Before he knew it, he had poured a small half bottle of wine from Borena's hand - he couldn't remember when he had uncorked it again.

Things had gone worse in his slumber than he had feared - people had been mistaken for the idea that he had died at the hands of Ante Bofford, that the war between the two countries had been a ruse that could have been uncovered even if he had died, but if it had really provoked Ante's murderous intent...... One is not careful, but even if he is lucky enough not to die, he may not be able to stop the conspiracy of the two countries to fight.

The person who made this plan must have known Ante very well, and the power was able to infiltrate not only Lockburg, but also control the three-storied tower...... What he saw in Collins Square proved that the enemy didn't care about being an enemy of the Temple of Water. He had suspected that the necromancer behind the scenes was a necromancer, and had heard of Lydia Bell's name, but could Lydia really have such power and power?......

The body that had not eaten for a long time seemed to start burning. Borena shook his head, trying to stay awake - he really didn't want to be a king, but he didn't want to be a king who had been on the throne for a few months and then brought another war to the Anktans with his tragic death......

“...... I'll have to talk to Ante anyway. He spoke calmly, "Is there a way to contact the Water Temple, if you can find Sean or Ed...... Maybe things can be reversed. ”

His brief association at the Temple of Collins had taught him that Ante Boford was probably not a man accustomed to being honest with people. He probably won't believe him...... But Ante, who is known for his piety, can't kill him in front of Sean and Ed, right?

He was invited to Collins. It was supposed to be that night to spread the word about Ed Singel's integrity and kindness, and the miracles he had done to him...... But it apparently didn't help. Thankfully, as Rosa said at the three-storied pagoda. Ed was also successfully recognized as the Sage of the Water God.

"It looks like that's probably the only way to go. "But you must know that our king is suspicious but not stupid...... He'll probably be able to guess who you'll be asking for help from, as Ed saved you—oh, maybe he'll suspect you're teaming up with the Water Temple to deal with him. ”

Borena could only smile wryly.

He did not tell Rosa that he had been taken from Collins Square...... It is impossible for the temple to tell the world about such a thing, but Ante was there at the time, and was undoubtedly very aware of his "disappearance...... If even Rosa would have guessed so. It wasn't surprising that Ante was even suspicious—he would choose the priest of the god of fire instead of the god of water to heal Borena's wounds, as evidenced by this.

Ethan had told him about the apparent relationship between the king of Lutgar and the Temple of Water, if he pulled Ed in. Does it make things more complicated?—but he disappeared in Collins and Ed, who became a Sage, was already out of the question...... I don't know if that guy who is too simple can handle this......

Rosa shook the bottle that was about to empty, but it was clearly another question: "Of course it would be best to get you into the temple, and if it was to convince the clergy that you were really Borena Dejury, if only if it was just a suspicion." They will keep you safe as well...... But the Temple of Water in Dumb Butch is very close to Fort Lock. If Ante is on guard, it may not be easy to bring a big man like you in...... We'll have to find another way. ”

Borena nodded silently.

He didn't know much about the city, and now he had to rely on Rosa's help, and he sincerely hoped that it would not cause her and her family any more danger.

Patty's carefree, crisp laughter rang out in his ears. Having to leave home and hide here didn't seem to affect her good mood at all, but made her extra excited. I don't know if she didn't realize that it wasn't a fun game, or if she was convinced that her father, sister, and brothers would protect her.

- I don't know about his daughter who hasn't been able to meet yet. Do you laugh so beautifully.

The surging flames made a soft thud, and in an instant it seemed to fill the entire space. Aaron Mancini could feel the heat so clearly that he could even smell the scorching stench of his hair and skin in fear, but he did not dare to take a step back - and there was nowhere to retreat.

A white figure appeared in front of him through the flames.

Mancini fell to his knees, his forehead bowed so deeply that he almost touched the ground, and even in the face of Ante Bofford, he had never shown such visceral awe.

"I have failed you, my lord. He didn't dare to raise his head, and his slightly trembling voice was as weak as a flame that suddenly dimmed, "I let you down......"

"So...... Borena Dejuri is still alive?" a calm, calm voice floated from above his head as usual, and there was no trace of anger in his tone.

Mancini could only bow down in fear: "Yes, my lord...... I did do as you told me to do secretly, and let the fear and suspicion of Ante Beauford lead him in the direction we wanted, but I did not expect Bolena to escape from Lockburg...... Maybe I should send more of our men or just do it......"

"If you do that, you're going to disappoint me. His Holiness, who was a step away but out of reach, said lightly, "The only thing I have repeatedly warned you is to be careful to hide your powers. ”

"Yes, sir, of course. I have always kept in mind every word you said. Mancini carefully chose the wording, "But I'm worried...... I'm worried that another force is involved...... Otherwise, Borena wouldn't have escaped from Lockburg so easily......"

“...... Then you should also remember that I can accept failure, but never accept excuses. ”

Still calm, but with a razor-sharp edge.

Mansini's cold sweat broke out in an instant—he knew he shouldn't have said too much. But at this moment, he could only defend himself in a hurry: "But, my lord, Lange Latus has a thundering ball...... Or something like that, how could a smuggler like him have such a powerful weapon so coincidentally, and the fire that was kindled in Lockburg that night was probably the work of Agnes in one or two places, but the fire in other places...... I was told for sure that Tabor Winter was so sure that it was a magic flame that suggested that Anther seek help from the Mage's Guild. As far as I know, Lockburg's magical protection has not been damaged in any way, and the only ...... who can use magic in it"

“...... It's me. There was a slight smile in His Holiness's voice, not because of anger, but because he really felt funny. Mancini could distinguish the contempt and mockery of the ants that looked down on him, like the smile he often showed in front of others.

"You suspect that's me. You think I deliberately allowed Borena to escape without letting you know, and you fear that you will become another abandoned pawn, sacrificed for a purpose you don't even know about......"

Sweat dripped down Mansini's forehead, and he didn't even dare reach out to wipe it.

But he didn't deny it.

He was indeed afraid of death, but he hated even more that he didn't even know what he was dying for.

"You're thinking too much, Mansini. His Holiness's tone was cold, but it made Mancini breathe a sigh of relief, "...... That may be the reason for your failure. ”

Mancini did not dare to speak again—his speculation was neither admitted nor denied, but he did not have the courage to test again.

"Tell me you at least know where Borena is now. "His Holiness's white-robed feet are removed from his face, indicating that he has begun to lose patience.

"Yes, of course. Mancini quickly replied, "I know where he is, everything is under control." I just need to make the perfect moment for him to die ......"

Since His Holiness didn't say anything, he could only assume that Borena was still going to die.

"There is no such thing as perfect timing. The response he received was unclear, "especially since nothing is deliberately created to be 'perfect.'" Aaron Mancini, you always want to keep everything in perfect control...... You're always doing too much. ”

“...... I don't...... Understand ......" A hint of annoyance gradually rose from the bottom of his heart, and Mancini tried to make it appear as pure doubt and uneasiness, "Your Excellency...... Are you saying I don't have to do anything?"

"I'm just telling you, a plan that's too complicated is always going to involve more people, and people ...... No one can perfectly predict the most elusive creatures created by the gods, and that can make things more complicated and even lead to failure...... Although that's what makes everything more interesting......"

His Holiness's voice lowered, more like he was talking to himself. Mancini simply stopped speaking, and concentrated on stifling every disrespectful thought in his head. He didn't know if His Holiness had the ability to see through them...... But it's better to be careful.

"Yes, you don't have to do anything. ”

Eventually, he was given a clear instruction – "You've planted the seed, be patient and see how it grows." ”

After seeing His Holiness off with great respect, Mancini got up and stood silent for a long time, folded his arms.

He had been afraid of that Venerable - and still is afraid. But it became increasingly clear to him that no matter how powerful he was, it was just a man.

A person who also has weaknesses that can be manipulated and exploited...... It's just that you need to be extra careful.

For now, at least, he had to obey his orders completely.

One thing that the Venerable One was right, he liked to keep everything in his own hands perfectly, and when something was out of his control, it always made him extremely restless, unable to sleep, and trying in every possible way to clean up all the overgrown branches and leaves.

He was asked to sit on the sidelines of Borenna...... Now, that's a bit of a stretch. But fortunately, people who are interested in this matter...... And he's not alone.

(To be continued......)