Volume 1 Chapter 658
by post_apiChapter 658: The Identity of the Deceased Is—
Observing the excited expressions of the assembled mages, Patricia found herself momentarily at a loss.
Having been commissioned by the Wizard Association to ostensibly "restrain" these individuals…
The unexpected warmth shown by the cultist-afflicted mages who now regarded her as kin left her disconcerted.
Her carefully prepared repertoire of interrogation tactics – including the classic "leniency for cooperation, severity for resistance" approach – suddenly seemed redundant.
The situation had transformed her role from disciplinary inspector to evacuation coordinator without warning.
Their hopes of homecoming now rested entirely upon her shoulders.
This abrupt shift left Patricia grappling with emotional whiplash.
After a prolonged silence, she mustered a strained smile.
"Well… let’s just say I’ll ensure your safe return!"
"But mind your tongues regarding any… unfounded connections between myself and the Lady of Light!"
This hasty addendum stemmed from practical concerns – should rumors of her intimacy with the holy figure circulate at Wizard Association headquarters…
Patricia shuddered at the bureaucratic nightmare such gossip might unleash.
Her statement held partial truth regardless.
The current Lady of Light being an imposter…
Her actual acquaintance was Dorothy; the sanctified titleholder remained but a distant acquaintance glimpsed once through ceremonial veils.
The door’s creaking interruption punctuated her thoughts.
Dorothy’s golden curls appeared in the doorway, the Holy Maiden peering into the room with a curious glance.
"Did I hear my title mentioned?"
The wooden portal’s neglected soundproofing charms proved inadequate against keen ears.
Mages gaped at the apparition of their revered symbol, then turned to Patricia now burying her face in her palms.
Tension crystallized in the heavy silence.
"Not precisely… Nevermind. Just—" Patricia exhaled sharply through her fingers. "Might as well join us properly."
Though still puzzled, Dorothy complied, her mere presence as the "Lady of Light" radiating calming authority.
The atmosphere shifted palpably – suspicion toward Patricia melting into renewed trust under the holy figure’s unconscious influence.
"Your Excellency Morning Star… what should we do now?"
When the first mage couldn’t restrain himself from speaking, the others instinctively turned toward Patricia.
In that moment, Patricia effortlessly assumed the role of new leader and overseer for this group of mages.
As for her original purpose in coming to the Holy Capital…
The group tactfully avoided addressing that particular matter.
Whether facing disciplinary measures from the Wizard Association upon returning to Cloud City or leveraging personal connections… either fate seemed preferable to remaining in their current predicament.
And as fortune would have it…
Patricia showed no intention of demanding immediate accountability from them.
The moment she’d discovered Philtes of "Never-ending Night" was involved…
The entire affair had transformed into something entirely different.
The gravity of both the shadowy forces involved and their scheme itself had surpassed all of Patricia’s initial estimations.
After brief contemplation, she addressed the assembled mages.
"Continue following ‘Never-ending Night’s’ original directives for now. Maintain your usual operations."
"I’ll leverage connections with the Heretic Tribunal to shield you from interference, while also… doing everything possible to protect you from cultist attacks."
"Should any of you encounter cultists, proceed directly to the nearest Heretic Tribunal outpost. Even if detained, I possess means to secure your eventual release."
Her words visibly eased the tension among the mages.
Patricia’s assurances clearly conveyed that their lives and safety were now under her protection.
Yet this declaration inevitably sparked fresh uncertainties.
"Proceeding with the original plan… Are you certain, Your Excellency Morning Star?"
"Absolutely. While conventional wisdom dictates I should ‘halt’ your activities… I have alternative considerations," Patricia replied, recalling Lolth’s elaborate blueprint. "Follow through without hesitation. Rest assured—when this concludes, I’ll personally escort you all back to Cloud City."
Though Patricia’s vivacious nature and status as the youngest Great Sage often projected an approachable demeanor, none could question her competence.
The combined weight of a Great Sage’s pledge and the presence of the Lady of Light beside her cemented the mages’ trust.
"Understood… We’ll maintain course with the established plan."
As the mages voiced their compliance, Patricia gave a satisfied nod.
Behind her, Dorothy murmured in lowered tones:
"Is this approach advisable?"
"Perfectly sound. Since ‘Never-ending Night’ brims with confidence, their role likely involves… enhancing existing circumstances. If so, amplifying Lolth’s desired ‘chaos’ seems prudent."
"After all, abrupt withdrawal by Wizard Association personnel might undermine Lolth’s intended outcomes."
Dorothy inclined her head at this reasoning.
"True enough…"
"Master does appear intent on maximizing disorder within the Holy Capital…"
Patricia’s laughter sparkled with anticipation.
"Ah… though not solely at Lolth’s behest!"
"Truthfully, I’m rather curious to witness precisely how turbulent the Holy Capital might become."
"Rather… exhilarating, wouldn’t you agree?"
Her eyes gleamed with barely restrained excitement.
"One does hope those cultists prove adequately… perceptive."
Meanwhile…
Within the bloodstained chamber recently vacated by Kanor and Lalea, Lolth materialized.
The instant she crossed the threshold, her brow furrowed.
"Chaotic magical residues…"
"Extinguished life forces… Cremated remains?"
"Inconsistent. Though concluding with holy flame sorcery, traces suggest preceding combat…"
"Triggered wall compartment… Exceptionally crafted enchantment patterns."
"This dwelling belonged to a Wizard Association member…"
"Thus the corpse here likely constitutes its former occupant…"