“Lord Count, a ten-year term is the largest concession I can make. If you insist on a longer term, I’m afraid our cooperation cannot continue. After all, the interests of the Kingdom stand above all else.”
Her red eyes stared intently at the man opposite her, her tone carrying a sense of authority that brooked no argument.
Count Venn rubbed his stubble with the back of his hand, pondering for a long time before finally nodding.
“Very well, Your Highness, I accept this condition. But I hope that after you reclaim the Throne, you will ensure our family’s status in the South Realm remains unshaken.”
Sista smiled slightly.
“Of course. The contributions of the Nobles are obvious to all; I will ensure your rights and interests are protected.”
However, her tone shifted.
“Lord Count, this ten-year term was a decision I made after much consideration. You are also aware that the current situation in the Kingdom is complex, and the eyes of the Church are always monitoring our every move.”
“The Queen is currently using the power of the Church to maintain a firm grip on the Royal Family’s power. The clergy are monitoring the movements of the Nobles very closely.”
“If we delay too long on this matter, and it catches the Church’s attention, they will likely intervene under the pretext of ‘maintaining the sacred order.’ At that point, our plans will likely fail completely.”
“As you know, the Church is now a sharp blade in the Queen’s hand. They act in the name of the Goddess, but in reality, they are suppressing dissent for Moria. A single mistake could lead us into an abyss from which there is no return.”
Upon hearing the word “Church,” Count Venn’s originally haughty expression stiffened slightly, and a hint of wariness flashed in his eyes.
In this vast Kingdom, the power structure was like a complex tower.
While the royal power was supreme in name, it actually wavered under the pull of various factions.
The Blood Clan Royal Family and the forces of the Church coexisted, yet they were secretly opposed.
The clergy were like crouching behemoths, their influence penetrating every corner of the Kingdom.
They acted under the name of spreading the radiance of the Divine Abyss Goddess, but in reality, they controlled the spiritual world of the lower-class humans and Beastfolk, even influencing the political landscape.
From magnificent Village Chapels to remote Village Chapel Jitan, the Church’s reach was everywhere.
Through rituals, oracles, and faith, they guided public opinion and shaped order.
Count Venn spoke slowly.
“Your Highness is exactly right. Once those people from the Church set their sights on a target, they are like maggots in a corpse.”
“I accept this ten-year term. However, Your Highness, the development of the South Realm cannot be separated from a certain level of ‘recognition’ from the Church. Once you ascend the Throne, I hope you can deal with the Church to prevent them from interfering in our family’s affairs.”
Sista nodded slightly, her expression steady.
“Rest assured, Lord Count. I will handle the relationship with the Church.”
“The stability of the South Realm concerns the interests of the entire Kingdom; they have no reason to destroy that balance.”
At that moment, a cold wind blew into the hall from outside, and the air seemed to grow slightly more oppressive.
Count Venn was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, “Your Highness, since you mentioned the Church, I am reminded of the current Pope’s origins … I’m afraid they are more complex than we imagined.”
Sista raised an eyebrow slightly.
“I would like to hear the details.”
Count Venn sighed.
“He did not come from a traditional clerical family, but originated from an ancient Blood Clan — the ‘Descendants of the Night’.”
“Descendants of the Night?”
Sista repeated in a low voice, surprise flashing in her eyes.
“The family that was said to be sealed by the Divine Abyss Goddess?”
The Count nodded.
“Precisely. They were once one of the strongest families in the Blood Clan, their Bloodline pure and powerful.”
Sista frowned slightly.
“If that’s true, then the Pope’s strength is likely far beyond our expectations.”
“No wonder he was able to ascend to the position of Pope in just ninety years.”
Count Venn sneered.
“Not only that. There is a deeper reason for his rise.”
“The Moon Eclipse Rite.”
His voice dropped lower.
“The Pope controls the right to the Ritual. And the Moon Eclipse Rite is the only way for the Blood Clan to obtain legitimacy and power.”
“The legitimacy of the royal power throughout the generations has originated from this.”
“Moria has already ascended the Throne. If you cannot seize power before this year’s Moon Eclipse Rite, then changing the destiny of the Kingdom will become extremely difficult.”
Sista fell silent.
Complex light flickered in her crimson eyes.
After a moment, she looked up at the sky through the window, her tone deep.
“It seems we must accelerate our actions.”
Count Venn nodded.
“There isn’t much time left, Your Highness.”
—
After the meeting ended, Sista and Su Ling left Latam City in an Earth Dragon Cart.
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled over the land, and the silhouette of the city gradually faded into the distance.
Sista let out a long breath, her expression looking somewhat weary.
In any case, the negotiations were considered a completed step.
Next, she had to gather as much strength as possible before the Moon Eclipse Rite.
“Su Ling, you did well today.”
She turned her head and spoke.
“Um … thank you, Your Highness.”
Su Ling scratched the back of her hand, feeling a bit embarrassed.
She had been responsible for recording the entire conversation today. Although there were parts she didn’t quite understand, she had completed it well overall.
“A reward for you.”
Saying this, Sista leaned over slightly and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
Su Ling was stunned, her face instantly turning red.
“Is … is this a reward?”
“Why, do you not like it?”
“I … it’s not that …”
Su Ling stammered.
In her heart, she felt that this kind of ‘reward’ seemed more like it was for Sista’s own satisfaction.
After all, the other woman seemed to … really enjoy this.
“Still not enough?”
Sista gently twirled a lock of black hair, her tone pensive.
“Let’s bathe together tonight … don’t let that annoying Assassin find out.”
Su Ling panicked immediately.
“T — That … Tii will definitely find out. We’re still staying at the same inn …”
“I’ll find a way to distract her.”
Sista interrupted her directly, her tone full of conviction.
“Since I said I would reward you, I won’t go back on my word.”
Su Ling complained silently in her heart, ‘Just who exactly is being rewarded here…’
But the other party clearly had no intention of listening to her opinion.
Sista leaned close to her, the faint fragrance from her hair drifting through the air.
“Do you like it?”
She repeated softly.