"I wish you success as well." Murphy’s tone was flat as he put away the tal box containing the Heart of the Fierce Sun.
Knight Armand said no more. He gave another solemn bow, then tightly gripped the crystal tube, turned, and strode away, his pace even more hurried than when he had arrived.
The courtyard fell silent once more, leaving only the gentle gurgle of the spring.
"He... seed very emotional."
A soft voice, tinged with hesitation, ca from the side.
Murphy turned his head and saw that Elizabeth was standing under the porch of her stone house, though he hadn’t noticed when she’d arrived.
She was still dressed in her dark blue riding attire. Apparently, she had heard the commotion outside but hadn’t dared to co out and interrupt.
Now, seeing Armand leave, she took a few steps closer.
"Mm," Murphy replied faintly, not explaining the specifics of the transaction.
Elizabeth looked at his calm, emotionless profile, then recalled the old Knight’s near loss of composure. Her confusion deepened.
She hesitated for a mont but couldn’t help asking, "That old Knight... was he here to ask for your help with tomorrow’s mission? I saw that he seed to give you sothing, and... took sothing from you as well."
Murphy glanced at her. "It was just a transaction. We each got what we needed. He needed sothing to have a chance at a breakthrough, and I received a weapon that might be useful in a dangerous situation."
"A weapon?" Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly. Her gaze subconsciously fell to the Ancient Longsword at Murphy’s waist before she realized he probably wasn’t referring to an ordinary blade.
"A... rather special consumable," Murphy said without further explanation, changing the subject. "Your Highness, what do you know about tomorrow’s mission?"
Elizabeth’s expression darkened, and she shook her head. "I only know that it’s extrely dangerous and requires going deep into... the place where that monster ca from. The Ironspine Duke and the two Bishops haven’t told the specifics. They don’t seem to think I can participate in or understand things on a tactical level."
Her voice held a barely perceptible note of disappointnt, but it was quickly replaced by resolve. "But I have reviewed so of the files on frontline casualties, material attrition, and refugee placent. The logistical pressure is imnse, and morale is complicated."
She looked up at Murphy, her dark eyes looking exceptionally bright in the firelight. "Lord lfield, do you... really have to go? I an, your injuries... even though you said you’re fine, a place like that..."
"I have to," Murphy interrupted her. "Under the edict, no one can refuse."
Elizabeth fell silent for a mont before asking softly, "Then... is there anything you need to do here? Although my own power is ager, perhaps... I can help keep an eye on the situation in the rear, or, if Lady Aurora arrives, I could also..."
"Just keep doing what you’re already doing," Murphy said, his gaze sweeping over her slightly slender but straight back. "As for Aurora..."
He paused, a flicker of indiscernible softness in his eyes. "If she cos, she’ll know what to do."
"I understand." Elizabeth nodded firmly and took a deep breath, as if to suppress all her anxiety and weakness. "Please... you must return safely. I... I’ll be here, waiting to hear the news you bring back."
Murphy watched her trying to straighten her spine and present a strong front, giving a barely perceptible nod.
"Mm."
He said no more and turned toward his stone house.
Tomorrow, he would step into an unknown world. Tonight, he needed this final bit of ti to adjust his condition and make good use of his newly acquired Heart of the Fierce Sun.
Elizabeth watched his door close and stood in the courtyard for a while longer.
The night wind was cool, carrying the scent of sulfur and rusted tal, but her heart felt a little calr than before.
She turned and went back inside her house. Her gaze fell upon the pile of unread files, and her expression gradually beca focused and resolute.
’No matter what storms lie ahead, all I can do is hold on tight to what I can, and then, wait for the dawn—or for the return of the one who promised to bring back news.’
* * *
For the vast majority of the Peak Mortal Knights gathered here, the allure of the "Holy Protector" title and the permanent protection from the Church Court that ca with it was perhaps far greater than the ethereal possibility of becoming Extraordinary.
After all, long life was the stuff of myths and legends, while the continuation and prosperity of one’s family was the most imdiate and tangible responsibility.
Even if one broke through the limits of life, their lifespan would only extend to a hundred-so years before they eventually returned to dust.
But if, at the great risk of their own potential demise, they could trade their life for several centuries—or even longer—of the Church Court’s preferential resources, political asylum, and opportunities for developnt for their blood relatives, this "transaction" was, in the eyes of many, worthwhile, even glorious.
Against the backdrop of the Church Court ruling the Continent’s faith for over a thousand years, a "Holy Protector’s" family was virtually branded with the mark of "divine favor." Their status was far more stable than that of ordinary nobles who relied solely on military might or wealth.
This was not just a title; it was the cornerstone for a family’s path to "immortality."
This was also why the Cardinal’s reward was not an Extraordinary Potion.
However, to Murphy, none of this was necessary.
’I have to live. I have to live for a long, long ti!’
’I have to witness a wider world with my own eyes and seize control of my own destiny and the destinies of those I care about!’
’Power, long life, protection—I want it all!’
’I’ve never thought of using my own strength to challenge, let alone overthrow, a behemoth like the Church Court. That would not only be foolish but also aningless and extrely dangerous.’
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