Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 356 What bad intentions could a drowning dog possibly have?

Shaking his head, Mr. Zhang refocused his attention on the scene before him. He was truly an incompetent audience member, having drifted off several times during the performance. Watch the play, watch the play.

As one act ended, another began. Just as the paladins of Tyre were escorting a pile of limp, lifeless flesh away, a somewhat hunched figure was dragged up from the side door by the paladins of Heim.

Although Zhang Yuan guessed that it was Fandral, the traitor in the Church of Heim from the Neverwinter Nights storyline, he had never seen him before, so he looked over with some curiosity.

It was a man with a somewhat aged face, his gray hair haphazardly draped over his head and shoulders, as if he were wearing a mop.

Through his sparse, loose hair, the Deszel family’s signature triangular eyes and hooked nose were somewhat visible on Vandal’s face, though not very prominent. Coupled with his dejected and downcast expression, he gave off the feeling of a lonely old man.

However, Zhang Yuan, who already knew the inside story of the future plague of howling deaths in Neverwinter, had not a shred of sympathy for this old man. He was just very curious about how this guy had managed to deceive Heim's eyes, and what kind of secrets and mysteries the Vigilant could uncover from him.

As for the Church of Heim, it goes without saying that this traitor, or more precisely, this blasphemer, would not even have the chance to stand here if it weren't for the need for a public trial to uphold justice. This stain on the glory of God, this despicable blasphemer, would not even have the opportunity to stand here.

However, there are still more good people in the world. Even though these heartless people either stand by indifferently or glare angrily, there are always people willing to give a little bit of warmth to the unlucky ones who are in the lowest point of their lives, or rather, the abyss.

Vanswick, positioned to the side and behind Holland, also took in the miserable state of Vandal. Seeing his once distinguished friend, who valued appearance above all else, reduced to this state, he couldn't help but close his eyes, shake his head slightly, and let out an almost inaudible sigh.

Perhaps it was a telepathic connection, or perhaps it was a desperate attempt to grasp at a straw, but as he lowered his head, he caught sight of Vanswick's reluctance. Suddenly, Vandall's body, which had been tortured to the point of near death, seemed to breathe again out of thin air.

“Vanswick, I am innocent, you know, I am innocent.”

His words immediately caused a stir throughout the room.

The half-elf priest, whose name was mentioned, felt a chill run through him instantly, as if his heart had fallen into the icy abyss of the far north, a place where the night had been frozen for a thousand years.

Holon, standing to the side, also had a gloomy expression, while the other Tyrian clergy were filled with shock and anger.

It's unclear whether they were angry at Vandal's false accusations or Vanswick's lack of self-respect.

The Heimlich delegation members looked on with amusement, and their leader, Bishop Dumar, uttered a sarcastic remark:
"What a touching friendship! It seems that our Lord Van Darlson not only has a group of supporters within the church, which has caused us a lot of trouble, but he also has a wide circle of friends outside."

Holland composed himself, forcing a smile onto his now-calm face, and said as if unconcerned:
“A drowning person will inevitably cling to anything within reach without regard for the consequences, even if this futile act only drags another drowning person down with them.”

"Yes, it's understandable for a person to seek help from a close friend in their final moments when they are about to die."

Dumar seemed to agree, but his words made Holland frown, though he quickly relaxed, looking deeply moved.

"After all, they're young, and it's inevitable that they'll misjudge people. Even after knowing each other for several years, they still couldn't see through the other person's true colors. It's really unacceptable!"

Holland became more and more agitated as he spoke, as if he were genuinely angry at his son's lack of ambition. Meanwhile, Dumar, standing to the side, grew increasingly furious. If it weren't for the fact that the other party was also a bishop and that they were on his own territory, he would have almost lost his temper.

Seeing the silent Bishop Heim, Holland felt a chill in his heart, but he didn't say anything on the surface to avoid provoking the other party.

Just when it seemed the farce was about to end, Vanswick suddenly appeared as if he had finally mustered the courage to step forward.

“My actions have not violated the law or the teachings of my Lord. If necessary, I am willing to accept the scrutiny of my Lord and your church.” He spoke quickly and urgently, like a machine gun, before Holland could stop him. His expression changed on the spot.

"Oh? Don't worry, Your Excellency Vanswick, we will cooperate fully to help you clear your name of those slanderous rumors."

The young priest was somewhat surprised to find that Bishop Heim, who had previously been somewhat critical and scrutinizing, had suddenly become kind and approachable, his words carrying a gentle, spring-like quality.

Could it be that my sincerity moved the other person?

Before he could think any further, Vanswick was interrupted by a sharp shout, and the familiar voice made him know who he was without even looking.

It was Holon's voice, or more accurately, Holon's furious voice.

Turning around in astonishment, he saw that the archbishop, who was usually inscrutable, now had a face ashen with anger.

"Our Lord's followers are naturally judged by His God, and there is no need for your esteemed church to interfere. As for the matter of Fandral, please do as you see fit!"

"Then forget it. Young people make mistakes, that's normal. But they still need to be properly guided so as not to tarnish the glory of His Majesty the Hand of Equality."

Dumar simply smiled faintly, completely unconcerned about the other party's barely suppressed anger, and even offered some seemingly magnanimous words of advice.

Holland didn't even bother to pay attention to him for half a second, and turned around and walked to the other side. Vanswick, who was a little at a loss, was glared at by him and followed him like a frightened rabbit.

"Tsk, poor fellow. I'm afraid this little guy from the Moss family has no bright future in the Temple of Justice."

"Is it because he took it upon himself to accept the joint investigation?"

Although I don't know much about politics, based on my experiences and knowledge from past and present lives, it's not hard to guess the reasons behind this farce.

Vanswick may indeed be innocent, but in any case, the moment he stepped forward, he, or rather the Temple of Tyre, had already lost a step.

The Heimlich Church is currently in a mess, and it probably hopes another unlucky guy will join in so it can get a piece of the pie and share some of the spoils.

Dumar, who had hoped to use the situation to his advantage, was blocked by Hollande, and in the end, it was Vanswick who delivered himself to their doorstep…

His attempt to prove his innocence was exactly like Wei Yan's cry: "Who dares to kill me! Who dares to kill me! Who dares!"
You should know that there isn't much fairness and transparency in the world.

When one party to the investigation has ulterior motives, or even premeditatedly frames the outcome, it becomes meaningless regardless of the process or the truth.

Do you really think other people care how many bowls of cold noodles you ate?

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(End of this chapter)