#Episode 81
Giving a hungry cat a fish to chew on, Laurus secretly rejoiced but pretended to reluctantly accept the proposal.
While Laurus recounted past events, Oliver, with a stern expression, continued speaking.
“We’ve been able to catch a brief break for now, but the problem isn’t solved yet. The holy knight who arrived was Lapis Ignarius.”
“What? A Flint Knight?”
Todd exclaimed, leaping in surprise. Laurus also looked visibly astonished.
Although Van Drake considered most holy knights of the Lamphas Order to be useless fireflies, there were some he acknowledged as capable, and among them were the Lapis Ignarius.
Todd clicked his tongue.
“To think they traced us all the way from Haidus… If it’s a Flint Knight, it makes sense.”
The task of persistently tracking a vampire’s traces for months using the Dawn Compass carried by the investigators was usually impossible. However, it wasn’t for Lapis Ignarius.
As one of the most powerful wielders of divine strength among the holy knights, they wouldn’t have missed even the faint traces left by Vasha.
Todd glanced anxiously at Vasha. If it were an ordinary holy knight whose only ability was to light a flame, there wouldn’t have been any need for concern.
However, Flint Knights were strong enough to confront high-ranking vampires, making them an overwhelming opponent for Vasha.
‘Though it’s unlikely, if they were to clash…’
Unaware of what Lapis Ignarius was, Vasha had no idea Todd was worried about such a scenario. Instead, Vasha merely blinked, rolling her eyes.
Still, judging from the reactions of the others, Vasha could infer that the opponent must be a dangerous one.
Laurus, knowing the extent of the threat, also leaned in with Todd to seriously discuss countermeasures.
“How about trying to report to the central Lamphas Church instead? The fact that Lapis Ignarius has been wandering around like this for months is something the central church will definitely find displeasing. If we send word, they’ll immediately call them back, and then they’ll have no choice but to return.”
“Applying pressure, huh? But do you think they’ll just let go in the meantime? These are the most tenacious investigators out there. They’ll stick around, waiting for an opportunity to pounce.”
“It’ll come down to a race against time, then. If the central Lamphas Church summons them before they find evidence of Lady Vasha’s presence here, we win. But if they uncover something….”
“Damn it. What a bothersome lot we’re dealing with.”
A frown formed on Todd’s smooth, sleek forehead. Seeing the humans so visibly shaken, Vasha also became serious in response.
Resting her chin on both hands, Vasha let out a deep sigh and muttered.
“Of all times, they show up now… It’s almost time for the Lantern Festival. What if they’ve caught wind of Laurus heading to the auction house and decide to follow? They’ll definitely make a nuisance of themselves. And if they interfere with the auction…”
When it rains, it pours.
If the interference of the holy knights caused them to lose Van Drake’s relic, the trial would end in failure as well. Vasha clicked her tongue in frustration.
‘I knew it! This trial seemed way too easy!’
Perhaps Rasa had calculated all of this when presenting the trial. Vasha should have been more suspicious of being offered a high-rank vampire position so easily.
If Rasa had been present, Vasha would have given it a piece of her mind! Grinding her teeth in anger, Vasha’s frustration was evident.
Laurus, noticing Vasha’s agitation, tried to calm her down.
“Don’t worry about that matter. If the opponent is human, then we just need to face them using human methods. I’ve already taken some measures in advance….”
A meaningful smile played on Laurus’ lips. Though Vasha had no clue what Laurus was planning, the confidence in Laurus’ demeanor was oddly reassuring.
At last, the tension that had been running high started to dissipate. Vasha leaned back into the sofa, letting her body relax, and nodded.
“Alright. I’ll trust you.”
***
“Wow… I can’t believe I’ve actually seen Laurus… Wait, did I really see him?”
As Matteus trudged back to the city of Noctiluca, his eyes were dazed. He tried hard to calm the uncontrollable beating of his heart.
For someone like his young master, a Lapis Ignarius, to retreat from a single painter was unheard of under normal circumstances.
But it wasn’t just any painter—it was Laurus.
The Painter of Light. The one who captures the miracles of Lamphas with his brush!
Bernardo silently walked ahead of the excited Matteus, showing no sign of sharing the enthusiasm. Unaware of Bernardo’s growing annoyance, Matteus continued to chatter.
“Do you think the compass might have been pointing in the wrong direction?”
“Are you doubting the compass? Or my divine power?”
Bernardo, unable to suppress his irritation any longer, glared at Matteus. Yet, Matteus, still caught up in his excitement, remained oblivious and pressed on.
“But we’re talking about Laurus here. That Laurus! Who would ever believe that Laurus is harboring a vampire?”
“Ugh…”
Bernardo let out a sigh, having run out of things to say. Matteus’ argument had merit.
To claim that Laurus Renfield was associated with vampires was tantamount to accusing Laurus of heresy.
If such a claim were made, what would become of Laurus’ paintings that adorned the walls and ceilings of the Lamphas Order’s chapel?
Those were paintings that the late pope had pleaded for days to acquire—could they now be deemed works of heresy?
Acknowledging that would tarnish the legacy of the late pope.
As someone chosen by the Holy Dragon, the pope was regarded as the living embodiment of divinity and the head of the Divine Faction.
Tarnishing the pope’s reputation would be unacceptable within the Divine Faction.
And yet, seeking the help of the Faith Faction, which politically opposed the Divine Faction, was also not an option. This was because the Faith Faction had used Laurus as an example to support their claims for years.
Laurus had been their representative case proving that, even without divine power, one could still sense and express the radiance of light. Thus, the Faith Faction had no desire to magnify any suspicions of heresy surrounding Laurus.
On rare occasions, when the Divine Faction and the Faith Faction shared a common stance, it was often regarding issues related to Laurus.
Therefore, the main church would never agree to put Laurus on trial for heresy.
Unless there was irrefutable evidence connecting Laurus to vampires….
At this thought, Bernardo shook his head.
“Framing Laurus as a heretic is ultimately a secondary issue. The priority is rescuing the young Van Drake who might be suffering in that mansion.”
Given that Van Drake was believed to be in the villa, they couldn’t afford to escalate the situation. Stirring up unnecessary commotion might expose Van Drake’s presence, completely derailing their plans.
The target was within reach, yet all they could do was watch from behind a wall. The frustration felt as if his chest was tightening.
‘The young Van Drake must endure just a little longer….’
Bernardo, who prided himself on patience and believed rushing things often ruined them, could not suppress his unease when he considered the young Van Drake’s life being at stake.
While he was deeply engrossed in thinking about how to infiltrate Laurus’ mansion, they arrived at the Noctiluca diocese before he realized it.
Perhaps because he had stayed there previously and had become familiar to them, a young deacon sweeping the main gate greeted Bernardo warmly.
“Welcome back, brother. The bishop has been asking for you.”
“The bishop, you say?”
A foreboding feeling crossed Bernardo’s mind, and he unknowingly frowned. The deacon noticed his expression and cautiously added.
“It seems there has been communication from the central headquarters….”
Just hearing the word ‘central’ was enough to piece things together. Bernardo and Matteus’ faces immediately turned grim.
***
BANG!
With a loud noise, the bishop’s office door opened, and Bernardo stormed out with a fierce attitude.
Matteus, who had been waiting outside, quickly followed Bernardo and asked with concern.
“What did he say?”
“The cardinal’s message was clear—he told me not to waste time on futile and meaningless matters and to return to the Holy Kingdom as soon as possible.”
🍓; Giving a hungry cat a fish to chew on, like offering someone something they desire or need, often as a way to satisfy them or gain favor
