NOVPUBWhen the conversation ceased, it was as though every thought exchanged within had been frozen. It gave a semblance of time standing still.
In the silent office, only the minutest ticking of the clock and the crisp sound of rain pattering on the window could be heard vividly in this quiet principal’s office.
The books on the office desk seemed to be engulfed by this tranquility. The bronze desk lamp nearby flickered slightly, casting a warm yellow glow onto the desk, merging with the deep wood grain to create a tranquil hue.
Duchess Cloris stared pensively at Lanci’s desk.
"So, Miss Cloris, is there something bothering you that you need my help with?"
Lanci picked up a mug, its contents still somewhat warm, and took a small sip.
Duchess Cloris slightly lifted her head.
"I want to form an alliance with Mr. Rocky McCarthy to stop this war in the empire."
She answered very bluntly.
"As far as I know, although Duke Morotian can’t exactly be considered part of the War Party, your family should be more inclined toward them, isn’t it?"
Lanci was willing to believe in Xido; after all, he bore no malice even towards Zestira. More importantly, from his exchanges with Xido and his works, he could discern Xido’s abhorrence of war.
However, as for this Miss Duchess, Lanci was presently unsure of her standpoint.
"My father has actually been gone for quite some time. The Duke Morotian who is publicly active right now is actually a puppet controlled by me."
Duchess Cloris sighed and said.
"..."
In the face of Duchess Cloris’s disclosure,
Even Lanci faltered, his mug suspended in mid-air.
He was not only shocked that Duchess Cloris divulged such a matter directly to him, but also at the fact that Duchess Cloris dared to do such a thing in the first place.
No wonder when he and Zestira first arrived at the capital, Herram, there had already been rumors that Duke Morotian was now refusing any inquiries about the [Original Slabstone - Undead]. Only through the credit points derived from the Protoss Royal Magic Academy could one inquire about the Grand Sage Isis’s [Original Slabstone Tablet-Light].
The [Original Slabstone - Undead] is actually gone. 𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑝𝘶𝘣.𝑐𝘰𝘮
"You’re even calmer than I thought. Don’t you question how a duke who is an stone tablet holder could disappear?"
Observing Lanci’s reaction, Duchess Cloris chuckled and asked.
In fact, she didn’t need to joke, as to whether it’s true or false, it can be simply demonstrated to Lanci with a visit to the Duke’s Mansion.
"Concerning a girl whose father has disappeared, I would chose to believe her before doubting her. After all, she is the one who is bearing the most burden."
Lanci put down the mug, regained his calmness, and sincerely said.
"..."
Duchess Cloris stared at Lanci, falling silent for a moment.
Among all the conversations she has had with Lanci to this point, it seemed as though this particular exchange had caught her off guard the most.
"Do you have any clue about the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the duke?"
Lanci asked.
"Nothing, other than being certain that I lost contact with him in the north. Lack of clues is baffling which made it easier for me to conceal his disappearance."
Duchess Cloris shook her head.
At hearing this, Lanci nodded.
In theory, Hyperion could have acted similarly when Duke Migaya disappeared, but any misstep could lead to an unredeemable end. Moreover, Hyperion wouldn’t dare to do such a thing.
Herself, on the other hand, having never mourned her father’s disappearance, she took control over the entire family power right away. Duchess Cloris, it could be said, was far more ruthless than Hyperion and took audacious steps that others couldn’t.
Upon further pondering, Duchess Cloris’s move may have fundamentally altered the current state of the Protoss Empire.
If Duke Morotian goes missing at a very bad time, people will increasingly rely on the Rebirth Church, leading to even more panic, making it incredibly easy for a crisis to trigger.
Although it seems that Duke Morotian is one of the driving forces supporting the War Party, he is actually a crucial pillar maintaining the current balance of the Protoss Empire.
The spark of this war in the Protoss Empire was born out of fear and resentment. Duke Morotian, being an entity that can suppress fear, must not disappear.
"What do you plan to do next?"
Lanci looked at Duchess Cloris once more and asked.
Her position was unmistakable, it couldn’t be clearer, she had to oppose the war.
The truth can’t be concealed, once the war begins, the duke’s affairs will be revealed. Cloris’s actions would then bear serious guilt and incur irreversible public opinion backlash, leading to irreversible damage.
She chose to temporarily seize this power by deceiving the empire, which could give her great initiative, but she also had to bet that this initiative could bring her the chance to crush the force behind the scenes.
The person behind the scenes naturally wouldn’t expose her. If they tried to expose her in any way, they would risk being caught and exposing themselves. Moving hastily from the shadows into the light is the last thing anyone who meticulously manipulates the situation would want.
Cloris had calculated all of this. This situation was not just a game of strategy, but also a high-stakes gamble.
Perhaps even the person behind the scenes didn’t expect her to play this way.
"Maybe I can drag this out indefinitely, but I believe that someone won’t let me do that. I guess I have a little over a month. Once the Rebirth Church’s full cooperation with the empire is established, even without Duke Morotian as the leading figure, the void will be filled and a war of balanced power will be ignited."
Cloris spoke in her usual carefree manner; even though she was the one in the most dangerous situation, she still seemed unconcerned.
"So what do you hope I can help you with?"
Lanci was pretty convinced that Cloris would be an excellent collaborator.
By now, their positions were aligned, and they could benefit each other, so a deal was plausible.
The good news was that her power was even greater than he had imagined; she controlled the entire duchy. The bad news was that if he cooperated with her, he also had to risk everything with her.
Either lose and become a lifelong sinner, or win and become a perpetual beacon of light.
"There aren’t many avenues for investigation right now... But since you insist that those guys aren’t from the Demon Race, I’d like you to investigate up north. Although the odds are slim, as long as you can find any evidence and bring it back, Associate Professor Xido and I can use all the channels of the duchy to expose it. In return, our duchy will support you in the future."
Cloris slowly began to speak.
"The difficulty lies in finding a way to get a pass to the northern front. Not only are communications blocked in the north, but you also need a pass issued by the Empire Defense Department."
She added immediately afterward.
Obviously, she couldn’t help Lanci with this matter. If he was associated with the duke’s mansion before leaving, it would be very risky once he got to the north.
With Grand Sage Isis and several eighth-order strongmen stationed in the capital city Herram, anyone attempting to cause chaos would face greater risks. However, the situation in the north is different.
"I have a pass, no problem, I also happen to have official business in the north."
Lanci leaned back in his chair, speaking in a relaxed manner.
He was exhibiting the calm and dignity of a school principal.
Despite this, Xido, sitting on the sofa next to them, still had a twitch in the corner of his eye.
That’s because Lanci gave him the impression that he had all kinds of cards up his sleeve. People who are overly reliable like this often seem like they don’t have proper jobs.
"Then I’ll leave it to you, Principal Rocky."
Cloris stood up, revealing a smile as she once again bowed to Lanci.
She didn’t hold much hope that Lanci going to the north could dig up anything substantial.
However, if he could really bring back something, it might quickly end up on the cover of "Empire Weekly," get interviews, and even speeches. Even the countries far in the north would pay attention to the figure named Rocky McCarthy.
It’s a pity, though, that the reputation doesn’t mean much to him.
He seemed too indifferent, or rather lacking in ambition.
Maybe that’s the loneliness about him, no matter how successful he became, there was no one to share the joy with.
