinshan herself didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she walked up to me and Xinran before smiling at me. “I apologize for what happened to you; this is all just a misunderstanding. Floating Ice City needs a hero like you, and I hope you won’t blame Stark for what he did. He acted like this because Archbishop Alves had taught him several martial techniques a long time ago.”

She then stared at me for a while before continuing, “I still believe that the people who had the courage to enter my grave and wake me from slumber are good and trustworthy!”

I nodded and thanked her. “Thank you for overlooking my moment of rashness, princess!”

“Hehe!” Karinshan nodded with a smile. “It’s okay. Floating Ice City is still your home!”

Then, she walked up to me and put her hand on my shoulder. She declared, “I, Karinshan, officially pardon you from your crimes!”

Ding~!

System Announcement: The bounty on the player “Broken Halberd Sinks Into Sand” has been officially canceled!

……

Haha, this is amazing! It was just a false alarm after all! Princess Karinshan is such a bro!

After that, Princess Karinshan went back on her horse and galloped away, the elite cavalry of Floating Ice City following closely behind her.

……

Staring at Princess Karinshan’s shrinking back, Xue Wei commented indifferently, “What a character. Her bravery and intelligence rival that of Princess Sophia. It looks like it’s only a matter of time before Floating Ice City rises to power!”

After that, she turned toward Xinran and asked concernedly, “Lady Wind Singer, are you okay?”

Xinran shook her head and said weakly, “I’m fine!”

I immediately walked up to them both and supported Xinran. “Xue Wei, let’s head back to the camp and find a doctor for her right away!”