The Path to Lordship Begins in the North

Marcel sat uncomfortably amidst a group of old-school party members.

As one of the leaders of the old party and a highly prestigious family leader among the nobles of the capital, Marcel seemed somewhat unable to cope with Lilith's combination of attacks.

After news arrived that the cannons could only be obtained after the cause of the former king's death was thoroughly investigated, many nobles surrendered themselves to Marcel, hoping that Marcel would help them out of consideration for their shared membership in the Old Party.

After all, if these nobles were exposed, the situation for the old party wouldn't be much better.

Marcel's opposition to the new policies and reforms was simply because his family was quite traditional, and he only wanted to protect the glory of the traditional aristocracy.

So when these nobles found Marcel, he could hardly believe that they had plotted to assassinate the former king, and he couldn't control himself and beat them up on the spot.

But after calming down, Marcel still contacted other old party leaders to try to cover up the matter.

Everyone knows this matter can't just be left unresolved, but it has to be dragged on until Her Majesty the Queen gets tired of it, then a few nobles who are neither from the new party nor the old party will be randomly put forward to take the blame.

However, everyone underestimated Her Majesty's methods and determination. Faced with Lilith's pressure, Marcel glanced at the other Old Party leaders.

Contrary to expectations, after a single glance, the two understood each other perfectly. Marcel only saw suspicion in the other's eyes.

If we report this to Her Majesty now, it might really lead to a win-win situation, just as Her Majesty said.

But it doesn't matter. Marcel has seen all kinds of storms. As long as we go back and everyone works together to find a solution, we can still get through this crisis. The old party is basically in a state of dead silence, just waiting for this meeting to end.

"How about this."

Just as Marcel was preparing to secretly organize a gathering of the old party members after returning home to discuss what to do, Lilith interrupted their thoughts and said, "Considering that the mastermind behind this is so audacious as to dare to assassinate even the king, it is normal for you gentlemen to have some concerns. Therefore, everyone present should write me a secret letter now."

Before the nobles could understand Lilith's intentions, she continued to explain, "If you have any clues about the assassination of the former King Crane, you can write them to me in a secret letter. Once those criminals are executed, the person who provides the clues will be publicly identified and rewarded. Of course, if you are unaware of the matter, you can simply write down your usual words of condolence."

After he finished speaking, a maid came in and handed paper and pen to all the nobles.

Lilith took out an hourglass and placed it on the table.

"Gentlemen, please hurry. Oh, rest assured, I guarantee in my late husband's name that I will not disclose the information of the person who provided the clues before the criminals are brought to justice, in order to ensure your personal safety. After all, no one can guarantee what those audacious masterminds behind the scenes might do."

This statement is superfluous. Rather than protecting those who provide clues, Her Majesty the Queen is more certain that there were informants at the meeting, and is putting pressure on the Old Party.

Marcel stared blankly at the letter on the table, beads of sweat dripping down his face. If Marcel were also a time traveler, he would know that this was a classic prisoner's dilemma.

The best solution, of course, is for all the old party members to pretend they are unaware, write down the content of their daily condolences, and then go back to discuss countermeasures after the meeting.

Now, the only options are to gamble that all the old guard will unite and believe that Her Majesty has not yet obtained the key evidence, and all will keep quiet and stubbornly defend themselves, or to take the lead in reporting their comrades and making a just severance.

But how can the unity of the old party be guaranteed? How can it be ensured that others won't secretly provide clues to the Queen, thereby exonerating themselves?

Not to mention people like Marcel who knew about it but weren't directly involved. As long as they wrote down the clues, Marcel would become the hero of the old party's purge.

Marcel looked up at the hourglass on Her Majesty's desk, where sand was constantly flowing. Although Her Majesty hadn't said what would happen when the time was up, anyone who hadn't started writing by then was already providing clues.

The other members of the old party were also exchanging glances, but unfortunately, like Marcel, they couldn't glean any earth-shattering plans from the eyes of others, only harboring more suspicion than they did themselves.

Finally, for the sake of his family's dignity and honor, Marcel steeled himself and began to write.

These scoundrels should have been purged long ago. How can we maintain order within the old party, obstruct new policies, or govern this country well when we're with these vermin?

After all the "secret letters," which were anything but secret, were collected, the meeting concluded under Nora's direction.

The members of the New Party seemed indifferent, even chatting and laughing. The noble sons of the New Party were discussing going hunting later with the new muskets crafted by their alchemists.

The old party members immediately split into several small groups. Some of them hurriedly ran back home, while others gathered together to discuss how to make a just break with certain insects.

After the meeting ended, Lilith did not leave the conference room, and she did not even open or read any of the secret letters piled on the table.

"Notify the two dukes to take over the city defenses. From now on, no nobles are allowed to enter or leave the city gates."

"I'm preparing to go. I'm going to the Vatican to meet the Pope. I need to spend some time in the church to prepare for becoming a saint again."

After Lilith gave the order, the palace quickly became busy. Lilith took the secret letters and left the palace surrounded by guards and maids, heading to the cathedral where the Pope was located.

As mentioned before, Lilith has come to regard the Papacy as her home, and she even feels that the safety of the palace is far less than that of the church, after all, two kings have died under the noses of the Augustins.

At this critical juncture, it is especially important to guard against certain nobles resorting to desperate measures and changing the king again.

Upon receiving the notification, the old pope immediately began making arrangements. The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit's Rest would no longer receive believers, and the cardinals and the pope would take turns guarding it. A protective barrier was activated, and nuns from the Pentecostal Order were dispatched to serve as Lilith's personal bodyguards in turn.

Only after everything was arranged and Lilith was successfully received did the old pope feel relieved.

The saintess who was originally harmless and not very devout has now shown her true colors. Although her methods are still a bit hasty, they are indeed effective.

"My Goddess, hatred does seem to be able to change a person, but is that really a good thing?"

Knowing there would be no response, the old pope prayed to the goddess with fervor for the first time.