By the time the dark-haired wizard left Byrne Cathedral, it was already dark.

Looking at the bustling crowd around the church... There is no need to wait until the next day, when the Duke of Byrne returns from his mission, the news of the first visit to Byrne Cathedral will spread throughout the Red Blood Castle and then throughout Byrne.

As Mentor Dalton said, he is not what he was three years ago, and the Lord of Byrne, who controls the South, will attract attention in his every move.

His visit to the cathedral would be a strong signal that the nobles and subjects of Byrne would think that the Duke of Byrne was on the side of the bishop and supported his plan for a "new reform."

Loren certainly knows this.

So he had to take the lead and make it a fait accompli, just like the little priest had done before - it was he who took the initiative to stand up for the church, not the church that convinced itself to approve of the little priest's reform plan.

The difference between active and passive is the difference between who has the dominant power and who is the more powerful party.

Thus the Byrnec church owes itself a favor whether they want it or not, and even if the little priest Weber wants the church to remain "pure and independent," he has to accept the fact that the church is formally governed by the Council of the Round Table, and the rank is lower than himself.

That's right, this approach is the same as when he was in the imperial capital, when Eckhart II deliberately brought the conflict between the church and the wizards to the imperial trial, and he personally judged it......

People, sure enough, they still have to be the most hated by themselves.

With a sigh of emotion again, the black-haired wizard returned to the palace surrounded by the knights of the escort, and before he could enter the main entrance, a slender figure was already in front of him.

"You're back late, again. ”

With her chest held high, Charlotte said coldly, "We have made an appointment to meet before the evening, and then at dinner we will talk about the affairs of your absence—this is a very formal transfer of power, is it too rude not to feel late and to have a woman wait, my lord?"

"I'm sorry, but it will take a while to convince our Bishop. Loren smiled flatteringly: "You also know that it is not easier to convince a devout member of the Holy Cross than to persuade a stubborn girl. ”

"So... Our esteemed Countess, have you cleaned up some disobedient servant and made him more honest?"

Facing the black-haired wizard with a slightly mocking tone, the countess snorted noncommittally and raised her head.

"By tomorrow afternoon at the latest, prices in the Red Blood Castle will return to normal and stable - it is announced to the public that it is the result of detailed consultations with the merchants, the Duke himself, and that the crisis has been resolved, and that the hearts and minds of the Turin family have been won again. ”

"Worthy of our dignified Countess of the Red Blood Castle, she is indeed a descendant of the Turin family!" the grinning Loren showed his neat two rows of white teeth and gave a thumbs up:

"I knew that a guy like Little Yod was definitely no match for you, as long as he came forward in person, he could ...... in a few words."

Smack——!

The answer to him was Charlotte, who turned her head and left, "fiercely" pumping the long hair on his face, leaving him with a faint fragrance on his face and a back that left in a hurry.

Only the black-haired wizard with an embarrassed smile remained, standing stiffly in place.

"Allow me to express my sympathy for what has happened to you, Lord Duke. Charles, the head of the court, who was standing on the side the whole time, turned around with his hands behind his back and with a hint of a smile:

"But you must also understand that the Countess has just won a beautiful battle, and she continues to receive your encouragement and recognition, but you are not only late, but you are also full of ... The tone of ridicule between friends, so ......"

"So I deserve it, right?" the black-haired wizard rolled his eyes.

Charles looked desperately smiling and lowered his head, only his shoulders were still shaking.

"Please follow me, Lord Duke... You're already late, you don't want to be late for dinner, do you?" the court governor stepped out of the way and extended his hand to greet him: "According to the earl's arrangement, this is just a simple family banquet - but even so, when it comes to the lord of the duchy and the important members of his family, there must be a formality. ”

"So if you're willing, we can go through all the procedures and steps for the dinner as we go, and of course, if you don't want me to say that... The Count has commanded, and says that you may not like to hear it. ”

Loren nodded helplessly, resisting the urge to roll his eyes a second time.

So since I don't have a choice, why are you going to explain it to me?

This is probably the hardest thing for him to accept... Charlotte always liked to be very formal and ceremonial for any kind of event, and everything from a simple banquet to a round table meeting of the thirteen earls was probably equally important in her eyes.

After a few years together, Loren can probably understand her reasons, but it doesn't mean that he is willing to suffer.

"This morning's meeting ......" interrupted Charles, and Loren hurriedly changed the subject: "Your Excellency a certain treasurer, you must be having a hard time, right?"

"Of course not. The court steward shook his head very decisively, but then he pursed his lips with a smile and nodded: "The Count entertained him very warmly in the palace garden, and explained to him the consequences of not cooperating with him in the calmest and most tactful tone. ”

Calm and very tactful... Loren raised an eyebrow.

Coercion, intimidation, threat of life?

"All in all, His Excellency the Treasurer soon realized that if he did not make a certain compromise soon, the Duchy would give the title of Treasurer to Count Gareth of the Rainbow Bridge, and then divide the United Chamber of Commerce. Charles said softly, with a hint of admiration in his tone:

Three years later, the United Chamber of Commerce is no longer necessary, but the United Chamber of Commerce must be attached to the Duchy, otherwise the roads, mines, and shops they control will soon become fat in the eyes of the rest of the Chamber of Commerce. ”

"Uh... I remember that the Duchy owes the United Chamber of Commerce a lot of money, and it seems that it is difficult to pay it back?" Loren couldn't help but speak.

It is precisely for this reason that the United Chamber of Commerce must not leave the Principality, otherwise all debts will not be cashed, and it will lose the financial benefits and support of the Principality, and will soon face the dilemma of collapse and complete destruction. ”

Charles nodded: "The Earl told me that this is still the 'shameless trick' she learned from you - the person who borrows the money is the grandson, and the one who owes the money is the lord - Duke, I just repeat your original words." ”

"......" Loren Turin.

"The Earl knows very well that the Chamber of Commerce is an important tool that you use to control the various territories of the Thirteen Territories, and that there is only one person who can balance the Round Table Council and firmly hold the financial power of the Duchy. ”

Charles's eyes flickered, and he said meaningfully: "And this is the reason why the Earl was helpless against him before, and it is also the reason why you can easily play with him in ancient costumes after you return." ”

"The Earl has always placed his position below you, and has preferred to endure grievances before your prestige - even if little Yod is only a merchant, even if he is only the lowest treasurer;

But as long as it is your person, the Earl will definitely win your acquiescence before using his own wrists - the Earl's affection for you can be described as more than 'loyalty'. ”

"What do you mean?" Loren raised an eyebrow.

Literally. Charles bowed humbly: "I am only your humble court governor, carrying out your orders, and expounding my opinion—judgment, is your authority." ”

The black-haired wizard smiled, "Really?"

"The banquet is ready, and you have another quarter of an hour to pack up and get ready to take your seat. Charles did not answer his question, but said abruptly:

"We've got the gown and decorations for you, five minutes to take a shower, three minutes to clean up and groom, and one minute to choose your outfit – do you have any other questions?"

"Just one, can I not want all of these?"

"No, because you're the Duke of Byrne. With a humble bow, the court steward turned and left.

Throwing Loren down again, he stood alone outside the main hall door.

"My lord, have you had another conflict with Earl Charlotte?"

A slightly witty voice came, causing the black-haired wizard to subconsciously turn his head, his expression a little strange.

"Carl Colin, I always thought you were a serious guy, but I didn't expect you to be such a witcher. ”

The demon hunter who was "complained" chuckled lightly, very disapproving: "No way, Captain Lusen is too serious on weekdays, and if our subordinates can't look away a little, it's easy to suffocate ourselves." ”

Carl Colin - Root Infinit's subordinate and the Night's Watch planted in Byrne, who was successfully "rebelled" when Loren formed the Witcher Legion, becoming a "double agent" known to both sides.

On the one hand, he collects Byrne and information about the Witchers and Loren for the Celestial Dome, and on the other hand, he also gives Loren the latest news from the Celestial Dome Palace, and at the same time works for the Witcher Legion.

Because of this relationship, for the past three years, Lusen has been restricting Carl Colin's actions, and he has been entrusted with tasks that are almost dying, until the battle of Cloud Peak has slightly begun to trust the lackeys of the "Night Watch Bug".

"Captain Luson has just returned, and there are a lot of things to deal with in the legion, so tonight it will be my turn to take up the post of 'Bedbug' who has just completed his mission and returned from the imperial capital of Golovin. ”

With a hint of ridicule and self-deprecation, Carl Colin explained, "Of course, it's only for tonight - our captain, don't dare to leave this important job to someone else." ”

"Everyone knows that the captain is 'special' uneasy as long as he is not by your side, almost like losing his soul. ”

"That's... What kind of information did you, the 'bedbug' who just returned from the imperial capital, bring back?"

Ignoring the other party's ridicule, Loren, who curled the corners of his mouth, asked lightly.

Carl Colin gradually put away his smile.

"The nobles of the imperial capital all cheered when they heard the news of the success of your mission, and praised you for being a loyal servant of the empire and the blood of Turin. The demon hunter said calmly, "But it's better not to believe this kind of information." ”

"As far as I know, more than one imperial nobleman has written to the cabinet of the Heavenly Dome Palace, 'invited' you to the Imperial Capital in the name of your successful mission and deserved to be rewarded, and the real purpose of this is to put you under house arrest in the Imperial Capital in order to control and blackmail the Duchy of Byrne. ”

"Oh?" Loren raised his eyebrows, "And what about the attitude of His Majesty the Emperor himself?"

"I'm just a witcher, and I can't pry into the inner workings of the court. Carl Colin shrugged, "All I know is that both the Chancellor and the Royal Wizard Advisor are strenuously opposed to this plan, believing that you, as Lord of Byrne, must sit in the south to truly maintain the stability of the Empire." ”

Oh?

Loren's expression was a little surprised.

Royal Wizard Advisor Master Albert is not surprised to support him, but Justice Victor... He can't wait to eat himself alive, right?

Or is it that in his eyes, the duty to maintain the stability of the empire and the justice of the law far outweighs his own hatred - there is a possibility, and if so, then thank God.

So the most important thing is the state of Eckhart II......

"Loren Turin ——!"

Charlotte's angry roar sounded behind the door, and the two guys who were still talking and laughing just now were instantly shocked!

"How long will you wait, my Lord Duke——?!"

As soon as the words fell, Carl Colin on one side immediately turned around without hesitation, held his neck high, stood motionless as if pretending to be a sculpture, and frantically hinted at Loren with his gaze.

The Count is in a hurry, what are you still hesitating about?

Loren rolled his eyes back.

Taking a deep breath, the black-haired wizard with "no way out" stepped up the stairs, generous and heroic, and strode towards it as if he were rushing to the execution ground.

Only Carl Colin and another rookie with him, the Witcher, were left.

"Lord Duke, this is... What's wrong?" The newcomer with an ignorant expression still looked inexplicable: "What happened, isn't it just a dinner, why is there such a fanfare?"

"I ask you......" Looking at the newcomer who hadn't reacted yet, Carl Colin sighed: "What is the purpose of your joining the Firmament Wings Legion and allegiance to the Duke?"

"I ......"

"I want to glorify the family, get the knighthood, go to the pinnacle of life, and one day stand by the duke's side and become his most trusted confidant, am I right?"

"Uh... This, of course, if possible......"

"I also hope to please the earl, maybe one day I can hook up with a certain noble lady and marry the girl I like, right?"

"This, of course, is only one aspect ......"

"Then listen to my advice, rookie. Carl Colin also rolled his eyes and said in a "passerby" tone:

"As long as you can let tonight pass peacefully, don't make the slightest movement, and pretend not to hear anything, maybe everything will be there!"