Chapter 17: The Preparations Are in Place②
After reading the letter, Chancellor Madison and Gilbert immediately contacted each other. Following Anon’s instructions felt like being toyed with, which was quite frustrating, but they diligently verified the facts as Anon had suggested.
As they investigated according to Anon’s guidance, they uncovered a plethora of incidents caused by the Holy Knights in the past. The more they searched, the more they found—victims who had suffered in silence, and they felt ashamed to realize that what they had previously understood was merely the tip of the iceberg. However, what shocked them even more was the astonishing revelation that emerged.
Both the incidents caused by the Holy Knights in the past and those instigated by the Hero in Lemone shared the same methods, content, and underlying ideologies.
They would suddenly have a flash of inspiration, offering unsolicited advice while meddling for their amusement. They would intrude into matters of work and management, threatening anyone who disagreed or remained silent with their own power or the name of their nation. Even if it meant leading others to ruin while they wept in despair, they would take no responsibility, trampling upon the lives of those who struggled daily, leaving devastation in their wake. It was as if they were carelessly toppling a tower of blocks that caught their eye that day.
Moreover, if there was a woman they fancied, they would summon her to their chambers. If she refused to comply, they would blame her with words like, “You’ve made me lose my motivation. If a stampede occurs and everyone dies, it’s because you killed them,” manipulating her guilt to force her into submission and humiliation.
The past Holy Knights and the current Hero. The incidents they caused were rooted in a shared ideology that belittled and scorned the people of this world, believing they could do anything to them without consequence. This underlying motive was all too clear.
At this point, both Chancellor Madison and Gilbert were nearly convinced that Anon’s claims were indeed true.
Within a week of Anon’s contact, they had completed a thorough investigation. Without either of them needing to voice it first, they mutually acknowledged, “Perhaps Anon is speaking the truth,” and began to ponder how they could reach out to Anon.
That very night, Cardinal Gilbert sensed an unusual presence in his room, one that should not have been there. It was Anon, appearing as if they had timed their arrival perfectly.
The subtlety of Anon’s presence, their enigmatic nature, and the fact that they had slipped past the heavy security to enter his private quarters made Gilbert acutely aware of the danger. Initially, he felt a chill of impending death. However, upon hearing Anon’s introduction, he realized it was a misunderstanding. To ensure they could communicate in the future, Cardinal Gilbert imbued their respective Communication Orbs with their Mana.
Thus, Cardinal Gilbert established contact with Anon, and together with Madison, they would share even more information and devise strategies against the Hero. The meeting of these three would ultimately clarify the fate of Hero Ryuguin.
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Next, the story of Ryuguin’s desperate situation begins.