章節 86: CHAPTER 245

Slice—!

The piercing sound of a person's throat being cut spread throughout the area.

Suddenly, Vitura's head fell to the ground.

Rani paused briefly with her head lowered, not moving an inch.

A moment that lasted just one second at most.

However, that short moment felt like an eternity to Rani.

'Ah… Lord Vitura.'

She hoped that time would not move for an eternity.

She hoped that everything would freeze just like this.

It was because the person she had to mourn was not the man who sacrificed himself for Ayula's children, but Zipfel's unsightly puppet.

Peuagh…!

Hot blood spurted from Vitura's neck and splattered onto her face.

A few drops splashed into her eyes.

Blood and tears mixed together, flowing down from her eyes.

"Father!"

Rani shouted, her voice cracking with emotion, as she looked at the fake holy king.

However, the father she was calling for must've been the real Holy King McLan, who was already in Ayula's embrace.

"Father, Father! No, this can't be happening. This can't be. Father, why are you doing this…?!"

Rani threw herself forward and hugged the fake holy king.

She immediately used divine healing magic but the hole in the fake holy king's neck was already fatal.

Vitura had made sure his end was definite.

The fake holy king's crown had fallen to the ground, soaked in blood.

The clanging of steel colliding with iron, the shouts and shrieks of the paladins, and the groans of the anxious people spread out dizzyingly.

Rani's desperate cries stood out amongst all the sounds.

Those who were loyal, those who were traitors, and the people.

Regardless of who they were, they could all feel the ominous feelings coming from Rani's voice.

This death was bound to be shocking, both to those who knew that the holy king was a fake and those who did not.

"His Majesty, His Majesty has fallen!"

"Chief Commander Vitura Velter killed…!"

"Priests, heal His Majesty immediately!"

The one who called for the priests was one of the leaders of the Protectors of the Doctrine…

The reason he shouted out like that, despite knowing that the fake holy king was already dead, was because the priests in the procession were all dogs of Zipfel.

Now that both Vitura and the fake holy king were dead, there was only one thing that the dogs of Zipfel could do.

They had to somehow secure the survivors of the Living Golem experiments.

Only by disposing of the most critical evidence that would hinder ZIpfel would they be able to even slightly escape the blame for the king's assassination.

Since the holy king had died in front of everyone, the Zipfel Clan were bound to only protect those who had made significant contributions.

"Get out of the way, out of the way! I must look after His Majesty!"

The priests in the procession behind the chariot began to enter the battlefield.

However, the chaos only increased as the subjects who witnessed the death of the fake king began to flee.

In front of Rani, the Paladins of the Golden Shield and the Protectors of the Doctrine continued to fight.

"Protectors of the Doctrine! Capture all the heretics alive!"

It was only then did Rani stop her act of sobbing for the death of the fake holy king in her arms.

"You of the Golden Shield! No matter what happens, do not let the Protectors of the Doctrine get them. There must be a reason why they and Vitura committed treason to attempt to kill them!"

"Rani Salome, you dare call us traitors! It was because you were unable to protect the king that His Majesty suffered. Who are you calling a traitor?! I'll rip you apart!"

"Paladins of the Golden Shield, follow the words of Rani Salome. Block the traitors! Protect the citizens near Rani!"

The loyalists of the Golden Shield organized their ranks. As those personally selected by Vitura, their unity shone even in the midst of the terrible battle.

"Golden Shields, look carefully. What you bastards are doing is the very definition of betrayal. Putting the subjects aside, shouldn't you at least allow a path for the priests to reach His Majesty? His Majesty may still be alive. If His Majesty were to die because he was unable to receive treatment, then you bastards…"

"His Majesty died from Vitura Velter's dagger, and you who followed his orders will pay for His Majesty's death."

"Go!"

Although outnumbered, the Golden Shield was overwhelming the Protectors of the Doctrine.

However, it was the Golden Shield who were anxious.

Vrvrvrr…!

A tremor could be felt from outside the square.

Knights wearing heavy armor were riding on horseback.

Since the situation had gotten to this point, it was only natural that Zipfel would send their pawns.

'Kid.'

Murakan, who was mixed in the crowd, whispered to Jin.

'What?'

'If it looks like Rani can't hold out, should we help? If anything happens to her, then not only will your decision to repay her favor go to shit, but Vitura's sacrifice will be in vain.'

'That won't happen.'

'How will she stop them?'

'She can't. If there's no one left in the holy kingdom to help Rani, that is.'

As soon as Jin answered, another group of paladins and soldiers from the Protectors of the Doctrine arrived.

At first glance, there were more than a hundred of them, and the line of soldiers that had been deployed to control the people was by no means a small force.

"Kill the traitors, and capture Rani Salome and the heretics alive!"

As the newly arrived commander shouted, the paladins broke through in perfect rank and the soldiers pushed back the subjects with their spears.

'But the people won't be able to accept this situation. Even to a fool, the one causing the rebellion is clearly the Protectors of the Doctrine.'

Had it only been a confrontation between the Protectors of the Doctrine and the Golden Shield, things would have been different.

But the fact that Vitura had killed the fake holy king was decisive.

"We must protect His Majesty's daughter!"

"We'll never hand Lord Rani to you! Killing His Majesty wasn't enough for you, and now you want Lord Rani as well?! You dirty Zipfel minion bastards…!"

"Do you not feel ashamed before Ayula?!"

"Block them, block them with your body!"

Suddenly, the subjects in the square began rushing to the battlefield.

She was the daughter of Holy King McLan, who had always been loved by his subjects.

From the subjects' point of view, the Protectors of the Doctrine were the world's most despicable bastards. Ones who had killed the king in front of his daughter on the day of the festival.

Additionally, while Rani and the Golden Shield's actions had been sensible throughout the incident, the Protectors of the Doctrine only appeared to blatantly be trying to capture the survivors.

All while spouting nonsense about healing the holy king who was clearly dead and demanding that a path be opened.

-It's true that the Zipfel Clan and Kinzelo completely control the leadership of the holy kingdom, but they did not control the subjects as well. And that was thanks to their alliance breaking up, causing them to miss the opportunity to spread propaganda among the people.

-You must definitely elicit sympathy from the people.

-I'm going to become a very convincing villain.

This was the conversation that had happened between Jin and Vitura last night.

Jin didn't know this, but in his previous life, the people had already been indoctrinated with propaganda at this point.

Thus, no one paid any attention to Rani, who had become dejected.

Rani and Vitura gave up on the holy kingdom, exhausted from their lonely battle, and disappeared without a word.

But now, because of Jin, history had changed.

With the conditions for revealing the truth fully being met.

"What are you doing?! You must be aware how serious of a crime it is to protect a heretic! Move! I said to m-move…!"

The face of the leader of the Protectors of the Doctrine, who had been shouting full of vigor, gradually became distorted.

This was because it wasn't just one person blocking the paladins of the Protectors of the Doctrine.

All the subjects who filled the square were throwing themselves forward for Rani's sake.

The soldiers who were thrusting with their spears were actually being pushed back, and the paladins were unable to do anything but repeat the same thing.

"I said move out the way!"

If it had been any day other than the Advent Festival, they would have moved forward even if it meant spilling the blood of innocent people.

However, if they did that during this time, they would inevitably face even bigger backlash than if the Living Golem victims survived to testify.

It wasn't just one or two people watching.

Hundreds of reporters from around the world were looking closely.

Massacring their own people in a situation like this would be literally insane.

Even with Zipfel at their backs, it wouldn't be something they could deal with.

"Lord Rani, the Golden Shield! We're here for you!"

"Don't worry and fight back. Protect the children who were dragged to Zipfel's laboratory!"

"Ayula will bring judgment upon you…!"

There are very few things in the world scarier than an angry crowd.

The Protectors of the Doctrine observed their surroundings, unable to take any action carelessly.

Rani didn't shed any more tears.

Traces of dried bloody tears were clearly visible around her eyes.

The only thing that was in her gaze was Vitura's head, lying on the floor.

He was smiling faintly.

While countless voices and noises disturbed the square, Rani knelt down next to the fake holy king.

'Whether death allows you to rest, or if it's a heavy, dark place of fatigue. In Ayula's benevolent embrace, your soul will be free, all your past pain will be in good humor that brings you joy…'

It was a prayer whispered so softly that it could barely be heard.

But even still, it was like the wind blowing.

Just as blades of grass are blown by the wind, the subjects who had been involved in evil sat down one by one and closed their eyes.

"All your past pain will be in good humor that brings you joy… The burden you leave behind will be passed on to one like you, becoming the ingredients for their breakfast, and the person sharing that burden will also become someone like you…"

There was no one among the subjects who did not know that prayer.

It was truly a surreal sight.

Even outsiders were moved by the prayer and closed their eyes or bowed their heads to express their sincerity.

The paladins of the Golden Shield also sheathed their weapons and knelt down.

Soon, even the paladins from the Protectors of the Doctrine, who had been observing, joined in the prayer.

If it weren't for the scraps of metal and blood on the floor, no one would have believed that a battle had just taken place.

As the prayer was ending, a man quietly approached Jin.

'Young master.'

'You've arrived, Dino.'

Dino Zeglun.

A figure now prominently called the young great reporter within the world of journalism.

As soon as he received Jin's call, he rushed to the holy kingdom and was preparing the article.

'The records left by Mertual Scylla are ready to be published as an article. We focused on parts that were similar and related to the Kollon tragedy, and on the actual damage to the Holy Kingdom of Vankella.'

'Good job. Is there any way for the Zipfel to worm their way out of this one?'

'There isn't. There's too much evidence that can be used to prove that Zipfel's leadership was directly involved, so they won't be able to cut off a few people as scapegoats. And as you said, the biggest factor is that the Kinzelo group has Kal Zipfel.'

Dino smiled and continued talking.

'Perhaps this incident may mark the end of the era where the Zipfel Clan is seen as virtuous.'

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章節 87: CHAPTER 246

The prayer that Rani started finally ended at midnight.

The people gathered in the square took part in the prayer without moving a muscle.

Meanwhile, each country that heard the news of the holy king's death urgently dispatched delegations expressing their condolences. Newsletters announced the breaking news of the tragedy within the Holy Kingdom of Vankella.

Others may think that the prayer was in honor of Holy King McLan. However, Rani, Jin, and Murakan would commemorate the death of a great paladin every year from this day on.

* * *

The forces that had aligned with Kinzelo within the holy kingdom decided to accept the leader of the Kinzelo, not Ayula, as their god.

And those who had aligned with Zipfel revered Zipfel's strength and authority.

The Runcandels had already known that the holy kingdom was being loaned out, but they didn't have any justification to do anything about it.

If they attacked the encroached leadership, it would be an act of aggression. If they attacked Zipfel or Kinzelo carelessly, there was a high possibility that it would result in a major war.

They weren't afraid of war.

However, if the war began, the subjects would accept the Zipfel Clan as 'the family of justice helping the Holy Kingdom of Vankella', while the Runcandel Clan would be viewed as the insane invaders.

In that situation, while they would be able to capture some of the priests, they would not be able to gain the trust of the people, who'd become the healers in the future.

As a result, the Holy Kingdom of Vankella was a troublesome matter for the Runcandels.

But now, an opportunity had arrived.

"Youngest."

It was Luna.

Obviously, there was someone representing the Runcandel Clan among the delegations that came from all over the world.

As it was the death of the holy king, it wasn't only the first flag-bearer, Luna, that arrived. Joshua, the second flag-bearer, and Luntia, the third flag-bearer, visited the holy kingdom alongside her.

Luna had received contact from Kashimir, and so had separated from the two for a while.

"It's been a while."

"You've become stronger."

Of course, she recognized Jin's growth at just a glance.

There was no need to clash swords. There was no need for her to know what type of sword art the Illustrious Bladeworks were, and there was no need for her to know the strength of the Spirit Sword.

Just like how the strong recognize the strong, she could tell just by looking at his eyes.

The last time they had met, Luna had cried like a child in front of Jin.

Taimyun's death felt like a part of her world had been erased.

But now Luna had the same isolated look in her eyes as before.

It felt like one could tell, even without words, how much pain and loss she had gone through before she regained that look in her eyes.

"You have become stronger too."

The siblings shared a smile for a moment.

"I thought I would complain about missing you, but you did something amazing again. I heard the overall situation from Sir Kashimir. So, what can I help you with?"

Jin pointed to a cart parked far away.

"Please take care of them."

Inside the cart were Vitura Velter's family.

Disguised as corpses from yesterday's battle.

"Got it."

Luna just gave a short reply.

It was only because she had heard what had actually happened with Vitura that she did not ask any questions.

Vitura's family would now join the delegation on their way to Huphester.

"Anything else?"

"Please remain in the holy kingdom until the trial for the assassination of Holy King McLan is over. That way, Joshua can't steal my credit."

Jin thought that once the trial began, Zifpel's image within the holy kingdom was bound to plummet in an instant.

Already, the subjects were gnashing their teeth because of Vitura's act.

Even before the holy king's funeral began, there were demands of an explanation from Zipfel.

Not only the holy kingdom, but the whole world would know about Zipfel's atrocities.

The fact that Runcandel's delegation didn't leave the holy kingdom despite offering their condolences would be arranged to become a symbol.

A symbol that the Runcandels were watching Zipfel.

A symbol representing the fact that the only family that could stand against Zipfel were intently observing them, keeping their enormous power in check.

But Jin, a provisional flag-bearer, could not be the protagonist of that symbol.

Of course, those in the know would acknowledge Jin's contribution. This included Cyron, who would learn of it in a later letter. The external credit should fall to someone else in the Runcandel family, though.

Because of that, Jin wanted Luna to be that protagonist.

If she withdrew like she usually did because she didn't want to attract unnecessary attention, the credit would go to Joshua, the second flag-bearer.

"I was planning on doing that anyway. I can't let him take away the scene you worked so hard to create."

"Did you know that Joshua has multiple bodies?"

"What do you mean?"

Luna's eyes widened as Jin explained Joshua's secret.

She had no idea of the existence of a 'prophet'.

"No wonder… There were times when Joshua went on dangerous missions without hesitation. He must've used fakes every time."

"Father probably knew, right?"

"He most definitely knows. Of all the things that happen within the family, there is nothing Father isn't aware of."

"Then there must be a reason why no sanctions were imposed."

"It's probably the same reason why he tolerated your spiritual energy. There's no need to think so hard about it. If he's keeping quiet even though it's against the clan's law, it's because he's decided that it will help the family."

Luna put her hand on Jin's shoulder, telling him he did a good job.

"Even still, I need to find out. I'll investigate him more thoroughly. For now, focus on completing the work in the holy kingdom."

"Yes, Sister."

* * *

The next day, every single knight of the Protectors of the Doctrine was detained in a dungeon.

Zipfel tried their best to prevent their complete capture, but the incident of the holy king's assassination was too critical.

Additionally, even after putting aside the testimonies of the survivors of the Living Golem experiment, Vitura's 'list' that was revealed by Rani could not be hidden.

—Please sort out those who were affiliated with the Zipfel Clan and Kinzelo and prepare punishment for them. That way, I can make it public immediately when I get back. Also, please rally the remaining loyalists. Armed conflict may occur.

That was the list that Jin requested from Vitura before going to Oterium.

Vitura created separate lists for Kinzelo and Zipfel.

The list with Kinzelo's underlings was kept separately by Rani, and the list of Zipfel was made public to the world.

Zipfel's true face was being revealed.

Nevertheless, Zipfel was unable to release a statement saying, 'The one who died was the fake holy king, and the Living Golem experiment was done by Kinzelo, not us.'

"I cannot reveal the name of the hero who saved the survivors, but he said that the Living Golem experiment was conducted at Zipfel's Fourth Magic Tower. We are demanding an official explanation from Zipfel about this!"

Rani and her subjects still had not left the square.

Though Zipfel's agents were all imprisoned, the consensus of the people was that they would never let Rani and the corpse of the fake king into the castle until the whole incident was revealed.

Except for the Protectors of the Doctrine, the people on Vitura's list were still shamelessly preparing for the funeral of the holy king within the castle.

Although this made no sense, considering the power that the high-ranking officials like High Priest Montiano had within the holy kingdom, there was nothing strange about it.

Unlike the Protectors of the Doctrine, they could only be punished if there was undeniable evidence that they were in collusion with Zipfel.

Unfortunately, Vitura's list was a bit lacking.

But it wasn't like Jin hadn't expected this.

"Until there is an explanation from Zipfel, my father's funeral will not proceed. Before they can try to ease tension for the wrongful death of my father, they must confess!"

"Master of the Fourth Magic Tower, step forward and explain!"

"Show yourself!"

If it had been only Rani and the people shouting like that, they would have been able to ignore it.

However, delegations came from all over the world, and there were countless reporters.

Zipfel had to hurriedly complete the behind-the-scenes deal with Kinzelo.

To retrieve Kal and cover up all the false accusations.

Everything was going as Jin expected.

'Rather than honestly confessing that Kal was held captive by a third-rate terrorist group like Kinzelo, it would be better to be framed.'

Once both image and prestige were lost at once, it was difficult to recover them.

However, while the former could be solved to some extent with money, the latter required unimaginable amounts of blood.

Eventually, before lunch ended, Zipfel issued a statement.

(The main family intervened politically in the Holy Kingdom of Vankella, and in the process, conducted Living Golem experiments on the subjects with the help of government officials in collusion with the main family.

However, apart from political intervention, the Living Golem experiments are all unrelated to the main family and are the personal crimes of the Fourth Magic Tower Master, Kal Zipfel.

By the end of today, Kal Zipfel will visit the holy kingdom wearing a magic restraint to personally apologize. Thereafter, Kal Zipfel and those involved will be severely disciplined according to the laws of the family.

We express our deepest regret for the passing of Holy King McLan, and promise to provide the maximum compensation possible.

However, recklessly spreading rumors and malicious slander will be dealt with as per the laws of the family.

The main family's political involvement in the holy kingdom was only due to the request of the Holy Kingdom of Vankella's officials, and was not caused by the ambition of the family…)

Unlike the Zipfel family's usual statements, this one was overbearing.

Behind all the good-natured words, what they were actually saying was that the Zipfel Clan would handle the future of the kingdom in place of the holy kingdom itself.

Naturally, as soon as the reporters released the statement, the anger of the holy kingdom's subjects soared.

'They're intentionally planning to arouse the anger of the holy kingdom's people and have Kal Zipfel, who came to apologize, be stoned to death.'

If Kal Zipfel died on the Holy Kingdom's soil for any reason, Zipfel could retaliate and bully the holy kingdom from that point forward.

If you evaluate it calmly based on public perception, Holy King McLan's life was by no means worth more than that of Zipfel's Fourth Magic Tower Master.

If the entirety of the holy kingdom were to fight with the Fourth Magic Tower, the Fourth Magic Tower would always win.

'So what they're saying is they're willing to abandon Kal Zipfel, who they bought back from Kinzelo, if it means they're able to get out of this mess. I wonder what price they paid for Kal?'

As always, Zipfel was trying to cut their losses.

However, the losses they were now cutting included a 'pure-blooded Zipfel'.

Unlike Myuron, who was already known to the world as being dead at the time of the Kollon incident, this time the Zipfel Clan were directly accusing Kal of being a criminal.

If Kal were to die, then the Holy Kingdom of Vankella would not be able to press any further regarding the matters of the Living Golems.

Political intervention would still be criticized by the whole world, but it was a problem that time and money could solve.

In Jin's opinion, it wasn't a bad move.

However, it was a move made out of desperation before properly examining the opponent.

Zipfel was still unaware that Jin stood behind Rani.

They'd only vaguely be able to assume it was either one of Runcandel's flag-bearers or Vermont.

There was no chance Kinzelo would have shared the information with Zipfel, informing them it was Vamel, who single-handedly defeated the main base of the Dark Magic Association. Not to mention telling them that Vamel was actually Jin Runcandel.

"Dino."

"Yes, Young Master."

"When Kal Zipfel arrives in the holy kingdom, immediately release all the articles related to Kinzelo. Tell the world that until a few days ago, Kal was held by Kinzelo because of Vamel, and that the place Vamel rescued the survivors from was not the Fourth Magic Tower, but Oterium. Add that Kal had nothing to do with the incident."

"I'm sure Zipfel will try their best to deny it. It'll definitely be a sight to see."

If they failed to deny it, Keliark would be seen as a shameless criminal who'd sell his own son to escape responsibility.

Jin had no intention of helping Zipfel choose between losing their prestige or their image.

He planned on making them lose both.

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