Chapter 71: Goddess, do you think I am guilty?

"Somebody wants to see you."

The cold voice of a guard came from outside the iron grille adorned with magical patterns.

Immersed in the icy spring, Char opened his eyes.

At this moment, his once slender and athletic body was covered in shards of ice. With a slight tremor, these ice shards immediately turned into fragments and fell to the ground.

After advancing to the Totem Knight, his physical body had reached a very powerful state, capable of withstanding injuries that would be fatal to ordinary knights with minimal effect.

A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Who could it be?

With only two days left until the Day of Judgment, the only people who could visit him at such a time were those few individuals.

Could it be that they were not afraid of being associated with the "Blood Moon Cultists"?

With this thought in mind, Char changed his posture, leaning his right leg against the wall with his knee, and turned his gaze towards the entrance of the Ninth Floor Prison.

Then, a figure completely unexpected to him appeared in the prison.

"Excuse me."

Angelica smiled gracefully. Wearing a rose-colored mage robe, she looked stunning and captivating.

"I can only give you twenty minutes. If you have something to say, please do so quickly."

The Secretary of Chief Magistrate Nidro, Cromwell, nodded and gestured to the guards.

Receiving the order, the guards left one by one.

After the prison door was closed, Angelica's smile faded, and her expression became extremely calm.

Then, she turned slowly, walked down the stone steps, and approached the lone prisoner on the Ninth Floor.

Apart from him, all the heretics imprisoned on the Ninth Floor had been executed in the past few days.

So now, this place could be considered Char's private cell.

Char raised an eyebrow.

Since the duel at the academy, it had been a long time since he last saw Angelica. But there was no real need to meet in the first place.

However, Char couldn't understand why she had come here at this time.

Under his unabashed gaze, Angelica walked slowly towards the cell where he was held.

She looked around Char with an inexplicable gaze, then revealed a condescending smirk.

"How does it feel?" she asked, leaning slightly forward. Her platinum hair fell by her ears, and her beautiful face was filled with mockery towards Char's current miserable state.

After being defeated by Char and embarrassed in front of him, the double blow completely shattered Angelica's pride.

During that time, she stayed in her own room and rarely went out, always feeling that the eyes of those around her were filled with ridicule.

Especially the "seed of fear" that Char had planted deep within her.

Many nights, when she dreamt of the figure of that young man, she felt her consciousness being occupied by a terrifying nightmare. When she woke up in shock, she would discover with embarrassment that her sheets were wet.

Yes, ever since the duel in the arena, Angelica had developed a strange illness.

Whenever she heard anything related to Char and inadvertently associated it with him, she would involuntarily wet herself.

It was a tremor that originated from her soul.

Because of this strange illness, she couldn't live a normal life.

During meals, baths, and changing clothes, she constantly worried about this issue.

Eventually, when Angelica stayed in her own mansion, she was forced to be practically naked, wearing only a dress with a chilly feeling inside.

After all, if the maids found out about this hidden ailment when she changed her underwear every day, she didn't know how they would secretly gossip about her.

What Angelica cared about the most was her reputation.

So two days ago, when she learned that Char was actually a Blood Moon Cultist and had already been arrested by the Inquisitorial Court, she was so excited that she almost cried.

Generally, when a spellcaster dies, the imprint on her disappears as well, allowing Angelica to return to a normal life.

So today, to celebrate the return of her original life, she specifically asked her father, Duke Algeria, to use his connections to send her in here.

Not for any other reason, just to mock Char ruthlessly in front of him and avenge the arrow he shot back then.

Hearing this, Char chuckled lightly.

He adjusted his sitting posture slightly and looked at Angelica with a curious expression. "It must not be pleasant to wet your pants every day, right?"

"Take a good sniff. It seems like there's a hint of urine odor coming from you."

Angelica's expression froze, and the mocking look solidified on her small face.

Then she clenched her fist resentfully and raised her voice, saying, "You're almost dying, and yet you have the nerve to say such things?"

After saying this, as if suddenly remembering something, she glanced at Char with a cold smirk.

"If you're saying these things just to provoke me, then my assessment of you is that you're childish."

There was something Angelica didn't explain.

As a woman who grew up in the Northern Duchy, her body, which had the Eternal Frost constitution, was completely improved by magic after she became a mage.

Not only did her life essence improve, but even her physiological metabolism became different from ordinary people.

After all, becoming stronger meant constantly enhancing one's life essence, constantly evolving towards the highest point. Each step of improvement could bring about earth-shaking changes.

Just like Char.

After becoming a Totem Knight, he had completely freed himself from the need to eat. He could control his eating, drinking, and bodily functions at will.

The most obvious example was when Char was locked in a prison cell for nearly a week without consuming any water or food, yet he still maintained his vitality.

At this point, it was difficult to describe him as human.

And Angelica was the same.

Although she was far behind Char in terms of cultivation, even trailing far behind, she was a mage. After her body was transformed by magic, she possessed unique advantages.

Coupled with her special Eternal Frost constitution, the fluids flowing from her body were pure and untainted.

In other words, there was no such thing as odor.

Even the color was transparent.

"Let's make a deal." Angelica narrowed her eyes and stared at Char for a long time. "Release the imprint you planted in my consciousness."

"And as an exchange, after you die, I will ensure that no one troubles your loved ones."

Upon hearing this, Char silently chuckled.

"The agents of the Heresy Tribunal didn't break the curse for you?" he asked.

A trace of resentment flashed in Angelica's eyes.

After the imprint was planted, she naturally tried various methods, even undergoing purification rituals in the Holy See. But even after paying a great price, she could only slightly alleviate the oppression brought by the imprint.

It couldn't be completely eradicated.

So she found her way here before Char was about to go to the execution ground.

"Looking at it this way, you really haven't grown at all," Char shook his head and marveled, "Compared to Sally, Sally's completely outclassed in every aspect, even in terms of feminine charm."

"Moreover, why should I believe the promise of a bitch?"

Char changed his posture, crossed his legs, and said.

Angelica clenched her teeth, held her fist, and raised her voice, "Don't you care at all about the lives of people around you?"

"That maid? And your sister, Nia?"

"Dahlia? I've already arranged a future for her. As for Nia... I cut off ties with her long ago. What she becomes in the future has nothing to do with me."

A trace of indifference flashed across Char's face as he spoke emotionlessly.

But that wasn't the truth.

There was very little Char could do in prison. Asking Sally to take care of Dahlia was already the limit. As for Nia, who was a disciple of Mevis, Char had no power to intervene at all.

He could only use this seemingly indifferent tone to distance himself from her as much as possible.

Hoping that it wouldn't affect her future.

Upon hearing this, a strange smile flashed across Angelica's face. "So that's how it is, so that's how it is. Until now, you haven't discovered anything, have you?"

"..."

Char was momentarily stunned.

Angelica scrutinized Char from head to toe and clicked her tongue. "As an older brother, you're really incompetent. Even after so long, you haven't noticed what happened to your own sister."

"You have a big heart, indeed."

"What do you mean?" Char furrowed his brow slightly.

"Do you really think Nia's coldness towards you is because she climbed up to higher ranks and wanted to discard useless family ties?"

Char thought deeply for a few seconds, then his pupils shrank!

He slowly stood up and walked slowly towards the edge of the prison cell.

"What did she do to Nia?"

Char's gaze locked onto Angelica, and an invisible sense of oppression emanated from the prison cell to the outside world.

Angelica instinctively recalled the scene where she was brutally defeated by him in the arena. She subconsciously took two steps back, but then she regained her composure and felt ashamed of her cowardice.

So she clenched her fist and said loudly, "Even if you know, what can you do about it? You're just a prisoner clanging in jail, while they are the superior sorcerer forces. Do you have any delusional ideas?"

"I'm asking you a question."

Char repeated his previous words once again.

Angelica's face darkened.

At this moment, she felt a dampness in that area again, and the bloating sensation in her lower abdomen made her feel like she was about to relieve herself in front of him once more.

But she still held herself together and sarcastically said to Char, "This is a prison. Do you think you can do something to me?"

As soon as she finished speaking, two blood moons faintly appeared in Char's pupils!

"Look into my eyes."

An irresistible voice of authority echoed from the prison cell into Angelica's ears.

She hesitated for a moment, about to unconsciously obey his command when a gem on her earring suddenly emitted a flash of light!

Accompanied by the sound of shattering glass, the connection between the blood moons and her was severed by the Magic Tool.

A slight smile appeared on Angelica's face. "I already know about your abilities. What makes you think I would come here defenseless to see you?"

She said disdainfully.

As if the young man before her was already at his wits' end.

Seeing this, Char still didn't avert his gaze. He said once again, "Look into my eyes."

At the same time, the blood moons in his pupils gradually dissipated, replaced by a tempting pink mark that bloomed with a captivating radiance.

[Enchanting Gaze], activate!

This was the ability Char acquired when he increased his charm value to 30 points to resist the charm of Beatrice.

Its effect was self-evident.

Angelica, still immersed in the joy of victory, thought she had the reliance of the Magic Tool and glanced at him without any concern.

But just that glance completely captivated her in those pupils!

Was this guy always this good-looking?

Angelica thought unconsciously.

At the same time, the hatred and resentment she had towards Char in her heart gradually dissipated as they locked eyes.

Angelica's heartbeat slightly accelerated, and two heart-shaped marks reflected in her pupils.

Why do I feel a little strange now?

Angelica blushed, her gaze avoiding his, as if the young man standing in front of her was her first love in this lifetime.

"I-I'm sorry..."

She covered her chest and said with some embarrassment.

Her attitude and tone towards him just now were a bit too harsh, she needed to apologize.

Will he... dislike me because of this?

Angelica anxiously thought.

At this moment, she had completely cast aside her everyday memories and only had Char in her eyes.

However, looking at the beautiful girl before him, Char smirked, not even having any strange thoughts.

"Take off the earring."

He commanded calmly.

"P-Please don't be angry anymore, okay?"

Without any hesitation, Angelica gently brushed aside her long hair and removed the Magic Tool that resisted mental enslavement.

However, enchantment is not among the ranks of mental enslavement.

It is more like a subtle psychological suggestion that surpasses the limits of human appearance and temperament, causing her to unknowingly fall in love with Char.

If you had to say, it is more like hypnosis.

The moment Angelica took off the earring, Char's right pupil immediately displayed a blood moon.

In an instant, a scene of carnage and countless corpses and undead creatures appeared before Angelica's eyes.

She immediately collapsed, clutching her head and screaming as she crouched on the ground.

"I-I'll do anything you say, please... spare me..."

The scene from the arena replayed in Char's mind.

But unlike the previous time, the current Angelica was under the dual control of enchantment and fear.

If nothing unexpected happened, she would never be able to escape from the shadow cast by Char in her lifetime.

Observing the trembling girl, Char showed no mercy.

Standing tall in the prison cell, he wore a cruel and wicked smile. "Tell me everything you know."

"Oh, and while you're at it, perform your specialty like you are now, crouching. Show me."

Moments later.

Accompanied by the girl's trembling sobs, the sound of dripping water echoed in the dungeon.

...

"Do you really want to see His Majesty?"

The well-dressed Count of the Royal Palace, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, hesitated as he looked at the girl in front of him.

Sylvasta took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes, and nodded.

"Yes, Uncle Edward."

Upon hearing this, Count Edward, the trusted confidant of the Emperor, sighed and nodded.

The little girl from his memories had unconsciously grown into the young woman standing before him.

As the most trusted minister of the Emperor, Edward's mind was filled with complicated thoughts.

Since sixteen years ago, when Princess Diana gave birth to Sylvasta and passed away, leaving behind a helpless infant girl and a grieving Emperor Helen.

In a sense, this was also one of the reasons why Emperor Helen didn't like Sylvasta.

That's why, right after her birth, she was secretly sent to Duke Althia, entrusted to him for upbringing, and even became his nominal daughter.

As for the incident several years ago, when Sylvasta returned to the capital and was besieged by the red Moon Cult, it was officially regarded as a political coercion against Duke Althia. In reality, it was a challenge to imperial authority.

As a princess, if Sylvasta were to fall into the hands of the cultists, her fate would be evident.

After Count Edward finished briefing her, Sylvasta received permission to enter the palace and lightly nodded at Uncle Edward.

"The Emperor is in a bad mood today, so be careful and don't provoke him."

As he passed by Sylvasta, Edward gently reminded her.

Sylvasta's eyes flickered with a hint of gratitude, and then she nodded.

Led by a palace maid, Sylvasta walked slowly into Emperor Helen's bedchamber. As she entered, she gently took off a hairpin from her hair.

A faint radiance flashed.

In the next moment, Sylvasta's appearance changed.

Her originally platinum long hair and typical Hiren features transformed into white shoulder-length hair. Her delicate and elf-like ears, which had become long and pointed, emerged from her hair. Not only that, although her facial features remained the same, her skin became even fairer and more delicate, with emerald hues shimmering in her pupils.

A half-elf.

The term floated in the palace maid's mind.

At the same time, a barely perceptible disdain flashed in her eyes.

This was evidence of impure lineage.

As one of the heirs of the Human Empire, how could she have the lowly blood of the elves mixed in?

Especially the kind of half-elf that even the elven race itself shunned!

This was the very reason why Emperor Helen despised Sylvasta.

To the extent that when she was still a baby, he sent her to the Northern Duchy.

Her birth mother, Princess Diana, had typical human features, but due to a trace of elven blood, this extremely rare occurrence manifested in Sylvasta.

Atavism.

"Father, greetings."

Entering the palace, Sylvasta looked at the middle-aged man sitting quietly behind the desk and spoke.

"What's the matter?"

Emperor Helen didn't lift his head, lightly turning a page in the book he held.

"I want... to ask you to save someone."

Sylvasta lowered her head and replied.

"Who?"

"You may have heard of him. He's the one who has been labeled as a 'cultist,' imprisoned in the Heresy Tribunal. Char... he's my friend."

"Impossible."

Emperor Helen gently closed the book in his hand and directed his gaze towards the half-elf girl before him.

As if seeing a trace of his beloved late wife in his daughter, Emperor Helen's eyes flashed with a hint of sorrow.

And because of that, he softened slightly.

He continued, "Nidro is taking this case seriously, and even if I wanted to intervene, I would face numerous obstacles."

"Moreover, the so-called labeling is based solely on your testimony. The true situation is better understood by the Heresy Tribunal."

"Furthermore... a minor noble from the countryside, though inheriting the Adelaide surname, has not shown the slightest glory of our ancestors. It is not worth the cost for me to deal with this matter."

"Is there anything else you want to ask?"

"...No."

Sylvasta lowered her head, biting her lower lip gently, and a misty mist rose in her eyes.

"No... No..." She shook her head gently. "He could never be a cultist, let alone have any connection with the Crimson Moon Cult."

"Because the one who saved me from the clutches of those people in Mansfield eight years ago was him, Char!"

"He almost gave his life to save me."

Sylvasta's body swayed lightly, then she slowly knelt down, prostrating herself on the ground, pressing her forehead firmly against the red carpet.

"Dad, I rarely address you like this after all these years," Sylvasta said in a voice tinged with a sob, speaking softly. "Just this once, I beg you..."

Silence lingered for a long while.

Finally, an unrelenting voice came from above, enveloping Sylvasta within it.

She felt as if she had fallen into an icy abyss.

"Then, he must die."

.....

For the vast majority of the commoners in the Hiren Empire, two days were just a fleeting moment in their monotonous and laborious lives.

But for those residing in the capital, especially the countless believers of the Radiant Faith within the upper city, these two days caused them great anxiety and anticipation.

Fortunately, the Goddess of Light, who held the reins of time, did not delay any longer. In the anticipation of many, the two days swiftly passed.

Finally, the monthly grand Mass Day arrived.

On this day, all the followers of the Goddess of Light would gather at the central square of the Radiant, led by the High Priest, devoutly reciting the "Sacred Scriptures of Light" and chanting the name of the Goddess.

After completing all of this, the sacred ritual would commence, and every devotee would receive the Holy Communion for free.

But today, before all these activities began, there was an additional procedure that drew special attention from the believers.

At this moment, the spacious square of the Radiant, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, was crowded with heads, shoulder to shoulder. In addition to the followers, numerous citizens had also gathered to join in the excitement.

Because today was not only the day of the grand Mass, but also the day of the execution of heretics.

It was similar to the scene in ancient times when Char, in a previous life, would be executed and beheaded in the market, always attracting a crowd of onlookers.

Sergei was one of them.

As a student of Norton Academy, he and many of his friends had come to the central square, prepared to witness the trial ceremony.

Although the object of the trial was his classmate, Sergei showed no trace of pity on his face. Instead, he conversed excitedly with his friends.

"I can only say it's a good death. I've never liked him."

"After all, he's a heretic, not even human. If he's burned to death, it's just burning him. Remember what those lunatics of the Red Moon Faith did to our brethren? Now it's time to return a thousandfold!"

"Shh, keep your voice down. We're still students, it's better not to draw too much attention."

"You're too cautious. Listen carefully to the voices around us. They're all cursing and resentful!"

Having said that, several youths who looked like students glanced around and found that similar discussions were not uncommon.

Although the teachings of the Goddess of Light called for the followers to have a compassionate heart, the hatred towards the Red Moon believers was an unspoken consensus among everyone.

No one dared to forget the scene of the Blood Moon Tragedy.

So at this moment, Char had become the enemy of the people.

It was unclear how much time had passed.

When the believers on the square began to grow anxious, several figures appeared on the platform in front of the judgment seat.

They were the high-ranking officials of the Heresy Tribunal, with Chief Justice Nidro at the forefront. At this moment, they all appeared before the public.

Not only that, even the members of the Judgment Tower were present.

Although only the Chief Judge Rod and Senior Inspector Sally were there, it still indicated the stance of the Judgment Tower.

There would be no leniency for traitors!

As Nidro's gaze swept over the scene before him, his eyes subtly met with the sorceress Mevis beside the stands, then he averted his gaze without leaving a trace.

Then, he looked at the bustling Radiant Square before him, took a deep breath, and loudly said, "Please, everyone, quiet down a bit."

Soon, the square became silent.

Nidro nodded slightly and opened the case file on the table.

"Bring the heretic 'Char Adelaide' to the Pillar of Faith."

Soon, two powerful knights of the Radiant escorted Char, with his hands and feet shackled, to the towering pillar in the center of the Radiant Square, in full view of the onlookers.

The pillar was about forty meters high, with reliefs depicting the descent of the Goddess of Light into the world and murals showcasing miracles. Ancient Hellenic inscriptions were carved as annotations.

All of this was recorded in the "Sacred Scriptures of Light" and condensed onto this pillar.

Because this Pillar of Faith was the original version of the "Radiant Scriptures" and one of the few remaining miracles of the Goddess in the mortal realm.

Within the Radiant , the high-ranking officials could even communicate with the Goddess through this pillar and receive her responses.

Char, at this moment, only wore a pair of trousers, baring his slender upper body. His well-defined chest displayed a blood moon emblem surrounded by nine markings, which stood out prominently.

"Is that the heretic?"

"Nine markings, does it mean something?"

"You fool, don't you remember the previous announcement from the Heresy Tribunal? This is currently the highest-ranking member of the Crimson Moon Sect, rumored to be a holy son within the sect, with an incredibly esteemed position!"

"Oh, that's quite a big catch."

"If he dies, I bet those heretics will be heartbroken for a long time."

"They deserve it."

Meanwhile, many people on the square began whispering once again.

However, this time, Nidro did not stop them. Instead, he waited quietly, as if exhibiting Char to the world.

Sally's eyes welled up with tears, and she tightly clenched her hands together.

You promised me that you would come out of this alive.

She silently thought to herself.

A long time passed.

When the square regained its quietude, Chief Judge Nidro spoke again, "This is the heretic who needs to be judged."

"He is called 'Char Adelaide' and hails from a small village in the southern province of Sarko. His father is a lord with the title of viscount."

"The surname that should have been his inheritance has now been tarnished because of him."

Nidro paused for a moment, then his voice carried a hint of authority, "Char Adelaide."

"You have committed the crimes of heresy, espionage, and treason."

"As an imperial citizen, you have betrayed the Empire and joined forces with the wicked, those vile heretics, causing severe emotional distress to numerous survivors of the Blood Moon Tragedy."

"People who believe in the Light... do you think he is guilty?"

"Guilty!"

"Heinous crimes!"

"Death penalty!"

"There is no doubt about it!"

Upon hearing Chief Judge Nidro's inquiry, the residents and followers of the Radiant raised their fists and shouted indignantly.

The entire square immediately became filled with uproar.

Nidro nodded and shifted his gaze towards Char.

"As you can see, heretic Char Adelaide, do you understand your sins and do you repent?"

At the words, Char smiled silently.

"What are you laughing at?"

Chief Judge Nidro wasn't surprised.

Over the years, he had witnessed the reactions of countless heretics on the verge of execution. Most of them clung to their wicked beliefs until the end, rarely begging for mercy to save their lives.

Char grinned, "I'm laughing at how you entrusted the power of judgment to a crowd of mere rabble who only know how to clamor, attempting to pass judgment on me through public opinion."

"But I don't blame them, I pity them."

"I pity them for tirelessly providing you with a constant stream of money and the power of faith, while being kept in the dark by simple decrees and announcements, like pigs led by the nose."

"I pity them for never being able to know the truth and yet raising their weapons against the wrong people."

Upon hearing this, Chief Judge Nidro frowned.

"Char Adelaide, do you plead guilty?" His voice grew louder and carried a spiritual intimidation enhanced by magical power.

If an ordinary person were in Char's position, they would have been terrified and fallen to their knees in repentance before the Pillar of Faith.

"Plead guilty?" Char burst into laughter as if he had heard something ridiculous. "Why don't you ask the goddess you believe in about that?"

His words were met with mocking laughter from the crowd.

At this stage, with the irrefutable evidence of the Blood Moon sect before them, who cared whether Char pleaded guilty or not?

Would the goddess truly descend and personally decide this matter?

Many shook their heads, ready to proceed to the next step.

Judging the heretic and invoking the Holy Flame of Light.

It was a rare sight, a miracle to behold!

But just then, a clear shout rang out from the center of the square.

"I accuse!"

The echo reverberated throughout the entire square.

Countless people were left dumbfounded.

They didn't understand why, at this critical moment, Char had the leisure to accuse someone else.

All eyes gathered on the lone figure in the center of the square.

Char shouted loudly, "I accuse!"

"I accuse Mevis of controlling my own sister, turning her into a puppet, and even hiring assassins to eliminate me and seize the title!"

"I accuse Count Violet and the organization behind him of attempting an evil sacrifice to bring forth a fallen god in the capital and harvest lives!"

"I accuse the Radiant of falsely accusing me, manipulating public opinion to slander me, and attempting to eliminate me through the means of judgment!"

Char took a deep breath.

"Lastly, I accuse this city."

"I accuse all of you, who ignorantly and foolishly conspire to harm the so-called 'heroes' who have saved you."

Upon seeing this, Chief Judge Nidro shook his head gently from his seat.

"He's gone mad."

Just as he was about to proceed with the final process of the trial, to invoke the Holy Flame of Light and pass judgment on Char, something unexpected happened.

Char suddenly looked up, a smile on his face, as he gazed at the sacred and noble figure of the goddess symbolized on the Pillar of Faith.

Her expression was sorrowful, compassionate, with a sacred mark of light floating above her head.

"My lady, the goddess, do you... also consider me guilty?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a radiant golden light burst forth from the Pillar of Faith in the center of the square.

The light soared to the sky, transforming into a brilliant column visible throughout the entire capital, accompanied by an immensely powerful divine aura that pierced through heaven and earth!