In the headquarters of the Holy Knights, a man pushed aside the people blocking his way and questioning him, rushing straight to the room of the captain of the Holy Knights.

  The sturdy wooden door was kicked open by the man. The surrounding swordsmen had already drawn their swords, but Captain Rodhart, who was reviewing documents inside, seemed not to mind this extremely rude person and nodded at him in a friendly manner: "You're back."

  The knights had just let out a sigh of relief when someone finally recognized the man as a priest from the church. However, this priest rushed forward and slapped Captain Rodhart's friendly face with a loud slap. The slap was so powerful that it sent him flying, and he fell to the ground, scattering the documents in his hand all over the place.

  With a "hiss" sound, all the swordsmen drew their swords in hand.

  Rodhart got up from the ground. Half of his face was completely swollen, and there was blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, but he remained calm as usual, waving his hand at the sword-wielding guards, ordering: "All of you get out, close the door, no one is allowed to enter without my command."

  The knights were all stunned at the door, they hadn't reacted yet, and the god officer kicked the captain who had just stood up again. The captain of the Holy Knights didn't even think about resisting, he just got up again, wiped his nose which was bleeding non-stop, and still managed to command his subordinates with great majesty: "Didn't you hear my order? Get out, close the door, without my order no one is allowed to come in, nor let others know what's going on here."

  The captain's orders were absolute. The swordsmen only saw their captain again when they left, closing the door behind them, and found that he had been punched in the head and stomach once more.

  "Have you had enough?" Rodhart stood up and asked lightly, his face was swollen, his head was cracked, and blood flowed from his nose and mouth, but that gentle and affectionate expression seemed to be unaffected.

  Asa grabbed his collar and lifted him up, pinning him against the wall, staring at him coldly and asking: "I just came from the square, was that what you meant by a solution?"

  "That's right, it can only be that way." Rodhart's face and voice were equally calm. "All the Aili officials know they framed us, they all know I sent them back, so they can't let go, they can only kill them. And only by putting the crime of murdering the Imperial Envoy on them, and killing them through a trial in the capital, can we completely wash our hands clean. If we save them, we won't be able to save ourselves, our future and Archbishop Ronis' plan will all be ruined. You know how important that is. After weighing the pros and cons, it can only be done this way, the Archbishop said so too."

  "Does Bishop Ronis also know about this?" Asa asked.

  Rodhart nodded: "Just two days ago, I came back and asked Archbishop..."

  As soon as Klauvius and Asa left the troops, Rodhart immediately ordered the troops to advance at full speed and returned to the capital in just three days.

  All the way he was the highest commander of the troops, and if he wanted to, he could meet and talk with those old fellow countrymen at any time. However, Rodhart did not do so, because he dared not, for he already knew how this matter would be settled. Bishop Ronis had given some hints before he went to Aili, which happened to be used to settle the current situation.

  If this matter is to be resolved, it must be done in this way. However, he is still a young man of twenty years old after all, and he has always had a guilty conscience towards those old folks. He doesn't have much time to make his choice, he must make up his mind as soon as possible.

  He arranged his troops outside the city and temporarily did not enter. He went alone into the city to visit Ronis, the Archbishop of the Magic Academy.

  Bishop Ronis had just received a report from Aili and was delighted and excited. Although the person who wrote the report did not know what those strange phenomena were all about, he could guess the development of things from these descriptions. Not even he himself expected that the pagan event there would be caused by the undead cult, nor did they expect them to find a way to break through the sun well boundary that countless magicians had been unable to solve for thousands of years, and what was even more unexpected was that Asa himself could perfectly resolve this extremely dangerous matter.

  The destruction of the Whispering Woods was also a blessing in disguise, as the unyielding spirits within were the most difficult to communicate with. Without their obstruction, the Turalyon Forest would be more willing to accept its own alliance treaty. Asa protected the leaves of the World Tree and one surviving spirit, which should have been enough to dispel all the spirits' concerns and hostility.

  The rest is the work within the empire. Bishop Ronis doesn't like politics, because he has already stood in such a special position and really isn't interested in power, thinking that these are just things that confuse ordinary people. However, the fact is that even if you are noble and great, as long as you want to do something in this world, you must deal with ordinary people and use ordinary methods to solve ordinary problems. To form an alliance with other races and nations to counter the Death Spirit Society, politics cannot be ignored.

  The Erni family has fallen in the imperial political arena, and other military figures are just soldiers with no ambition or means. The Duke of Mlarak is on the rise.

  The duke's ambition is extremely high, and his means are even more ingenious. It was inevitable that he would reach this point, and under the sky of one hand covering everything, other forces will not be allowed to rise up. As for Bishop Ronis' plan to form an alliance, he will definitely intervene. However, Bishop Ronis is not worried about these things at all. He is like a hidden master who does not take action easily, but when he does, it must be shocking and effective. After consulting with his friend Inham, he had already taken a small measure a few days ago, just waiting to see the astonishing results.

  But at this time, Rodhart came to see him with a strange expression on his face, making him feel an ominous premonition.

  Indeed, the matter reported by Rodhart was very serious. He also did not expect Asa to conceal such a thing from him, so that he was completely unprepared. Now, in this situation, if caught by Duke Mlak, it means that all efforts will be immediately wasted.

  "Your Eminence, what am I supposed to do now?" Rodhart asked in a desperate voice seeking guidance.

  Bishop Ronis looked at his eyes and said: "What do you think should be done?"

  "I...I don't know." Rodhart lowered his head.

  "You know, don't you?" Bishop Roni's fiery eyes discerned the meaning behind every move Rodhart made. "The look of pain on your face tells me that you actually do know, you're just afraid to make a choice."

  "Yes, I dare not choose, nor can I choose." Rodhart looked bewildered and anguished. "I owe them a lot, I shouldn't again..."

  "I dare not? I should?" The bishop keenly caught the two words and immediately understood Rodhart's mind. "There is no 'should or shouldn't' in this world, only whether you want to do it and whether you have the ability to do it." He sighed deeply. "Justice and righteousness also come at a price, requiring sacrifice. Kindness and compassion are absolutely precious, but sometimes they must be abandoned from a long-term perspective, because there are more lives and happiness waiting for you to save elsewhere... I won't interfere with this matter, choose your own way. No matter what choice you make, I won't blame you." Although he said so, the bishop still added one sentence at the end. "Because I know you're a rational person, and someone who knows how to handle big things and understands what's important."

  "Knowing what's heavy and light..." Ah Sa muttered, nodding his head. His expression was strange because he didn't know what kind of face to make.

  "Right. Weighing the pros and cons. That's all we can do." Rodhart's nose was still bleeding, his mouth was swollen, his eyes were black and blue, and his ash-blonde hair was disheveled, but his expression didn't look disheveled at all. "This is also for your future. Bishop Ronis said that there are many important things waiting for you to do in the future, so this sacrifice is inevitable."

  "What's next?" Asa sneered and threw Rodhart to the ground. "Take your time doing your big things, I've long since not wanted to do it."

  In the Magic Academy. Archbishop Ronnis and three high-ranking priests are receiving Archbishop Adra who has arrived from a teleportation magic circle.

  Archbishop Adela is also a cardinal of the church, just like Archbishop Ronis, but unlike Archbishop Ronis who sits alone in the empire, he serves by the Pope's side and can be said to be one of the Pope's trusted aides from a certain perspective.

  Bishop Adela was a young man in his thirties. He had a refined and elegant temperament, with a handsome appearance that was somewhat androgynous. It was almost unimaginable for someone of his age to attain such a position, suggesting that he must have some unknown qualities or extraordinary abilities.

  "I've been busy with matters in the East and haven't returned to pay my respects to His Holiness for many years. Please, Bishop Adra, help me beg for forgiveness from His Holiness." Bishop Ronis sat on his chair, his eyes half-closed, the two green flames within them flickering lazily, looking rather listless.

  Archbishop Adela smiled, her smile seeming to carry a hint of shyness: "Where. His Holiness the Pope has always praised your outstanding achievements in the Empire. Under your leadership, the Magic Academy's status in the Empire is so high that it has become one of the most important subordinate institutions of the Holy See. It's only natural that you're busy to the point of being overwhelmed for the sake of the Church."

  "So what exactly did Bishop Adela come to the Magic Academy for?" Bishop Ronis still seemed distracted, as if he didn't care much about the papal envoy in front of him.

  "I have come to deliver a message from His Holiness the Pope."

  Bishop Ronis drawled, "What message? Have a cardinal come to deliver the message, it must be something important."

  Bishop Adra smiled and said: "Regarding your proposal to the Synod, uniting the powers of various nations to eradicate the Cult of the Dead..."

  "That's strange," Bishop Ronnis snorted. "I could have sworn I sent a message to the Curia." He turned his head and gave High Priest Cuthbert a sideways glance.

  The high priest's face didn't look good, and his forehead started to sweat coldly.

  "You've made such proposals to His Holiness the Pope several times before. And recently, a sentiment against the Undead Scourge has been rising on this side of the Eastern Continent, is it led by you?"

  "As a believer in God, isn't it our duty to eradicate those filthy and evil things?"

  "It is indeed so. However, His Holiness the Pope said that on the continent there are still many countries that have not yet taken refuge in the bosom of God, and there are so many heretics. Dajia is just a drop in the ocean, it's not worth the harm. Moreover, the situation is treacherous, if we force ourselves to conquer it, it will inevitably lead to the sacrifice of countless children of God. So His Holiness means to put his energy into..."

  "Is this really what His Holiness intends?" Bishop Ronis interrupted Bishop Adra coldly.

  The three high-ranking officials next to him didn't look too good either. Although, given Ronis' esteemed position and prestige in the church, it seemed like this kind of talk wasn't quite suitable.

  "It is indeed the intention of His Holiness." Bishop Adela's face didn't change at all, still with that very kind smile.

  Bishop Ronis waved his hand lazily. "Alright, no need to say any more. I haven't even formally proposed this to His Holiness the Pope yet. No need for you all to be in a rush."

  Bishop Adela nodded politely. "We know that for your devout faith, every bit of evil and darkness is intolerable. But we also hope you will consider the bigger picture in everything. We are all very clear about the personal grudges between you and Deya Valley, and we sympathize with you, so we hope..."

  The two dull green flames in Bishop Ronis's eyes suddenly surged, almost emitting a green glow that shone on Bishop Adra's face.

  Bishop Adela shut up with a smile on her face that didn't diminish in the slightest.

  After a while, the two green flames in Ronis' eyes dimmed again. He listlessly waved his hand and announced that the conversation was over. "Alright, there's nothing more to say. I already know what His Holiness means. I'm tired, you can leave first."

  After the three high priests accompanied Archbishop Adra out, Archbishop Adra instructed High Priest Kusbert to lead him to inspect the situation of the Magic Academy.

  "You've done well," Bishop Adra said in a low voice when no one else was around. "Reporting the situation here to the Vatican in time is enough to prove your loyalty to the Church."

  "Yes, yes. My loyalty to His Holiness the Pope and all of you archbishops is absolutely on par with my devotion to God." In front of Adela, who was more than a decade his junior, the high-ranking cleric had completely shed his usual stiffness and dignity. He was now even more convinced that it was the right decision to report the situation here to the Vatican due to a momentary impulse and dissatisfaction. "I just feel that Bishop Ronis's approach is somewhat inappropriate. Arbitrarily promoting some inexplicable newcomers, oh, yes." He remembered something important and said in a low voice, "Bishop Ronis proposed to the church to exterminate the Deya Valley several years ago, but was rejected. He came back very angry and muttered to himself, saying something like 'you archbishops have received benefits from Noborino...'".

  "Mr. Napolinot?" Bishop Adela's face changed slightly at the mention of this name, but immediately returned to that gentle smile. "Mr. Napolinot is a devout and kind donor. He makes large donations to the church every year. Probably it's just Lord Ronis' prejudice against merchants."

  Seeing that his opinion seemed to have gained the bishop's attention, Cuthbert became more spirited. He continued in a low voice: "The new person he promoted last time was also involved with the necromancer... but the bishop insisted it wasn't him. Anyone can tell that's just favoritism. To actually be biased on such a major issue of right and wrong..."

  "Don't say that. Bishop Ronis has devoted so much to the church for many years. His devotion to God is beyond doubt, he must have his own considerations." Bishop Adra smiled and shook his head, making the high priest a little flustered, but the next sentence of sigh immediately made him happy again. "But it's no wonder, Bishop Ronis is probably really getting old..."

  The great person in front of him unexpectedly had the same sigh as himself, Cuthbert was inexplicably moved and nodded repeatedly. That's a noble person who serves the Pope directly.

  "Although Bishop Ronis is indeed extraordinary, you also see that he sometimes has the stubbornness unique to old people. It's a bit of a problem for the church." Bishop Adra sighed. "Sometimes I think it would be better if someone his age retired..."

  "I think Archbishop Ronis's body is in good shape, he won't retire voluntarily within ten years." Cuthbert couldn't help but sigh. For those who have already taken the position of Cardinal, 'retirement' is just an ornament that will never be used, and most people hope to sit on that seat until death.

  Bishop Adela sighed again and looked at Cuthbert with deep meaning. "If he retires, we can relax a lot if someone who understands the overall situation and considers the church in every way takes over his position."

  Cuthbert the High Priest was first astonished, then at a loss, and finally both frightened and flattered. He didn't know what to say or which expression to put on his ugly red face.

  After seeing off Bishop Adela, Cuthbert's mood was still not calm. In this life where he spent most of his time in ascetic practices, he had never experienced such excitement and strangeness. Many inexplicable things were surging up in his chest, making him want to jump up and punch and kick, and also wanting to shout loudly. But no, he was a clergyman who should be solemn, strict, and steady, and also a high-ranking official. However, this turmoil in his heart...

  Alas. He thought, it would be great if there was a close friend at this moment...

  But speaking of friends, the great priest suddenly remembered someone. Although he had known this person for a long time, it wasn't until recently that they became familiar and close due to some opportunities. This noble is now successful in his career and has started to care about the affairs of the church and the magic academy.

  Although the intersection was short, in these few days of contact, he found that this big man, although in a high position, was so kind and approachable. This can be seen from the small gifts given to him. And talking with him together is a kind of enjoyment, like spring breeze, like drinking holy water.

  The High Priest couldn't help himself and walked out of the Magic Academy's gate towards the Duke's mansion.

  A faint purple glow flashed, and Bishop Adra stepped out of the teleportation magic circle. In front of him was a picturesque scene. The tall broad-leaved phoenix trees had been dyed yellow by autumn, with a hint of vicissitudes, but the lush green grass was still so vibrant. Next to it was a large pool where several rare birds unique to this place swam around. The stone carvings and chairs by the pool were artworks that could enter any museum. The warm sunlight from the sunset poured in through the gaps between the mountains, bringing warmth and light.

  This place is really too beautiful, at least a thousand times more beautiful than the dull and pale buildings of the Vatican.

  There was a companion under the wutong tree looking at the sunset reading, saw him, closed the book and walked over, asked: "How is it? Still going smoothly?"

  "It fully conforms to the intentions of our great director and screenwriter. If Director Shan Te requires a vote for the deputy director this time, I will definitely cast my vote for him. It is an expression of admiration for his keen insight into human nature and directing skills."

  "Of course, he's an artist." His companion also laughed. "This time you followed him to experience art once, what do you think?"

  "My impression? I just hope he doesn't go back on his word. Give me the genuine 'Thirteenth Sunflower'."

  Here is the translation:

  There are also such humorous, interesting, elegant and noble companions. A million times better than those detestable, tasteless old fools in church.

  He really likes it here. Adela smiled happily.