Chapter 339: Visit by the Church Envoy

Chapter 339: Visit by the Church Envoy

Tan Aili walked down the spacious wooden stairs that exuded a magical atmosphere slowly and gracefully, and every step seemed to be filled with a hint of hesitation and contemplation.

When I entered the hall, I saw three church members sitting quietly in the living room. Their expressions were solemn and serious.

"Three pastors, do you have any advice for me..." Tan Aili showed her signature smile, which was like a flower blooming in spring, bright and moving. Her words sounded gentle and kind, yet a little distant.

"Dear Ms. Tan Aili, you used to be a member of the church, but we have lost contact for a long time. Our bishop sends you his greetings..." said the leader of the three pastors, his voice was low and magnetic, and his eyes were full of earnestness.

Tan Aili knew clearly the purpose of their visit. She smiled and said, "The empire does not allow lords to preach, otherwise they will become enemies of the country. I have managed to keep my property with great difficulty. Please forgive me, pastor. My family dare not get involved in religious activities..." She dismissed them on the grounds that the authority of the kingdom was supreme and that if it was angered, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Have you forgotten the Lord's kindness so quickly? Submit to heresy so quickly? Rebel against the Lord? This will send you to hell..." The envoy was very angry, his voice rose several decibels, his expression was a little distorted with excitement, and he spoke in a serious manner. People who didn't know the truth might really be frightened by his appearance and believe it to be true.

Tan Aili simply responded: "Where was the Lord when I was in trouble? When I was isolated and helpless, and had nowhere to turn for help, the Lord never lent a hand. So no religious personnel must be allowed near the castle. Don't blame me for not warning you, preaching is not allowed. As far as I know, they want to attack Shadowmoon City?"

Tan Aili's eyes were firm and resolute. As she recalled the difficult times in the past, her faith became even stronger.

The priest laughed loudly, and the laughter echoed in the empty hall: "Indeed, the Province of Queke has now become an independent country, bathed in the grace of the Lord, powerful and prosperous...

If Tan Aili returns to the right path, this area of ​​1,200 miles will be yours, and you can also establish an independent country. The Pope will recognize your legal status to the whole world. Of course, the land you have opened up with your own ability is legal, after all, you have made great contributions to the church..."

Tan Aili was unmoved and said calmly: "I don't have such big ambitions. I have never thought about founding a country and becoming a king. I just want to live in the castle..." She knew very well that there were countless conspiracies and crises hidden behind this so-called "independent nation-building". If she was not careful, she would be doomed.

The church's tricks of coercion and inducement should not be taken seriously. From ancient times to the present, similar methods have been common in the struggle for power and interests. They are often just bluffs in an attempt to make people submit.

"Ms. Tan Aili, since you were once a member of the church, if we attack Shadowmoon City, you'd better choose to remain neutral and not get involved. If you remain neutral, the church will not blame you. But you cannot disrupt the church's military operations. If you offend the church, you will bear the consequences yourself..." The bishop finished his words with a smile, his words full of threats.

Behind his seemingly kind smile lies endless cruelty and determination, just like those forces in history that have exercised hegemony in the name of religion.

Tan Aili smiled contemptuously and said, "Thank you, Mr. Special Envoy, for your reminder. I share weal and woe with Shadowmoon City. I will never allow you to attack Shadowmoon City. As long as the church dares to attack the city, I will definitely respond. I advise the church's armed forces to withdraw, because you can't win. This moat and the newly repaired city wall are insurmountable natural barriers. I paid for their reinforcement. I have a lot of property in the city, and I will never allow any war..."

Tan Aili's words were powerful and her eyes were firm and resolute.

"You, I will remember you. Miss Tan Aili, even if you have made your position clear, aren't you afraid that the church will attack your castle? Don't think we are afraid just because we have magic defense positions. These are not worth mentioning in front of the army..." Te Te said viciously, his expression was hideous and twisted, like an enraged beast.

"Haha, very good. I will wait and see. I hope the church will attack my castle. The people from the magic academy are doing construction in my territory. If their precious magician is injured, it will cause the anger of the magicians. I think your church should also consider offending them. What will be the consequences?" Tan Aili raised the corner of her mouth, her eyes full of provocation.

"You... are really vicious, trying to provoke a war between magicians and the church? You deliberately hired alchemists to build this high alchemical wall, right? You think that we won't dare to attack you just because they are here? Haha, you are quite cunning. I admire you... But this is just your wishful thinking. The magician group also dare not offend us. Let's make a bet if you don't believe it?"

The envoy's face became increasingly gloomy. He knew very well how powerful the magician was, and the church had to act with caution when facing this power.

Tan Aili looked down on them and said contemptuously: "At the Consen Castle in Phoenix County, the magicians are slaughtering church members wantonly, but you guys are also afraid to say a word, aren't you? Why? You don't dare to offend the magicians? With such courage, you still dare to show off your power? People from the Magic Academy are here, come and attack us if you have the guts..."

Once in Phoenix County, the tragic scene is still fresh in people's memory. The church's armed forces were vulnerable to Kashen and others, and they suffered heavy losses but dared not say a word. The three magicians were said to be members of the Mercenary Association...

Now the special envoy is in such a situation. He is in a low position and has no idea what his superiors are thinking. Whether to fight or make peace, there is no clear instruction, which puts him in a dilemma.

The existence of the magic academy made us think twice before attacking Sheldon Castle. Offending the magicians? Less trouble is better...

The envoy frowned, his expression sometimes gloomy and sometimes bright, as if he was going through a fierce struggle and weighing in his heart.

He thought in silence for a long time, and finally shook his head helplessly, because he clearly realized that the strong-willed hostess in front of him was not someone who could be easily threatened.

So, the envoy took a deep breath, put on a smile that seemed kind but actually concealed ulterior motives, and slowly said, "Dear Miss Tan Aili, please seriously consider our proposal. If you are willing to remain neutral, then after the church successfully takes over Shadowmoon City, not only will your existing interests be absolutely protected, but you will also receive an additional 10% of the city's wealth as a reward. This is a considerable income! I believe it is also very attractive to you, right?"

The envoy intended to make a final effort and settle for the next best thing, striving to keep Sheldon Castle neutral during the siege, an ideal situation in which the city was attacked from both sides by non-church armed forces.