"Blade of Vengeance?"
Hearing this name, distant memories surged like a tide in Arthur's mind. He seemed to recall something and asked with confusion:
"Wasn't that organization founded by the chaos worshippers who follow Morgul already driven out of the kingdom's territory by the Kingdom Knights and the Sun Church long ago?"
Glenn looked somewhat helpless and shook his head. "The Sun Church did indeed launch a purge back then, expelling most of Morgul's fanatical believers to the Corrupted Miasma Mountains."
"But you must understand, the spread of faith is always very covert, and the power of Corruption holds great temptation for the weak."
"Especially for those Seekers of Vengeance who have reached a dead end, turning to Corruption is the most direct and fastest way to gain power."
"As long as injustice, oppression, and grievances still exist within the kingdom, no matter how many times the Blade of Vengeance is destroyed, as long as the soil remains, it can always be reborn like a phoenix, carrying the flames of vengeance."
He spread his hands. "Even if there were no 'Blade of Vengeance,' organizations like 'Hatred Slayers' or 'Spear of Judgment' would appear. Their names might be different, but their essence is the same."
As he spoke, he took out an old piece of parchment from his robe, smoothing it out on the scarred oak table.
Chen Yu, who had been quietly squatting on the counter feeling somewhat drowsy, gave a slight tremble in his gel body upon hearing the familiar name "Kelvin," instantly becoming much more alert.
Kelvin?
Huh, why does this name sound so much like the owner of the two Corrupted trial parchments he found back in the abandoned village in the swamp?
That knight who left notes and ultimately chose to embrace the power of Corruption was also called Kelvin, but he never returned after leaving the village...
Could it be the same person?
Glenn, unaware of the slime on the counter's unusual reaction, continued his narration:
"The Ellis surname once produced a White Birch Knight who reached The Extraordinary during the White Horse Kingdom's early expansion. Thus, the Ellis family was also known as the White Birch Family. However, with the family's decline and the dwindling of its members, by Kelvin's generation, the entire family was reduced to just him alone."
"Although the specific reasons are unknown, this knight was once tried and wanted by the Border Garrison for treason, forced to flee the kingdom. Later, he came into contact with the power of Corruption, secretly infiltrated back into the kingdom, and successfully assassinated a powerful noble named Caron Scott."
"This incident caused quite a stir within the kingdom at the time, but as Kelvin's whereabouts became a mystery again, people gradually stopped discussing it openly."
"However, what many don't know is that the knight not only didn't flee far away again but instead lurked within the kingdom, gathering other Corrupted believers dissatisfied with the kingdom's current state and re-establishing the Blade of Vengeance."
"They have been acting frequently these past few years, causing quite a few disturbances in the kingdom's interior."
Galvin crossed his arms and asked calmly, "So, what does the Blade of Vengeance have to do with the Crown of Ignis?"
"Are you suggesting the crown fell into the hands of the Blade of Vengeance and then want us to deal with those dangerous Corrupted believers?"
Glenn quickly waved his hands. "Please don't misunderstand. The matters involving the Blade of Vengeance are very complex. They are not entirely the kingdom's enemies."
Then, he said meaningfully, "On the contrary, for the kingdom, they are still a sharp blade that can cut away rotten flesh."
"While the Blade of Vengeance doesn't possess the Crown of Ignis, the Belle Brooks you are looking for might be within this organization."
Galvin frowned. "How could she get involved with the Blade of Vengeance?"
Glenn shrugged, indicating he wasn't entirely sure either. "Who knows? After all, we only uncovered this clue in recent years and don't know much more than you do."
"Perhaps to survive the fierce conflict between those kingdom parasites and the Blade of Vengeance, she had no choice but to join the Blade of Vengeance seeking protection."
"In short, thanks to that knight Arthur, this Miss Belle, who was caught in the whirlpool, seems to have deviated from her original life trajectory as a farm girl and stepped onto the kingdom's grand stage."
"Of course, please don't misunderstand. I'm not mocking your friend. We also know your charges were fabricated, but Miss Belle is indeed remarkable now and seems to have even become a core member of the Blade of Vengeance."
"To find her, we must first make contact with the Corrupted believers of the Blade of Vengeance."
After finishing, a timely expression of regret for Arthur's passing appeared on his face, unaware that the deceased knight was sitting quietly right across from him.
Galvin glanced subtly at Arthur beside him, his fingers lightly tapping on the wooden tabletop, seemingly deep in thought and weighing options, but actually conversing with Chen Yu.
After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes and looked at Glenn. "You clearly know there are parasites within the kingdom. Why don't you act immediately, instead going through the troublesome roundabout of using those pitiful Seekers of Vengeance to deal with them?"
"Hmm... because the situation is more complex than you think..."
Glenn fell into brief silence. He interlaced his fingers, lowered his head to organize his thoughts, and after a good while, slowly began to speak:
"Mr. Galvin, this country may not be as perfect as the ballads sing. It has darkness and decay, but I still deeply love it and am striving to maintain its superficial peace and stability."
"However, our strength is very weak, even pitifully small."
"In contrast, those parasites are not as weak as you imagine. They have woven a huge web using power and money, continuously corrupting the kingdom."
"They have deep roots, like a giant tree with an intricate network of roots, or like an elephant hiding in the shadows of a room."
"Some people can see this elephant, some cannot, but without exception, most who see it dare not speak, let alone offend this colossal creature."
"And the Blade of Vengeance is a force not controlled by the kingdom, nor controlled by those parasites."
"Some things can only be done by them, and only they can do them."
He looked at Galvin, his tone becoming sincere.
"I need you to use your former connections to try and contact Miss Belle, to build a bridge for communication and cooperation between us and the Blade of Vengeance."
"As long as the Crown of Ignis doesn't fall into the hands of those parasites, we don't even care about its whereabouts. I think you understand what I mean."
"Gah, more of these convoluted power struggles and schemes, it's giving this Count a headache," Count Bran grumbled quietly from behind the Chubby One, then boredly sharpened his claws.
Galvin looked deeply at Glenn, his attitude not softening because of these seemingly candid words, still speaking in a flat tone:
"You haven't told the complete truth. I suspect you are hiding other objectives."
Glenn was taken aback, then said helplessly, "I truly can't hide anything from you. Actually, the Lord I serve is also very interested in you and the forces you represent."
"You are seeking strategies outside the kingdom?" Arthur spoke up at the right moment, hitting the nail on the head.
Glenn openly admitted it. "Correct. We hope the Undead Lord of your territory can cause some trouble for that Greater Demon hiding in the shadows, even if it's just some harassment and containment."
"Best of all, if we could find a way to cut off the passage between the kingdom's border and the Golden Radiance Valley, preventing these kingdom parasites from making contact with that Greater Demon."
Then he smiled, "Also, you surely don't think the kingdom's nobility would remain indifferent to a sizable undead territory suddenly appearing on the kingdom's border, do you?"
"Only thanks to the Lord's extensive lobbying were we able to lower the officers' vigilance, all for the possibility of this cooperation."
"Coincidentally, if you hadn't returned to Allen Bridge Fort, I would soon have headed to the border, representing the Lord's will to visit that Undead Lord."
"Your information network is indeed very sharp," Galvin commented.
However, there was one thing he didn't say out loud: although the intelligence network of the Lord Glenn served was impressive, it wasn't comprehensive enough.
Because the lord of the emerging force in the swamp wasn't any undead at all, but a slime that no one would have expected...
"So, do you agree to cooperate?" Glenn asked carefully.
Galvin didn't answer immediately but asked Chen Yu through the gel communicator, "What do you think?"
Chen Yu wobbled his gel slightly to indicate agreement.
From the current perspective, cooperating with them seemed to have more benefits than drawbacks.
If anything unexpected happened during this period, he could still have Arthur and the others withdraw promptly, without worrying about integrity or reputation.
After all, it would be those undead breaking the cooperation, what did it have to do with him, a slime?
After receiving the reply, Galvin gave a slight nod and inquired, "What is your specific plan?"
Glenn's eyes lit up, and he revealed a smile. "Simple. The place where the Blade of Vengeance is most frequently active is the Storm Territory garrisoned by the Border Garrison. That place is constantly plagued by Magical Tides and is also the most important gateway from the Mountains to the Golden Tassel Plain."
"Once this place is breached, surging Magical Creatures will rush out of the Storm Territory, flooding into the Golden Tassel Plain and ruining all the immature grain crops."
"The reason the Blade of Vengeance frequently appears there isn't, as rumors say, to sabotage the Storm Fortress's defenses and let Magical Creatures in."
"In fact, that place is the most heavily infiltrated by demons. Entrusting such an important place to these parasites, you can imagine the terrible consequences if war broke out with those demons."
"Going there, we can find Miss Belle, and perhaps also get news about the Crown of Ignis."
"The Storm Territory isn't far from here. It only takes seven days on horseback, and with our help, you can reach there in three days."
"Moreover, the Lord can forge new identities for you. Even if your friend here is undead, he won't face any interrogation."
He frankly stated that he had already seen through Arthur's identity, hoping to dispel their concerns.
After listening to Glenn's words, Arthur and Galvin exchanged a glance and finally agreed to his arrangements.
Glenn visibly relaxed, his shoulders unconsciously dropping. "Excellent. I'll go prepare the horses and supplies now. Please wait here for a moment."
After Glenn left the farmhouse, Count Bran immediately flew out from his hiding spot and landed on Arthur's shoulder.
"Gah! That guy speaks in such a roundabout way, so annoying. But at least we have a lead on the crown now."
Arthur nodded gently, placed the Chubby One back on his shoulder, and walked to the window to observe the situation outside.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, spilling onto the fields. In the distance, a few barks could be heard. Turning to look in the direction of the sound, they could see Glenn's figure gradually receding along the country path.
Galvin walked to his side and whispered to Chen Yu on his shoulder, "Your Majesty, how much of what he said do you think is credible?"
Chen Yu thought for a moment. "About seventy percent. The part about the Blade of Vengeance is probably true, but he held back regarding that Lord's intentions."
"However, from the current perspective, cooperating with them does seem to be the best option."
They didn't have to wait long before Glenn returned.
This young man from the Snow Jackal Family once again demonstrated his "financial power" and "efficiency." He directly and generously bought two sturdy, well-fed steeds from the nearest Post Station stable and had the groom lead them back.
"These are the horses prepared for you. They have gentle temperaments and excellent endurance, enough to get us to the nearby noble territory."
Arthur stepped forward, expertly checking the tack, then asked, "When do we depart?"
Glenn mounted his horse. "We set off now. While the sky is still early, we can cover more distance."
Arthur and Galvin exchanged a glance and simultaneously mounted their horses.
To be more stable on the road, Chen Yu quickly hopped onto Galvin's shoulder and then jumped into his breastplate to settle down. Count Bran nimbly burrowed into Arthur's breastplate, only leaving a small head exposed.
"Let's go!" Glenn shook the reins, and the horse trotted forward with light steps.
The two followed, riding their horses through the country paths, soon leaving Allen Bridge Fort far behind.
Golden waves of wheat undulated in the wind, like a flowing ocean. Occasionally, farmers could be seen working in the fields. They would look up, gazing curiously at this group of unfamiliar travelers.
Chen Yu was also curiously observing the scenery along the way.
As a slime living in the swamp, this was his first time seeing such open fields in Zeyarila.
Truly a great plain, the fields were vast as if endless.
How wonderful it would be if the Slime Kingdom could also possess such a large plain.
He thought enviously to himself.
"Where do we spend the night tonight?" Galvin asked, his mount always maintaining a position parallel to Glenn's.
Glenn replied, "There's a small town ahead. We can rest at the inn there. I've already made arrangements in advance."
Chen Yu originally planned to follow Arthur and the others all the way to the Storm Territory, to properly appreciate the customs and scenery of the White Horse Kingdom.
But soon, news came from the distant swamp. There was a sudden situation at the Riftrock Fortress;
many Undead had appeared in the surrounding area.
"Undead?"
What are those undead who stay holed up in the ruins all day suddenly coming out for?
Could something have happened in the Dark Realm?
Holding onto this doubt, Chen Yu's consciousness could only return to the swamp first to deal with these uninvited neighbors.