Chapter 325: Set Sail! Depart!

In the West District of the Shengcheng, the autumn wind blows through the winter garden of the Valencia mansion, and under the glass dome is a warm and quiet greenery.

Golden-red vines twine along the pillars, and several maple trees growing indoors finally sensed the change of seasons, adding a touch of deep withered yellow to their branches.

It is now late autumn.

Although the big storm that swept across the Vast Ocean destroyed large areas of farmland in the New and Old Worlds, it seemed not to have affected this garden.

To celebrate the upcoming auspicious snow, a tea party in the name of flower appreciation is being held.

Silver tea sets are neatly placed on the carved wooden table, the teapot emits a mixed aroma of agave and citrus, and the family crest on the tea cup shines with golden light—golden eagle wings, the symbol of the Valencia family.

In the Shengcheng, Valencia is a name that everyone knows, because this prominent family has produced three "Regents" in the past century.

In the Empire, the Regent is a person who is below one person and above ten thousand people.

If the Emperor is the spokesperson of Saint Xisi in the mortal world, the immortal "Eternal God-Chosen", then the Regent is the spokesperson of the Emperor.

In addition to representing His Majesty several times, the Valencia family, relying on the prestige accumulated over a long time, has become the representative of the "Old Guard" representing the interests of traditional nobles, competing with the "Officer Faction" represented by the Aiberg family and the "Holy See Faction" led by the Gregory family.

Since the Valencia family's crest is "golden eagle wings", they are also known as the three heroes of the Shengcheng's gold, silver, and bronze, along with the "silver oak" Lambert family and the "bronze seahorse" Castellion family, who are also Old Guard.

Whenever the Golden Family is mentioned, people will think of them involuntarily.

"Have you all read that letter?" Duke Albert Valencia leaned on the rattan chair, the tea cup not yet raised, his gaze already falling on the guests, "That 'Prince Kelin's' self-statement... and his political arrangements in Deadwood Haigang."

"Read it."

Duke Lambert placed a small booklet with a cowhide cover on the table, his thumb stroking the spine, and praised with a smile, "Every word and sentence in the letter conforms to the etiquette, the wording is exquisite, the majesty is not inferior but not arrogant, only the sense of proportion... it can be seen that his father did not neglect his education."

That was the letter sent to the Imperial Capital by Prince Roxey Kelin—while expressing the Kelin family's longing for the Empire, he sincerely proposed wanting to hold a funeral for his father in the Shengcheng.

For such a request, the Valencia family, who values honor, of course could not refuse.

Especially in the eyes of Duke Albert Valencia, this Prince from a distant continent is an excellent object to win over.

Duke Albert Valencia raised his tea cup, looking at the church spire outside the window, his tone gentle but with deep meaning.

Seeing no one objected, he said.

"Gentlemen, the surname 'Kelin', I remember that there was indeed a stroke on the ancient Peter genealogy... although this surname has not left a heavy mark, its glory has not been completely forgotten."

Duke Lambert nodded slightly in approval, agreeing.

"He speaks of abiding by the ancient laws, the etiquette is complete, and he has never crossed the line by half a step... This is completely different from those down-and-out nobles who have abandoned themselves and exiled themselves to the New World."

"We don't necessarily need to accept him into our circle immediately, but if he can truly represent the revival of the 'Old Noble Spirit', at least—"

A Count placed the tea cup gently on the tray, making a slight porcelain collision sound.

"—It is worth us providing a 'ticket' to enter the Senate to pay respects."

"Especially since he himself expressed the expectation of 'progress'."

Duke Valencia and Duke Lambert cast their gazes at Duke Castellion, who had not said a word, at the same time.

This luxuriously dressed middle-aged noble stroked his slender beard, pondered cautiously for a moment, and nodded slightly to express his agreement.

The three giants of the Senate had all nodded, and the rest of the nobles also echoed. In this way, one of the three major factions in the Shengcheng, the Old Guard, reached a consensus on the issue of Prince Kelin—they decided to give that ancient family that had been away from the country for many years a chance, as for whether they could grasp it, it depended on the young successor himself.

Outside the window, the servant carefully covered the iron tree with cold-proof cloth in the garden, just as these old nobles carefully protected a name that was gradually being forgotten by the era.

At the same time, in the military district of the Shengcheng, behind the stone wall of the Imperial General Staff, the fire in the fireplace was burning slowly, illuminating the majestic back of Marshal Laco Aiberg.

If the Regent is the "first mortal" under the Emperor, then the Marshal is the most trusted mortal thug of His Majesty the Emperor.

Unlike those traditional nobles who value magic and despise martial arts, Marshal Laco is definitely an alien in the Imperial noble circle.

Not only did he study the "Dragon God Faction Combat Technique" that only vulgar people would go to learn, but he also reached the realm of a demigod relying on martial arts, and married an alien woman with dragon blood as his wife.

The nobles of the Shengcheng therefore regarded the Aiberg family as barbarians who ignored tradition, and even Pope Gregory IX, who was relatively enlightened, had criticisms of his behavior.

Saint Xisi does not forbid believers from studying the Dragon God's martial arts, but at least the Empire's nobles should marry a human girl, right?

However, unlike the exclusion of the upper class, Marshal Laco and the Aiberg family behind him have extremely high prestige among the Imperial people—especially the military class!

As everyone knows, for Imperial civilians who want to be promoted to nobles, joining the army is almost the only "reliable" way. As for becoming an adventurer to defeat the Demon King and get the blessing of God, that is just a carrot hanging in front of a donkey, not worth mentioning.

In short, ignoring the bullshit put out by the bards, the Aiberg family is definitely a living legend in the Shengcheng!

Its family founder was famous for his military exploits, and as a soldier from a civilian background, he obtained the fief personally granted by the Emperor as a hero!

In the past hundred years, the Aiberg family has had three family members serving as Imperial Marshals, and the officers who have received his grace are all over the Empire's army system.

Including General Hamorton, the "Imperial Griffin" of Saint Yier Castle, who was promoted by him!

At this very moment, the Marshal is holding a document in his hand, his brows locked, and his sharp eyes carry a few points of cautious thinking.

This is a document from the Naval Command, which mentions General Hamorton's supply substitution plan, as well as his own observations in the northern coastal area of the Gana Continent.

According to General Hamorton, it is a vast land of nearly seven million square kilometers, isolated on the Vast Ocean, ruled by the descendants of the Dragon God.

Considering the Empire's major interests in the Vast Ocean, the value of this undeveloped continent goes without saying. And as the only "Imperial colonist" on this continent, the value of the Kelin family is self-evident.

Obviously—

It is not just the Empire that can see this point, obviously hell also saw this point and regarded it as an opportunity to pry the Empire's power map.

Almost at the same time General Hamorton stepped on Deadwood Haigang, the Demon King from hell also used fallen sailors to insert a nail into the Sun Staircase Mountains near Deadwood Haigang.

Fortunately, General Hamorton is a person with vision.

The strategic vision he showed was as eye-catching as his performance in the Battle of Sardo Port, not only giving a heavy blow to the Demon King who had not yet stood firm, but also uniting the local colonists with limited resources.

Just as Marshal Laco was carefully considering where the next chess piece would fall, crisp footsteps and rhythmic knocking came from outside the door.

"Please come in."

Iron boots stepped on the oak floor, his deputy Marcos walked into the office and placed an encrypted official document neatly on his desk.

"Marshal, this is the second letter from General Hamorton, delivered to the Naval Staff of the Shengcheng by the messenger familiar of Saint Yier Castle. Hamorton emphasized the actions of this 'Prince Kelin' many times in the letter, especially mentioning a series of his measures in Deadwood Haigang... As for the others, I suggest you look at it yourself, this letter is very helpful for us to understand the situation in the Gana Continent."

"Hmm."

Laco nodded slowly and returned to his desk to sit down.

Picking up the document, he opened the envelope, only to see the handwriting on the moist paper was vigorous and powerful, with a typical military style.

And the first line that caught Laco's eyes made his brow reveal a trace of appreciation involuntarily.

【... During the stay in Deadwood Haigang, I witnessed with my own eyes this young Prince providing valuable grain supplies and port construction support for the Empire's warships.

This loyal and pragmatic Prince repeatedly stated, 'The Kelin family will always be the loyal servants of the Empire, always loyal to the immortal Emperor, and miss the motherland every moment'.

What is even more commendable is that he didn't just say it, but put it into action! This respectable gentleman not only made great efforts for the finalization of the trade agreement, but also took out his own interests to solve the current difficulties for us!

Some prominent people in the Shengcheng should feel ashamed for this. Their loyalty is not even as good as a Prince who has never set foot on the Empire's mainland...

】

Marcos coughed lightly and explained.

"General Hamorton's words are a bit extreme, but you know... he has no intention of offending, he is referring to those merchants who tried to make a fortune during the Empire's naval supply chaos and the nobles standing behind them."

"I know." Laco nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving the letter from beginning to end, and added appreciatively after a moment, "There are not many people who can make a picky guy like Hamorton full of praise. I think this gentleman must have something extraordinary."

"I think so too." Marcos nodded slightly, paused for a moment and continued, "General Hamorton's letter also mentioned that Prince Kelin still insists on executing the Empire's laws in Deadwood Haigang. Although their family has been separated from the Empire for many years, they have not forgotten the tradition... even the eating habits are exactly the same as ours."

Marshal Laco leaned back in his chair, rubbing the black iron ring on his finger, and asked after pondering for a moment: "Did Hamorton mention why Prince Kelin suddenly decided to return to the Shengcheng?"

"He mentioned it in another letter," Marcos answered seriously, "Hamorton stated that he returned to the Shengcheng this time to hold a formal funeral for his late father, to express his respect for his father and family bloodline. At the same time, this is also his father's wish... The Kelin family has longed for their souls to return to their homeland for generations, even though many of them have completely disappeared on that strange continent."

Dying on land abandoned by God, the soul cannot ascend to heaven...

The locked brows trembled slightly, the word father touched the softest piece in Marshal Laco Aiberg's heart.

"Loyalty is the cornerstone of the Empire, whether it is loyalty to the Emperor, loyalty to the Empire, or loyalty to the father's generation, to the family, to the people we defend... This young man named Roxey Kelin is a noble worthy of respect."

Unlike the group of beasts in human skin in the Senate.

Those who shouted about tradition had long forgotten what tradition was, leaving only a skin with a false appearance and a core that had long since rotted.

Saint Xisi will not save them.

The big storm is their punishment!

On the contrary—

A truly reliable young man was released from the "cage", and it was at this precarious juncture.

No matter what the Kelin family did 500 years ago that angered both gods and men and was abandoned by the gods, at least at this moment Saint Xisi chose him.

Laco is willing to believe this is the will of the gods.

Even if he doesn't know this person's character yet, he is willing to give this young man a chance—the Kelin family can sit on the Empire's chariot, become a loyal warrior of His Majesty the Emperor, and a reliable shoulder for the "Officer Faction" to check and balance the old nobles and priests!

The sound of the wind outside the window grew louder, and the branches tapped gently on the glass window.

Laco stood up, walked to the display rack, and took down a sword inlaid with the black iron eagle wing crest. This sword was the sword he used when he was galloping on the battlefield. Although it had not been used for a long time, it was still as sharp as new, emitting a faint holy aura.

He wiped the eagle crest on the hilt gently with his thumb, seemingly having made some decision.

"You go and draft a letter," he ordered with his back to Marcos, "I want to invite this Prince to attend my son's coming-of-age ceremony... there should be enough time."

If that Prince is indeed an object worthy of the Aiberg family's winning over, this sword will be given to him as a gift!

Marcos's expression moved, and he immediately understood the Marshal's meaning, bowing respectfully.

"As you command!"

The sound of the wind outside the window became more and more urgent, just like the undercurrent brewing in the shadow of the Shengcheng's prosperity, becoming more and more turbulent with the approach of the tide.

Prince Kelin's Purple Moon had not yet arrived at the Shengcheng's port, and two of the Empire's three major factions had already shown their intention to win him over.

And although the Saint Xisi Holy See, which represents the interests of the priestly class, has not yet made a clear move, it does not mean that those clergy are indifferent to this.

Spreading the faith of Saint Xisi is their lifelong mission.

The faith map of the Old World has no room for continued expansion, and the land of the New World has long since sown the seeds of holy light.

In contrast, the Gana Continent is an undeveloped land.

Since Saint Xisi sent this land to them, it must be to let His children go to save those Lizardmen who eat raw meat and drink blood.

The Cardinal Court has argued for several rounds about who to send there to preach.

Although it is not fertile soil, developing heretics can accumulate huge merits and save enough "points" for the promotion of the soul in the next life.

Although those "Cardinals" themselves can no longer be promoted, their relatives and apprentices still have needs in this regard.

The secret room in the back hall of Saint Clement Cathedral, the holy stone hall is filled with the smell of ambergris, and the purple smoke on the incense burner is ethereal.

This is the stronghold of the Saint Clement Order, and also the sanctuary where Pope Gregory IX communicates with the gods and obtains oracles.

At this very moment, the noble Pope is sitting on a bench in a white and gold woven robe, hands folded, bathed in golden candlelight.

The holy candles that are hard to find in the Campbell Principality are as common as stalagmites in limestone caves here.

"I heard his prayer in the holy light..." Gregory IX's voice was as soft as silk, just like that ethereal holy light, "Before everyone, he did not quote the oracle, but said in a low voice—'May Saint Xisi have mercy on those who died in the storm', and then used his own hands to save the people trapped in the flood."

The Chief Inquisitor sat silently behind him, without expressing any opinion on that poetic oracle, and even doubted that this was not what the Pope really saw from the oracle.

Generally speaking—

Oracles are predictions of future things, and content that has already happened rarely appears.

Unless there is a bigger storm after the big storm...

He hopes it's best not to be like this.

Gregory IX's eyes opened slowly, as if seeing thousands of miles away: "He is not a shepherd, but he understands faith better than many wolves in sheep's clothing. You should put down your prejudice, at least... since he took the initiative to return, we should treat him with courtesy."

"But he has been mixing with heretics for years..." The Chief Inquisitor said in a hoarse and low voice, "You know what those Lizardmen are, they are all descendants of the Dragon God, and the Dragon God has no reason to allow His servants to live."

Pausing, he said again.

"I am worried that there is an unspeakable secret behind this."

It is true that the Dragon God was once an ally of Saint Xisi, but their relationship can definitely not be called close, especially at the most critical moment, that dirty reptile also betrayed Him.

According to the church's secret archives and murals, the Dragon God is unstable in temperament and moody, and his treacherous cunning is no less than "Mist of Deception" Novell among the four Chaos Evil Gods, and his descendants have inherited it completely in this regard.

All Cardinals are planning to preach, only the Inquisition has reservations—as the Chief Inquisitor, he believes that those cancers of civilization should be thoroughly cleaned up!

This is not only for the long-term interests of the church, but also for the long-term stability of the Empire.

"That is not important." The Pope's tone was gentle but majestic, his golden pupils staring at the Chief Inquisitor's eyes, and he said slowly.

"If he is willing to protect the order of faith in the Shengcheng, we should grant him the protection of the altar."

After speaking, he looked at Cardinal Silfin, who had not spoken from beginning to end, and said in a kind but hidden severe voice.

"Go and arrange an 'accidental encounter'."

"We don't need to test his kindness, but we still need to test his faith. He must know that God's light can shine on his head—and can also burn him to ashes."

Silfin bowed elegantly, his movements and demeanor not like a priest, but like a noble who had been mixing in the vanity fair for many years.

"As you command."

The flame of the holy candle jumped, and the metal chalice cast a distorted shadow on the wall, just like the invisible hand of the Holy See reaching out to secular power.

The Chief Inquisitor's shadow disappeared on the bench at some point, and only the prayer recited softly by Gregory IX remained in the entire empty secret room.

The Chief Inquisitor's suspicion was correct—

The oracle that Saint Xisi descended to him was not the poem he just sang, because he really didn't know how to explain it to his believers.

In the bizarre dream, he saw a Shengcheng far more prosperous than it is now, so much so that he couldn't move his eyes for a while.

That is a colorful phantom, just like boiling flames, burning him so he couldn't open his eyes.

And thousands of figures moving in the metal traffic.

People spend every day busy and fulfilling, and continue to dedicate themselves after death, weaving their souls into a vast universe city like stars.

This seems to be a good omen.

He was both amazed at the incredibility of the oracle and puzzled about what kind of revelation the respected He wanted to descend to His children.

All along, what he saw from the fables was floods, and the interpretation of past Popes was—people who abandoned their faith brought punishment from the gods, a world-destroying flood pushed everything over and started again, and the people on earth started a new era again.

And now, the fate of the flood seems to be replaced by "fire luck", and the burning void flames unfold on the land paved with steel!

Fire...

Gregory IX muttered to himself, trying to peel the fable like a cocoon.

This seems to have nothing to do with Prince Kelin from the sea. After all, no matter from which angle you look at it, what corresponds to him coming with the wind from the sea is "water" and "wind".

If you say that the steam engine corresponds to "fire", it is too far-fetched.

Gregory shook his head gently, sighed, and finally ended this meaningless exploration of the spiritual world.

Perhaps this fable is just about the big storm that swept the Vast Ocean, and it has nothing to do with that Prince, and the real omen will have to wait until decades later to see.

Countless lessons in history are telling them that the oracle is Saint Xisi's warning to them, just like a noose on the neck of the person being judged, the more they struggle, the tighter the rope will be.

Perhaps the root of the problem is not the oracle itself, but many problems they have long ignored...

That is not something a Pope can change.

At this moment, he can only appeal his inner anxiety to prayer, perhaps in the near future, there will be a turning point.

Just like what happened countless times in the past millennium...

On the other side, outside the church, in a dark corner where the holy light cannot shine.

It is also a secret room there.

It's just that compared to the secret room of Saint Clement Cathedral, it is much colder and darker, just like a coffin buried in a tomb.

A succubus sculpture only half a meter high sits at the front of the secret room, and the granite shrine emits a soul-stirring aura.

An elegant gentleman stands in front of the statue, and the shadow cast from under the candlestick just covers his face.

After listening to the teachings of the evil forces, the man standing with his hands down bowed respectfully, his voice without waves carrying obedience and awe.

"... Yes, Lord Melusine."

"I will keep an eye on him."

Morning, Deadwood Haigang wharf.

The sea breeze dispersed the morning mist, and the golden sunlight sprinkled on the port that was like summer all year round, illuminating the brand-new wharf.

A tall three-masted steam sailing ship is docked at the wharf, the white sails are exceptionally dazzling in the morning light, and the Purple Moon crest symbolizing the Kelin family flutters at the top of the mast.

The Empire's construction team is still under construction, and the Marine soldiers carrying firelocks patrol along the street in front of the port, while General Hamorton and his fleet have withdrawn from here, and this Purple Moon has become the most dazzling sailing ship on the wharf.

Hamorton is the General of Saint Yier Castle after all, and does not belong to Deadwood Haigang, so he cannot guard this place for Prince Kelin forever.

Even if Hamorton himself is very reluctant to part with the food here, business is business after all, and he bid farewell and left shortly after getting the agreement.

And shortly after Hamorton left, Luo Yan soon put the plan to go to the Shengcheng on the agenda, and set the departure time on this beautiful morning.

Although he didn't leave with great fanfare, when it was time to set off, the port was still full of people seeing him off.

The vast majority of Deadwood Haigang residents have a very good impression of him, and even harbor a trace of gratitude.

Although Viceroy Kaiderson is a greedy villain, even flour wants to make money from them, and Baron Titch is a high-spirited guy, conforming to all their stereotypes of old-world nobles, not only indulging his subordinates to compete with the people for profit, but also turning a deaf ear to the snow-like complaints.

But the graceful and loving Roxey Kelin is different.

He is like their father, always running around for their affairs, working day and night, and can't even eat a mouthful of food every day... only eating late-night snacks at night.

Just like now.

The respected Prince Kelin is about to go to the Shengcheng to bury his father's ashes, and at the same time, solve the legal status for those of them who have decided to settle on this new land.

Only when the Empire recognizes them can they continue to be the Empire's people and legally operate shipping routes in Deadwood Haigang and other ports of the Empire without worrying about being blackmailed by the Empire's fleet.

As for taxes...

That's nothing, what should come can't be avoided.

Besides, generally newly established colonies have tax exemption policies, and this policy will continue until fifty years later, or the Empire thinks this colony is developed enough to shoulder the ancient and holy obligation of paying taxes.

Looking at the crowd seeing him off by the port, Titch standing on the deck had a complex expression, and sighed after a long time.

"The day I left the Shengcheng... I never thought I would go back in this way."

There is excitement in his heart, as well as apprehension, and a trace of confusion about where he is going in the future.

Luo Yan standing beside him just glanced at him faintly.

"Is the autobiography outline I asked you to write conceived?"

Titch's expression tightened, and he immediately said.

"The outline... has been conceived."

Luo Yan nodded.

"After writing it, show it to me first. If there are immature places, I will help you change them. In addition... I hope you can tell me some things about the Shengcheng along the way, such as the families and forces there. I need to know who can become our potential allies, and who will become our enemies."

"As you command." Titch bowed respectfully, performing a standard Imperial noble court salute.

The fate of the Kosia family has been firmly tied to the Demon King, and he knows very well that he will never be able to get off this ship.

Taking a wrong step is a hell from which there is no return.

Luo Yan nodded, did not continue to put great pressure on him, but looked at Lumier who was walking slowly—his most loyal human servant.

Lumier nodded slightly and said respectfully.

"My lord, the sailors are ready, please give your orders."

Half of the sailors on the ship were recruited from Deadwood Haigang, and the other half were His Majesty the Demon King's servants—some artificial humans who looked a bit strange but were not much different from humans.

Of course, it is claimed to the outside world that they are "Gana people"—a new ethnic group born from the mixing of castaways who drifted to the Gana Continent over the past five hundred years and the savages in the forest.

Luo Yan narrowed his eyes, looking at the rolling sea tide in the east and the morning sun rising from the sea, and a smile couldn't help but hook at the corner of his mouth.

This moment has finally come.

Long before becoming the Demon King, he wanted to go there and take a look.

He pulled out his magic wand, waved it gently towards the upright sails, and a strong and steady sea breeze blew out of thin air, pushing the Purple Moon docked at the wharf away from the port.

The sailors who received the order immediately got busy.

Target—

The Empire's Shengcheng!

It's time to spread the corrosion of the Demon King there!

"Set sail, depart!"