The roadway cleaved through the farms on both sides, flanked by walls of trees, rendering a pleasant shade and gust. With abundant fruit trees in the vicinity, the travelers could pause and relish in the fruity delicacies.
Yet, the serene beauty was often disturbed by a few screams and subsequent bloodbaths. Attackers came to kill Sylvester from time to time, but to no avail, as Sylvester had grown much stronger.
But the fateful meetings with the gentlemen who gave their necks as offerings turned out to be fruitful, as Sylvester found out his bounty had been increased.
"One million Gold Graces? Someone has too much money." Sylvester mumbled after finding a small piece of paper from one of his victims.
"This indicates that S-ranked assassins may begin to pursue you, Lord Bard," Sir Dolorem reminded him in a worrying tone. "While you have grown powerful, you cannot defeat them if multiple S-ranked groups decide to converge on you."
Sylvester agreed with that assessment. After all, even the Pope could die if two dozen Grand Wizards attacked him simultaneously. "Let us concentrate on our training after returning until the next assignment. I will commence my specialization in magnetism while you may focus on the capability of your eyes, Sir Dolorem. Bishop Lazark, you must try to attain the pinnacle of the Archwizard rank. If you require funds for any particular experimental materials, just inform me.
"Let's hope that Felix, Gabriel, and Elyon are also as committed to training as we are. As I rise in power, my adversaries will also become more formidable and dangerous for all of us. We cannot tolerate any weak links."
The two men contemplated his words and rode the remaining way in peace. As they drew nearer to the Holy Land, the attacks became fewer and eventually ceased. Ultimately, they crossed the Gold River and advanced straight towards the entrance to the Holy Land through the cavern.
Sylvester did not wish to halt at Bard's restaurant at the moment as he merely wanted to see the familiar faces of his family and friends as soon as possible.
As they neared the guarded gates, Sylvester donned his mitre on his head. Then, the moment he halted the carriage before the sealed gates, the soldiers saluted him with reverence.
"May the Holy Light enlighten us, Your Grace."
"May you be graced," Sylvester replied, and the gates soon opened. He didn't need to present any identification, as there were plenty of other magical means inside to catch intruders.
Thus, they continued on their path, heading toward their respective residences. Sir Dolorem resided in the Inquisitor Camp, while Bishop Lazark had his private house, befitting his rank.
"This is the splendor of the Holy Land. The world may burn, but the Holy Land remains," Sir Dolorem murmured, gazing at the bustling clergymen walking on the sides and the beautiful flora covering the roadsides. "This is why almost all nobles yearn to live here. But, unable to renounce their luxuries, they stay away."
"It's for the better. We don't want their greed spreading around her." Sylvester interjected. "We already have enough grumpy old men to deal with in the council."
"When will you be reporting?" Bishop Lazark inquired upon hearing the mention of the council. "I'm sure they are eager to hear the detailed report from your mouth. We discovered a lot on this trip, from the demon on the loose to the monstrosity lurking beneath the Wild Forge."
Sylvester's shoulder slumped, and he grunted. "I have no energy to meet them right now. I will report to the Pope in the morning. It's already evening, so there isn't enough time to tell them everything."
"Then I will see you in the morning, Lord Bard. I must report to the Inquisitor High Lord at the earliest," Sir Dolorem saluted Sylvester. "Please convey my respects to Mother Xavia."
"Be well, Lord Bard." Bishop Lazark also left after that.
Alone, Sylvester steered his carriage towards Bright Mother's housing, which had been his home for nineteen years. He placed the horses in the stable and the carriage away before heading to his home on the top floor.
"Oh, let me help," Sylvester noticed an elderly Bright Mother lifting a heavy sack of something and slowly walking towards the building.
The old woman was astounded to see the young man lift the big sack of cloth with ease. For a few moments, she was flabbergasted, as she didn't expect to see Sylvester there. He had been gone for so long, and no one knew when he'd return.
"Your Grace?"
Sylvester snorted. "Grace who? I thought my name was Sylvester."
The aged Bright Mother chuckled and addressed him by his name, as he preferred from the Bright Mothers. "Are you well, Sylvester? Did everything go well? I heard the occasional word that appears as gossip, but you can never trust them."
"I am well, and my work went off without a hitch. I had just arrived and was on my way home. Come, I will take your luggage to your residence first. But what is in this? Rations?"
The elderly woman nodded. "We have experienced an unexpected surge of orphan girls lately, and as a result, the number of Bright Mother trainees has increased. These provisions are intended for those girls, as I am their caretaker."
Sylvester walked beside her and climbed the stairs to the first flood. "About time this building at an elevator for at least transporting goods… Fine, I will do it myself."
Before long, he placed the sack in a housing unit. "I will see you later, Brighter Mother."
The woman waved. "I'm happy for you, Lord Bard. I will pray that you be well wherever you live."
Only after Sylvester had begun to climb the stairs did he feel the strangeness of the woman's farewell. It was too unusual.
"Ah! Lord Bard!" At that moment, another Bright Mother appeared, a very young one whom Sylvester recognized as the person who had tended to Xavia when she was injured.
"Anya? Hello there. How are you?"
"L-Lord Bard!" She suddenly started to tear up. "I wish you the best of luck and happiness. It was a pleasure to know you!"
"What?"
Woosh!
She ran away before answering anything, confusing Sylvester even more.
Scratching his head, Sylvester climbed the stairs further and eventually reached the fifth floor — home.
Scrrr….!
"Open up, big mum dearest!" Miraj scratched at the door, eager to see Xavia.
Finally, Sylvester knocked and called out to his mother, "Mum, it is I, the greatest, most loyal, perfect, strongest, and most handsome son in the universe!"
Bam!
The door opened, but Xavia was not there. Instead, a tall, beautiful woman with brown hair and gray eyes stood before him. She wore a commoner's white tunic refined with a brown cloth corset that accentuated her well-developed body.
Sylvester jumped back and drew a small dagger from his pocket. "Who are you, wench?"
"..."
The woman grunted, her smile fading away. "Bastard! I am Aurora, your elder sister!"
Skeptically, Sylvester scrutinized her from head to toe. "Impossible! You cannot be her! You are too pretty! Aurora looks hideous — unrefined, like a smelly brute man!"
The woman turned furious and jumped with her fist, aiming at Sylvester's face. "You miscreant brat! Staying away from home has made you vulgar, it seems."
Pa!
"What the!"
To the woman's shock, her fist was firmly caught by Sylvester's palm. Furthermore, she tried to pull her fist back, and only after utilizing higher strength could she do so.
"Also, stronger, Aurora," Sylvester cheekily smiled. "I am home."
Aurora's face remained in a state of shock. "Y-You… How did you... make such a big jump in rank?! How?"
"You folks never inquired about my Knight rank and only focused on magic," Sylvester chuckled as he walked into his home. Miraj had already run inside to find Xavia.
"Wait! You called me ugly."
Sylvester patted Aurora's head, irritating her. "But I also called you pretty in this attire. So what is with this new look?"
"This 'is' my normal look. You just never saw me without my armor. I remain like this most of the time when I'm home — Ah, I moved in here to live with Xavia since she felt quite lonely without you. So now, me, Xavia and Isabella have our girl's night every single day. We sing, play cards and many more games. I even picked up some skills on one of your violins."
"So, while I was battling two Grand Wizards to unite a Kingdom that I was later denied the right to administer, you've been idling around? How wonderful. What about Zeke? I hope you haven't thrown out the poor simpleton," Sylvester sarcastically replied.
"We are not barbarians, Sylvester. He serves as my sparring partner and referee during our girls' games," Aurora retorted.
Sylvester shuddered at the thought of training with Aurora. "I can't help but feel sorry for poor Zeke. Anyway, where is Mum?"
"She's cooking something for you," Aurora replied, strolling inside as if she owned the place.
Sylvester took off his shoes and went to the kitchen area. At one glance, he noticed Xavia hugging Miraj tightly to her chest and caressing his furry head. All the while, Miraj giggled uncontrollably, and his tail wagged like a tornado.
When he realized that Miraj was not letting go of Xavia, he took charge and grabbed Miraj by the nape. "Now it's my turn, Chonky."
Woosh!
And with that, Sylvester hugged his dear mother. She was shorter and tinier than him, and he had grown even taller and stronger during his travels. Despite that, he felt like a little kid when Xavia rubbed his hair the whole time.
"I missed you, Max," she said, beaming with a smile. "I'm so proud of you that I can't find the words to express myself. The Bright Mothers tell me about your adventures and accomplishments."
She was, of course, Sylvester's spymaster for the secret network of the Bright Mother.
Sylvester tightened his embrace. "Forget about me, Mum. How are you? Did anyone trouble you? Did anyone say anything bad about you? Your son has grown much stronger now. Just give me the name."
"Oh… there's nothing to worry about," she reassured him.
"Hah! Why would there be?" Aurora interjected as she entered. "The Inquisitor High Lord makes regular visits to inquire about Xavia's well-being. Everyone got the message from that. She's not just a Bright Mother of the Church but also a revered member of the Inquisitors. With the current state of affairs, I'm sure the Inquisitors would willingly sacrifice their lives for her protection."
Sylvester was speechless. He expected loyalty from the Inquisitors towards himself, but learning that it extended to Xavia made his heart calm down. Despite their craziness, the Inquisitors were an exceedingly loyal group that could be counted on. After all, they acted with rage, even when it came to defending someone.
"Ah, one more thing." Sylvester released Xavia from his embrace. "Why are the Bright Mothers in the building bidding me farewell of sorts?"
Xavia gazed up at him with concern and stroked his cheek. "My dear, you are the closest thing they have to a son and a trustworthy male companion. They are merely saddened that you'll be relocating to the Higher-Clergy housing district now that you're a mighty Archbishop. They are disheartened to lose you but happy for your rise at the same time."
"..."
"Wait… When did I decide that?"
[A/N: See Aurora in normal clothes.]
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