Azure Scepter

Page 69

But if that's the case, then Vercingetorie's current attitude is rather strange. What is the purpose behind the bloody performance of the half-human, half-human dancer on stage, or the fact that the other party is standing behind the portrait of Saint-Sel observing from only one direction without coming out?

With this thought in mind, Trier narrowed his eyes slightly. He decided to provoke the other party with a not-too-outrageous act of rudeness in order to obtain more information.

The conversation between the two was extremely fast, almost instantaneous. Before the others could react, the first round of exchange was over, and Vercingetori had already readjusted himself and walked down the stairs.

The moment the dragon Aurelius heard the words "Iolum Longevity Technique," it stopped bickering with the spymaster Nordman, shuddered, and then carefully hid behind Hult.

"Good evening, teacher. May the radiance bless you." Noi paused for a moment, then stepped forward and gave the bishop a clerical greeting.

Upon seeing Neu, Vercingetorie paused for a moment. He did not return Neu's greeting, but instead turned and gave Trier a deep look. Although the bishop's eyes were unusually cloudy, in Trier's eyes, the bishop's gaze was as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.

Nordman only then realized the bishop had come down. He casually greeted him and then asked, "Uh, Bishop, shouldn't we wait for Lady Rolina? The support from the Duke's Advisory Council and the guild is also very important to us. Now that Earl Cohen is not here, if we want to deal with..."

Bishop Vercingetorie shook his head slowly, interrupting softly in a storytelling tone: “Child, I need to speak with Trier first.”

He paused slightly, then said in a deep voice, "This is a private conversation, so please wait a moment..."

“There’s no need to hold back; they are all trustworthy,” Trier interrupted directly.

To Trier's surprise, the bishop, whose appearance was too young due to the spell, did not seem to be annoyed. He remained calm and asked, neither servile nor arrogant, "Are you sure?"

“Of course.” Trier stared straight at Vercingetorie, and after a moment, he glanced at the halfling dancers still singing energetically on stage.

Vercingetorie paused for a moment, then raised his eyelids and smiled gently again: "Don't worry, she's deaf—and beautiful, isn't she?"

"It's horrible, a bloody mess..." Aurelius muttered under his breath.

The time traveler remained silent, quietly awaiting the bishop's next words.

Despite Trier's repeated provocations, Bishop Vercingetori still smiled and said, "By the grace of the heavens, I was being redundant. I thought Trier liked this kind of thing."

“Teacher, this is slander.” Noi stood in front of Trier, her eyes slightly narrowed. “No normal person would like a bloody human stump, nor would any normal person like a naked half-human. By the light, she looks like a little girl.”

Vercingetorius chuckled, laughing out loud for the first time: "You've completely misunderstood. I was referring to the greatness of human intellect."

"Look, this halfling lady lost her limbs in an accident, but thanks to the technology created by human intellect, she can move again with the help of mechanical devices—although it may look a bit bloody, those are just chunks of flesh, and compared to standing up and moving again, this sacrifice is insignificant."

“That’s a viewpoint that’s quite similar to that of some necromancers in the Great Swamp region,” Trier said with a half-smile.

Vercingetorius's smile deepened: "A correct viewpoint doesn't change because of faith; what's right is right."

“Radiance! But teacher, this is under the sacred painting of Saint Seir! This is blasphemous!” Noi protested vehemently, her expression grave, her eyebrows almost standing on end.

“My child, I’ve watched you grow up,” Bishop Vercingetori said with a smile. “This behavior may not conform to worldly understanding, but compared to the malicious transport of contaminated food, it is probably nothing at all.”

Then, Vercingetorie sighed again and began to tell the riddle: "After a long period of self-deception, falsehood becomes faith, and only a very few who see through the fog can receive true revelation, right, High Priest?"

Noi fell silent instantly. She glanced around discreetly and quickly, and found that most people were equally confused. So she quietly began to observe Professor Vercingetorie.

At that moment, Vercingetorie calmly picked up the wine glass on the table, took a rather elegant sip, and then ignored Neu's gaze, continuing to look at Trier.

Vercingetorie is difficult to deal with; it's hard to provoke him. I need to change my approach. Trier thought to himself.

At this moment, he already had a vague idea for a new approach.

All of his actions indicate that Vercingetorius is urgently seeking to dominate the dialogue. Generally, this pursuit of dominance is only necessary when one is at a disadvantage in terms of resources and resources, and then uses this dominance to preemptively set the framework for the negotiation and thus achieve a settlement.

If that's the case, then after the other party's initial probing failed and they gained the upper hand, they will definitely choose to demonstrate again in a gentler way. Their choice will most likely be to show that they are a legend by distorting reality.

Thinking of this, Trier changed his previous tough attitude and said rather gently, "Time is precious, we should talk about serious matters."

As expected, Bishop Vercingetorie slowly raised his hand.

The next moment, a holy white light appeared out of thin air, followed by light-forged chairs that materialized out of thin air. The air distorted slightly, and then the light-forged chairs solidified. As if someone had pushed them, the chairs quietly and neatly arranged behind everyone—everything was fine until one chair was missing, which happened to be the one behind Noy.

Then, the bishop gently lowered his hand, and a dazzling white light curtain obscured the disabled dancer, with only the lewd tune still faintly emanating from it.

At this moment, Aurelius felt a chill run down his spine. He began to tremble, and cold sweat quickly seeped from his back, cheeks, and forehead, then slid down and condensed into lines.

“Bishop Vercingetorius, what are you doing?” Chief Spy Nordman couldn’t hold back any longer and questioned, “Are you all telling riddles?”

Trier didn't stand on ceremony. He pulled out a chair and sat down casually. The chair smelled of wood, and the backrest seemed to still retain the warmth of the light.

There is no doubt that Vercingetori wants to negotiate. If he wants to negotiate, he should get straight to the point, make his demands, and let the other party make his terms.

Before Vercingetorly could speak, Trier said, "Vercingetorly, let's stop playing games. How much do you really know about the blood plague that's currently raging?"

Vercingtoli squinted slightly as he gently stroked the stubble on his chin.

“I know a little less than you do, but a little more than the naive and pitiful Edith.”

Chapter 138 Negotiation (Part Two)

“A little less than you, a little more than the naive and pitiful Edith.” Vercingtoli narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice very soft, like a whisper in the wind.

This statement seems to contain a lot of information, but in reality, it says nothing at all.

Trier remained silent, knowing that after Vercingetorius finished speaking the riddle, there would definitely be more to come.

"The saints reside high above the divine realm, while mortals are but puppets on strings." The bishop turned his back, looking at the holy painting that was not obscured by the light curtain. "Your Excellency Trier, you have always been exceptionally wise, so do you know what freedom is?"

Trier tapped the table lightly.

In the Church of Radiant Light, other gods within the pantheon are generally referred to as saints. Therefore, Vercingetori's words almost explicitly indicate that there is a power struggle between gods behind the blood plague crisis, and his discussion about freedom is a question about his attitude.

According to the game's setting, the gods of the Radiant pantheon did indeed behave very strangely during the Undead Crisis.

Although the Azure Laws had not yet shattered, limiting the gods' ability to interfere with the Prime Material Plane without incurring a significant cost, it was still quite strange that in the original timeline, they simply watched as a relatively important kingdom within the Radiant Pantheon's sphere of influence was destroyed without taking any action.

Based on the current situation, the one standing in the spotlight is the lich Losevie; and those fighting against Losevie are the succubus lesser demon lord, the sealed dream realm demigod, the observing Saint Seir, and the Sunset Sage of the elven pantheon, who appeared in the original history but has not yet left any trace.

Previous analyses by gamers had been rather superficial, but now, Trier clearly saw the underlying forces at higher levels shrouded in a hazy mist, pulling in and restraining the situation. However, this new perspective brought a new layer of confusion—why were most of the gods in the Radiant Pantheon standing idly by in the face of the Blood Plague crisis? What was so special about Lorsevie?

“Silence is also an answer. As a wise man once said: I keep the unknown in check.” Vercingetori’s voice interrupted Trier’s thoughts. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to share my insights.”

“Bishop, we can discuss theological issues later. Let's wait for Lady Rolina and discuss how to deal with those unreasonable kingdom survey teams first.” Nordman hesitated slightly before tapping the table. “Uh, she'll be here soon…”

Vercingetori clearly ignored the chief spymaster. He waved his hand to dispel the light screen he had conjured with his will, and the half-human dancer with a limb and a torso, pulled by silk threads, reappeared in everyone's sight.

"Freedom is the recognition of necessity and the obedience to it," the bishop said to himself. "Look at that lovely dancer—how pitiful, isn't she?"

He paused, then raised his hand: "But who isn't like that? Some people take a script written by someone else, helplessly walk onto a stage they don't like, and then, like a moth, they die silently and disappear from the stage. The fate of ordinary people has long been determined by the radiance in the unspeakable void."

“Teacher, I cannot agree with this. What do you mean by saying this? What does it have to do with the saints?” Sister Noy, abandoning her usual gentle and timid manner, retorted without hesitation, “What do you mean by ‘above the Kingdom of God’? This is heresy!”

The bishop smiled gently: "Who knows? I'm just discussing theology in an abstract way. Child, please don't interrupt. I'm talking to Trier, and listening is a virtue."

Noi lowered her eyelids.

Through the telepathic connection, Trier sensed the confusion and unease rising and gathering in Noy's heart like a live volcano, so he gently patted Noy on the shoulder.

The nun took a deep breath, blinked, and instantly regained her composure.

Trier slowly stood up, pressed Neu, who had no chair, into a chair, and then walked toward Vercingetorie at an extremely slow pace.

“I think we should stop going in circles,” the long-silent transmigrator finally spoke.

Vercingtoly also stood up, placing his hands on the table, his cloudy eyes slowly turning to stare at Trier: "As you wish, Your Excellency, I now fully believe that you have regained your memory—ah, by the light above, what a typical characteristic, efficient, to the point."

“My conditions are simple.” Trier stopped and held up one finger. “First, immediately use the power of the Church to block all food shipments out of the entire Earl’s territory; second, evacuate the people of Eraf.”

Trier's tone remained calm as he held up a third finger: "Finally, in your name, expose Lothaway's conspiracy to the Vatican."

Vercingetori's smile remained gentle, but his cloudy eyes suddenly sharpened. Although his posture and appearance remained unchanged, a sharp and piercing feeling arose suddenly.

At this moment, the erotic melody of the elves came to an interlude. The halfling, controlled by silken threads and resembling a puppet, stopped singing—the interlude was a violin solo.

The violin's rhythm suddenly quickened, the silver notes were rapid, the overtones were cold and eerie, and the cold, sharp string sounds revealed a bloodthirsty cruelty, without any of the humor of the erotic accompaniment.

Trier knew that Vercingetorius was now setting conditions, and if he was not mistaken, the bishop's next words would certainly express his willingness to cooperate.

“You have done me many favors in the past, Trier.” Bishop Vercingetorie straightened up, his pale face first furrowing sharply, then relaxing in an instant, revealing a sincere smile. “Your Excellency, you are now as noble as a saint. This fills me with admiration, and I swear in the name of glory, I am very willing to serve you and for justice.”

The second step is to express difficulty, most likely indicating that they can't help or are busy with other things. Trier thought to himself.

“But, Trier, justice is always blinded by ignorance and shortsightedness. Our great legendary paladin Oris has greatly weakened my control over the diocese. Under the blow of the Blood Plague crisis, I do not have enough manpower and influence to block the food transport of the entire Count’s territory.” As expected, Vercingetorie began, “Moreover, the Pope’s health is very poor right now.”

“And I have reached a reliable agreement with eight of the remaining twelve cardinals,” Vercingtorli said softly. “Soon, I will have to leave the Kingdom of Orco to go to the Papacy to prepare for the election. Once I leave here, Oris will take over the local church organization completely.”

"The next Pope, you?!" Nordmann seemed stunned, and he blurted out instinctively, "Radiance!"

“Thank you for your kind words, colleagues.” Vercingtoli waved his hand, his gaze remaining fixed on Trier.

Trier's expression remained unchanged, as if Vercingetori were not talking about church secrets or the papal election, but merely about what to have for dinner.

He knew very well that whatever Vercingetorius said at this point was only aimed at raising the offer, and his third sentence was to reiterate his willingness to cooperate and then state his own conditions.

As if possessed by Trier's spirit, Bishop Vercingetorli uttered the next sentence: "Though the difficulties are numerous, mercy and sacrifice are glorious virtues, and we must cooperate with each other. However..."

He paused, then spoke faster: "However, Lord Oris seems to have gone mad. He seems to be blinded by the devil, and has gone on a crazy search for a little girl throughout the city."

"Although my control over the church organization has weakened, if we can help Oris find that little girl, then pushing for a food blockade should be very easy, very simple."

“Great Trier, please use your divination magic to help me find that poor little girl. It is very easy for you.”

In an instant, Trier knew who the little girl Vercingetori was talking about was—according to the demon he had cleaved with his sword, the little girl was probably the vessel for the arrival of a lesser demon lord.

—It seems that before entering the tavern, he had overheard Vercingetori reprimanding the judge for letting the little girl go.

Although Vercingetorius claimed that Oris needed to find the little girl, Trier knew very well that this was just an excuse; the one who truly needed the little girl was Bishop Vercingetorius.

The problem is, what was Vercingetor's purpose in seeking out that little girl? That little girl was the vessel for the arrival of a lesser demon lord. Even disregarding the voyeurism of cultists who worshipped the lesser demon lord, the little girl herself was extremely dangerous! She was a ticking time bomb!

This behavior would be even stranger if Vercingetorius were to actually take office as pope.

At this moment, Trier felt extremely hesitant. He couldn't understand what Vercingetori was trying to do, and he couldn't help but glance at him.

Vercingetorie stared at himself silently and intently, his cloudy eyes seeming to burn with flames, as if he were eagerly awaiting a positive answer.

Dust particles danced in the blood-red light of the chandelier, the violin music faded, and the halfling's song rose again: "Arranging those paired mountains, the night sky filled with stars and the stream rippling~"

Seemingly worried that he might disagree, Vercingtorli continued, "The oracle of Saint Borant has been issued. In no more than two months, the Pope will complete his earthly journey and ascend to the divine kingdom. I will only stay in the Kingdom of Orco for one last month. By the light of the heavens, Trier, do me a favor and help those poor souls ravaged by the blood plague."

Chapter 139 Negotiation (Part 3)

“Trier, you and I both know that the key to solving the problem is not blocking food transport or evacuating refugees; the key is Laurence. To confront such a terrifying entity is like throwing an egg against a rock. However, if you help me, I can provide a new solution for everyone through the Holy See.”

Vercingetorie slowly walked toward Trier. As they got closer, Trier felt a faint sense of threat, but he remained calm and kept his eyes fixed on Vercingetorie.

Finally, Vercingetorie stopped less than a fist's distance away from him. Trier could smell the faint scent of blood emanating from the bishop's distinctive yellow half-cloak, and he could also see the fine wrinkles hidden beneath the other's smooth skin. Those fine wrinkles exuded a sense of aging and decay, like stones that had fallen from a decaying tower.

The bishop narrowed his eyes slightly, took a deep breath, and seemed about to continue speaking, but at that moment, Trier immediately interrupted him: "What solution?"

"You'll find out when the time comes," the bishop sighed, then took a small step back.

Trier knew that Vercingetori was talking nonsense and that the other solutions he was talking about didn't exist. However, he also had a vague idea as to why Vercingetori was looking for the little girl.

Given that Vercingetori is about to leave the Southern Duchy, it is unlikely that his search for the little girl who serves as a vessel for the arrival of a lesser demon lord is for the purpose of resolving the blood plague crisis, as this crisis is currently a pure risk to him.

Therefore, it is a very reasonable inference that Bishop Vercingetorius was looking for the little girl for other personal gain.

Furthermore, it was known that Vercingetorie was already showing signs of aging, and if he had truly used the "Iolem Longevity Technique" on him, Vercingetorie shouldn't be exhibiting these symptoms. Therefore, Vercingetorie's search for the little girl was most likely to address his own aging problem.

Trier speculated that Vercingetori might be using the little girl as leverage in a deal with others, or perhaps as material for a spell. But whatever Vercingetori's intentions, Trier didn't really care.

If we continue analyzing along this line of thought, a very bad possibility arises—if Vercingetorie doesn't directly address the issue of aging by contacting himself, but instead goes through such a long and roundabout process, then there's a high probability that, after ten years of erosion, he has developed a deep connection with Laurence.

With this thought in mind, Trier's fingers lightly rested on the dull wooden hilt of his sword—if a battle broke out, he would immediately use the shadows to create distance, and then use the magic storage stone to release "dispelling magic," directly removing Vercingetori's life-extending state.

His damage output is now completely overflowing. As long as Vercingetori doesn't immediately apply all his buffs, Trier is confident that he can cleave him into pieces with a single sword strike.

Although a hint of murderous intent had risen in his heart, Trier sat down on the table seemingly nonchalantly.

“Other solutions aren’t necessary; the initial three conditions are enough. I’ll use divination magic to find that little girl.”

At this moment, the chief spymaster, Nordmann, was completely dumbfounded. He even subconsciously sat down behind Auris and Hult, and the three of them were trembling together...

Nordman felt as if a whole pot of boiling water was roaring in his brain, and all his thoughts became somewhat unreal amidst his rapidly rising heartbeat.

—Weren't we all here to plot how to deal with the Kingdom's investigation team? Why are Trier and Vercingetorie discussing the papal election and the Saints' interference in the mortal world? Also, isn't Laurence Rosée the founding monarch of the Kingdom? What do you mean by saying the key to the problem lies with Laurence Rosée—do we expect to solve the blood plague crisis by rushing to the royal mausoleum, digging up the first queen's grave, and dragging her body out to dry in the sun?

He hesitated slightly before glancing ahead, the tense situation seemingly having calmed down again. Vercingetorie sat back down, a smile playing on his lips, as if he had transformed from an aggressive negotiator back into the approachable bishop of the past; while Trier, quite lacking in aristocratic decorum, sat at the table, head bowed, toying with a magic-storing stone in his hand.

Nordmann's eyelids twitched.

Storage Stone!? How did he get it?!

Nordman had always considered himself a master of craftsmanship, but he had no idea how Trier had managed to pull out the magic stone.

Vercingtoli, holding the dispensing jug, poured himself a drink as he spoke.

"Pleasant to work with."

The light from the four crystal chandeliers overhead seemed to have dimmed slightly, and for some reason, Nordmann felt that the smile on Trier's face had been tinged with a shadow.

A whisper, almost a whisper, drifted on the breeze: "Bishop, what are your thoughts on the issue of your lifespan, Lorsevie?"

Vercingetori's hand was very steady; the red wine stopped smoothly at about a third of the way down the glass. He put down the glass and gave Trier a deep look.