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Novus 27, 3023, Day of Monar, 9:12 a.m.
Main Office Building, Inquisitory Division Headquarters, Holy City.
Ka-cha!
A door opened.
Vivian stepped inside a private office and then made her way to Pen, who was sitting behind his desk.
Once she reached Pen's desk, she saluted and then immediately sat down at one of the vacant seats at the front without waiting for Pen's reply.
"Thank you for coming here, sister. The reason why I called you is because I want to inform you that you can now return to Gru'n Town to continue with your Field Mission. But before you return to your Field Mission, there are a couple of things I want to discuss with you."
Vivian didn't say anything as she crossed her legs and folded her arms.
"First off, once you return to Gru'n Town, I would like you to avoid committing unnecessary complications -- just stick with the case. I would also like to ask you to avoid committing True Death, even if the suspect is guilty.
"Although the situation at Castle of Hun'de has calmed down a bit, it's still a very sensitive topic and the Holy Kingdom, specifically the Light Faction, can't afford to get the situation more complicated than it already is.
"Do we have an agreement, sister?"
"Sure," Vivian said.
Pen nodded.
"Good, moving on.
"About our plan to pretend that we're aligning ourselves with the Light Faction until you become a Gold Cloak and then run as a Light Saint, due to what happened at Castle of Hun'de, there are a few things you need to do or choose.
"Your first option is to transfer to the Holy Chapter Temple. And once you transfer there, you must openly align yourself with the Light Faction, especially with the Lu'x family, the leader of the Light Faction.
"Moreover, your residence can only be in 6 places: Holy City, Unction Town, La'de Town, Ru'e Village, Ep'hod Village and Fexter Village -- all of which are under the Lu'x family.
"You can also choose to live in the private residence of the Lu'x family if you want.
"Furthermore, the Lu'x family wants you to start a pen pal relationship with a Brother named Matthew from the Lu'x family. They're not asking you to have an intimate relationship with him, but they're hoping that both of you might develop one.
"Meanwhile, the second option:
"The second option is for you to continue being part of the Luxen Chapter Temple. However, once you're there, you must accept the title of Nobility, and then have your name registered in the DG International Laws list.
"In addition to that, you must also still openly align yourself with the Light Faction. So you can't be too close with the Has'tam family which is from the Lance Faction, the Votum family which is from the Judgment Faction, and the Mano de Luz family which is from the Shield Faction.
"Furthermore, you're still expected to have pen pal relationship with Brother Matthew.
"Those are your two options. Do you have any questions?"
"Do I have to make an decision immediately or can I wait until my Holy Crusade contract ends?" Vivian asked.
"If you choose the first option, you can wait until your Contract ends. And if you choose the second option, you must undergo the Nobility Ceremony immediately right after your current Field Mission. However, regardless of whichever option you choose, you are required to have a pen pal relationship immediately with Brother Matthew, because that's what the Lu'x family wants."
Vivian thought about it for a moment before returning her attention to Pen.
"Which is the best option?"
"Since you're going to run as a Light Saint once you become a Gold Cloak, it really makes no difference. However, there is one thing I suggest you should do if you were to choose the first option."
"And that is?"
"Your residence should be in the Holy City. That way, even if your relationship with the Light Faction, especially the Lu'x family, turns sour, you won't have to directly deal with them, unlike at Unction Town, La'de Town, Ru'e Village, Ep'hod Village and Fexter Village.
"It will also make it easier for me to secretly set up meetings with you and our secret allies for your Faction.
"By the way, have you ever thought about what do you want to call your Faction?"
Vivian shrugged.
"To be honest, I really don't care. You can literally call it Inquisitor Faction for all I care."
Pen nodded.
"I see. So, your decision?"
"I really have to make a decision right now?"
"Unfortunately. But if you can't decide now, I'll try to delay it until your current Field Mission ends. However, once that ends, you must decide no matter no ."
"Okay."
"One more thing, Cardinal Val wishes to meet you."
"Cardinal Val is from what Faction?"
"Light Faction."
"Which family is he from?"
"Mystic family."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, there are 10 Golden Families, the Lu'x family is the oldest family, the Mystic family is 6th oldest family, and the Wrath family is the 10th oldest family, right?"
Pen nodded.
"That is correct."
"Who will be our allies in our Faction?"
"I'm still trying to establish things, so I can't mention anything. But there is one thing I can tell you: There are no Golden Families, because those families already have their long-established allies and relationships, and it will be close to impossible to change Factions."
"Why does Cardinal Val want to meet with me?"
"He wants to assess you. Apart from his family's Lore Magic, [Mystic Light], he also has a personal Lore Magic that allows him to read the hearts of people and guide them to the right path. Do you remember your graduation for the Training Course? That was him and you already experienced it."
"What if he reads something he doesn't like?"
"Although he can read the hearts of people, it doesn't exactly tell him what you're planning to do."
Vivian didn't say anything.
"From what I understand, he reads emotions. For example, let's say he touches someone and his Lore Magic tells him that the person has a greedy spirit. He will then tell the person to learn how to be generous."
Vivian's brows knitted behind her mask.
"But greed isn't exactly an emotion, though."
"Yes, but that's how his Lore Magic works."
"What if his Lore Magic tells him that a person likes killing people?"
"So a murderer? He will advise the person to be forgiving."
"Wouldn't he be concerned about it? That's a murderer."
Pen paused for a moment.
"Sister, you're still young, so you might not know this yet:
"Once you become the Light Saint or any leader of a high-profile organization, there will be times you will find yourself in a difficult situation where there is no right and wrong answer, only less right and less wrong answer.
"Are you willing to sacrifice 100 people to save 10,000 people?
"Are you willing to sacrifice 100,000 people to save 1 powerful person?
"Are you willing to sacrifice your own family member or close friend to save a kingdom?
"Those are the moments you will need killers; people who are willing to follow orders without any question.
"It's a very sad and unfortunate reality, but that's part of the burdens you will have to face and carry once you become a leader."
"You mentioned that I'm allowed to return to Gru'n Town. But what about this Cardinal Val? When does he want to meet me?" Vivian asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Where?"
"At a secret meeting place, but the information hasn't been disclosed yet."
Vivian's brows knitted together.
"Why does he want to meet me at a secret meeting place?"
"I'm not sure, but I like to think it's because he wants to make sure you're serious about joining the Light Faction before the Light Faction give you their full support."
"Huh?"
"Try to look at it from the Light Faction's perspective, sister: Do you remember the story I told you about Light Saint Hargar?"
"You mentioned that's when the Inquisitory Division was at its peak."
Pen nodded.
"That's correct. Also, Light Saint Hargar, the 21st Light Saint, is from the Mystic family."
"And then the Inquisitory Division lost almost all of its power under Light Saint Timothy, the 28th Light Saint, due to corruption.
"And Light Saint Timothy is also from the Mystic family."
"I understand, but I'm also starting to get a little confused…" Vivian said.
"I know, it's a very long, complicated history. But to keep things short, just know that the Mystic family was able to redeem themselves by joining the Light Faction. And with that knowledge, have you ever wondered why the Inquisitory Division still has power?"
"Because of the Light Faction, specifically the Lu'x family…?"
Pen nodded.
"Yes.
"To be specific, there are 4 Factions within the Holy Kingdom: Light Faction, Lance Faction, Judgment Faction and Shield Faction.
"Out of all of the Factions, only the Light Faction has a neutral relationship with all of the Factions.
"Take for example the Judgment Faction. In their eyes:
"The Lance Faction are mainly driven by treasures.
"And the Shield Faction are too close with outsiders -- the Mano de Luz family is too close with the Royal family of the Marbleam Kingdom, and the Scu'tum family is too close with the Royal family of the Twin Kingdom.
"Meanwhile, in the eyes of the Lance and the Shield Faction:
"The Judgment Faction are too war-like. And if left alone, they wouldn't be surprised if they tried to convert the entire Northern Region to Priests and then wage war with the entire Southern Region.
"So basically, the Light Faction is actually the Faction keeping the Judgment Faction from waging a civil war with the Lance and the Shield Faction.
"And since the Light Faction is the only Faction who has a friendly relationship with all of the Factions, the Inquisitory Division's power comes from the Light Faction.
"If its power came from the Lance Faction or the Shield Faction, the Judgment Faction will not recognize it.
"On the other hand, if its power came from the Judgment Faction, the Lance Faction and the Shield Faction won't recognize it."
"The Judgment Faction are that powerful that it takes 3 Factions to subdue them?" Vivian asked.
"Although the Lance Faction is the richest, when it comes to Lore Magic Items, the Judgment Faction is equal to the Lance Faction. On top of that, their Lore Magic is quite powerful, especially if they work together.
"The Fur'ia family can summon a golden lightning that moves at the speed of light.
"The Kri'ger family can summon a female golden warrior that could rival the Lore Magic of the Twin Kingdom's Royal Family.
"And the Votum family can increase the Physical and Magic Force of their allies and decrease the Physical and Magic Force of their enemies by one Grade."
Vivian raised an eyebrow behind her mask.
"But I still can't understand why Cardinal Val wants to meet with me in a secret place. If he can meet me or any Inquisitor at the Graduation Ceremony of the Training Course, why can't he meet me here?"
Pen let out a sigh.
"As expected, I can't fool you. The truth is, everyone is wary or afraid of you, sister.
"The Lance Faction wants you dead or at least controlled.
"Meanwhile, the Judgement Faction, they want you to join them -- one of their representatives, Brother Jehos, came to visit you yesterday, right? And if they can't have you or at least controlled, they also want you dead.
"The Iron Kingdom, especially the Duke Family, wants you dead.
"And the Twin Kingdom is pressuring the Holy Kingdom because of you.
"You're actually in a very delicate and dangerous situation right now. And the only way is for you to be recognized by the Light Faction who can connect the Judgment Faction, the Lance Faction and the Shield Faction, but they're also wary of you.
"Now, sister, I have no doubt that you're very capable of protecting yourself. But what about our Brothers and Sisters, especially in the Twin Kingdom and the Iron Kingdom? Can you protect all of them? What about businesses tied to the economic relations shared by the kingdoms, can you cover all of that?
"You're now a known powerful being, sister. Every move you do, every word you say now affects kingdoms and the lives of millions of people, for better or for worse."
"I'm sorry, but it still doesn't make any sense why this Cardinal Val wants to meet me in a secret place. The only reason I can think of is that he's leading me into a trap," Vivian said.
"Whether it's a trap or not, does it make any difference, sister?
"The way I see it:
"If you go there and everything goes well -- at least for us -- we can continue our plan peacefully.
"On the other hand, if everything doesn't go well for us, a war will still break out between you and whoever wants to oppose you.
"However, regardless of scenario, once you become a Gold Cloak, you still plan to forcefully take the title of the Light Saint, which will still cause a war.
"So what's the difference?"
A playful smile broke out on Vivian's lips behind her mask.
"So you finally accepted the truth? I'm very proud of you, brother"
Pen let out a sigh.
"As much as I want everything to happen peacefully, I've lived enough to understand that not everything can be solved through words. In fact, if everything can be solved with words, then there wouldn't be any need for laws, fighters, Physical Arts, Magic Arts, Magic Items, Weapons and whatnot."
Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Will I be going alone?"
"I will be accompanying you. And as for Cardinal Val's side, I have no idea. But since the meeting will be held at a secret place, I doubt there would be more than 20."
"Okay, I will meet this Cardinal Val. However, not now. I'm also not going to Gru'n Town."
"Why?"
"My period is coming. It could be tomorrow or the next day, and I will be bedridden for at least 3 days and won't be a very fun person to be around with. I will need at least a week to rest, but will go to Gru'n Town on the 4th or 5th day."
"Or I can just pull you out from the Field Mission at Gru'n Town, and you'll still receive the rewards."
"No, I want to finish the Field Mission."
Pen nodded.
"I understand. I've already mentioned all I wanted to say to you. Do you have any other questions?"
"I do."
Pen didn't say anything and waited for Vivian to continue.
"We're Inquisitors, right? I'm just wondering, since you're a veteran Inquisitor and a Chapter Master, how do you keep track of all the information you encounter?
"I thought about using a pocket book, but I immediately dropped the idea after remembering the Thief's Class Magic Spell [Steal]. There's also the possibility of someone pick-pocketing it from me while I'm busy or doing something.
"So how do you do it?"
"I have a necklace that has a tiny Memory Crystal. The amount of information there is tiny, just the important ones. In addition to that, the information there is registered as short stories of random things that only I can understand or relate it to something that I know," Pen said.
"What if you forget about the thing you relate to the short story?"
"I won't."
"How can you say for sure?"
"That's because I only have less than 50 short stories in it."
"What if someone uses [Halo] on you?"
"If that's the case, what would be the point of stealing my Memory Crystal?"
"Fair enough," Vivian said and then got up from her seat. "And oh, starting today, I want a personal chef or butler who can deliver live monsters that have Magic Art Affinities in the blink of an eye whenever I want, especially during the days I'm on my period."
Pen looked at her for a moment before nodding.
"I will arrange that."
"Make sure of it. It's part of my Lore Magic to keep all of my powers in check. If not, all of the powers I'm trying to keep within me will burst out of me and then destroy everything around me, except me."
Pen's jaw dropped. And before he could even say something, Vivian already turned away and headed for the door.
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