Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 645 Anomaly — (5k4)

— First Cardinal Finlake Saint-Lerrand, he has disappeared!
He received such a bombshell message from Monigne—a development that even Luo Xiu hadn't anticipated; something must have happened.

“…When did it happen?”

Luo Xiu asked Franya and Monine.

At this moment, Franya had emerged from her daze. She composed herself and said to Luo Xiu:
“At that time, I had just returned to the Holy See with my teacher Monigne. Cardinal Finlake was still in the Sanctuary of the Divine, but the cardinal’s attendant told us that Cardinal Finlake had been unwell due to overwork and was recuperating in the Sanctuary of the Divine.”

“When we returned to the Holy See, Cardinal Finlake did not come to greet us. And when Teacher Monigne and I received news that Cardinal Finlake was unwell, we went to visit him at the Divine Sanctuary as soon as possible.”

"Cardinal Finlayc was lying on the sacred bed at the time, his face pale and bloodless. He was mostly unconscious, but when we arrived at the Sacred Heart Sanctuary, he was unusually lucid and tried to get up from his bed to greet us, but I and Teacher Monigne stopped him..."

"Cardinal Finlake said that when he received the news from the front of the war that the Pope of Lorient had fallen, he was so grief-stricken that he fainted on the spot. Afterwards, he was so immersed in grief over the Pope's death that he became ill."

"My teacher Monigne and I advised Cardinal Finlayc to rest well and not to worry too much."

Cardinal Finlake simply shook his head, saying, "The Holy See still has many matters that require my personal attention... Therefore, I cannot rest. Everything is for the Holy See, so that even after the fall of Pope Lorend, we can still move forward towards the light."

"..."

Franya spoke to Luo Xiu in a low voice.

This was the "First Cardinal" Finlake, whom Flania and Monigne saw for the last time before his disappearance.

Monigne then picked up where Franja left off, saying:
"Cardinal Finlake's disappearance occurred three days after we went to the Sacred Sanctuary to comfort him."

"The Second Cardinal, Lord Yazle Saint-Lerran, who was with you and us at the Battle of the Dark Capital, and the Cardinal Hardy Lambert, returned to the Holy See from the battle."

"According to Yazler, they have completed the vigil for Pope Laurent during the war. After returning to the Holy See, they will hold a final 'sending off the soul' ceremony for the Pope so that his soul can truly ascend to the eternal Kingdom under the guidance of the Sun."

"However, the ritual of sending off the Pope's soul requires Cardinal Finlake, whose rank is closest to the Pope's, to preside over it. Therefore, when we returned to the Sacred Heart Sanctuary to see how Cardinal Finlake was in his condition at that time, we discovered—"

"..."

“Cardinal Finlake was no longer in the room. My teacher Monigne and I searched the entire Sanctuary of the Divine, but we could not find any trace of Cardinal Finlake. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.”

Franya said:
"But the Sanctuary of the Divine Pivot continues to operate as usual. Before I returned to the Holy See of Radiance, all important decisions were made in the Sanctuary of the Divine Pivot and carried out in the name of the College of the Divine Pivot. In fact, even after I returned, it will still be the same..."

"Now—it is the third day since Cardinal Finlake disappeared. I, on behalf of Cardinal Finlake… have performed the final rites of sending off the soul for the Pope. However, in order not to cause unnecessary chaos, my teacher Monigne and I have not made this public, and indeed the Sanctuary of the Divine is operating as usual, and there are no major problems yet."

"..."

Cardinal Finlayk's disappearance is the biggest problem... As Luo Xiu listened to Franya and Monine's words, his mind was already on other things.

The disappearance of a cardinal—especially the "First Cardinal"—would eventually be discovered by the other saints. However, this might not necessarily be a bad thing for him.

The reason I chose to tell Franya, Monine, and the others about Pope Laurend's last words to himself only now is because the past two weeks have been enough for the true "fallen saint" to become impatient and make some moves to leave clues.

Cardinal Finlake's disappearance may be a clue to the Fallen Saints' disappearance—or, in other words, is he really "missing"?

Is it possible—if Finlake is the fallen saint—that he did not disappear, but rather fled?
For some reason, Finlake had to leave the Holy See—was he afraid of being exposed as the true culprit who cast the curse on the Pope during the "soul-sending" ritual? Or were there some actions that required leaving the Holy See to take place... such as preparing for his "ascension" to demigodhood?

If we think about it from this perspective, Finlake's "disappearance" actually had quite a few motives.

However, now that he had arrived at the Holy Throne of Radiance and met Franya and Monine, Luo Xiu was not prepared to let this suspicion remain merely "suspicion"—

“I want to conduct a ‘divine revelation’ ceremony here.”

Luo Xiu gazed into Franya's eyes, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"After my ascension to the 'Lord of the Wings of Light,' my connection with the Great Sun has become even closer. If I were to ask Him, He might give me the answer, or at least show me the way."

—"Divine Revelation!"
After advancing to "Lord of the Wings of Light", the number of times "Divine Revelation" can be saved simultaneously is a total of three.

If you are locked in "Abyss Upside Down" once, and there are two more times, you can use it here!

The ritual that allows one to receive direct revelation from the Great Sun is the most important means that Luo Xiu had prepared to expose the true traitor within the Holy Court and to capture that "fallen saint."

Luo Xiu knew that if the Fallen Saint had known beforehand that he had once been an "Apostle of Divine Radiance" and possessed the ability to perform the "Divine Revelation" ritual, he might have taken precautions in advance.
Therefore, a force capable of "breaking through" this defense is needed—the "assistant priest" of the ritual becomes quite important at this time.

Furthermore, in order to obtain more specific guidance from the divine oracle regarding the fleeting moment of the Great Sun, the altar priests need to be at a higher level—

【Radiance】Sevenfold Destiny "Celestial Crown" Franya and Sevenfold Destiny "Supreme Sword" Monine are the best candidates for assistant priests!
“I want to ask the Great Sun Moment directly during the ‘Divine Revelation’ ceremony.”

Luo Xiu said to Franya and Monine,

“I pray that He will give me guidance on the whereabouts of the First Cardinal, and that He will show me to whom the truly ‘fallen’ saint in the Holy See refers.”

"..."

If Finlake is not the fallen saint, then these two questions will take up exactly two "divine revelations"—but if Finlake is, then one "divine revelation" might be enough to resolve them!

Luo Xiu thought to himself.

However, he always felt that the second question—"asking the Great Sun Moment about the truly 'fallen' saints in the Holy Court"—might possibly point to him... If that were the case, he could just make something up and brush it off with Franya and Monine...

"..."

“So,” Luo Xiu said, shrugging.

“I need ‘aldermas’ to assist me in presiding over the ceremony. The number of saints assisting me must not be too many, but they need to reach a sufficient level.”

"And I also need an 'altar'—an altar forged and holy-tempered to the highest standards, an altar of 'radiance'. I will directly ask the Great Sun Moment two questions: about the true fallen saint, and about the current whereabouts of the First Cardinal Finlake."

"..."

“Master Monigne and I will assist you in completing the ceremony, Rosh.”

After a moment's thought, Franya said:

"As for the 'altar'... well. In fact, this entire 'Radiant Throne' is the highest-level 'altar'. Any 'radiant' ceremony held here will receive the clearest response from the Great Sun."

That's true.

The so-called "Holy Throne" and "Holy Tower" were originally built for the fundamental purpose of communicating with the divine.

It leads directly to the true "Pillar God"—but only true "demigods" can truly control the Holy Tower that connects to the gods. After the fall of Pope Lorend, Frania's statement about "using the 'Radiant Throne' as an altar of [Radiance]" was only a small part of the Radiant Throne's function.

But that's enough—indeed, as Franya said, the "Radiant Throne" is the highest altar in the Holy Court!

"……I see."

Luo Xiu nodded slightly.

And Monigne went on to say:

"But... Your Highness and I still need some time to prepare."

“Luo Xiu, come here again at this time tomorrow. His Highness and I will be in good condition to keep our spirituality full before the ceremony begins.”

This time tomorrow...

Although I know that preparation time is necessary, it's hard to say whether I can infiltrate the Holy Court so smoothly tomorrow... My original intention was to complete the "Divine Revelation" ritual as soon as possible, so as not to make things worse.

However, although he couldn't go to the Holy Court too often under the surveillance of the [Supreme], it would be much easier if Franya, as the "Saintess," sent someone to Austin Manor to pick him up.

"Then I need you to send someone to Austin Manor to pick me up..."

Luo Xiu said with a hint of helplessness.

"That's because of the second thing I want to tell you."

"The Supreme One is watching me. During the war, Emperor Augustusville sent someone to see me and promised to bestow a title upon me, but another Knight of the Heavenly Pillar warned me not to come to the Holy Court lightly, as it was a shackle that the Emperor had placed on me when he bestowed the title."

“I am currently living in Auston Manor—intentionally under the surveillance of the Supreme, but I came to the Holy Court this time to escape that watchful eye and sneak here. In the capital... in Augustus City, I must be careful at all times.”

“Therefore, I may not have the opportunity to come to the Holy Court tomorrow. But… Princess Franya, if you send someone to Austin Manor to express your wish that I go to the Holy Court to pay my last respects to Pope Lawrence, I can leave from the surveillance of the Supreme without arousing their suspicion.”

"..."

Luo Xiu said these things to Franya.

Franya's eyes, however, gradually cleared—she seemed not to understand any of this. She didn't understand why Luo Xiu, as a saint of the "Holy Court," couldn't come to the Holy Court on his own initiative, but she could roughly understand why the [Supreme] was monitoring Luo Xiu.

Because he's too "outlier"—he's not yet the most powerful "Sevenfold Fate" Saint, but he's definitely the one with the fastest advancement speed and the most outrageous leap in strength in a short time. It's perfectly reasonable that such Saints don't come from the [Supreme], and that they're monitoring Luo Xiu's every move.

But from Luo Xiu's words, Monine, the "Supreme Sword," had already thought of something more—

When she heard Luo Xiu mention that "a Celestial Knight warned him not to come to the Holy Court lightly," she understood completely. Monine was far more sensitive than Franya to the already rumored schemes of the [Supreme].

Her expression gradually turned serious, and her eyes deepened. She stared intently into Luo Xiu's eyes, and after a long pause, said:
"So... that's why you came here alone without informing us beforehand, Luo Xiu."

"I understand. I won't interfere any further with matters concerning the [Supreme]."

After all, you are not a saint who was 'crowned' by Pope Laurent. According to the 'Holy Court's' commandments, you are not required to be completely under the Holy Court's jurisdiction and have freedom independent of the Holy Court. The Pope entrusted the Holy Court to you in the end... I know that perhaps doing as the 'Supreme' says is the best objectively possible.

"And the fact that you've told me this now is enough; it allows us to prepare much more in advance."

"..."

Monigne said this.

She appeared clear-headed and calm. Her demeanor secretly relieved Luo Xiu, as he no longer needed to explain anything to them.

Among all the saints in the entire "Holy Court" and the seven levels of destiny, only Franya and Monine are the helpers that Luo Xiu would still want to retain if he really broke away from the Holy Court.

But since Monine has already made such a statement, it has given Luo Xiu confidence—if he were to leave the "Holy Court" in the end for some reason, Franya and Monine would still be willing to be his allies, and that would not change.

"Hmm...about what you said, Luo Xiu,"

Although Franya didn't think deeper, Monine had already considered it for her, so Franya didn't try to understand further and could follow her heart—

“Although I don’t know why… I believe you, Luo Xiu. So, as you said, tomorrow evening I will send two saints to Austin Manor to invite you, under the pretext of ‘mourning Pope Lawrence.’”

"it is good."

Luo Xiu nodded.

He then reached out, opened his pocket watch, and saw that it was almost time.

At this time, the premiere of "Triumphal March" at the Royal Opera House was also nearing its end. Since he was already preparing to return to the Throne of Radiance tomorrow for the "divine revelation" ceremony, now was the perfect time to return to the opera house and reclaim his "real illusion."

That would be safer... If there really are people on the side of the Supreme, or if Duke Hakkas has really sent people to target him, having "True Illusion" make direct contact with them might expose him.

However, Luo Xiu's synesthesia with the foggy night made him realize that there were actually no enemies around who could threaten him. Even a "real phantom" could crush everyone present at the Royal Opera House on equal terms.

"It's almost time, I should go back now."

Luo Xiu finally said to Franya and Monine:

"If it gets any later, and the Supreme Beings who are watching me haven't found me yet, it'll cause some trouble."

After thinking for a moment, he gave one last piece of advice:

“Princess Franya, and Lord Monine, regarding what I said tonight… I hope only the three of us know. This is of utmost importance. Before I truly confirm who the fallen saint in the ‘Holy Court’ is, this matter absolutely, absolutely cannot be allowed to reach the ears of more people.”

"..."

"Yeah, we know."

Frania and Monigne both nodded solemnly.

Then, after looking at Luo Xiu and bowing to them, they turned and left.

……

Until Luo Xiu's figure completely disappeared behind the pure white door.

"..."

"Go and rest, Your Highness."

Monigne addressed the saintess, who was still gazing in the direction Luo Xiu had left:
"As Luo Xiu said, we need to be prepared... and the first important thing to do is to get a good rest and recharge our energy."

“…Yes, I know.” Franya nodded gently.

But then she turned to Monigne and asked:
"And what about you, Teacher Monigne?"

"..."

"I'll stay here a little longer."

Monigne sighed.

"Then I'll stay a little longer."

Franya gently grasped Monigne's arm, and her cheek rested lightly on her shoulder.

"...just a little while."

……

Augustus City, Imperial Avenue—

At the Royal Opera House, the premiere of "Triumphal March" tonight has finally come to an end.

The audience poured out of the theater in a stream, and the once wide doorway that could accommodate more than a dozen people walking side by side now seemed so cramped.

Luo Xiu was also among the crowd—he had returned from the Holy Court, and just as he had infiltrated the Holy Court, he had also infiltrated the opera house, withdrawing his "real illusion," and he had watched the final performance in person.

As he left the opera house, he heard the enthusiastic discussions among the people around him about the performance of "Triumphal March".

Some praised Augustus the Great's heroism, while others lauded the strength of the imperial army; some condemned the numerous crimes committed by the Dark Duchy, while others shed tears for the fallen warriors.

Some people speak their minds directly—

"Terrible show!!"

A young nobleman—presumably from a local area—and his noble friends said angrily:

"How could the Royal Opera House, a prestigious institution, produce such a terrible play! They should be ashamed! It has absolutely no logic, nothing that is impressive, and no artistry whatsoever! In my opinion, it is purely for political purposes, to glorify Augustus..."

Just as he was about to continue speaking, his friend quickly covered his mouth. Luo Xiu saw that the nobleman's friend's face had turned panicked, and he was whispering "Quietly, quietly!"
The young nobleman was still struggling and moaning, and the vigilant knights around him seemed to have noticed them. Luo Xiu felt as if he could see the nobleman's friend's face showing a panicked expression that seemed to say, "If you want to die, don't drag me down with you."

Luo Xiu smiled, no longer paying attention to the incident, and walked towards the carriage parking area of ​​Austin Manor.

The parking area was not far from the Royal Opera House, where there was a row of carriage canopies under which many carriages were parked. They were all ornately decorated, and the carriages were adorned with the coats of arms of different families, shimmering under the streetlights.

Luo Xiu had already seen the carriage belonging to Austin Estate - Lakeside Villa.

The attendant driving the carriage had been waiting nearby. Luo Xiu stepped forward, and the attendant, hearing the sound, looked up.

"..."

Luo Xiu's pupils contracted slightly.

In an instant, he realized something was wrong, and a sense of danger prickled his skin like needles.

Are you going back now, guest?

A smile appeared on the waiter's face as he asked Luo Xiu.

"..."

"Ah."

Luo Xiu's expression remained unchanged. He nodded and smiled, saying:

"Let's go back to the manor."

……

(End of this chapter)