Chapter 340: Chapter 74: Enclosure Movement
At these words, the air in the corridor seemed to grow even colder.
Kaiden’s brow furrowed tighter, and his expression darkened.
Alina drew in a quiet breath, exchanging a grave look with her husband.
Adela was startled at first, then a flicker of disbelief crossed her eyes.
"Evil Power?" Adela repeated, the anger in her tone replaced by shocked suspicion. "How could something like that appear inside Monte Castle? Are you saying the Church Court needs to get involved?"
"Precisely." Kaiden nodded, taking over the conversation, his voice regaining its composure. "When faced with an evil threat that may involve the Extraordinary, seeking Oriane’s judgment and purification is the only proper course. This is also a right and a duty naturally afforded to a Holy Protector Clan when facing such threats."
"Though Monte Territory is in the Northern Territory, it is still under the light of Oriane’s protection. This matter must be investigated and purified by High-tier Clergy, dispatched personally by Archbishop John of the Crescent District. Only then can we uncover the truth and ensure peace within the castle, and also..."
He glanced toward Carl’s body. "...give the Empire an explanation that befits the sacred order."
Adela fell silent for a moment.
She knew, of course, what "Holy Protector Clan" signified. It was one of the highest honors bestowed by the Church Court, representing not only meritorious service but also granting the right to appeal directly to the Church Court’s highest authorities for aid in specific matters.
If Carl’s death truly involved "Evil Power," then having the Church Court intervene was indeed the most authoritative way to investigate its cause and handle the aftermath. It was also the best way to provide an explanation to the Empire.
However, that didn’t mean she would give up applying pressure so easily.
She took half a step forward, her eyes locked on Kaiden. "Lord Kaiden, I understand your position and the procedures involved. However, the Church Court’s investigation will take time, and the Empire’s patience and trust are not infinite. His Highness the Third Prince is sincere about cooperating with Monte Territory, but that sincerity is predicated on the territory’s ability to provide a stable, reliable, and safe environment."
"If you cannot even guarantee the basic safety of the delegation’s members, and must go so far as to call upon the Church Court to handle evil within your own castle... then I’m afraid His Highness will be forced to re-evaluate the risks and value of this cooperation."
She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping over Kaiden and Alina. "The Empire is not without other options. I’m sure you’re aware that in the last five years, the trade power of the Albion Islands has risen meteorically. They have the backing of the entire Island Kingdom. In the preliminary processing of minerals and the supply of specialty textiles, while their current craftsmanship may be slightly inferior, their scale and potential can no longer be ignored."
"If Monte Territory cannot demonstrate sufficient control and efficiency in resolving problems, it is entirely conceivable that His Highness, for the sake of the Empire’s interests, would shift the focus of trade to the Albion Islands."
Alina’s fingertips tightened slightly, but her expression remained composed.
Kaiden’s expression remained unchanged, though a flicker of solemnity passed through the depths of his eyes.
He was, of course, aware of the rise of the Albion Islands. They had only begun to make their mark a decade ago but had expanded rapidly over the last five years, forming the Albion Islands Trading Group headed by the Golden Coast Duke. Their sheer scale was now far beyond what a single Baron’s Domain could hope to match. Because they were backed by an entire Kingdom.
By leveraging the integration of Kingdom-Level resources, they had established a massive advantage in the realm of raw materials and mass-market goods. Monte Territory was only able to remain competitive in high-end boutique products and specialty materials thanks to its years of accumulated craftsmanship and exclusive channels.
Losing a major client like the Empire would likely trigger a cascading decline.
"Miss Adela, we understand," Kaiden began slowly, his voice steady. "Please believe that Monte Territory treasures every opportunity to cooperate with the Empire. We will handle this matter with the utmost speed and solemnity. I will immediately send an urgent letter to the Crescent District in the name of the Monte Clan and as a Holy Protector, requesting that Archbishop John dispatch capable hands."
"At the same time, Monte Territory will cooperate fully with the investigation and, during this period, ensure the safety of you and the rest of your delegation with the highest security protocols."
He gave a slight bow. "Regarding Sir Carl’s unfortunate passing, Monte Territory once again expresses its deepest condolences. We will preserve his body with care and handle all subsequent arrangements. Until the Church Court reaches a clear conclusion, I ask that you temper your anger and grant us some time to manage the situation. Monte Territory’s sincerity and competence should not be dismissed outright because of one strange and unfortunate incident."
Watching Kaiden’s calm, composed, and articulate response, the anxiety in Adela’s heart subsided somewhat.
She knew that applying more pressure at this point would be pointless and could even backfire.
The Empire truly valued the potential of the Albion Islands, but Monte Territory’s unique advantages in certain key sectors—especially its close ties to Blackstone Fortress, the Southern Territory, and the Church Court—were not something the Island Kingdom could replace overnight.
"Very well." She finally nodded, her tone softening slightly. "I expect to see swift and decisive action from Monte Territory. I will report the situation here truthfully to His Highness the Third Prince. Until the Church Court’s people arrive and provide their conclusions, we will be suspending all further trade negotiations. I hope that when that time comes, we will receive a clear and satisfactory answer."
"As is proper," Kaiden acknowledged with a nod. "Lucian, arrange for men to move Sir Carl’s body to a quiet chamber immediately and see that it is properly kept. Reinforce the guards at all castle entrances and exits, as well as near Miss Adela’s quarters. I will go and draft the letter to Archbishop John at once."
"Yes, my lord." Lucian bowed to accept his orders and moved swiftly to carry them out.
