Chapter 32 Bad News

Everything from last night was still vivid in his mind...

Resting his head on his arm, the image that surfaced in Xu Ruo's mind was the slightly frenzied Xia Xier from last night.

He...

How long had it been since he felt this relaxed?

The last time he felt this way...

When was it?

Was it before he saw his grandfather murdered, before Xier was sentenced to be burned at the stake, or before he killed his master with his own hands...

Or perhaps...

In any case, it had been a very, very long time.

As Xu Ruo thought this, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a slight smile.

Without even realizing it himself, he didn't even know he was smiling again after such a long time...

A very relaxed smile.

He adjusted himself into a more comfortable position and simply lay there...

For a moment, he couldn't bear to get up, wanting only to enjoy this peaceful feeling for a little while longer.

On the other side, following the long-standing tradition of the Holy Mountain Monastery, Xia Xier arrived at the cathedral an hour early to pray on the first day after the rest day.

As usual, she closed her eyes and prayed devoutly in her heart to the Holy Light and the gods.

About fifteen minutes later, she slowly opened her eyes.

She stood up, washed her hands, and left.

The entire process was orderly and meticulous.

Despite the intense passion she had experienced just last night, Xia Xier's face now bore a sacred expression, free of joy or sorrow, desire or want.

It was as if everything yesterday had been nothing more than a beautiful dream.

But anyone familiar with her would suddenly notice...

Her complexion...

It seemed much better; not only was her face more rosy, but her eyes also sparkled with a brighter light.

At this moment, Xia Xier gave off the feeling...

As if she had become even more beautiful and radiant!

Just that slight extra bit of spirit made it impossible for people to look away!

Of course, as usual, such a change wasn't obvious to outsiders.

Only those who knew her well could detect it.

After finishing her prayers, Dewin did not dismiss the nuns to their respective duties as usual. Instead, she spoke to them with a hesitant expression:

"Everyone, come with me for a moment."

"I have an important matter to discuss with you all."

Hearing this, the nuns were slightly surprised, but they didn't ask questions and followed Dewin to her council chamber.

Once everyone was seated, Xia Xier was the first to speak:

"Mother Superior, what happened?"

"Is it because of what I did yesterday..."

Before she could continue, Dewin shook her head and interrupted her—

"No, Xier, it has nothing to do with you."

"The Fran Empire is currently too busy with its own affairs to care about what happened yesterday..."

Pausing for a moment, Dewin organized the news she had just received and said solemnly:

"Just last night, the Fallen Witch on Paradise Island announced..."

"...that she is declaring war on the Fran Empire!"

"The reason is none other than the Fran Empire's attempt to annex the Demon Realm Territory left behind by the former Demon King..."

As she spoke, the nuns in the council chamber looked solemn, their emotions stirred.

Even Xia Xier couldn't help but frown slightly upon hearing the name 'Fallen Witch'.

War...

Is war about to break out?

Xia Xier bit her red lip, her eyes flickering. After a long while, she seemed to have made a decision.

She looked up, met Dewin's gaze, and said seriously:

"Mother Superior..."

"So... the Fran Empire has applied for aid from our Holy Kingdom, hasn't it?"

Dewin nodded gently:

"Yes."

Xia Xier fell silent again.

Others might not know, but Xia Xier knew very well!

The Fallen Witch had a deep connection with Xu Ruo!

Once Xu Ruo learned the Fallen Witch's identity, he would likely spare no effort to help her, even at the risk of exposing his own identity!

Thinking of this, Xia Xier could already guess the Fran Empire's fate.

After a brief hesitation, she looked at Dewin and said word by word:

"Mother Superior, this help..."

"...we cannot give."

"The Fran Empire has been at war for years. Even our Holy Kingdom..."

"...was forced to cede several cities to them a few years ago because we valued peace and couldn't bear to see civilians caught in the turmoil of war."

"Such an empire should have become the dust of history long ago!"

"If it weren't for the powerful Twelve Seats of the Round Table Knights, they would have perished long ago."

"Given that, why should we pick the wrong side now?"

Dewin listened quietly to Xia Xier's analysis, a thoughtful look appearing on her face.

After a while, she said somewhat hesitantly:

"Xier, you have a point."

"The Fran Empire is militaristic and appears to be the most powerful empire on the Fatlan Continent..."

"But due to problems accumulated over the years..."

"...the empire's interior is already riddled with holes..."

"Such an empire indeed deserves to crumble into the dust of history."

"But... more importantly than what we think, what does the Goddess think?"

"Setting aside whether the Fran Empire should continue to exist..."

"...does the Goddess want the Fallen Witch and the Fran Empire to go to war?"

Dewin's words caused the eyes of the nuns present to flicker.

That's true...

The Fallen Witch isn't just a single person!

Not only is she the mistress of Sky City...

...but she is also the leader of the Heavenly Sect!

That very special city is a floating island in the skies of the Fatlan Continent.

And the Heavenly Sect under her command...

...also has many powerful individuals!

It is said that...

...those who have seen the people of the Heavenly Sect have all gone to 'Paradise'...

No one knows exactly how powerful the Heavenly Sect is.

Such a mysterious and powerful Heavenly Sect...

...if they truly go to war with the Fran Empire...

...the life-and-death struggle between these two behemoths...

...the ones who will suffer the most will be the commoners and civilians!"

Thinking of this possibility, the nuns all looked hesitant.

And Dewin then shared her own thoughts.

"The Goddess... likely doesn't want the people to suffer from the hardships of war."

"Therefore, this is what I'm thinking."

"I will personally step in and mediate between the Fallen Witch and the Fran Empire..."

"...to see if this dispute can be resolved peacefully before the flames of war are ignited."

Hearing this, expressions of anticipation appeared on the nuns' faces.

They nodded one after another:

"Mother Superior, that would be for the best!"

"We support you!"

"Xier, what about you?" Dewin asked, looking at Xia Xier.