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The Holy Knight is Actually a Scoundrel
20.A Brief Respite in the Holy Light District

20.A Brief Respite in the Holy Light District

The town bustled with activity as pilgrims shuffled along the narrow cobblestone streets, their faces painted with devout expressions. The holy light amulets in their hands occasionally flickered faintly, resonating with the runes etched into the towering watchtower above. Elderly believers softly recited prayers, their voices imbued with an intangible power that seemed to guide the glowing motes of light swirling gently through the air.

Street vendors lined both sides of the roads, their voices rising in lively competition. Their wares ranged from handmade charms to fragrant holy light pouches, with a few rare magical items glinting faintly with sacred light. A transparent crystal orb cast a projection of the runes from the watchtower, drawing the attention of a small crowd. Nearby, a mage with slender fingers deftly inscribed a floating rune onto a jade stone, causing it to glow with a mesmerizing rhythm, eliciting gasps of wonder from the onlookers.

In the distance, at the center of the Holy Light Square, a complex magical array was being activated. Its runes lit up one after another, each pulse of light imbued with vitality, flickering in a rhythmic dance powered by an unseen force. At the center of the array, a priest held a staff of holy light and chanted in a steady cadence. As his voice rose, a radiant beam of light surged upward from the array, piercing the heavens and casting a divine glow over the entire town.

Children paused in their tracks, awestruck by the dazzling light. They stretched out their small hands, trying to catch the shimmering motes of light, only to be gently pulled back by their parents, who knelt and joined the others in silent prayer. At that moment, it felt as though the entire town had merged into the embrace of holy light, time itself seemingly cleansed by the sacred magic, leaving behind a profound sense of peace and serenity.

Inside a luxurious carriage, Rowan Kai sprawled across a plush velvet cushion, occupying most of the space. His legs were propped up lazily, while a small wooden table with an exquisite tea set further limited the already cramped interior.

In stark contrast, Vera was squished into a corner, visibly displeased. Her legs were drawn up tightly, and her face betrayed an obvious discomfort.

The procession, under the protective escort of the Black Knights, had left the Kingdom of Estoria and was now making its way toward the Holy Capital, the most sacred city of the Holy Light Church. With the triennial Holy Light Festival fast approaching, pilgrims from across the continent were flocking toward the capital, filling every road with their fervent devotion.

Throughout their journey, Rowan Kai's party had crossed paths with several groups of these pilgrims. The Black Knights, with their imposing and distinctive armor, naturally drew considerable attention. Yet, the true spectacle was undoubtedly the grand carriage nestled in the middle of their formation.

After all, the Black Knights were notorious for escorting prisoners in iron cages rather than guarding an elegant and luxurious carriage. This unprecedented sight had turned countless heads along the way.

“Your Highness!” The voice of the Black Knight Commander came from outside the carriage. “Up ahead is the Holy Watchtower. Should we stop in the nearby town to replenish our supplies?”

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“No need—”

“Yes, we must!” Vera interrupted almost in a whimper, her voice tinged with desperation. “My legs are numb! And I... I need to, um, freshen up!”

Rowan Kai sighed, resigned. “Fine. Let’s take a short break and restock supplies.”

The commander immediately signaled the convoy to head toward the small town surrounding the watchtower.

The Holy Light Church did not technically hold territorial lands. The Holy Capital, the largest city in the world, was the only exception. To avoid unnecessary conflict, the surrounding kingdoms had voluntarily ceded portions of land, creating a neutral buffer zone around the Holy Capital. This vast ring of territory, known as the Holy Light District, allowed pilgrims from different nations to pause, rest, and prepare for the final leg of their journey.

Over time, these buffer zones gave rise to a series of small towns, each centered around towering watchtowers. Pilgrims often treated these watchtowers as their first destination, gathering at these outposts for rest and resupply. Thus, a bustling network of towns formed around the towers, serving as hubs of activity during the triennial Holy Light Festival.

During this sacred season, the small towns became crowded and lively, filled with merchants and pilgrims. Arriving late often meant camping outside the town’s limits.

The Black Knights, however, were unconcerned by such trivialities. Their mere presence commanded reverence. Wherever they passed, devout believers knelt in homage, and shrewd merchants quickly cleared the way.

At the watchtower, the stationed Holy Guards had already prostrated themselves in anxious anticipation.

“You there,” the Black Knight Commander addressed the man trembling at the front. “Are you the captain of the guard?”

“Yes, my lord! My name is William. I am at your service,” the guard stammered.

The commander nodded curtly. “I am Celtis, Fourth-Rank Commander of the Inquisition’s Retribution Corps. By order of the Black Archbishop, Saint Punishment Elsen, I am on a confidential mission.

“As of now, I am requisitioning your encampment and your forces in the name of the Inquisition. Do you have any objections?”

“It would be our greatest honor to serve the Inquisition!” Captain William responded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and reverence.

“Good. Your first order: clear a perimeter of ten meters around the camp and ensure that no one approaches. Organize patrols to conduct constant surveillance for twenty-four prayer hours.”

“Forget it,” Rowan Kai interjected as he stepped out of the carriage, waving a dismissive hand. “This town is so small—what are you going to do, evict everyone? I’m not some delicate flower who needs isolation. Let them watch if they want to.”

“But Your Highness, your safety—”

“Do you think anything that can threaten my safety is something you can handle?” Rowan Kai raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery in his tone. “Set up camp, let the men rest, and stop overthinking.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the commander replied, bowing before turning to give orders.

Vera followed Rowan Kai out of the carriage, stumbling slightly as she stretched her numb legs. Her face was a mixture of relief and irritation.

Vera, accustomed to her noble upbringing and the comforts of her family estate, was unaccustomed to such hardships. Her father, Earl Lawrence, had ensured she traveled in the most luxurious, sturdy, and comfortable carriage possible. Yet all those efforts had been entirely undermined by Rowan Kai, who had claimed the best spot for himself.

And then there was Lilith, the demon, who had been allowed to possess Vera under the pretext of "protecting" her. The experience of having another consciousness in her body made her feel uneasy and disoriented, no matter how practical Rowan Kai’s reasoning might have been.

After a brief rest, Vera, finally free of the cramped carriage, decided to explore the bustling encampment.