After Selene left, the Knight Order’s Vice Commander immediately came to visit.
But unlike yesterday, when he was fully armed, today he wore only a crisp knight’s formal uniform, without any weapons.
Compared to that, Loki appeared far more casual.
“I’m here today to discuss serious matters concerning the safety of Caesania, Mr. Loki.”
Rosern sat upright, his expression grave.
Loki glanced at the man and nodded.
At this moment, Selulu had already returned to her room to lie down. She said she needed to sleep after eating her fill… in a way, her behavior was no different from a little girl on vacation.
“I understand, Vice Commander Rosern. I have a strong attachment to Caesania as well, and I won’t stand idly by while this city faces destruction once more.”
Loki paused, then said,
“However, personally, I don’t think it’s wise to have your daughter get close to someone classified as ‘extremely dangerous.’”
“Ha, ha… I understand what you mean. But I don’t believe you’re truly dangerous. If she can get familiar with you, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
Even when Loki called out his intentions directly, Rosern didn’t seem embarrassed.
This kind of flattery toward higher-ups is quite common in human society, but Loki felt no need to play along. He wasn’t fooled.
Not to mention, Selulu wouldn’t fall for it either.
“I hope I haven’t offended you.”
“I don’t mind. Since the situation is urgent, let’s get to the point.”
“Yes. You should know that the underground headquarters of the Caesania Inquisition Branch is actually the original base of the Hand of Truth.”
“Mm.”
“After the Hand of Truth was destroyed, the Caesania Knights and the Holy Church jointly took over the cleanup work. Originally, our plan was to completely demolish the underground facility and seal it with rubble and earth.”
“Originally?”
Loki gave Rosern a displeased look but said nothing, simply gesturing for him to continue.
“Yes, originally. But the City Council believed the site was still contaminated by the Sea of Souls, so all cleanup was halted. The entire facility was secretly sealed, and Lady Christine was kept in the dark.”
Contamination?
Loki chuckled to himself.
Back then, he was this close to blowing up the Grand Dukes’ tunnels and the Sea of Souls passage together—how could there be any contamination left?
But dirty dealings by the empire’s nobles and bureaucrats were nothing new.
Even if someone suddenly claimed the nobles were plotting to overthrow the emperor, Loki wouldn’t be surprised.
“As far as I know of Christine, she would personally verify such matters. She couldn’t have been unaware of this.”
“It’s simple—just keep her from lingering in Caesania. Present a complete report to her, and even the Champion Knight, tied down by duties and unable to split themselves, would postpone the final confirmation.”
Rosern pointed to the desk.
“That scrap of paper is in the drawer below. Feel free to read it if you like.”
“No thanks.”
No wonder she kept dragging him all over the place these past few years… so this was part of the reason.
“That said, what everyone really fears isn’t Christine, but you. In a sense, you’re the one truly capable of inheriting the ‘Legacy.’”
“Well, I appreciate the compliment.”
“As for how they plan to deal with you through other means… I think you already have a good idea.”
Loki looked at Rosern, who wore a calm expression while pouring tea.
“Blasphemers?”
“More precisely, seventeen blasphemer groups have received false reports about your whereabouts. Most of them believe the Hand of Truth’s legacy is with you.”
“Seventeen blasphemers—aren’t you afraid of inviting wolves inside?”
There are countless lessons about dealing with tigers, but humanity remains an arrogant species that never learns.
Using tools is humanity’s strength, yes, but treating everything as a tool—even thinking you’re controlling it—is a flaw that invites destruction.
Especially in a world filled with spirits and ghosts.
“Before the final moment, everyone believes they’ll be the victor, Mr. Loki. Especially a group of families that have held Caesania for a thousand years… they already see themselves as local kings, only remembering they’re empire citizens when death approaches.”
“So, as one of them, you betrayed them?”
“You must be joking, Mr. Loki. My family and I have always been loyal servants of the Empire.”
Loki was slightly taken aback.
It seemed this man was more than just the Vice Commander of the Knight Order.
Although the royal family’s control over the provinces was weak, that didn’t mean they lacked punishment and suppression methods. Otherwise, the vast empire would have collapsed long ago.
From Rosern’s attitude, Loki could tell he knew everything that had happened in Caesania.
A troublesome character.
And troublesome characters only show up in troublesome situations.
Loki began to understand Christine’s thinking.
Rather than exhaust oneself trying to understand and investigate the chaos surrounding the Hand of Truth’s legacy in Caesania and the many people and factions involved, it was better to treat them all the same and eliminate every obstacle.
Sometimes, wanting to figure everything out only leads one deeper into a mire of confusion.
So, putting aside all superficial nonsense, Loki asked directly.
“So, based on your intelligence, who are my enemies?”
“…”
Rosern hesitated.
He had to admit, this ‘Soulless One’ was easier to communicate with than rumors suggested.
He had even considered offering something to keep the city of Caesania safe—after all, only Loki could stop the Hand of Truth’s ritual.
Caesania was a vital stronghold for the Empire.
If the city fell to the blasphemers, corruption would spread like a malignant tumor throughout the empire, with catastrophic consequences.
Therefore, the Empire needed the ‘Soulless One’s’ power—just like five years ago.
If Loki made a request, Rosern wouldn’t hesitate to hand over his daughter.
*****
Fortunately, Loki was a rational and intelligent man, not some human-faced monster, so Rosern didn’t need to worry about losing his beloved daughter.
“Rather than that, you should ask who your allies are.”
Rosern didn’t hold back and revealed everything he knew.
“In short, you may have to fight against the remnants of the Hand of Truth, the main forces of the Caesania Knights, the Caesania Holy Church, some remaining blasphemer groups… and perhaps some noble private armies and mercenaries as well.”
“…Ridiculous.”
Although prepared, hearing it come straight from Rosern’s mouth still made Loki feel like the world was closing in.
Damn it, what happened to Caesania to make it into this mess?