CHAPTER 81: 81 BEHIND THE SCENES (2/4)

"Royal City Guard, Northern Witch... Heh."

"You really aren’t willing to let me go, are you?"

Herbert thought about the details he had just received from Blake and couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

Things were getting interesting.

Someone couldn’t resist taking the bait.

Herbert had long known that this fishing letter of his would certainly attract the attention of those watching him, drawing their focus towards him.

But he did not anticipate how impatient they were, unable to wait any longer.

To the extent that they had to extend their reach into the Mist Monastery.

Who would have the qualifications to plant eyes in the Royal City Guard and send him into the Duke’s house as an inside agent early on?

The internal affairs of the Frost Crystal Royal Family were probably even more chaotic than he had imagined.

As for the protective talisman, it was even more interesting.

The Northern Witch, formally known as the "Northern Witch Mutual Aid Association," was also referred to by some as the Witch Association.

The Northern Lands are a vast region covered in snow and ice, with treacherous terrain, towering peaks that reach the clouds, deep and cold ice valleys, and mysterious glacial lakes.

In the past, the Northern Lands were one of the most developed regions of ancient magic civilization, but after a divine war long ago, the magical realm of the Northern Lands was mostly destroyed, leaving many shattered ruins, turning into an uninhabited forbidden zone.

Due to the harsh environment, ordinary humans rarely set foot in this place, making it an ideal hiding spot for persecuted witches.

Compared to ordinary witches, witches are mostly wild wizards and warlocks with non-human traits, persecuted for the awakening of their innate talents.

Later, under the guidance of several legendary witches, the wandering witches gradually came together to form the Witch Association.

This alliance was initially established to protect them from external persecution, while sharing magic resources of the Northern Lands and exchanging magical skills with each other.

But later, as the mutual aid association grew, they gradually evolved into a powerful magic organization.

Although the name remained unchanged, they also accepted some male wizards and warlocks, making their factions more complex.

If Herbert remembered correctly, Philia’s mother was once a member of the Northern Witch Alliance.

Moreover, she was one of the twelve chiefs of the alliance, and only after giving birth to Philia did she voluntarily step down and hand her position to others.

Looking at it this way, the identity of the person who originally framed Herbert seemed to be becoming clearer.

Related to the Frost Crystal Royal Family, related to the Northern Witch, such candidates... seem to be few.

"So, my dear friend Philia, what role did you and those behind you play in this process?"

Herbert did not rashly conclude that Philia was the real mastermind, as the clues were still too few and needed more evidence to prove.

But in any case, her suspicion was indeed very high.

"...Heh."

But Herbert was not in a hurry, once he returned to the Frost Crystal Royal City, everything would naturally become clear.

What he needed more to think about now was how to deal with the crisis in front of him.

The two bishops did not inquire about Blake related matters, which seemed trivial in their view.

After Herbert returned, the two continued moving forward in silence, leading him towards the Sealing Sanctuary where the Archbishop resided.

The Rusted Nail Bishop himself was cold and reticent, while the Thorn Bishop was mysteriously silent for some reason.

Was it a relative’s visit?

Herbert followed the two bishops, wandering around the monastery for half an hour, finally passing through a massive door and descending down a long flight of stairs to the monastery’s underground.

The underground space was unexpectedly large, resembling a massive dug-out air-raid shelter, yet it wasn’t cold, with traces of great power that human effort could not achieve remaining everywhere.

At the end of the stairs, Herbert saw a huge stone door standing in mid-air.

The stone door had no substance around it, as if it were just an ordinary door yet to be installed.

And in front of that door, he saw a third bishop in a red robe.

"Guardian Your Excellency."

Following the two other bishops, Herbert bowed in greeting, curious about this mysterious bishop.

For instance, what exactly was the Guardian guarding within the monastery?

"Is he that young man?" The Guardian’s gaze passed over others, landing directly on Herbert, seemingly curious in observation.

"Yes."

The Rusted Nail Bishop nodded, stepping aside to present Herbert.

"Young man, come, come in front of me."

The Guardian smiled lightly, saying with a hint of sentiment, "That old thing hasn’t been this interested in a young man in years."

Old thing?

The old thing you’re talking about, would that be the Archbishop?

Herbert blinked, not daring to dwell on it, obediently stepping in front of the Guardian and humbly bowing slightly.

This one was an existence stronger and older than the other two bishops, so it’s best to be obedient.

Well-behaved.JPG

"Heh."

The Guardian seemed amused by his demeanor, chuckled twice, and gently shook his head: "Young man, don’t be nervous, relax a bit. Do you know why he wants to see you?"

"I probably know." Herbert nodded, naturally answering, "Because I did something slightly out of bounds."

"Only ’slightly’ out of bounds? What you did even surprised me."

The Guardian laughed, teasingly remarked, "If this is merely a slight offense to you, then what would constitute a real boundary violation?"

"Uh..." Herbert hesitantly replied, "Forcibly releasing all prisoners?"

?

In the shadowy figure of the Guardian, whose expression wasn’t visible, he stared blankly at Herbert for quite a while, then burst into a fit of laughter.

"Hahaha, hahahaha... Interesting, you’re indeed quite amusing, young fellow!"

The Guardian’s laughter shook his entire robe, joyfully shaking his head as he said, "Now I’m a bit curious, what you intend to say when you meet him?"

"The Furious can be controlled."

Herbert answered honestly, making sure to add, "Although only I can control her."

She is raised by me.

"So, do you believe you can successfully control her?"

"Complete control... currently might still be improbable."

Herbert hesitated but chose to speak the truth rather than exaggerate: "But my presence provides her with certain constraints; as long as it’s not threatening her or my life, she’ll heed my words."

"Just this much?"

"For now."

Herbert looked at the Guardian, seriously saying: "After all, she and I have only known each other for a little over a week."