“You’re a councilor of Caesania City, so you must know what’s buried beneath that land, right?”
“Of course I do… But it’s been left abandoned all this time, which isn’t ideal either. The Caesania City government doesn’t have extra funds for redevelopment, so all we can do is cast a wide net to find potential buyers.”
Baron Freeman swallowed nervously, cautiously watching Loki and Celulu’s expressions.
“But Mr. Loki, I can’t approve this transaction alone. It still requires a collective vote from the city council, plus the Holy Church’s approval. I only sold her some building materials in my personal capacity.”
“Besides, that place is a branch of the Tribunal. If the Desecrators try anything, it would definitely draw the Inquisitors’ attention… so…”
“You mean, because it hasn’t caused any serious consequences yet, it’s not wrong?”
Celulu paced around the sickbed, occasionally tugging at the chains she held, making sweat bead on Baron Freeman’s forehead. Despite the pain, she forced a smile.
“Y-You must be joking, Your Highness. I fully realize the irreparable mistake I’ve made. Tomorrow morning, I will go to the Holy Church and voluntarily accept their punishment… By the way, may I dare to ask why, even though you’re in Caesania, there’s been no movement from the Holy Church’s side?”
“Because I don’t want them to know.”
“Then should I keep this matter confidential?”
Baron Freeman pursed his lips.
“It doesn’t matter. I already used divine magic at the council square at noon. Those who understand will understand, and those who pretend not to will eventually catch on.”
The Saintess answered indifferently.
At this point, there was probably nothing more to pry out of the baron.
He bore no signs of corruption and had unknowingly cooperated with the Desecrators, so his punishment likely wouldn’t be severe.
Loki had come just to check on the baron and see if he could dig up any secrets. Judging by the situation, in a sense, he really was a “loser.”
But that didn’t mean Loki would trust his words easily.
He nodded to Celulu, signaling the Saintess to retract her chains, then said to the baron.
“It’s getting late, so let’s end the discussion here, Baron Freeman. By the way, I brought you a bouquet of fresh flowers. It’s by the door. Your servant will bring it to you shortly. The disinfectant smell in this ward is quite pungent; hopefully, the fragrance will help you sleep better tonight.”
“Thank you, Mr. Loki.”
Baron Freeman gingerly moved his newly freed limbs and only relaxed after the footsteps of the two fearsome visitors faded down the corridor.
For those two, killing someone—whether a lowly beggar or a high-ranking noble—required no consideration of time, place, or circumstance.
Even here in the hospital, once they decided someone was guilty, they wouldn’t waste words but would stain this ward a deep red soaked with the stench of blood.
Thankfully, that hadn’t happened.
Baron Freeman picked up a cup of warm water from the bedside cabinet and drank it down while reaching out to ring the bell for a servant.
Soon, a servant came in carrying a brightly colored bouquet.
“My lord. Mr. Loki instructed me to decorate your bedside with these flowers after you rang.”
“…Tch.”
The baron pursed his lips.
He had to admit, they smelled wonderful… natural, much better than perfume.
A strange man.
“After that, bring in my diary.”
“Yes, my lord.”
After placing the flowers, the servant went out again and returned holding a plain black box.
“Good night, my lord.”
“Go ahead.”
The baron waved his hand.
The room finally fell completely silent.
His fingers brushed over the lock on the box, which automatically opened, revealing a leather-bound notebook inside.
His eyes glazed over as he stared at the notebook’s cover, murmuring an obscure incantation—
The image of a strikingly handsome man appeared.
“Long time no see, Lord Follet.”
“Oh, my dear Freeman. It’s a pleasure to hear your voice again.”
“I have urgent matters to report.”
“Urgent matters? Very well, I’ll listen carefully. But I’m currently hosting a social ball, so keep it brief.”
“…The situation in Caesania is growing increasingly complicated, my lord. The Hand of Truth has drawn the attention of the ‘Black Sword,’ Loki, and even a Saintess of the Holy Church. If we want to claim the Hand’s legacy, we’ll need strong support!”
“Calm down, calm down, Freeman. The Hand of Truth’s legacy is important, but even if we lose it, it won’t change much—just slow our progress.”
“But if it falls into the hands of our Radiant September Party, we can more quickly reshape this broken empire…”
“Don’t take things for granted, Freeman. Every step dealing with the Sea of Souls requires caution. You never know when or where those gods will interfere with mortal thoughts, actions, souls, or fate… Your momentary impulse may well be their secret provocation.”
The handsome man sighed.
“Our goal is to break free from their shackles and give the empire new life. Freeman, I understand your feelings, but the greater good must come first.”
“However, if you really want to try… A powerful ally is already on the way. While I can’t promise it will face our enemies head-on, it will at least create openings for you.”
“Thank you for your support, my lord.”
“Don’t disappoint me, Freeman. Remember, the empire’s assets are the most important thing. Keep that in your heart.”
“Yes. For the empire, for the Radiant September Party.”
“For the empire.”
The notebook returned to normal.
Baron Freeman took a deep breath and slowly closed the box, then slammed his fist into the bedding, uttering the disturbed murmurs of a woman cruelly abandoned.
The eerie blue threads extending from the box snapped apart.
“Damn witch, damn Holy Church, damn Hand of Truth, damn ‘Black Sword,’ damn the knights, damn Loki, damn the Saintess, damn the Desecrators…”
“It’s because these scoundrels who trample upon our noble blood exist that the empire now faces crises both within and without.”
“Lord Follet, as you said, humanity needs a god truly belonging to humans—and the only one who can be that god is the current Emperor. Therefore, I will spare no cost to bring that day forward.”