Chapter 333: In the Name of St. Xisi

In the banquet hall of the Valencia family estate, what permeates the air is not just the scent of perfume and fine wine, but also a flow of unspeakable anxiety and expectation.

Under the gilded lights, the gorgeously dressed guests are in groups of three or five. People whisper and laugh, but their eyes cannot help but focus on the entrance of the banquet hall.

Or to be more precise—

The same figure is reflected in every pair of pupils.

"... I didn't expect the Prince Regent to come out to greet him personally!"

In the corner, an elderly Baron couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. Although he spoke very softly, it still drifted clearly into the ears of many people around.

A noble beside him smiled lightly.

"What's so strange about this? By comparison, I'm more surprised that Duke Valencia actually came downstairs too."

"The Prince Regent is fine, but the Marshal is actually here too... and Legion Commander Julian!" Another noble whispered, the surprise on his face even more obvious, "This is not his style."

"I'm more surprised that he actually received an invitation..." The gentleman with his arms crossed narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint mockery curling on his mouth, "Since when can people without titles enter the Valencia family's estate."

The Aiberg family has a title, but Legion Commander Julian is obviously just a civilian with a virtual title... at least in the eyes of those old-school nobles.

"Don't just stare at the army and the Senate," a Baron not far away had shining eyes and couldn't help but say, "St. Xisi above, I actually saw the president of the Adventure Guild here! In my impression, that guy doesn't like appearing at noble banquets at all."

His partner glanced at him and said with a smile.

"What's so strange about this? It's very obvious that the Adventure Guild has also set its sights on the continent of Gana. I heard that a Demon King territory seems to have popped up there recently."

Another noble interrupted.

"What's the president of the Adventure Guild? The Count Casit Silphin beside him is the real big figure!

The man holding a red wine glass smiled and said meaningfully.

"Indeed, who doesn't know that the Silphin family is the confidant beside the Pope. The Senate, the army, plus the Church... Heh, there's a good show to watch tonight!"

The infighting between the three major factions in the Shengcheng is not a secret at all to the guests present, and many guests invited by the Valencia family are members of the Senate themselves, or have intricate ties with the Senate.

However, just as everyone was waiting for those big figures who usually don't look at each other to have a conflict with the mentality of watching the fun, an unexpected scene happened.

I saw Prince Regent Granville Bota and Marshal Lako Aiberg smiling and chatting cordially with Prince Kelin with graceful demeanor, and before long, Count Casit Silphin and President Aibor also joined in quietly.

The atmosphere between the few was harmonious, and there was no trace of deep gaps.

This certainly has the component of acting, after all, the more powerful people are, the more they cherish their feathers, and even if they are unhappy in their hearts, they rarely turn their faces on the spot.

However, even if it is acting, there is no need to act to this extent.

After all, when they meet people who don't agree with them, they can turn around and leave completely, there is no need to force themselves to waste time on such meaningless things as talking to a cow.

It is very obvious—

They are interested in the topics thrown out by Prince Kelin!

And this interest is obviously not out of personal preference, but related to the actual interests of the family and even the faction, so much so that none of them could turn around and leave... at least they were unwilling to hand over this opportunity to political enemies, and were willing to listen to the young man finish what he had to say.

This unexpected harmony made many nobles who were secretly observing feel ripples in their hearts, pondering whether to find an opportunity to go over and listen to what they were chatting about.

"This young Prince Kelin, his social skills are really extraordinary..." An elderly Count narrowed his eyes and whispered to his companion standing beside him, "The Shengcheng hasn't seen a figure who can get the favor of three forces at the same time like this for many years."

His companion nodded slightly, his tone carrying imperceptible approval.

"It seems our Prince is truly a character. To think that the Senate, the Marshal's Office, and the Church could actually get along to such an extent... this is truly a rare sight."

Compared to those older nobles observing from the shadows, the young nobles who had yet to inherit their fathers' titles were far more blunt.

They gathered in groups of three or five, chatting excitedly, their eyes full of longing for Prince Kelin and the distant continent.

"Have you heard? Baron Tichy Corsia, who has been in the limelight recently, got rich overnight on the continent of Gana! It is said that there is gold and gems everywhere, and wealth and opportunities are infinite! My good brother Langdon told me!" A young noble said excitedly to his companion beside him, his eyes full of longing.

Another young man also said excitedly.

"I heard it too! That Corsia, he lives in the Imperial Royal Hotel recently! Now the entire Shengcheng is circulating his story, and the "Shengcheng Gospel" also plans to publish his personal biography, telling how a down-and-out young man who squandered his family property obtained St. Xisi's protection because of piety and opened up territory for the Empire on strange land!"

A Count's eldest son, who was almost forty but hadn't been assigned a Baron title, couldn't help but envy.

"If you can climb the big tree of Prince Kelin, maybe we can also make a fortune there!"

The land of the Old World has been divided up, and even the land of the New Continent has almost been divided up, and no one wants the remaining places.

After listening to Baron Corsia's story, many young guys had ideas, thinking that they could also go and break through.

Moreover, the continent of Gana has no entrance to the Underworld... at least temporarily, it is thought to be much safer than the New Continent, which is close to the front line.

The young guys' faces were filled with excited light, and in the eloquent discussion, it seemed that wealth was already within reach. And the ladies not far away covered their faces with fans, whispering about topics that made the young girls in the boudoir blush and heartbeat.

"Have you heard? Prince Kelin is still single," a lady wearing a gorgeous evening dress said softly with feigned reserve, but her eyes were flashing with excitement, "Young, handsome, and with enviable wealth and status... I don't know what kind of girl he likes."

Her best friend squeezed her, giggling, "Why? You want to volunteer?"

The lady who was teased didn't blush, but straightened her chest confidently, the full moonlight swaying on her.

"Why not?"

The noble lady used a fan to cover the corner of her mouth, giggling and glancing at a young girl hiding behind her father not far away, saying sarcastically.

"Then you'd better hurry; the Duke of Castellion's youngest daughter seems to be full of interest in him too. Did you see the expression on that porcelain doll's face? Tsk tsk, look at that delicate, coy appearance, just like she's never seen a male before."

The lady wearing the evening dress shook her wavy hair, glanced at the direction of the little girl, and said disdainfully.

"Heh, a woman who is good for nothing but her family background—Prince Kelin wouldn't like that kind of flashy, cheap floozy. Only someone full of wisdom, resilience, courage, as well as beauty and talent..."

Before she finished speaking, her best friend couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Oh, St. Xisi above, I have never seen such a thick-skinned guy!"

Obviously—

Their relationship was not as good as it looked on the surface, but this lady was still a bit mindless and didn't complain behind her back.

The conversation of the three was just a trivial episode in the banquet, but this episode was also a microcosm, reflecting the interest of the Empire's upper society in this Prince from afar.

At least—

Duke Castillion was indeed full of interest in the marriage with the Kelin family, and his little daughter, who was not yet involved in the world, was indeed full of good feelings for that heartwarming smile, her red face full of joy.

If the two could look at each other, it would naturally be the best.

It's a pity—

This Mr. Kelin was too busy and had no time to waste his gaze on any one person.

He has to respond to everyone's expectations.

And this is his selfless place.

Whispers and laughter were like a gentle wind, shuttling through the lively banquet hall, bringing a few coolness to the restless evening banquet.

Feeling the enthusiasm from the Empire from those gathered and expectant gazes, Luo Yan, after listening to the adventure story of Adventure Guild President Mr. Todwen and the request to open a branch on the northern coast of the continent of Gana, pondered for a moment and said.

"Mr. Todwen, your proposal is indeed very moving. As you said, the Adventure Guild is famous, and it can bring vitality to Deadwood Port and spread the gospel of St. Xisi. As St. Xisi's most loyal servant, our Kelin family naturally welcomes it, not to mention that we are now facing the threat from the Underworld."

Pausing, a hint of regret appeared on Luo Yan's face, and he continued.

"It's just... to tell you the truth, although the continent of Gana has vast land, my territory is sparsely populated, and even if this branch is opened, I am afraid it will be difficult to recruit enough adventurers."

When hearing the word "just," Todwen's heart skipped a beat, and sure enough, he heard a tactful refusal after that.

However, he did not give up, but hurriedly said.

"Your Highness need not worry about this! The guild has already considered the issue of manpower. As long as Your Highness agrees, we can draw experienced elite adventurers from major branches in the Empire to the continent of Gana! They can not only help you open the situation quickly and suppress the labyrinths that have not yet formed, but also help train local newcomers. I can guarantee you that we will not occupy too many of your resources, nor will we cause you trouble!"

Watching Mr. Todwen, who was sincere, Luo Yan made a look of listening carefully, but smiled in his heart.

Not causing trouble is fine.

You are the biggest trouble!

Not to mention how troublesome an "organized and disciplined civilian violence group" is to a ruler, even for the sake of his little brother Igor, he cannot let this group of flood beasts take root on the continent of Gana so early.

Unless—

This group of flood beasts is under his control.

He made a look of pondering and considered for a few seconds.

Just when Count Casit Silphin intended to come forward to round things up, Luo Yan gently threw out the statement he had already thought of.

"Mr. Todwen, you misunderstood, I am not reluctant to invest resources in the noble cause of the Adventure Guild. In fact, just the opposite, as long as it is beneficial to the Empire, even if there is no benefit, the Kelin family will do it without hesitation."

"Then—" This matter has a turning point, Todwen hurriedly opened his mouth, but Luo Yan did not give him time to finish his words.

"Compared to the Adventure Guild, I was inspired by you and thought of a better idea."

"Oh?" Legion Commander Julian raised his eyebrows, curious, "I'd like to hear the details."

He is different from Casit. As a member of the Officer Faction, he has no interest in the Adventure Guild at all. The only way out for the men of the Empire is to join the army. Only those "second-rate guys" who are money-minded will become adventurers and exchange the power given to them by St. Xisi for money.

Regardless of how adventurers look at him, at least that's how he looks at adventurers!

Luo Yan looked at him and nodded slightly, then continued.

"I heard Marshal Aiberg mention earlier that the Empire has many young people nowadays, and these young people are eager to make contributions but find it difficult to find opportunities; and Duke Valencia also lamented that the noble children of the Empire have ambition but suffer from no way to display their talents. I don't look down on the profession of adventurer, but... if all these ambitious people go to be adventurers, it is a bit of a waste of talent."

Casit coughed and said.

"Prince, I disagree with this point. You may not understand it since you just returned to the Empire. Over the years, the Empire's Adventure Guild has been very different from five hundred years ago."

Don't understand?

Then I know it too well!

Luo Yan nodded slightly, looking at Casit and said.

"Mr. Silphin, I understand what you want to express. The Adventure Guild is the child of the Church, and I recognize this point incomparably, but... I am talking about the thoughts in the hearts of the vast majority of people present. Even if the Holy Light is equal to everyone, we have to admit that some children are closer, and some children are farther away. I respect Mr. Todwen, who is an adventurer, but please don't be offended, this is what I saw after coming to the Shengcheng."

Casit was silent.

This is indeed the truth.

He also wouldn't let his children be adventurers, and other nobles present would be even less likely to do so... only nobles in remote areas would let children without inheritance rights be mercenaries or adventurers, fighting for an unrealistic opportunity.

Todwen gave a bitter smile and nodded.

"It's okay... Prince, I understand, what you said is the truth, and I also believe you have no prejudice against me personally. Let's put this topic aside for now, let's talk about the idea you thought of."

Perhaps—

He chose the wrong time.

This is the Valencia family estate after all, and those standing here are people who belong to two worlds from the Adventure Guild.

He does not blame Prince Kelin's tactful refusal.

After calming down and thinking carefully, Prince Kelin has already given him enough face, and by comparison, Legion Commander Julian is almost unable to hold back his laughter.

Luo Yan nodded with a smile, and continued to step on the steps he handed over.

"Just as I said just now, since you are all optimistic about the prospects of the continent of Gana, and the young people of the Empire also need opportunities to break through, why don't we establish an organization that better fits their identity for those brave guys—for example, establish a Knights Templar in the name of St. Xisi!"

This sentence came out, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, immediately setting off layers of ripples.

Marshal Lako fell into deep thought, Duke Valencia's face also flickered with uncertain light, and Prince Regent Granville Bota standing beside him carefully observed the Duke's expression.

Knights Templar—

Lako first thought of the Royal Knights.

Although the Royal Knights were composed of nobles at the beginning, with the passage of time, the Knights had long been filled by the "new nobles" of the Empire.

The reason is very simple, the nobles of the Empire don't like to practice martial arts at all, especially charging with lances, which are juggling games played by the barbarians of the Ryan Kingdom.

By comparison, they prefer to wave their magic wands gracefully and drop death on the enemy's head from thousands of meters away.

Another point is that the conditions on the front line are too hard, and the Empire's teleportation technology is not as developed as the Underworld. If they want to perform on the front line, they have to take a boat for more than a month, and if they die in the Demon God's territory, there is a risk that their souls won't return.

Over time, the Empire's Knights are basically under the control of the Officer Faction, and even the Church's hands are difficult to insert.

Thinking of this, Lako's mouth curled into an imperceptible smile.

Sure enough, he didn't misread—

Kelin is on their side.

However, just as the two were about to step forward, Duke Valencia appeared with two familiar figures under the gate of the estate's main building.

I saw the owner of the estate, Abot Valencia, and the "Prince Regent" Granville Bota walking side by side, with kind smiles on their faces, actually greeting them out of the banquet hall door.

This move instantly caused whispers among the crowd around.

Marshal Lako raised his eyebrows and laughed: "I didn't expect the Senate people to be so active; it seems our Prince Kelin is of great significance to them."

But unfortunately—

They didn't know that Prince Kelin had already been their person.

Julian smiled faintly, but his gaze fell on the Count Silphin and the Adventure Guild President who also walked down from upstairs, his eyes couldn't help but carry a hint of playfulness.

"I thought they would be more restrained; it seems tonight's banquet will be even more lively than we imagined."

Three waves of people walked toward the carriage parked at the estate entrance at the same time, and a loud welcome drifted into Luo Yan's ears from far away.

"Prince Kelin!"

Luo Yan tidied his cuffs slightly, a calm and restrained smile on his mouth, his gaze falling on Prince Regent Granville Bota, who was standing at the forefront with a graceful demeanor.

The Empire's Prince Regent!

The first person under the Emperor!

However, what is somewhat different from the knowledge he learned at the Demon King Academy and Tichy's rhetoric is that this Granville is less like the Emperor's spokesperson, and more like the spokesperson for the Duke Valencia next to him.

This respected Prince Regent walked up, with a sincere smile on his face, and extended his right hand to Roxay Kelin in front of him.

"Welcome, Prince Kelin. Your great achievements and outstanding contributions on the continent of Gana have spread throughout the Empire. I represent the Os Empire and the Emperor who cannot come in person, and express my most sincere respect and welcome to you!"

"Welcome home!"

Luo Yan bowed slightly to return the salute, his expression humble yet not losing the decency of a noble, his voice steady and fluent: "It is the Kelin family's greatest honor to receive such high-standard courtesy from the Prince Regent. As a member of the Os Empire, being able to return to the Emperor's side to contribute my meager strength to the Empire, I believe my father would be proud and proud of me."

Luo Yan's words won the appreciation and applause of a group of guests around, including political enemies who were not at odds with Granville.

At this moment, he represents the Empire, not an individual or the Valencia family, and no one will tear down his stage.

And Prince Kelin also represents the Kelin family in expressing submission to the Empire... this is in line with the core interests of everyone present.

However, Luo Yan knew very well that the main event was next.

Those naked eyes could no longer restrain the desire in their hearts, urgently wanting to get the biggest piece of cake from him.

It's just that they didn't know who they were trading with while bathing in the Holy Light.

Luo Yan responded to every greeting elegantly and appropriately, from Count Casit Silphin who had already contacted him, to the Grand Duke Valencia with deep historical heritage, to Marshal Lako representing the Officer Faction and his right-hand men.

He remembered every one of their faces and read the desire hidden behind the mask with his rich past experience.

What the Senate craves is not noble honor, but to let the Empire, this wild horse that is increasingly out of the control of the nobles, return to the golden age when the nobles had the final say.

And those officers are not noble either; although they don't leave the Emperor in three sentences, and everything must speak of loyalty, that is just to cover up their shame.

They don't want to end the war with the Underworld at all; they just want to become new nobles. It's just that the citizens of the Shengcheng happen to think so too, so it seems they have represented the citizens of the Shengcheng.

If they really win, it will definitely be the greatest disaster for the ordinary people of the Empire. The elders at most just don't play with the civilians, but they might really take the young men of the Empire into the Underworld to "make contributions."

As for the priests, they are the most severely corroded, and Luo Yan even suspects that there are Calamos's servants among those who shook hands with him.

Reason?

There is no reason to identify Calamos's servants, as long as it gives him goosebumps.

As for the scene words they said, they were just names said to outsiders.

And what he has to do next is to feed everyone as much as possible at the banquet, and stabilize his neutral position in the process.

The Kelin family is new here, doesn't understand the interest entanglements of the Shengcheng, and doesn't want to stand in line in a hurry; "Roxay Kelin" hopes to learn more from everyone.

Everyone can talk about cooperation first, then talk about ideals.

I believe those big figures who are unwilling to force him to the opposite camp will give him time to understand the rules of the game.

This banquet itself is also prepared for this.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 334 =====

He couldn't help but feel moved, even flattered, never expecting that Prince Kelin, who had been in the Shengcheng for less than two days, would have heard of the deeds of a small fry like himself.

Seeing Tuodewen staring straight at him, Luo Yan smiled and nodded at him, then turned to face those pairs of burning gazes, continuing in a passionate tone.

"Although it sounds vulgar to say that we must share worldly benefits with those who are passionate about this sacred cause, I must say that its mission is grand and holy! It transcends all worldly interests! It is to expand the territory for the Empire! To spread the seeds of civilization! And most importantly—to sow the gospel of Saint Xisi into every piece of land we see but have yet to possess!"

When he had clarified the realistic benefits and then went on to talk about these ideals, those pairs of eyes clearly became even more fervent than before.

Land!

Honor!

And faith!

However, just painting a picture is not enough; he must make this cake look big enough—whether it be the prospects of the future or what is available right now!

"To show the Kelin family's determination and sincerity in this matter," Luo Yan threw out the most tempting condition, his voice calm yet resonant, "I, Luoxai Kelin, am willing to carve out a piece of land rich in resources and with a superior geographical location from the Kelin family's direct territories on the Jiana Continent to serve as the fief for the Order!"

Looking at the banquet hall that had quieted down at some unknown moment, and at face after face filled with excitement, he continued in a clear voice.

"This Order will, in the name of Saint Xisi, establish civilization and order on the barren land, open up safe trade routes, protect all kind and law-abiding citizens of the Empire, civilize the barbarians, and let the glory of the Empire and the gospel of Saint Xisi be spread forever on the Jiana Continent! Not just with swords and blades, but with holy light and prosperity, we will make the barbarians there submit to our Empire from the bottom of their hearts! Before the Netherworld can lay a finger on it!"

"Because it is in the name of Saint Xisi—"

"Let's just call this Order the Templar Order!"

(End of chapter)