Chapter 197:
TL: Etude
Lets rewind to a few days ago
In the grand cathedral at the heart of Fort Ness, Bishop Elvis had just concluded a prayer session.
Following his routine address, the clergy dispersed.
Bishop Elvis, who had appeared calm and composed during the service, now wore a solemn expression.
He headed to the dining hall to have his dinner.
Given his status, he could have easily ordered a private meal from the kitchen.
However, except in cases of illness or other special circumstances, Elvis always insisted on eating communal meals with the ordinary clergy in the large dining hall, a practice that significantly contributed to his popularity.
Seated in his usual spot, a servant placed a meal in front of him.
Elvis picked up a boiled egg and started tapping it on the table, seemingly lost in thought and continuously tapping without stopping.
A curious clergyman nearby noticed that the bishop was so engrossed that he almost crushed the egg without realizing it, as if deep in thought.
Bishop Elvis? Bishop Elvis?
The clergyman gently nudged Elviss arm, snapping him back to reality.
Oh
Elvis realized the state of the egg in his hand.
Lord, forgive me, he muttered, repenting for wasting food. He carefully peeled off the shattered shell and ate the egg in small bites.
The observing clergyman admired the bishops strict self-discipline.
Another clergyman hurried over and whispered to Elvis, Lord Antony has returned.
I understand. Send breakfast to his room and tell him to wait there for me.
Yes, Your Grace.
Elvis hastened his meal and soon cleared his plate.
After thanking the Lord of Light for another bountiful dinner, he stood up and headed towards Antonys room.
Antony, who had just finished his dinner, welcomed him in his room.
Elvis spoke with a guilty expression, Lord Antony, I inadvertently let a witch escape. I have failed in my duties as a bishop.
Antony, puzzled, urged, What exactly happened? Tell me everything.
Elvis seemed troubled, struggling to start.
After a long pause, he began, Last night, there was an incident during the transfer of the witch.
Last night? Did you encounter wolves?
Antony was referring to the unusual howling that night, hinting at the possibility of numerous wolf packs prowling outside the city. It was likely that the team escorting Baroness Fennie encountered them.
Yes, after an entire night without any word from the escort team, I sent out a search party at dawn to check the church we were headed to.
But on the way, we found numerous traces of wolf activity, and the remains of our men sent out yesterday. Everyone was
May their souls ascend to heaven. And the witch?
She escaped! We didnt find her remains at the scene! It seems the escort team was attacked by wolves and the witch escaped amidst the chaos. But I believe theres more to it than meets the eye!
Elvis shook his head, saying, It must have been that witch! It must have been her who used dark magic to summon the nearby wolves to attack our escort team.
The bishops voice grew more intense, convinced that last nights wolf disturbance was caused by the witch Fennie.
Theres no way that evil witch could have survived alone otherwise.
Antony spoke with a hint of regret, Does this mean we can no longer trade with the Grand Duchy of Eton?
Elvis appeared dejected, Yes! Its infuriating. Are we just going to watch an anti-church alliance form?
Antony comforted him, Dont be too hard on yourself, Your Grace. Even if the Grand Duchy of Eton complied with us, their power would have limited impact.
I know that, but what really bothers me is letting that witch escape.
As they were talking, a voice came from outside the door. Is Bishop Elvis here? I have urgent news to report.
Lord Antony, Ill be back shortly.
Elvis stepped outside the room, returning after a moment with a look of shock and anger on his face.
Lord Antony, I just received a report. The Eton embassy announced they found Baroness Fenniethe damned witch has indeed run back to them! Their public message claims they intercepted a gang of bandits kidnapping Baroness Fennie outside Eton!
Antony pondered, It seems last nights incident was not simple.
Elvis paced anxiously, It must be related. The gang of bandits Eton refers to might be our escort teamits likely Etons guards were on that road last night.
Ah! I should have suspected, the Etonians must have known their baroness was a witch and somehow learned of our plan. They, along with the wolves summoned by the witch, attacked our escort team!
Elvis began to speculate wildly.
Antony asked, What should we do now, Your Grace?
Elvis raised his voice, What else can we do? We must reveal the truth about that witch, let the whole world know. Let the people know the Eton royal family is harboring an evil, filthy witch.
Antony shook his head, I advise you to remain calm, Your Grace. When we had Baroness Fennie, we could have publicly revealed evidence of her being a witch at any time. But now that shes not in our hands, making such a claim unilaterallycould cause big trouble, especially at a time when relations between the church and the Horn Bay countries are so tense.
Elvis huffed, Those spineless rulers! What of it, the people are on our side.
Oh, the publics stance is the most unreliable. Today they sing praises of the glory of the Lord, tomorrow theyll be chanting long live the king!
Elvis fell silent, staring at the candle flame, seemingly pondering his next move.
Your Grace, instead of immediately breaking with the Grand Duchy of Eton, why not focus on another matter first? I believe this is more important.
What could be more important than eradicating evil witches?
Antonys expression turned grave, Eliminating the traitor!
A traitor?
Yes, as you said earlier, the Grand Duchy of Eton might have learned of our plan through some means.
Elvis stood up abruptly.
Youre right, I almost forgot!
His eyes glinted coldly.
There must be someone in the cathedral who has abandoned the teachings of the Lord and succumbed to darkness, a fallen one!
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