Chapter 42

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Chapter 42: The Priestess

“You may enter now,” the attendant gestured towards Shandela.

She pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the Lord’s study.

This room was the polar opposite of the Distant Watchtower; most of the time, the curtains remained tightly closed, shielding against any intrusive gusts. The interior lighting came solely from whale oil lamps—numerous small flames illuminated every corner without causing any glare. To mitigate the oil’s odor, a mixture of pine resin and white butterfly flowers was added to the lamps, filling the room with a pleasant floral scent.

Undoubtedly, only the Lord himself could afford such lamp oils in the entire Glorious Fortress.

Shandela couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose slightly.

She didn’t particularly enjoy this fragrance—the prolonged confinement inevitably led to a musty undertone in the air. Compared to this artificial floral scent, she preferred the salty sea breeze, as it at least gave her a sense of freedom.

Count Li Qiang Aola sat behind his desk. As the heir of House Aola, he was currently in the prime of his life. However, unlike his father who had led armies and achieved great military honors, Li Qiang lacked both the robust physique and formidable martial prowess. He appeared more scholarly, with slender, pale fingers better suited for handling books than wielding steel weapons.

Shandela crossed the woolen carpet to stand before the desk and saluted impeccably.

“I heard you rejected investigation requests from the other three police stations again?” Li Qiang put down his newspaper and asked calmly.

His voice was not loud, but each word was distinctly clear.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Why?”

“Because during my investigation, I discovered significant negligence within the Northern city Police Department—”

“How does that concern the other police stations?” Li Qiang interrupted her directly. “I believe you should be aware that these four police stations have different backers and inherently compete against each other. Allowing the other three to participate would only enhance the efficiency of solving the case. Your reason for refusal is insufficient.”

Shandela obediently closed her mouth.

She knew the Lord’s words were correct.

“Moreover, they too want to uncover the truth, especially whether any hidden heretics exist within this city and, if so, how much influence they have amassed.” Li Qiang gazed at her, his black eyes seemingly bottomless.

“More crucially, your actions violate the contract—when establishing the police stations, it was stipulated that they have the right to conduct various law enforcement activities within the city. Be aware that the sponsors of these police departments, notably the shareholders of major companies, are already exerting pressure on me.”

“My apologies,” Shandela lowered her head.

“A mere apology without rectifying the situation?” Li Qiang frowned deeply.

“I hope you can hold firm for a while longer, sir. The City Guard will undoubtedly solve this case!” she declared resolutely.

A brief silence filled the study.

After a moment, Li Qiang stood up and slowly approached Shandela. “Do you know the annual expenses for maintaining the castle?”

“No, my lord, I do not.”

“It’s sixteen million golden klinkers. Yet our combined tax revenues and financial subsidies amount to only ten million. The remaining shortfall is covered by large corporations with establishments in Glorious Fortress.” His tone grew heavier, “You must understand, as commander of the City Guard, I can replace you at any time. So please clarify, what exactly are you trying to achieve?”

With determination, Shandela responded, “I propose that city security should no longer be solely managed by the police as before, but shared with the City Guard!”

“If we can’t fill the budget gap, discussing any compensation for the City Guard is moot!”

“Sir, I have consulted scholars from the academy on this matter,” she continued. “If a city’s internal security is excellent, outsourcing indeed reduces administrative costs. However, if it is poor, the resulting damage to the city will be tenfold compared to the savings! Instability undermines investor confidence and severely hampers economic activities within the city!”

“Oh? You’ve studied these aspects too?” Li Qiang glanced at her, surprised.

“In the past, Glorious Fortress faced severe threats from heretics. To better counter external enemies, the City Guard delegated internal security duties, merely a choice constrained by circumstances. Now, we are no longer just a bridgehead exploring the new continent; there’s no need to cling to old responsibilities.”

Suddenly, Shandela knelt on one knee. “Most importantly, the City Guard swears loyalty to the Count, whereas the police operate independently of your control! As seen in this case, without the attack on Wangshui Manor, we would still be unaware of Kui Qi’s underground private prison. Please forgive my candor, but regardless of who initiates such scandals in Glorious Fortress, outsiders ultimately associate them with your family.”

The lord did not respond immediately.

With hands clasped behind his back, he paced around the room twice before speaking. “You may rise.”

His tone was no longer as stern as before, and Shandela understood that the count was intrigued.

“The impact of this incident is indeed significant. I fear it won’t be long until news spreads throughout the old continent,” Li Qiang sighed softly. “The deaths of several dozen people aren’t truly major, but burning down the royal family’s favored theater was ill-advised.”

Shandela felt slightly choked up.

She wanted to say something but didn’t know where to begin.

“However, it’s you… I’m somewhat curious: were you considering this course of action from the very beginning, or did you decide upon seeing the Nepheids imprisoned in the dungeon?” Li Qiang scrutinized her closely.

It was neither.

Shandela hesitated, unwilling to admit that the man suspected of being a prominent heretic had been the catalyst for her actions.

“If Glorious Fortress itself is akin to hell, then yes, I confess to breaking the rules. But there are places like Yeni Cathedral here… and many passionate individuals who refuse to tolerate the truth being concealed, boldly stepping forward to unveil secrets. Isn’t it unfair to label this place as hell merely because of such instances?”

Initially, she dismissed his claims as nonsense. However, as her investigation progressed, she was astonished to find that there might be some truth behind his allegations.

“As your subordinate, I… simply do not wish for you to be misled, Count.”

Seeing Shandela’s hesitation, Li Qiang didn’t press further. “If it’s the latter, then there’s no issue. A well-intentioned subordinate is always preferable to a ruthless schemer. In fact, I greatly admire those who stand up for the weak, as my ancestors sacrificed themselves on the battlefield with such beliefs.”

“You give me too much credit.”

“But let me make this clear: To rightfully regain control of law enforcement, the City Guard must achieve significant accomplishments. I’ll grant you at most two weeks; after that, regardless of circumstances, I need the truth.” Li Qiang emphasized the word ‘truth.’ “Do you understand what this implies?”

“Of course, sir! I fully comprehend,” Shandela declared, clenching her fist against her chest.

“Additionally, the threat posed by heretics cannot be underestimated. To assist your investigation, I’ve arranged for a helper.”

“A helper?” She paused, surprised. “Sir, our City Guard should be sufficient to—”

“Not necessarily. Didn’t you mention encountering enemies attacking your estate in your report? Despite your skills as a great master, you were unable to apprehend them. That’s why I specifically contacted an expert.” Li Qiang clapped his hands towards an attendant. “Rest assured, this individual is not tainted by collusion with the police or large corporations; you can fully trust her.”

As the study door opened again, a woman dressed in black and white robes entered.

“Divine Machine Church… Priestess?” Shandela scrutinized for a moment before identifying the newcomer’s affiliation, primarily due to the eccentric attire. Beyond the modified robe resembling a nun’s habit, the woman wore numerous distracting accessories: multiple earrings, gear-shaped rings on every finger, and even a silver stud embedded in her lip. Most striking was the massive cross she carried on her back, seemingly forged from silver and nearly as tall as herself when upright.

The woman’s makeup was equally bold, with heavy black eyeshadow encircling her eyes, long curled lashes, blood-red lipstick, and completely blackened nails. Without the trident emblem hanging from her shoulder, Shandela would have found it difficult to associate her with a priestess of the Divine Machine Church.

“Hey,” the woman tilted her head and winked, extending her hand proactively, “Hello, I’m Ge Wei.”