When the Saintess Arrives, No King Exist-Chapter 855 - 806: Does His Holiness the Pope Also Practice Sorcery?

After the battle report from Summer Green City appeared in newspapers and bulletins spreading outwards, public opinion began to change subtly.

Whether in bulletins or "Truth News," commentators with "neutral" stances evaluated this military affair.

The invasion by the Leia people was expected, and due to Horn's prior groundwork, a temporary setback was within many people's acceptance range.

But whether it was the disaster brought by the bond crisis or the subsequent failure to hold Summer Green City, when truly asked who bears the biggest blame, the commentators don't dare to say.

Yet, despite their silence, as soon as the public pondered, they instinctively placed the blame on Moliat.

After all, Madlan's scribes, who were well-versed in the art of guidance, were quite familiar with how to say everything without saying anything.

Not just in Pingyuan County, even in Mountain County, many began to doubt Moliat's ability.

Those who once praised her as the "War Goddess" now started saying she's just a "woman lucky beyond measure," with some secretly mocking her as merely a "puppet lifted onto the altar."

"Fought for three months, yet Summer Green City was lost, what face does she have to return?"

"Such major losses, if the Saint's Grandson commanded, the situation wouldn't have turned like this."

"Letting a woman lead troops was a joke from the start."

Such comments grew more numerous in taverns, markets, and along streets and alleys.

Even many soldiers began discussing privately, believing that if Moliat continues to oversee the war, their futures are bleak.

The changes in the battle situation made the citizens' anxiety rise swiftly.

However, when Moliat was truly returning from the front lines, the crowd waiting at the docks was still dense.

Winter sunlight thinly bathed the snow-covered streets, filling the air with a faint burnt smell left by peat fire.

The winter river water rippled gray, cold winds making the flags flutter loudly.

Monks, merchants, nobles, and soldiers stood under the port's gallery, anxiously waiting for Moliat's ship to dock.

Knights from North Mangde County maintained order but couldn't suppress the murmurs among citizens.

A large number of citizens, wrapped in thick wool capes, rubbed their hands, occasionally gazing toward the river.

"Is she not going to switch to a small boat, from the city's canal directly to Uffizi Palace?"

"If she does that, without showing her face, wouldn't that appear guilty?"

Not far away, a neat squad of knights stood by the shore, black and red flags softly swaying in the wind.

Horn stood at the front of the crowd, calmly watching the ship gradually approach.

"This scene is too extravagant." Someone in the crowd couldn't help but whisper.

"Lost the war, lost Summer Green City, why bother with such pomp?"

"Did you hear? Just preparing the welcoming ceremony cost over a thousand pounds."

"I wonder if she can keep a straight face when she returns this time."

"She's steel-faced; of course, she can keep it!"

The murmurs rose and fell but ultimately didn't grow too loud due to the deliberate suppression by the high-level monks and knights.

Soon, a large barge slowly docked at the pier.

People squeezed together, stood on tiptoe, watching the wide sails embroidered with golden iris flowers.

On the deck stood a row of soldiers in ink-blue cloaks, still carrying the coldness of a distant journey beneath their armor.

The Ceremonial Officer's voice rang out: "His Highness the Despot, has arrived!"

The Autocratic Duke's ship had finally arrived.

Officers on the dock immediately stood at attention, everyone held their breath, watching the gangplank placed on the walkway.

The gangplank lowered, and a few burly guards were the first to disembark.

Then, Moliat, dressed in a black padded jacket, slowly walked down.

Her body was wrapped in white bandages carrying a faint bloody smell, her steps steady yet evidently difficult to conceal weakness.

Horn nodded slightly.

Catherine, beside him, stepped forward first with a smile: "Welcome back, Moliat."

Moliat nodded, only saying "It's so good to see you," without further words.

Knights on either side opened the carriage door, Horn raised his hand, signaling her to board first.

Moliat didn't stand on ceremony, directly stepping into the carriage.

Horn followed closely behind.

As the door closed, the wheels crushed the thin snow, slowly heading towards Uffizi Palace.

Inside the carriage, the air was restless and oppressive.

Moliat sat opposite Horn, face pale, fingers subconsciously rubbing the cloak on her knee.

The carriage interior fell silent for a moment, broken by Horn first: "How is your injury?"

Turning her head, gazing out the window, Moliat huffed softly: "It's not serious."

Horn slightly frowned, not pressing further, instead changing the topic: "In the carriage with only us, why still wear the iron mask?"

Seemingly fed up with Horn's roundabout pleasantries, Moliat took a deep breath, cutting straight to the point.

"The Red Knights' combat power is abnormal." She raised her head, eyes flashing with indescribable emotion, "They are strong but not very intelligent; so far, no living ones have been captured."

Horn's brows furrowed deeper: "No living ones?"

"Haven't caught any alive yet," Moliat sneered, "either killed in battle or committed suicide."

The Female Grand Duke squinted her eyes, seemingly recalling the previous battle: "They charge without hesitation, totally disregarding the cost, nearly like exhausted machines.

Previously, Jeska faced the Red Knights and the mixed regiment decree for the first time and suffered greatly, even though it was an ambush, it ended in a draw."

Horn immediately realized Moliat was referring to Jeska's previous report on the encounter battle with over three hundred casualties.

"To what extent are they unintelligent?"

"Frequently getting lost or attacking in the wrong directions, sometimes even attacking their own people, I even feel they resemble zombies."

Horn's brow furrowed tighter: "Did you conduct an autopsy?"

"Yes." Moliat murmured, "Not zombies, but normal living people killed in battle, similar to normal high-level breathing method Knights.

But they resemble Demon Hunters more, having many transformed organ structures, more like some kind of modified monster."

Horn recalled Duke Nedbach's previous accusation against King Leia concerning the Blood and Flesh Royal Court: "Are you saying, Duke Nedbach's statement was true?"

He had heard rumors about the Red Knights from Cheka and Defenders but wasn't certain of their authenticity.

One must know that the position of King Leia was nearly bound to the new Pope.

If the matter of the Red Knights was true, then even that new Puliano Pope would encounter a legitimacy crisis.

His Holiness the Pope also engaged in magic?

Moliat didn't respond to Horn's words, just lowered her head.

The carriage remained silent for a few seconds.

"What about the Summer Green Plague?" Horn jumped to this topic, continuing his inquiry.

"The symptoms are peculiar," Moliat slowly began, "Initial signs are just common high fever, then the skin starts ulcerating, followed by full-body spasms... but the most unique thing is, Blessed ones won't be infected."

Horn abruptly raised his head: "What did you say?"

"Blessed ones may catch other diseases, but won't catch the Summer Green fever." Moliat calmly repeated.

Quiet for a moment, Horn's gaze slightly narrowed afterward.

"If it is so…" he softly said, "These plagues might not be normal."

Moliat nodded: "Its spread is too fast, normal plague couldn't do this."

After prolonged contemplation, Horn pulled back his thoughts, mildly said: "If it is a magic creation, then the Red Knights likely aren't exceptions."

Moliat nodded slightly: "I have similar suspicions, but currently lack evidence."

Horn lightly sighed, adjusting his posture: "This matter cannot be relaxed, must investigate quickly."

Moliat glanced at him, expression indifferent: "Arrange it, I'll cooperate."

While turning to retrieve the schedule, Horn hesitated for a moment but still kept his expression normal, turning around: "Will you rest first tomorrow or convene the consultation meeting first?"

"Is everyone gathered?" Moliat's gaze was somewhat playful, "All waiting to blame me, huh."

"The Leia invasion has made the public anxious. Their actions are swift, not blaming but inquiring." Horn took Moliat's hand, "I too have to accept questioning."

Not until the carriage slowly entered the gates of Uffizi Palace, did Moliat lower her head and say: "I've rested enough; let's have the consultation meeting tomorrow."

The sound of carriage wheels grating over stone resonated in the depths of Uffizi Palace, the clouds reflecting the bloody hue of the sunset.

A meeting that would decide the future was about to begin.