Chapter 774: The Audience Meeting

Emerald Palace, council hall.

"I am guilty."

An aged priest stood on the carpet in the center of the hall. With his back to the full assembly behind him and his face toward the Duke of Star Lake seated high upon the throne before him, he held a volume of the Sunset Scripture and bowed deeply.

Thales sat in the highest seat in the hall, frowning as he watched the old man's movements.

So this was Chadwi's teacher, the old priest of Sunset Temple who, after learning that his student had been assassinated, had come storming into the palace with a crowd in righteous indignation to question the prince's handling of political affairs, making everyone in Emerald Palace, from Thales to Zayen and even Federico, feel as if they were facing a formidable enemy: Deputy Chief Priest Fable?

He looked thin and withered, and his movements were slow.

As if his years were nearly spent.

Whispers rose in the hall.

"Yes, you heard me, respected Prince Thales, and all of you here attending this audience, all of you who care for Jade City's future..."

The deputy chief priest straightened and calmly turned toward the audience filling the hall. "By the Sunset above, I am guilty."

Fable's voice was old but steady, measured and forceful.

Yes, he was guilty.

Fable bore the gazes of the entire hall and spoke silently in his heart.

That was why he was here today.

He was guilty because he had spent most of his life muddled and deaf to divine instruction, straying from the teachings.

He was even more guilty because, in the end, he had failed to resist temptation, failed to keep the precepts, and had turned a blind eye to the evil in this fallen city, taking it for granted...

To the point that he had joined in with it.

In the end, he had been exploited by the way of the Youngest Son.

His sin could not be pardoned.

"I know very well that leading people here today to seek audience is an overstep of rank and rule, almost no different from forcing the palace..."

Under the puzzled gazes of the full assembly, including the Duke of Star Lake, Deputy Chief Priest Fable slowly lowered his head, his expression sorrowful. "It is a sin of disrespect toward Prince Thales."

Thales frowned when he heard this.

According to his rich experience in struggles of this sort, in a hostile occasion like this, anyone who began by humbly admitting fault...

"Thus, after today, I shall remove my priestly robe, tear off my holy stole, and leave myself entirely to Your Highness's punishment, without the slightest objection..."

Fable turned back and bowed to Thales again with great respect. "The fault and the guilt rest entirely upon this old body."

He continued, "I only hope that Your Highness, in your generosity, will not lay guilt upon those who entered the palace with me. Everyone in this hall has only a heart of concern, and no intention of forcing the palace."

As soon as these words came out, another commotion rippled through the council hall, and the guests began discussing among themselves.

Under the focus of countless gazes, Thales, seated high above, raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Federico, who sat all alone in a corner of the first row, with no one daring to approach him.

Well now.

With one light sentence, this old priest had placed everyone else into the "forcing the palace" camp, turning them into his foundation and shield.

What if, just what if, some people were not here to force the palace at all, and had merely come to watch the excitement?

Thales looked across the guests filling the hall and saw "Lisantaral" Dursuan from Hanbol.

Strictly speaking, he should now be called Nausud. The latter's makeup was so heavy that he was almost unrecognizable, making him look plain, honest, humble, and cautious, with an expression of surprise and admiration that was just right.

Besides...

A voice in Thales's heart sneered:

Besides, this old priest had already pushed the matter this far, even using that classic phrase, "the guilt is mine alone," practically punishing himself with three cups of wine.

If His Highness the prince insisted on pursuing responsibility afterward...

Would that not make the Duke of Star Lake seem narrow-minded and vengeful, without the clarity to hear both sides or the capacity to tolerate others?

On the other hand, if the prince was truly generous and did not pursue the matter...

Then everyone in the hall today would owe this deputy chief priest a favor for pleading on their behalf.

In short, the chief priest took the good name, and the prince carried the bad outcome.

Thinking of this, Thales sighed and swept his gaze across the hall.

Among the noble and lordly guests were Count Lasia and his son from the Marshlands, the Karabeyan sisters from Walla Territory, whose fans bore the words "The South Bank prospers, enduring and unfading" and "The kingdom's glory, eternal and bright," Lord Havia of Saltwall Harbor, and Count Shukardel of Evergreen Island's Sunflower family.

Among the local high officials were Finance Director Mylahovich, Acting High Judge Iboning, garrison officer and Watch Hall chief Zelot, city hall chief Briotti, Trade Office director McMan, Shining Sun Town mayor Amisarashvili, and Captain Cecil and Second Lieutenant Cherki of the Jade Legion.

There were also industrial and commercial owners, and even foreign guests, such as Chairman Didonato of the Eternal Oil Guild, the notorious Sea Wolf shipowner Tanganga, the Hasha envoy of Tarenbond, and even the disguised city lord of Congregate City.

Wait, that man wrapped in cloth from head to toe, was that not Councilor Yannick Hollier, the vampire from the Feast Territory, the one called "Ever-Immortal, Ever-New"?

At high noon, was he not afraid of being sunburned to death?

Everyone in the hall whispered to one another, each with a different expression.

Yet no one stood up, much less spoke to interrupt.

This gave Thales a premonition.

"Deputy Chief Priest, your words are too grave. As a priest, you serve the Sunset. Your divinity is noble and pure, and your words and deeds are naturally judged by the temple and by the Sunset."

The prince smiled and spoke gently to relieve him. "As for me, I am but a mortal. I can only concern myself with mortal affairs."

Once he said this, Thales felt the whispers in the hall lessen. Even the gazes with which the attendees looked at him became much clearer.

Only Fable's expression remained unchanged.

The old man looked deeply at Thales, and it was unclear whether he had failed to hear the implication in Thales's words or simply did not care.

"Your Highness must know that a criminal broke into the temple and committed violence, and one of my students, a devout and simple Sunset priest, suffered misfortune because of it."

The deputy chief priest spoke quietly, again stirring discussion behind him.

So it was this after all.

Thinking of Chadwi's assassination, Thales could not help sighing.

"In fact, I knew that student of yours, and I am likewise troubled by this matter."

Thales, who had prepared his homework in advance, spoke in a solemn voice. "After the incident, Priest Chadwi was taken back by Sunset Temple for care. Has he improved at all?"

Fable's eyes darkened.

"If I said he is well now, that would certainly be a lie. But if I said he is soon to return to the heavenly kingdom, that would not be entirely true either."

The old priest's voice trembled slightly. "It is precisely because of this that the process of praying for his recovery is all the more tormenting."

Thales pressed his lips together.

That answer...

Was Chadwi doing well or not?

Or perhaps...

The voice in Thales's heart quietly spoke:

Even if Chadwi had largely recovered, at this moment, when the deputy chief priest needed the matter as leverage, he would keep silent and uniformly tell the outside world that he was "not well."

"I am deeply sorry for what happened to him. For such a vicious case to happen at a temple altar in Jade City was a failure of my governance. I have already instructed the relevant departments to investigate with all their strength, so please..."

"Forgive me for interrupting, respected Your Highness. Although I worry for my student's safety and grieve that the temple was humiliated..."

Fable spoke decisively, his eyes bright. "I did not lead everyone here for audience and petition the ruler only for this matter."

Of course.

Of course it was not only this.

Thales gave a considerate smile and extended his hand in a gesture inviting him to continue.

"Everyone, I believe we can all see it: Jade City is undergoing the Sunset's trial. It is unsettled and unpredictable, and every step is difficult."

The old priest took a deep breath and turned to face everyone. "In this, some see the shadow of royal power, some see family struggles, some see conflicts of interest, some see innocent casualties, and some see ambition about to go out of control and a future hanging by a thread."

Once he said this, another commotion rose in the council hall.

Royal power, family, casualties, ambition, and future.

Hearing these key words, Thales could not help frowning.

"Old grudges, family hatred, power struggles, coups, division, chaos, casualties, fear, despair. Disorder everywhere, disasters without end."

Fable sighed mournfully. "The marketplace suffers, merchants and travelers are burdened, industries are harmed, livelihoods are lost, the whole city is uneasy, high and low alike are frightened, everyone fears for themselves, and every household is harmed..."

The aged deputy chief priest paced to the entrance of the council hall and slowly turned around, facing an audience with different thoughts, and meeting the gaze of the prince seated in the deepest, highest place in the hall.

"Whether it is my student, the properties of each family, the people's livelihood, the direction of politics, or Jade City's order, it cannot continue like this!"

Fable faced everyone, heartbroken, and raised his arm in a call. "Your Highness, everyone, Jade City has had enough!"

As the disturbance grew louder and louder, Thales put away his smile.

Wya frowned tightly and was about to speak in rebuke, but Mallos reached out and stopped him.

"May I ask Your Highness, when calamity harms the common people and blood splashes on the altar, at this very moment, under your governance, does Jade City still possess civilization and order?"

The deputy chief priest took a step forward, his voice ringing loud, his pain obvious. "Since you took up regency over Emerald Palace, have you truly been qualified? Have you handled matters properly?"

The moment his words fell, the entire council hall exploded.

The attendees either loudly agreed or whispered among themselves, like boiling water.

Even the Karabeyan sisters hid their faces behind their fans and chattered.

Mallos and Wya, standing at the side of the hall, hurriedly gave orders for people to suppress the disorder and quiet the hall, but unfortunately the effect was limited.

Only Thales sat at the highest point of the hall, with his back to the iris banner hanging on the wall, his face as still as water, his lips pressed together in silence.

As expected.

Thales thought.

For today's situation, a light sentence like "we will investigate the murderer strictly" was far from enough.

The impact of that murder in the temple was far heavier than he had expected.

The disturbance in the hall did not last long.

"Silence! Order!"

Unexpectedly, this time it was Fable who walked back to the center of the hall, lifted the Sunset Scripture high, and spoke loudly. "By the Sunset above, we are here to solve problems, not to argue right and wrong, split into camps, and fight endlessly among ourselves!"

The deputy chief priest's voice echoed through the council hall, and it was more effective than the rebukes of guards and officials.

The council hall quickly quieted.

Thus, more and more gazes began to pour toward the highest seat in the hall.

Federico was right.

Thales looked at the reactions filling the hall and silently sighed in his heart.

This deputy chief priest was highly respected, but liked to lecture others, was eloquent, and had a strong desire to perform.

Yet in Jade City's current situation, Thales unconsciously drew a breath. He could not refuse to receive them. He simply did not know whether Priest Fable had truly stood forth with a crowd because of anger over Chadwi's assassination, or because someone had threatened and incited him, or because of the temple's own interests.

Surely it could not really be for...

Jade City.

Thales clenched his fist.

Fortunately, he did not need to answer by himself.

"Your Highness, Deputy Chief Priest Fable, and everyone present!"

A cold, stern voice sounded from the side of the council hall, attracting everyone's attention.

"I understand everyone's tension and anxiety."

Federico Cavendill stood up and faced the hall. "Yes, this is indeed a difficult trial for Jade City, but it was not brought about by His Highness Thales..."

"Wasn't it brought by you?"

Several indignant shouts and curses came from the crowd. "The rotten branch of the iris!"

"Traitor!"

But Federico paid no attention to the curses in the crowd. He only walked steadily toward the center of the council hall, toward Deputy Chief Priest Fable.

"However, as wise as you all are, you should see this: that Jade City has undergone such twists and turns is not the responsibility of one person or one matter, much less proof that His Highness Thales's governance is disorderly..."

Federico moved forward step by step, passing countless guests, his attitude firm. "It comes from hidden wounds and old afflictions that were buried in this city many years ago, abscesses that were bound to burst sooner or later!"

A scattered round of boos rose from the crowd.

"You mean you came back to reopen old cases and dragged the whole city down with you, little Fed?" Count Aitchison Lasia, seated in the first row, mocked him without any courtesy.

The crowd answered with laughter, and also with angry curses.

Federico abruptly turned his head and glared until the old count shrank back and instinctively grabbed his son's arm.

"Indeed, I uncovered the gauze used to wrap wounds and hide shame, but you must know that Jade City's wound has been festering and stinking for a long time!"

Fed turned and raised his voice to the whole hall. "Now Jade City must clean the wound and remove the rot, set chaos right, squeeze out the pus and blood, and cut away the rotten flesh. Naturally, treacherous villains will be unable to sit still and will emerge to make trouble and bring disaster, such as the criminal who dared break into the temple and commit murder!"

The old priest's expression changed when he heard this.

"What do you mean?"

Count Lasia gnashed his teeth. "If you have the guts, say clearly who among us is a treacherous villain..."

"But fortunately!"

Many people were eager to interrupt him, but Federico did not give them the chance. His tone suddenly changed. "Fortunately, we still have His Highness Thales sitting in Emerald Palace!"

The moment his voice fell, he turned and spread his arms toward Thales.

Several people who had originally wanted to shout curses and protest immediately withered.

Thales gave no reaction. He watched Federico's performance expressionlessly, only feeling as if he had returned to Heroic Spirit Palace in Dragon Clouds City, or perhaps to the Hall of Stars in Eternal Star City.

"These past days, everyone has seen it: thanks to His Highness's painstaking work in governance, and his many efforts to mediate and resolve conflicts, Jade City has been able to maintain its tottering order through one disaster after another and avoid the fate of falling apart and collapsing like a crumbling mansion."

Federico spoke loudly. "For this, we should feel gratitude, not be incited by clowns, forget kindness, turn around to force the palace, and still think ourselves loyal to Jade City!"

"What are you saying? Who was incited? Who is forcing the palace? Who? Say it clearly..."

Count Lasia suddenly stood up, but his eldest son pulled him back down.

That's right.

The voice in Thales's heart spoke slyly and mockingly:

You spent every ounce of effort maneuvering between Renaissance Palace and Emerald Palace, preserving a breath of vitality for Jade City.

But have they ever said "thank you" to you?

Federico swept his gaze across the hall. Seeing that no one dared refute him again, he turned back in satisfaction.

This time, he took a deep breath and looked at Deputy Chief Priest Fable, whose face was gray and still.

"As for Mr. Fable, since His Highness has magnanimously accepted your request and can convene such an audience in Emerald Palace to listen to many opinions, that alone proves that civilization and order still exist in Emerald..."

"Who are you?"

The deputy chief priest suddenly spoke, his words unfamiliar.

Federico froze.

"Mr. Fable, you..."

The old priest studied Fed and interrupted him word by word. "I am asking: who are you?"

Federico looked at the other's expression, wanting to speak but stopping. Slightly embarrassed, he did not react for a moment. After a good while, he took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Sir, I am Federico. Federico Cavendill. Perhaps you do not remember, but long ago, you taught both me and Zayen. You used to call me Fedi..."

"Oh, yes, I remember!"

Fable seemed to awaken suddenly. He raised his head and narrowed his eyes, looking at this "Scarlet Iris." "Of course I remember. Your surname is Cavendill, and you are a son of the iris."

Only then did Federico let out a breath.

"Jade City suffered a change, and Emerald Palace must take responsibility. So, just as in the past several hundred years, a Cavendill bloodline, a son of the iris, stood out..."

Fable studied him, his tone rising and falling, but at the end his words sharpened. "But not the right one."

Federico's heart tightened.

The deputy chief priest no longer looked at him. Instead, he slowly turned toward Thales on the main seat.

"Zayen Cavendill, who inherited the title by blood and law, fulfilled its duties, and ruled Jade City for eleven years. Where is he?"

The old priest spoke quietly, like a stubborn old master of ceremonies clinging to old traditions. "Zayen Cavendill, the man who should be responsible, who should be standing here to accept questioning, where is he?"

As soon as these words came out, the whole hall turned to look.

Federico's face chilled. "Duke Zayen is unwell today and is unable to receive guests. But though my cousin is not present, his position of supporting His Highness remains unchanged..."

"Has there been a result in the arbitration of the old duke's assassination? Has the case been settled? Has judgment been pronounced?"

But Fable did not play by ordinary rules. He stared straight at Thales. "Then why is Federico free to speak while his cousin is unable to receive guests?"

Thales sighed inwardly.

The old priest snorted coldly, his voice carrying through the hall. "Is the Duke of the South Bank healthy? Can he handle affairs? Is he clear-minded and rational? Is he under detention? Or, as rumor says, has he fallen out with the prince over Miss Hilley, becoming irreconcilable enemies, and thus had his fate decided long ago?"

The deputy chief priest asked one question after another with great force, leaving Federico's expression ugly and himself temporarily speechless.

"Or worse..."

Fable turned toward Thales, whose expression had grown solemn, and spoke coldly. "This series of disasters in Jade City, including the misfortune that happened in the temple to my student, has already shaken Emerald Palace completely and affected the removal and installation of the duke?"

The moment his voice fell, the council hall erupted into disturbance again, everyone discussing, everyone passing on rumors.

Thales sighed.

Everyone's gaze turned toward him in unison, like blades pressing against his body.

Among them, the deputy chief priest's gaze was especially sharp.

Thales had a splitting headache.

So, Zayen, your damned temper really chose the worst possible moment to flare up.

If you were here at this moment, even if you did not need to speak and merely sat there showing your teeth in a smile...

Hm, no.

The voice in Thales's heart hesitated:

If this deputy chief priest's purpose was to find fault, to pressure you,

Then no matter what, he could find an opening.

If the person absent today were Federico instead, then his argument would probably be something like, "As the initiator of the old-case arbitration, how can Federico not be here? Thales, are you monopolizing power and making private deals with Zayen?"

Only, why?

The voice in Thales's heart thought carefully:

At the very moment when Jade City's balance had almost been torn to pieces by abrupt power changes, and Thales was trying to join with the two Cavendills and do everything he could to stabilize the situation, this deputy chief priest from Sunset Temple had stood forward to question his authority.

Why?

Surely it could not be that the kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department, or even Renaissance Palace, had truly promised this deputy chief priest something?

If so, what benefit would the Secret Intelligence Department gain by bringing down the prince, the only person at this moment who could rightfully coordinate Jade City and clean up the aftermath?

Would Jade City then peacefully fall into their net and become another brick in Renaissance Palace's grand design?

Unless...

Amid the chaos, Thales looked at Deputy Chief Priest Fable, his eyes keen.

Unless this was itself a stepping stone sent by Renaissance Palace.

The "people with intentions" observing in secret were not satisfied with Thales maintaining balance in Jade City. They were not satisfied with his compromise of preserving both Cavendills at once. They believed this was too inefficient, gave Jade City too much freedom, and slowed His Majesty's great plan.

So the moment they acted, they dismantled the balance the prince was maintaining, spurred him on, warned him, and forced him to step across the river on the stone they had sent him.

Otherwise, he could only watch Jade City fall into the abyss.

Only...

Thales's heart grew heavy. The kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department, or whatever other dogs of Renaissance Palace they might be...

Were they truly so bold and reckless, caring nothing for the property and livelihoods of countless people in Jade City and the South Bank Territory?

Would they report this to King Kessel?

Or, just as Federico in desperation had called for his help at the selection meeting, was this another test and trial from the king?

Or perhaps King Kessel had tacitly allowed all of this to happen, continuing to let him "handle it himself" and "exercise discretion"?

To see whether, in the most extreme environment, he could keep his promise to the king?

Thales vaguely felt the weight of the bone ring in his pocket grow heavier.

What a headache.

His thoughts flashed by in an instant. Thales took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

No matter what, solve what was before him first.

Since the situation could no longer be calmed with words, and since he could no longer win the trust of this stubborn and devout old priest...

Thales looked at Federico, whose brows were tightly furrowed.

Then he still had to use his method?

The next second.

"Enough!"

The second prince abruptly stood, and the noise in the council hall was instantly cut off.

Bearing the gazes of the whole hall, suspicious, probing, jealous, and hateful, Thales took a deep breath.

"The reason Duke Zayen is unable to attend is actually very simple."

Thales turned his head and looked at Federico in the middle of the hall.

The latter looked into the prince's eyes and curled the corner of his mouth.

A few seconds later, Thales drew a deep breath and nodded. "Fed"

Federico smiled.

"At your command, Your Highness."

He turned around, first glancing at Deputy Chief Priest Fable, then facing the hall.

"According to the investigation, the criminal who broke into the temple and wounded the priest is named Bort. He was once a clerk of Emerald Palace," Federico said methodically, "directly under the Duke of the South Bank."

As soon as his voice fell, a disturbance immediately rose in the council hall.

"That's right. The person who committed violence in the temple, threw Jade City into panic, forced everyone to enter the palace for audience, and made them question His Highness's qualification as regent was none other than one of Zayen's old subordinates!"

Thales silently observed: the discussion in the hall grew even louder, and people began whispering to one another.

"I know there are no secrets in Jade City," Federico sneered and swept his gaze across the attendees in every direction. "I would wager that eighty percent of the people in this hall already know this."

Deputy Chief Priest Fable frowned slightly.

"Is that so?"

Beside the main seat, Wya, standing as the prince's guard, frowned and whispered, "Why do I remember the truth being much more complicated..."

"You remember," Mallos, beside him, watched the uproar in the hall calmly without moving his lips, "but others may not need to remember."

"Therefore, whether for the sake of safety or to avoid suspicion," Federico continued loudly from the other side, "at least for today's meeting, Duke Zayen is unsuited to attend."

He slowly turned toward Fable, his gaze like a blade. "Especially since this audience was called by Mr. Fable precisely because of that temple murder, and because his student was assassinated."

When his words fell, the crowd continued discussing.

"Avoid suspicion? Could Lord Zayen have done it?"

"Lord Zayen is a duke. Who in this city isn't his old subordinate? Even the men who clean the latrines count!"

"Who knows whether it is true? Maybe they have already secretly dealt with Zayen..."

"An assassination case every day, curfew every night, roads blocked everywhere. How are people supposed to live?"

The deputy chief priest's eyes sharpened.

"Your Highness!"

Amid the noise of the entire council hall, Deputy Chief Priest Fable suddenly spoke and looked at the man standing highest in the hall. "Is what this man says the truth?"

Thales was silent.

Federico turned his head and stared hard at him, his gaze full of urgency and expectation.

If Zayen were here, Thales did not know why he thought this, but Zayen's gaze would surely be the complete opposite, full of warning and disdain.

Unfortunately, he was not here.

"In general..."

Thales sighed. "Yes."

It was simply not the entire truth.

The old priest froze and looked at him quietly.

"But please be at ease."

Thales paused, then could not help adding, "Fed and I are both certain that Zayen himself has nothing to do with this case. He is only an innocent victim who was dragged in and used."

Federico had originally shown some satisfaction, but at these words he could not help frowning.

However, he quickly adjusted and spoke loudly to the uneasy audience. "Just as I said earlier: Jade City is unsettled, and calamities have come one after another, because there is a mastermind behind the curtain causing trouble, sowing discord, and attempting to subvert Emerald Palace."

His words again stirred discussion.

"What do you mean?"

Deputy Chief Priest Fable's expression changed abruptly, as if he had realized something. "Who is this mastermind you speak of?"

Federico turned his head and glanced at him, then smiled coldly.

"Everyone!"

Federico's voice rang out amid the noise, clear and piercing. "These past days, including the temple assassination, those who raised disaster and obstructed Jade City's peace and livelihood were not the prince, not me, and not even Zayen..."

He said coldly, "They are certain conservatives within Jade City who are comfortable with the current state, unwilling to change, already enjoying vested interests and loathing reform, and therefore unwilling to see His Highness take up the regency or even carry out reform!"

As soon as he said this, a considerable number of people in the council hall looked at one another.

Thales sat back down, closed his mouth, and quietly watched Federico's performance.

Avoiding the important and dwelling on the trivial, shifting the focus, striking at future political enemies while testing attitudes in the name of advancing reform.

This Scarlet Iris's political technique truly came in complete sets.

Worthy of being a son of Cavendill.

"There are also certain opportunists who do not know the height of heaven or the depth of earth, who cannot bear to see Jade City prosper, and only want to fish in troubled waters."

Federico ignored the noise in the hall and spoke loudly. "It even includes some old stubborn men who dare not mention the past, for fear that after Zayen steps down, the old evils they committed will be dug up and reckoned with!"

Mm, only sometimes, he could not avoid smuggling in a bit of Federico's own personal goods.

Only...

The voice in Thales's heart added quietly:

If he replaces Zayen in governing Emerald Palace, who knows whether that will be fortune or disaster?

Deputy Chief Priest Fable frowned tightly.

"When these people learned that His Highness had reached reconciliation with me and Zayen and found a new path for Jade City, they could no longer sit still."

Amid the shock and doubt of the whole hall, Federico continued coldly. "Thus, they plotted rebellion, planned this despicable assassination, and sowed discord between His Highness and the Cavendills, between His Highness and Sunset Temple, and even between His Highness and Jade City, hoping to interrupt the arbitration of the old case, escape investigation, and even conceal the old evils they committed years ago."

"They also hope to smear and shake His Highness's regency, delaying the reforms that must come to Jade City, thereby maintaining the enormous profits they have sucked from Jade City's body for years through all manner of unfair advantages!"

The disturbance in the hall grew louder.

"Your Highness! These people are Jade City's true tumors. They are the masterminds who planned the temple murder, the chief culprits who disrupted this city's order and made people's hearts panic."

As if that were still not enough, Federico suddenly turned back toward Thales and spoke decisively. "I believe that if Jade City is to have peace, the only path is to punish these people severely, smash the rice bowls they depend on, and frighten all others who harbor the same malicious thoughts. Only then will the same tragedy not happen again. Only then can we give an explanation to the innocent people of Jade City who have been dragged into this!"

As soon as he said this, the council hall first fell silent, then erupted again.

Everyone looked at one another, all of them alarmed.

"Nonsense!"

Finally, Count Lasia in the crowd could no longer endure it.

"By your standard, what counts as being comfortable with the current state? What counts as vested interests? Is everyone in this hall a mastermind?"

He shook off his eldest son's arm, stood, and roared angrily. "Little bastard, do you have evidence? Say the names then! Who is the mastermind? Who?"

The crowd gave waves of support and agreement, mixed with many angry protests against Federico.

But Federico was unafraid.

"The investigation is still ongoing, Count Lasia."

He spoke coldly, his gaze sweeping across the guests one by one. "But I believe that one day, the facts of the case will come to light, and we will drag out those who obstruct Jade City's peace and livelihood, even if they are sitting in this very hall!"

Thus the sounds of protest, curses, and anger burst out again, flooding the whole council hall like a torrent.

"What does he mean?"

"He means the mastermind is among us?"

"What does he mean by conservatives comfortable with the current state?"

"It means those who used to have good lives under Duke Zayen..."

"Then why come after us? Go after Zayen, the real mastermind!"

"This is slander!"

"We are here for Jade City!"

"I refuse to accept this. We want justice!"

In an instant, apart from a sparse few such as the Karabeyan sisters and Count Havia, most people began speaking fiercely, either defending themselves, denouncing others, sighing, or sneering.

Only Federico stood alone among them, unmoving as a mountain.

On the main seat of the council hall, Thales, long forgotten by the crowd, took a deep breath.

"Enough!"

The Duke of Star Lake roared, and the Star Lake Guards beside him moved out one after another, shouting rebukes and suppressing order.

At this point, it was time for him to enter the field.

The agitation gradually subsided. Under countless gazes, Thales took a deep breath and stood.

"Federico Cavendill!"

The prince spoke loudly, his attitude severe.

Federico turned and bowed. "Your Highness."

"Matters without foundation," Thales said solemnly, "should not be hunted down from mere shadows or used to alarm people's hearts because of your suspicions."

Federico apologized and lowered his head.

"Everyone, do not worry!"

The next second, Thales raised his head and smiled. "What Federico just said, traitors, villains, masterminds, were only his personal inferences. Since there is no evidence, they are inevitably biased."

He paused. "Zayen and I both do not believe them, nor do we agree with them."

Only then did the restless crowd breathe out in relief.

Sounds of agreement and approval began to come from the crowd, including no small amount of praise and gratitude toward the Duke of Star Lake.

"And please rest assured. Priest Chadwi's tragedy is indeed infuriating, and the case must continue to be investigated, but I have no habit of digging three feet into the ground and launching sweeping reckonings. The innocent will not be falsely accused, and the guiltless will not be harmed."

Thales did his best to appear gentle and proper, calming the attendees who had almost just been accused of being "masterminds." "And I believe that whether they are lords, high officials, landlords, or merchants, the vast majority of people in Jade City are loyal and upright."

Thales looked at the old priest still standing in the hall, whose expression had grown desolate. "Just as Deputy Chief Priest Fable said, what matters most for Jade City is a return to order and stability."

"Precisely," Count Havia of Saltwall Harbor, as a guest from another territory, spoke fairly. "The greater picture comes first. That is the proper argument."

The council hall, which had just been a mess of arguments, now rang with waves of agreement and approval.

Very good.

Thales looked at the crowd in the council hall, now stabilized again, and let out a breath.

With this, there should be no one else trying to push further and ask, "How did you govern Jade City into this state?" or "Do you still have the face to continue as regent?"

That's right. This was Federico's suggestion for dealing with this crisis.

Before the passionate masses in the hall could question Thales's governing order, use Federico's mouth to first question whether "there are bad people among the masses" and whether "you are the ones who destroyed order."

Then, after that, let them fight among themselves in circles over "I am not a bad person," "you are the bad person," and "who is the bad person among us," exhausting and consuming themselves.

Thales sighed, somewhat dispirited.

Fine. The idea was rotten, but it was rather effective.

At the very least, after the temple murder had thrown people's hearts into chaos, it could get them through this audience that resembled a forced palace.

And...

Thales's heart tightened.

If the "people with intentions" who planned the assassination and even sent Reverse Blade to attack the tunnels were watching, were waiting for an explanation...

Would they be satisfied with Jade City's current direction?

Would the man far away in Renaissance Palace be satisfied?

On the other side, listening to the tangled discussions around him and looking at Federico's expression, Deputy Chief Priest Fable suddenly understood something.

Find a possible mastermind?

He stood alone in the hall, holding the Sunset Scripture the old chief priest had given him years ago, and sighed softly.

It seemed that no one remembered the original purpose of this audience anymore.

"Fedi, I remember that in the past, you were still a slightly plump little boy."

The old priest walked to Federico's side, his tone weary. "But after so many years, now that things have come to this, I already..."

"I no longer recognize you."

Federico trembled when he heard this.

But he quickly calmed down and turned back toward the hall.

"No, sir, you do recognize me," the Scarlet Iris said softly. "I am a son of the iris, a Cavendill bloodline."

"Only..."

"Not the right one."

The deputy chief priest stepped back two paces and looked at his former student with eyes full of unfamiliarity.

"Fedi, you..." The old priest took a deep breath. "Do you truly know what you are doing?"

"Do you know what you are going to destroy and what you are going to betray by doing this?"

And on the ruins after that destruction, what do you intend to build? The deputy chief priest left the latter sentence in his heart.

Federico froze when he heard this. He looked into his old teacher's eyes and frowned.

"I do not know, Mr. Fable."

At first, Federico seemed hesitant and struggling, but his expression soon firmed. "But for the justice that is owed, and for the greater picture..."

A cold light flashed in Federico's eyes. "Sometimes, we all have to make sacrifices."

Even if what is sacrificed is the light.

Fable's pupils trembled.

"You should not have returned."

The old priest said listlessly, "You truly should have imitated your ancestor, Perry the Wave-Riding Knight, boarded the ship that belonged to you, and sailed into the distance in a great adventure, taking away all misfortune and pain, leaving only legend and poetry behind you."

Federico was dazed for a moment.

Of course, Ancestor Perry was a hero without peer. When he set sail for the last time, he left no regrets behind him.

Naturally, there was no need for him to return.

But Federico was not him.

Federico's gaze chilled.

He was not.

He had to return.

The next second, Federico's vision blurred. He saw Deputy Chief Priest Fable stride forward and raise his voice, interrupting the audience meeting that had already entered a perfunctory stage. "Your Highness Thales!"

Thales, who was maintaining his smile, raised his head.

"You truly have fine methods. Shift the focus, threaten first and soothe afterward. With a few words, you have made everyone forget their original purpose and dare not speak more of your failures as regent."

Fable spoke coldly. "Only, this old man still has a few questions."

Thales frowned slightly, sensing trouble.

"To attribute all contradictions to that vague so-called mastermind, Your Highness," the old priest looked at Federico behind him, whose expression was solemn, "is that your meaning, or Federico's own meaning?"

The deputy chief priest paused, his gaze sharp. "Or perhaps, is it Renaissance Palace's meaning?"

Thales froze when he heard this, while the other listeners in the hall all stiffened.

Before the prince could answer, Federico came to the old priest's side.

"This is Jade City's own matter, Mr. Fable," Federico said gravely. "Do not involve matters too far away."

Fable snorted coldly, like an old lion. "But what if you cannot find them?"

Thales asked in confusion, "Cannot find them?"

Fable turned and faced the people at the audience. "If you investigate all the way and still cannot find this so-called mastermind, and cannot clean your own house, then must Jade City be searched night after night and never know a day of peace?"

Everyone froze and began thinking deeply.

"Sir, I believe," Federico still answered, "that justice may be late, but it will not be absent."

Fable still snorted coldly. "Then does that mean that as long as justice is absent for one day, everyone who opposes the prince, opposes your hold on power, or merely has slight criticisms of the regency and reform, will be listed as suspects of 'traitors' and 'masterminds'?"

"Like today, freely manipulated as you please?"

As soon as these words came out, it was as if a cold wind suddenly swept through the hall that had just been merry and harmonious.

It woke no small number of people.

Not good.

When Thales heard this, his heart sank.

What was this deputy chief priest trying to do?

"His Highness has said that the innocent will not be falsely accused and the guiltless will not be harmed," Federico remained at the front line, crossing verbal blades with his former teacher without yielding. "Those who are guilty, however, will certainly not escape."

The highly respected old priest turned his head and smiled coldly. "Then I cannot help beginning to suspect that this assassination against my student came too coincidentally, at too perfect a time."

He narrowed his eyes and stared directly at Thales on the main seat, making the latter feel his heart jump. "It is almost as if someone were cooperating with you, giving you an excuse to settle accounts with the whole city, purge those unlike yourselves, and frighten your subjects into obedience."

Whispers appeared again in the hall.

Thales frowned deeply.

No.

This was not quite right.

He had originally thought this old priest had only been used and incited as a puppet. But now it seemed...

"Sir, be cautious with your words!"

Federico's face was expressionless. "The misfortune your student suffered is no joke. Do not use that tragedy as a bargaining chip, cutting into another person's suffering in order to win sympathy and approval."

Perhaps these words were too impolite. The next second, Fable abruptly turned his head, his gaze fixed on Federico.

But Federico did not retreat or avoid him. He only looked coldly back at his former teacher.

"Sunset above, look at yourself, little Fedi."

The old priest said softly, "For power, for hatred, for obsession, for the way of the Youngest Son, tell me, Fedi, what evil have you sold your soul to?"

Federico's expression changed slightly.

"The classic stories we studied in class, of the old god Elor sacrificing himself to save all people, of the divine envoy Benjamin abandoning his divine body to drive away disaster, even of the prophet Mohasa giving himself up for others and finally becoming a saint..."

Deputy Chief Priest Fable stepped forward and looked at him with heartbreak. "Do you not remember even the slightest bit?"

For some reason, Federico could not endure Fable's gaze. He unconsciously turned his head away.

"The stories of the old god Elor and divine envoy Benjamin are too mysterious. Mortals have no place commenting on them."

Struggle appeared on Federico's face, but he still shook his head. "But sir, the reason Prophet Mohasa was ultimately canonized was not because he sacrificed himself for others."

Federico seemed to have made up his mind. He coldly looked back at his teacher.

"It was because he turned the Sunset faith into the national religion of the Stars."

The moment his voice fell, the old priest looked at his former student, and the last trace of light in his eyes finally went out.

"Prince Thales!"

The next second, amid the whispers, Deputy Chief Priest Fable strode forward and faced Thales, his voice old but firm. "I wish to ask: as long as you remain in office for one more day, remain regent for one more day, or even merely stay here for one more day, are Jade City and even the South Bank Territory destined to remain trapped in power struggles and political fights? You attack me, I frame him, he wrongs you, and torment and suffering continue without end?"

Thales, who was thinking about the other's stance, froze. "Where does this question come from..."

"But by the Sunset above, what crime have the people of Jade City committed?"

Fable interrupted him, his expression resolute. "I do not know who planned the assassination against my student, nor do I know for what purpose, whether for personal grudge and revenge, for coercion and warning, to stir muddy waters, or, as little Fedi says, because those unwilling to look back and unwilling to accept the future are making trouble, or because of some dispute among the king's servants. To tell the truth, I do not much care."

The deputy chief priest gritted his teeth and clenched that old, faded Sunset Scripture.

"What I want to ask, what I want to ask on Jade City's behalf, is this: when exactly will all of this end?"

As these words fell, whether front-row vassals and officials or people in the middle and rear rows, many seemed to feel the same way and began voicing agreement.

Federico hurried to keep up with his teacher's position and said coldly, "Mr. Fable, you asked this question at the beginning."

But Fable paid him no attention. He only stared hard at Thales, who was thinking bitterly, and took a deep breath.

"Or let me say it this way: Your Highness Thales, when will the regency power you obtained through extraordinary means come to an end?"

As soon as he said this, from Thales onward, from guards to servants, from officials to lords, everyone in the council hall changed expression.

"How dare you!" Wya shouted angrily and was about to step forward, but Mallos, his expression grave, held him back tightly.

Yet Fable had not finished. He stared at the caught-off-guard Thales and pressed him with question after question. "As I see it, Your Highness the prince, relying on the might of the royal family and the strength of the whole kingdom, has detained the duke, entered Emerald Palace, taken control of Jade City, grasped great power, and intimidated the vassals."

"But have you ever had a plan for when you will hand over authority? Return governance to Jade City? Return peace and prosperity to the people of the South Bank?"

His angry voice echoed through the hall.

But this time, the entire council hall did not contain even a whisper.

Even the dignitaries and nobles in the front row looked solemn and kept silent.

"And there is also the arbitration of the old case of the old duke's death! As a prince, you preside over justice and thereby control both Cavendills. How natural and proper. How noble and bright!"

Deputy Chief Priest Fable seemed to grow braver the more he fought, caring less and less that his words crossed taboos. "But with the times as they are, and with the precedents of the North and the Western Desert before us, even the dullest and most trusting passerby would have to ask: is this truly a proper procedure, or is it a hypocritical excuse for Your Highness to cling greedily to power, delay the handover, and ultimately occupy the nest that belongs to another?"

As soon as this came out, everyone in the hall looked at one another in horror.

What was he doing?

Even Thales looked at this old Sunset priest in surprise and uncertainty, forgetting to answer for a moment.

"Deputy Chief Priest, you are tired," Count Havia, an outside noble, was the first to react and gently tried to smooth things over. "Some matters can be discussed later..."

"Deputy Chief Priest..." Finance Director Mylahovich also had no choice but to speak.

"Perhaps that is enough for today..." Count Shukardel of Evergreen Island coughed.

Even the Karabeyan sisters carefully yet somewhat excitedly moved their fans, exchanging expressions of having seen a wonderful surprise.

"Enough!"

At this moment, the person who shouted angrily was Federico. His face was full of anger. "Since the dispute between sacrifice and religion ended and the sacred and the secular were separated, the kingdom's system has already been settled. Gods belong to gods, men belong to men. Secular regency is not a matter Sunset Temple should inquire into!"

When his words fell, the believers belonging to the temple and church, and even followers of other faiths, lowered their heads one after another and prayed for forgiveness.

But Fable was entirely unafraid.

"I said before that after today, I will remove my priestly robe and take off my holy stole."

The old priest slowly turned, first looking at Federico, then toward the seats throughout the hall. "Therefore, I ask this not as a priest, but as an ordinary citizen of Jade City."

He spoke with deep pain. "Your Highness, Fed, and Zayen, who has not appeared, when you great figures are scheming against one another in Renaissance Palace, even in Emerald Palace, fighting to the death, have you ever thought of the countless common people outside the palace?"

"Craftsmen dare not plan next season's production. Sea merchants cannot be certain of next month's cargo. Minor officials do not know whether next year's wages can be paid in full. People watching a martial performance must worry about their personal safety. Those going out to enjoy themselves may encounter an undeserved fire. Even going to the temple to pray requires worrying about whether one will be caught up in an assassination. The poor outside North Gate Bridge have endured several great searches, with countless dead and injured because of one criminal..."

The people in the hall had varied expressions when they heard this.

"When you exhaust every scheme for your grand plans, the people outside the city suffer disaster, live in constant fear, and do not know how they are to continue."

Thales did not answer at once.

He frowned, his gaze sweeping across the hall, especially the expressions of the guests in the rear rows. Looking at their eyes, he suddenly understood.

It was not Fable.

Not only Fable.

Although this deputy chief priest's words were sharp, at most, he had merely seen the hidden current of power within this and, at the right time, seated himself atop the tide, cleverly drifting with it.

The ones who were truly anxious and uneasy, who were collectively making trouble for him, were none other than these people whom he had once summoned and spoken with, whom he had mediated with and drawn close, warned and coerced, and who had eventually reached consensus and helped Thales overcome the trap Zayen left behind and successfully settle Jade City.

They were speaking to him.

Through the mouth of a god.

[Theology is the study of people.]

For some reason, Thales remembered these words from his theology teacher, Priestess Meghan.

"And not only that!"

Fable's questioning pulled Thales back to the present again.

"Judging from Federico's performance today, even if Your Highness lays down the responsibility of regency..."

The deputy chief priest coldly sized up his former student. "Can Jade City truly recover stability and peace, and regain prosperity and happiness?"

Federico did not answer, only looked back expressionlessly.

"Sunset above! What will become of Jade City from here on? What should be done with it from here on?"

Fable clenched the Scripture in his hand and spoke through gritted teeth. "Your Highness the prince, no, I should say, Renaissance Palace far away in the royal capital, what kind of Jade City does it truly wish to see?"

As soon as this was said, everyone changed expression.

Thales clenched his fist and frowned.

His expression was grave as he watched the old man before him finish every word:

"Even more, respected King Kessel, how much does he intend to take from Jade City, from the South Bank Territory, from this peaceful land that has known no war for sixty years, before he is finally satisfied?"