Chapter 34

Knight Roman's face was ashen.

When he sent someone to arrest Gret, he didn't think much of it—after all, it was just a common soldier. How hard could it be to beat him up and lock him in the temple for a few days? Would the city guard really come to the temple to demand an explanation for such a minor character?

But the city guard did come. Not only did they come, but a captain and two lieutenants came as well. And not only did the city guard come, but the bishop of the War God Temple also showed up, willing to testify for that little guy!

Why?

Why?

Knight Roman's teeth ground together with a clatter. He couldn't help but clench his fists, but when he did, he realized his thumb was useless. Instantly, a surge of anger rose from his chest.

He was finished anyway. Falsely accusing an innocent person, violating the knight's code, and being caught red-handed by a high priest in front of a distinguished guest—such a knight's best fate would be to start as a common soldier on the battlefield, washing away his sins with the blood of the enemy.

But he was already ruined. He couldn't even go to the battlefield.

Since that was the case—

Since that was the case!

"It's his fault!"

Knight Roman suddenly raised his head, staring at Gret with eyes red as if they were bleeding:

"While I was treating my wounds, he wouldn't let me use the healing potion! After he and the necromancer went in, he sent that black cat out to drag me in! If it weren't for me—If it weren't for me holding onto the door frame—"

Gret sighed.

He really missed the head of the medical department. A short, sturdy man who could argue, bang the table, stand up to the health commission, and handle medical disputes. Basically, with him in front, such unreasonable complaints would barely affect the doctors.

But now, he was in a different world. He had to face the storms himself.

Gret raised his gaze. Like any young man who had just begun to understand the world and was witnessing its dangers for the first time, he looked at the captain of the city guard, his eyes clear, his voice slightly trembling:

"Captain, if Knight Roman's accusations are true, what will happen to me?"

What will happen?

A young civilian, colluding with the enemy, causing a knight to be severely injured. Whether the temple or the lord's house investigates, it would be normal for Gret to be beaten to death on the spot.

But Gret was clearly innocent!

Knight Nolan had been harboring a fire in his heart. Arresting people at will and falsely accusing them, even if the other party was a temple knight, the city guard was not to be trifled with. Not to mention, little Gret's father was once a lieutenant in the city guard, and he himself had just saved Knight Siro—

Knight Nolan's thick brows furrowed. Just as he was about to speak, the high priest of the Spring Goddess Temple sighed and spoke first:

"Child, you don't need to worry." The high priest's voice was gentle, his demeanor noble. Even if the wrongdoer was a knight of their temple, it wouldn't shake his composure:

"The clear gaze of the Spring Goddess can see through everything. She will not let the innocent suffer."

"Praise the Spring Goddess."

"Praise the Spring Goddess." The priests and knights bowed their heads in unison. Gret followed suit, muttering silently, as if he had already paid his respects. When he spoke again, his tone was firm and his words sharp:

"Then, do you think the accusations of someone who has falsely accused me before are credible?"

Like a sudden stab from a sword under a thick, soft cloak.

Like a sheep suddenly baring its fangs.

Knight Nolan's eyes widened slightly, surprised, as if he were seeing Gret for the first time. He then smiled with relief, and in his laughter, the high priest's face darkened, looking displeased. Knight Roman shouted angrily:

"You're lying! It's your fault! It's you—"

"Enough!"

The high priest suddenly flew into a rage. He pounded his staff, and a burst of blue light from the staff silenced Knight Roman. The high priest tilted his staff slightly, pointing it at him:

"Take him to the deepest meditation room in the temple. He is not to leave until he breaks through!"

...Meditation?

Gret was a bit dissatisfied. But since the other party had already made a decision, there was little he could do to protest. Gret looked at Knight Nolan for guidance, and seeing the captain shake his head slightly, he remained silent, bowing his head. He appeared to be showing respect, but in reality, he was distracted, studying the floor.

—Tsk, this floor is really smooth. It's not marble, but it's as good as terrazzo. If it were disinfected properly, it would be perfect for an operating room...

He was so engrossed in examining the floor that he almost missed the commotion on the other side. Knight Roman struggled, but under the high priest's divine restraint, a knight's strength was of little use. He was quickly carried away. The high priest then softened his expression, chatting politely with Knight Nolan for a few moments before seeing them off.

"Captain, what is the deepest part of the temple?"

As soon as the temple's lights disappeared, Gret eagerly asked. Knight Nolan chuckled and tapped him on the forehead:

"Still not convinced? I've never seen the high priest be so harsh!—I've only heard of that place. It's said to be dark, silent, and even the people who bring meals don't speak. It's used for high-ranking knights to meditate and train. Even if Roman is a fifth-level knight, it will take him at least a year or two to break through."

"Uh..."

"How..."

Knight Nolan raised an eyebrow. Gret stammered:

"He might never come out..."

"What?"

Knight Nolan was shocked. "I thought he seemed off, especially his right hand..."

He turned to the bald bishop:

"Can't it be cured?"

Under the moonlight, the bald bishop's expression was serious. He frowned, recalling for a moment, then shook his head and nodded:

"I haven't examined him closely, so I can't make a conclusion. However, that old man's healing magic is about the same as mine. If he couldn't cure it, I probably can't either. Hmm... perhaps a higher-level divine blessing, like from our archbishop, might help..."

But whether an archbishop, who is a priest of 11th level or higher, would intervene for a fifth-level knight was another matter.

Gret looked left and right, his mind racing. High-level divine magic might have the potential to regenerate limbs. He needed to remember this and, if possible, study the principles!

He silently set a long-term goal for himself. Knight Nolan was silent for a moment, then pulled Gret to his side, cautioning him:

"If Roman is really ruined, the temple won't keep him locked up forever. After a few months, or if his family pleads, they might release him. This guy has a small heart, and he might seek revenge. Is your place safe? For your safety, should you move to the barracks?"

Under the moonlight, Gret raised his head slightly and smiled.

"A few months? I only need a few months. I'll become a mage apprentice as soon as possible, don't worry!"