VII

After crossing the King's River, the convoy marched as accurately as a clock. At noon, Bonnie ordered the guards to hoist the banner bearing the insignia of the Crosso Brothers' Bank, and swaggered to the south gate of Kengol instead of the low-key manner they had been advancing on the east bank of the King's River. Seeing them advancing so flamboyantly, the guards guarding the south gate did not dare to slack off, and sent a deputy company commander with a whole platoon to investigate respectfully and politely.

"We have been invited by the Juclak Order to give a charity performance in Kengrad for the sake of peace in our homeland. This is Miss Métie Croso, an organist and pianist known for her teenage genius. ”

Bonnie Sefir, who was the butler, said solemnly to the defenders. Hearing the name of the "Julok Law Order", the largest Protestant group in the country, the deputy company commander found no reason to stop it. After the routine inspection, he also sent a few soldiers to lead the way for the convoy to St. Warrens Cathedral, the headquarters of the Vinaya. Before and after the cathedral gate, she told the soldiers to leave and walked to the main door of the convoy herself.

"Miss Crosso, we have reached our destination. Bonnie's voice was soft, and she reverted to a female voice. In the entire convoy, Méty is the only one who knows Bonnie's female identity. When she first negotiated with George Crosso, as the head of Pure Gold, she struggled to convince the banker to let his daughter go with her—and Bonnie suspected that if she were not a woman herself, George Crosso would have chosen to go bankrupt.

After the negotiation was settled, the stern-faced banker repeatedly told her to be optimistic about Meti, who had never left Lenny. At that time, Bonnie was full of promises—because she didn't know how difficult it was to look down on an arrogant 16-year-old daughter......

"We're here? Is this Kengler, Kengler!"

With an urgent and excited shout, the car door was pushed open with a "bang" and slammed into the forehead of the strongest Protestant priest on the ground. Bonnie hurriedly pressed the top hat, covered her forehead and took two steps back and squatted, her usual demeanor disappearing. The lovely blonde girl didn't even bother to look at her, and ran up the steps of St. Philip's Basilica. Seeing this, a whispered mockery erupted among the guards.

(I feel as if I've been deceived by history...... This Métie Krosso is really ...... One of the original Blood Roses...... ）

Thinking so in his mind, the butler, disguised as a man, instructed the guards to keep an eye on the convoy, and strode after Méti towards the cathedral at the top of the steps. She had to get inside the cathedral before Meti clashed with the priests of the cathedral or she would be in big trouble...... At this point, Bonnie realizes that she has miscalculated one more thing.

The blonde girl in high heels and carrying a dress skirt crossed the sixty-six steps in front of St. Warrens Cathedral as lightly as a gust of wind. Bonnie had never seen or imagined that someone in high heels could run so fast, so fast—not even in pants and riding boots, with her magically perfect body, she couldn't keep up with the girl. Mety rushed through a crowd of debating priests, knocked down a bookkeeper holding a large stack of books, interrupted the prayers of several devout believers, and ran into the church without a trace.

(Métie Krosso, the first generation of Purple Roses...... Theorized and systematized musical magic, and formed the Arbitration Society, the Department of Music Magic, to restrict the use of such magic...... As a member of someone's right-hand man and pioneers, his musical magic was distinguished by the Fifth Freedom War, the Corman Revolution, and the Restoration War, and he was in charge of Southern affairs in the first generation of organizations...... Participated in the Otherworldly Enchantment Blockade Plan, and was thoughtful and accurate...... ）

Bonnie smiled and nodded as she reflected on the introduction of Méty Croso in the secret history of the Order, apologizing to the angry clergy. It's been so long since she's back in this era, and she hasn't been so embarrassed.

(Was it because the Fifth Freedom War didn't break out right away?) What was it that made this naïve girl so much changed in history...... Should that be called fate?)

She decided not to bother with the lady's own travels, and walked along the cloister on the left side of the church. St. Warrens Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in history, built in 560 AD and named after St. Sedi Warrens, and was handed over to the Vinaya, one of the four major denominations of Protestantism, after the Reformation. After passing through the white Grand Councillor's cloister full of classical atmosphere, there is the chamber of the Bishop, the highest head of the Vinaya.

"Sir, do you have an appointment?" a priest stopped him.

"Yes, honorable priest. Bonnie took out a letter from her jacket pocket, with a small blue seal on it, "Take it in and inform His Excellency the Bishop." ”

“S.O.R...... ...... the Reforming Priest?" the priest asked, a little surprised. As we all know, Protestantism does not have an authoritative core like the Holy See, and the most important organizational structure is the four major congregations with hundreds of thousands of adherents: the Society of Discipline, the Society of Austereness, the Society of Introspection, the Society of Entente, and more than a dozen medium-sized congregations. There is no name for the Innovation Society.

"Just tell me, Your Excellency Bishop will know. Bonnie rubbed her hands. As an elite priest in later generations, if you want to break into the core class of Protestantism, it would be better to use this order as a breakthrough......

The Society of Reformation, the only Protestant sect that has no laymen or low-ranking priests, and is dedicated to the improvement of theological techniques. The number is small, but it represents the hope of Protestantism against the old Christianity.

*** ***

Earlier in the day, about 55 kilometers southeast of Kengal in the neutral zone

The team moved slowly, the horses' hooves trampling on the stumps, making a "creaking" sound. During this season, the forest with almost no leaves looks brownish-black, and there are flocks of crows flying from it, which is somewhat eerie. Seeing a large flock of crows flying up, the knight at the head of the team grabbed the reins of his horse.

"There are quirks. Uncle, you and the ladies of the Highness. Xiulan beckoned to the gloomy man beside her, and the two of them waved their horsewhips at the same time, running towards the place where the crow flew.

"Hey, it's hard enough to live to the age of an uncle...... Jett Niton retorted with some dissatisfaction, but Huran's horse had disappeared into the Black Forest. After their horses passed, several more crows flew up. The priest spread his hands, turned over and dismounted.

"Ladies, move slowly, and beware of traps. I'll use the trap detection book, but I can't guarantee that every trap will be detected. ”

"Okay, thanks. Danica quietly clenched her newly purchased scepter and replied with some nervousness, while the other priestess only nodded reservedly.

Today is the seventh day since they accepted the assignment and the tenth day that the team has been stranded south of Kengler. Yesterday just received a second salary, and the team's financial woes have been eased once again.

The quest was obtained by Pike Tap through the Thieves' Guild. The mission doesn't sound difficult: alert the area north of the Lenny government cordon, purge the area of suspicious people and bandits, live or die, and bring back captives with additional reward.

"But why the Thieves' Guild?" asked Danica curiously, "shouldn't this kind of task be commissioned directly and publicly?"

"Probably to prevent public criticism. After all, it cannot be said that the purpose of this mission is to cut off the supply of supplies to the coup army in the north and eliminate the reconnaissance scouts of the coup army. Uncle Priest explained to her, "The pay is good, there is an advance payment, and it is not bloody, so just do it." ”

With four spell users on their team, they were able to easily pass the guild's screening and get enough money to solve their needs.

"Combined with yesterday's second salary, and the bounty of the suspicious captives in front of me, this money is almost enough for the whole team to ...... for half a month" Denica, who had been promoted to the team's account office, rode forward casually, calculating the next expenses. As it stands, as long as the task can be completed for ten days, the team's economic problems can be solved. It wasn't in vain to quarrel with Reeve every day, she thought with some relief.

"Uncle, Miss Mage, come and have a look!" Xiulan's shout came from not far away, and the three of them hurriedly followed.

There is a reason why the crow flock gathers. Deep in the forest was a somewhat hidden ancient road, with very new wheel prints and horseshoe prints on the floating soil. A carriage had fallen on the side of the path, burned by the fire, and more than a dozen corpses had fallen in disarray around it, dressed in different armor and costumes, and the stench of corpses had attracted crows. Pike Tap was crouching next to the corpse, examining it. Seeing this, Miss Reeve Narmlock covered her nose with a handkerchief in disgust, and rode back two steps.

"Uncle, you are familiar with the items and badges of the South, come and confirm the identity of the convoy. Miss Viren, can you use magic to investigate how long ago this happened, and if there are any magical scars on their bodies?" Xiu Lan hesitated for a moment, then added, "Uh...... It's okay if you don't want to do it. ”

"It's okay, I'll do it. Without hesitation, Danika rolled over and dismounted, crouched down close to the corpse, and began to examine the wounds and burns.

The smell of corpses rushed into her nostrils, and the 16-year-old girl just frowned. She secretly told herself that she was used to the smell of corpses. She had to get used to the taste.

The wounds were mainly gunshot wounds, but most were not fatal; Danika brought the probe light of her gathered left hand close to the wound, but did not respond magically. She noticed a detail: most of the wounds were pierced from behind or from behind the side, which seemed strange. She turned her attention again to the burns: this time the conclusion was obvious. The same level of burn within the range is obviously magic—the burns caused by rockets or torches must be uneven.

"One to two hours. Pike Tap, who was next to him, spoke first, "South." ”

Uncle Jett also came to the conclusion: "They have more than one carriage, which should be from the northern army." Dead here were a group of mercenaries like us, about six, and the other side's guards lost four. If you walk south for an hour or two, you can catch up. ”

"There's magic, but the level doesn't seem to be very high. Danika also concluded, "The purpose of using fire magic may be to disguise, but it is not very well disguised." Be warned, however, that the opponent may have an experienced and fast-moving spearman. ”

Xiulan frowned and turned to Reif: "Madam, let's vote, shall we chase?" ”

Five index fingers were raised, all pointing to the sky.

*** ***

Later in the day, Kengol inside St. Warrens Cathedral

Bonnie pushed open the heavy mahogany door and entered the bishop's room. As soon as she entered the room, she saw a striking banner hanging on the wall facing her: "Discipline is unity, unity is strength". An old man was standing straight under the banner, with his back to her, as if reading the letter.

"It is worthy of the Vinaya Order, which is famous for its crowd tactics. Bonnie smiled wryly, knowing that eighty percent of the Free Army garrison chaplains followed the Discipline. As a sign of respect for the bishop, she took off her top hat and changed her voice back to that of a woman.

"Your Excellency the Most Honorable Bishop, a priest from the Reformation Society is here to see you. "She strictly followed etiquette. Unlike the complicated Orthodox system, most teachers in Protestantism are equal, but they are called differently according to their age, seniority, and status. Even an ordinary old priest may have the honorific title of bishop or bishop. There are only four levels of Protestantism: clergy, prefect, bishop, and bishop.

The bishop placed the letter on the table, turned around, and examined her. "Are you a brother or a sister?"

"Sisters. "Bonnie decided not to lie to the old man," came Lennie. This time, I have good news and bad news for you, and a few small things I would like to ask for your help with. ”

"Let me tell you the good news first," replied the old man, "and the good news of S.O.R. must be exciting." ”

"We've got a complete cure. "This is one of the greatest achievements of our Reformation since the Reformation." ”

With a "bang", the teacup on the table fell to the ground and shattered. The old bishop's hands pressed against the table, trembling incessantly, trying not to fall down.

"I ...... Can you take a look?" asked the old man wistfully, "I hope you know how to do this." I don't have to use it, just let me take a look at the beautiful ocean blue light. ”

"Obey the orders of Taiwan. Bonnie stretched out her right hand, muttered a prayer, and raised her index finger. A faint blue light emerged from the tip of her index finger, followed by her middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. The blue light gradually darkens, becomes pure, and becomes clearer. Like the endless sea, it stretches down from the tips of the four fingers, stretching, stretching, until it covers the entire palm. The dazzling blue glow covered the room. It wasn't until the light faded that the bishop was stunned for a long time before he returned to normal.

"I ...... I didn't expect to see Protestants possess this magic in my lifetime. I didn't expect that. The Bishop muttered to himself, "Whatever that bad news is, it can't hide the brilliance of this magic." ”

"The bad news is that we haven't found a way to use this magic by relying on the Way of the Law. Nor have we found a way to use this magic by the way of simplicity, the way of introspection, the way of justification. ”

The bishop muttered, "That...... May I venture to ask, how did you use this magic?"

"We do it by following the virtues of the plural and by repeated introspection. Now, we don't know what virtues are needed to do this – but we've proven that it can be done. Perhaps, we can try to expand the content and scope of virtue...... If we don't stick to a dogma, we may be able to break through the barriers. Virtue brings firm faith, firm faith leads to firm self-will, and self-will brings strength. ”

Bonnie carefully reveals the contents of the magnum opus, "Principles of Divine Magic", which should not have appeared until more than a decade later. It can accommodate the freedom of others, not only to be strict with oneself, but also to popularize the simple concept of simple behavior, to correct each other's mistakes, to open each other's hearts to self-examination, not only to popularize doctrine, but also to popularize the justification of justice, virtue and faith.

The bishop pondered for a long time, and finally smiled: "I think I know what our Vinaya will do in the future. Now, please say what you ask, and if you are sent, do it. ”

Hearing this, Bonnie breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. She knew she had succeeded.

"Well, I need to borrow the organ, piano, and choral classes of St. Warrens Cathedral, as well as the chapel here. In the next few days, my young lady is going to hold a charity performance here, and I hope you will help me a lot. Of course, please keep my status as a priest of the Reformed Society a secret. When she said the last sentence, she changed back to a man's voice, "I hope to borrow the power of the Vinaya to invite as many celebrities from all walks of life as possible from Kengrad." ”

The bishop grimaced: "Is it okay from tomorrow?"

Bonnie Seiffel pondered for a moment and put on her top hat: "It's okay, but of course the sooner the better." We've been staying here for a few days, so please take care of your chores. Tell your honorable priests that my name is Pluto Luthor, and my steward is Pluto Luthor. ”

The bishop nodded, and stopped talking. In the end, he didn't ask the young priestess her name, but he already had a premonition that the person in front of him would become a future Protestant star.

"By the way, if your priest sees a lovely maiden with blond hair, please take her to my room and set her up. That's our virtuoso. She added.

After going out to settle the convoy, Bonnie called a rental carriage and quietly left: "Go to the official residence of the second secretary of state." ”

"Your Excellency Nikolai Machiavelli?" even the coachman's voice had a hint of a tremor, "that man is a ruthless man, do you know his deeds?"

"Ah, let's hear it......"

She was chatting with the coachman, unaware that only half of the second secretary of state was in Kengol at this time.

*** ***

At the same time about 70 km southeast of Kengrad in the neutral area

After half an hour's journey, the rut finally came to an end and disappeared behind a sharp turn. The adventurers stopped behind the woods and listened to the movements.

There was not a single sound around, and the silence was a little depressing.

"Silent Enchantment," Danika whispered, "the two sides may be fighting fiercely......

As soon as the words fell, a piercing muffled sound came. Danika turned her head and saw a magic arrow glowing yellow being stuck in the old tree beside her, reaching the feather!

"Lie down!" Xiulan whispered to her companion as she rushed out from the other side of the tree. Almost simultaneously, the two priests each threw a dispel spell that shattered the silent barrier.

In an instant, the sound of gunfire and bows and arrows broke through the air, and the roar was accompanied by the sound of blades, and the silence of the Black Forest was gone!

Danika followed Huran a few steps and found that behind the corner was a small convoy of three carriages, surrounded by a cavalry squad of more than twenty people. The three carriages formed a ring, barely resisting the rain of arrows from the attackers. She took a closer look and found that there was more than one longbowman in this cavalry squad—— and in this era, those who still insisted on using bows and arrows were all people who used magic bows and arrows without exception. With more than one magic bow, the strength of this encirclement team is quite amazing!

"What people?!, enemy reinforcements?" "Send a few men to kill them, don't leave them alive!"

The besiegers exchanged heads, and then sent a few men to kill them under the cover of a musketeer team and a magic archer.

"Hey, I haven't even figured out the enemy, it's not appropriate to be so reckless. Uncle Jett scratched his head and said helplessly, "Maybe we're still friendly ......."

"Kill. Pike replied briefly, and the figure disappeared into the blackness of the forest.

Reeve also drew her weapon, a serpentine staff, "It's a shame that I haven't seen which side looks more like a good person." ”

Danika frowned, "I guess, it's the defender." You see, their temporary commander is still a woman, and he must have been ambushed, and many people have already died......"

She gestured to the mature beauty in the middle of the convoy with a light green ponytail.

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