Gospel of Blood

After hearing the insinuating words of the High Priest, a cold gleam flashed in the eyes of Duke Borde.

However, he quickly regained his composure and restored his faint smile. Although the smile seemed quite forced.

He realized that he had been played by the High Priest. But he couldn't react rashly.

The legitimization of Leno's illegitimate status still required the church's approval, and he couldn't afford to fall out with the church now, as it would completely disrupt his plans.

He knew, perhaps the High Priest also understood this, which is why he took the opportunity to support the Castell girl.

The High Priest's intention was actually quite simple. To exchange Castell's future territory as a religious vassal for the legitimization of the illegitimate child and the support of the church.

This was a transaction. An unexpected transaction.

This was not the result the old duke wanted. However, this time he had no choice.

The old duke's gaze shifted subtly between the fervently beautiful girl, the respectful and obedient old priest Raoul, and the always smiling high priest, who seemed like a kind old grandfather.

Who? Who exactly? Who proposed this despicable and cunning idea?

What perfect timing to completely disrupt his plans!

The old duke didn't believe that this plan was proposed by the young Castell girl. After all, there was nothing in it for her.

Leaning towards the church wouldn't bring much benefit to the girl, at most just temporary protection, and what the church could offer, he believed he could offer as well, and even more and better.

Making such a choice seemed more like the girl didn't trust them, so she sought refuge with the church, or... was it truly for faith?

Thinking of this, the duke narrowed his eyes slightly.

He didn't think a canary long kept in a cage would be capable of such deep scheming. Most likely, she was manipulated.

He also believed he was not unkind to the Castell family. If the girl behaved and obeyed, he was truly planning to make her the mistress of Borde. After all... Leno needed a noble wife to erase his stain.

But now, everything was out of control.

After much thought, the old duke felt that it was more likely that the girl was deceived by the church's priests.

It must be those old foxes taking advantage of the young and ignorant Castell heir, wanting to expand the church's territory through this.

With such thoughts, the deep gaze of Duke Borde soon fell on the two priests.

He smiled faintly but clenched his fist slightly under his sleeve. Taking a deep breath and suppressing his anger, the old duke's gaze once again fell on Charlotte. But there was much more indifference in his eyes.

He smiled slightly and said to the girl.

"The divine light protects us. Although it's regrettable, since Lady Charlotte has made her decision, as devout believers, we naturally have to respect it..."

"Of course, people's minds always change, especially when they're young. A year's time is full of variables. If Lady Charlotte changes her mind in the future, the doors of the Borde family will still be open to you, and we will always be your strong support..."

With that, the old duke looked again at the High Priest on the side and nodded slightly.

"Your Excellency High Priest, can we begin the sacred ceremony for Leno?"

The response from the Duke pleased the High Priest greatly.

He smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Lord Leno is a true holy knight. It is only right for him to return to the embrace of Borde and restore his deserved glory."

Thus, the deal was reached. At least on the surface.

Next was the agreed-upon process.

Accompanied by ethereal hymns, and bathed in divine light, the High Priest performed the sacred ceremony for Leno, who knelt on one knee.

However, the atmosphere was not particularly warm.

The protagonist, Leno, didn't seem particularly pleased. He seemed preoccupied and his gaze couldn't help but glance towards the direction of the church several times.

The nobles had various expressions, and some had already begun to show signs of distraction.

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Although the old duke was smiling, his smile had never changed, and there was a chill in his eyes.

Only the beautiful Castell girl, with a devout expression, silently walked to the front of the nobles, her face full of fervent yearning under the holy light.

As the sacred ceremony ended, the High Priest declined the nobles' invitations, citing discomfort, and retired to a side hall to rest.

The birthday banquet continued.

Charlotte's declaration of faith seemed like a little episode, apparently not affecting the progress of the banquet. But even the dullest nobles could sense that the atmosphere of the birthday banquet had worsened. And with this episode, the flies buzzing around Charlotte disappeared as well.

Although some young noble males still gazed at her eagerly, eager to try their luck, they were soon stopped by their elders.

The Duke might be on equal footing with the High Priest. But these nobles are not.

Just as the Castell heir finished declaring that she would dedicate everything to the church and never marry, someone came to vie for her affection. It would be a direct challenge to the church.

Sebastian, who had infiltrated the birthday party, was itching to come over and flatter the girl with a few words, but he shrunk back under Charlotte's cold glance.

He hadn't forgotten Charlotte's words. He couldn't afford to cause trouble for her in her current position. But he was genuinely curious and excited about the girl's choice.

The actions of the Gods are never without purpose.

The great Lady of the Night decided to "join" the Holy Court, but why?

"Madam Anna said that the decline of the Bloodborne is due to the decisive role played by the Holy Court."

"Could it be... Lady of the Night is laying the groundwork for revenge against the Holy Court in the future?"

"No wonder she's such a great presence returning from ancient times! Just as she's revived, she's already focused on the most powerful church in this world as the start of her far-reaching layout!"

"Returning to the Kingdom of the Lord... Heh, I'm afraid when that time comes, it will be the great Lady of the Night who returns to the throne, ruling over Myria. Who returns to whose kingdom, it's really hard to say!"

Sebastian's gaze was intense, filled with excitement.

Ironically, he never wanted to be involved in the struggles between the Gods, but now, he was excited to be drawn into the competition among True Gods.

He could feel that he was about to witness a great history being made!

No one disturbed Charlotte, and she enjoyed the delicacies of the banquet leisurely.

After receiving the approval of the church, she was quite satisfied, finally resolving a dilemma that had been troubling her for days.

In fact, the idea of joining forces with the church had been in Charlotte's mind since the attempt on her life.

No force was more suitable for dealing with the scheming duke and the subtle disputes among nobles than the church, which transcended the secular world.

Moreover, she had been deeply affected by her conversations with Old Priest Raoul.

The old priest was like a lighthouse in her heart, guiding her toward the direction of faith.

Perhaps in the beginning, she was just using the church as a shield, but gradually, her belief became firmer. The truth it was like a seed planted in her heart, and it was growing silently.

As for the young noble males who had their eyes on her, she ignored them completely. She didn't have the time or interest to deal with those foppish and shallow people.

The only person she had ever wanted to impress was now gone.

Under the watchful eyes of the nobles, the beautiful Castell heir left the banquet hall quietly, leaving behind only an indelible impression on the nobles.

She disappeared into the night, heading towards the side hall where the High Priest was resting.

The banquet continued late into the night. But the dazzling fireworks outside the window couldn't dispel the faint chill that permeated the hall.

The High Priest's expression remained calm, but his eyes revealed a trace of doubt.

His gaze shifted from the door where the Castell girl had left to the side hall where she was headed.

He wasn't worried about the girl's safety. After all, she was under the protection of the Holy Light. What he was worried about was... the future.

The future was always full of variables. And the girl's choice tonight had opened up too many possibilities.

Too many possibilities that made him uneasy.

Even with his wisdom and foresight, he couldn't predict what would happen next. And that was what worried him the most.

After all, the most terrifying thing in this world was the unknown.