CH 45

At Leon’s words, the officials sighed as if weary, unable to muster a response.

“Seems like the Saint has captured your heart, hasn’t she?”

One of the seasoned officials spoke as Leon paced restlessly, unable to stay still for a moment.

“Yes, tremendously.”

Leon nodded emphatically, showing no intention of concealing his feelings. Yesterday, around this time, he had received a reply from the Saint, but today, there had been no communication whatsoever. Could it be that he would receive a response different from yesterday? With that thought in mind, Leon spun around the room. The anticipation of an uncertain outcome brought him joy.

“It’s been quite a while since I felt this way.”

Leon was experiencing the realization that he was indeed a prince. He was not free from his status within the palace.

“Did I reveal too much?”

Interrupting his murmurs, the officials promptly interjected.

“We definitely tried to dissuade you.”

They had indeed done their utmost to dissuade Leon. Once his status became known, concerns about security arose immediately. This was the Grand Temple, where only the knights sworn to the temple and devoted to the gods were allowed to shed blood and protect.

However, that did not mean there were no conflicts. Numerous countries on the continent were still engaged in wars of various scales. Key figures from each country resided in the Grand Temple to seek treatment for the wounds they suffered in those wars. A significant portion of these individuals harbored deep animosity towards the Empire.

But for a prince to suddenly appear in the Grand Temple, something had to be amiss. Indeed, from the moment news of Leon’s presence among the Imperial envoys reached their ears, suspicious guests had increased during the nights.

“Well, he won’t be an easy target…”

Knowing this fact brought some comfort to the officials’ restless hearts. The Emperor, who had rolled and tumbled on the battlefield, could not have raised his son to be weak. Even if he couldn’t hear the sound of ultimate strength, Leon possessed the ability to stand against most knights. Thanks to this, the officials had the opportunity to witness the prince murmuring to himself, “I don’t think I brought a reply…” as he stabbed the nocturnal guests who arrived before they could make a move.

“I’m going out.”

“Where are you going?”

Everyone was startled when the prince suddenly appeared at the door. They had expected him to wait for the uncertain response from the Saint. However, Leon replied with a sense of urgency.

“I can’t just keep waiting.”

The prince’s face looked remarkably elated as he spoke. With no wars to occupy his time for a while, Leon had to spend quiet hours within the palace. The passionate love affair had consumed his attention for a while before suddenly coming to an end, as if it were a lie. It seemed that this time, he had chosen the Saint as his conquest.

Ignoring the officials’ protests, Leon’s gaze narrowed as he strode down the corridor.

“I have tasks to fulfill as well.”

Apart from his growing interest in the Saint, there were other matters he had to attend to. One of them was to learn more about Latvan, the commander of the Temple Knights.

When he realized that the Grand Temple had become an obstacle to the Empire, the first method that crossed his mind was to subdue it through force.

The Imperial army was specialized in conquering battles. Their numbers surpassed those of any other nation, and there was no doubt that they could overwhelm the Grand Temple, which was merely the size of a city.

“But it’s impossible.”

The Empire couldn’t subdue the Grand Temple, all because of the Saint. Possessing the strongest powers and protecting the continent from demonic forces, the Saint could create a protective barrier that repelled external attacks. If the Saint were to wield her powers within the self-sufficient fortress-like Grand Temple, the Imperial army would forever remain on the outside, merely spectators.

“And even if we were to engage, we would have to endure significant losses…”

The Temple possessed the Saint, the ultimate shield. However, that did not mean they were without a sword.

The Temple Knights were the most formidable order, facing off against the continent’s demonic forces. Their leader, Latvan, was someone whom all knights on the continent revered and aspired to face in battle at least once.

A few years ago, a colossal demonic force known as Heberon appeared at the edge of the continent. It was one of the demons sealed away by the first Saint, a long time ago.

Heberon wreaked havoc, devastating dozens of villages as it made its way into the continent. Faced with its aggression, all nations on the continent held their breath, wishing to kill it as quickly as possible. At that time, while the defenseless villages waited for death, Latvan was the first to charge toward Heberon.

“And he defeated it.”

The valiant knight was a legend, but he had always been remembered as the one who rushed headlong toward Heberon.

A solitary knight vanquished the legendary demon, and with that, the name of Latvan spread throughout the entire continent, earning the respect of all.

But what would happen if Latvan’s Order of Sacred Knights clashed with the Imperial Knights? Even if the numbers favored them, it was easy to anticipate that the main force of the Imperial Knights would suffer devastating losses.

If they were to suffer such losses and submit to the Grand Temple, what would come next?

Every other nation would seize the opportunity and rise simultaneously, claiming to have found a just cause. The Empire, having suffered substantial casualties, would be unable to emerge victorious against dozens of nations.

“It’s not like everyone’s foolish enough to leave the Grand Temple untouched.”

Leon knew well that there had been countless attempts in the past to subjugate the Grand Temple, all of which had ended in failure.

“If that’s the case, we’ll have to bring it down from within…”

The power that upholds the Grand Temple is twofold.

The first is the spiritual force embodied by the High Priestess herself. The second is the unwavering faith that all people on the continent hold towards the High Priestess and the Grand Temple. It has remained steadfast for thousands of years. However, this time is different.

When the 49th High Priestess, Evelina, ascended to her position, she was hailed by all as a revered figure. Her beautiful appearance captivated everyone’s gaze, and her unwavering belief in the gods earned her respect. And her constant efforts as the High Priestess. However, it didn’t last long. Soon, all sorts of derogatory epithets were attached to Evelina’s name.

“This is an opportunity.”