Chapter 82: I’m Back!

Located on the eastern side of the continent, Violet boasted a warm climate. From its name to its customs, everything about the kingdom exuded a romantic aura. Most notably, they were ruled by the most beautiful queen on the continent.

But now, this city, usually permeated with the fragrance of blooming flowers, had plunged into a state of panic. Scorching Holy Light flared above the Royal Palace as several Paladins of the Holy Hall surrounded their queen.

“To think the Holy Hall could be so utterly unreasonable,” Vierlia said, her expression grim as she glared at Vice Hall Master Bill. She was clad in silver armor and wielded a long spear. She had been trying her best to stall for time, but the Holy Hall’s resolve in this operation far exceeded her expectations.

“We have ample evidence proving that the Violet Kingdom is suspected of harboring a Black Mage. We ask Queen Vierlia to cooperate. This is for the safety of the entire continent.” Bill’s deep voice echoed throughout the city.

In an instant, despair washed over the people of the Royal Capital, from commoners to nobles alike. Harboring a Black Mage was an absolutely unforgivable crime in the eyes of the Holy Hall. There had been small nations in the past that were wiped out overnight by the Holy Hall for this very reason, even though many of their citizens had never seen a single trace of a Black Mage in their entire lives.

“Ridiculous! How can the words of your own people be taken as evidence?” A flash of anger flickered in Vierlia’s eyes. “My Violet Kingdom has never shown any mercy to Black Mages.”

If the Holy Hall could arbitrarily force such charges onto others, the world would have descended into chaos long ago. They had truly come prepared this time.

Vierlia’s gaze dropped to the Holy Hall member kneeling on the ground below. When they had pursued Ludwig and accidentally entered the Bronze Ancient Hall, only she, Alberta, and Annie were present. It was supposed to be a secret operation under emergency circumstances, but to her surprise, Alberta had still informed his trusted aide. Now that she had returned safely while Alberta was nowhere to be found, the Holy Hall indeed had grounds to question her.

However, this only suggested that Alberta’s disappearance might be related to her. For the Holy Hall to directly pin the crime of harboring a Black Mage onto the Violet Kingdom was clearly an act of malicious intent.

“We only have evidence to suspect you,” Vice Hall Master Bill’s gloomy voice rang out again. “If Your Majesty cooperates with the investigation and clears your name, I swear upon the Holy Light that I will apologize and offer compensation. But! If Your Majesty resists out of guilt, the Violet Kingdom will be immediately classified as a first-tier criminal nation and face the judgment of the Holy Light!”

The last first-tier criminal nation had been utterly shattered, its people reduced to slaves. This was a naked threat.

Vierlia’s explosive speed was well-known. If Ambrose, who was nearing the end of his lifespan, bought her some time, there was indeed a chance she could escape. But if she did, the Violet Kingdom would be destroyed in a single day.

Vierlia took a deep breath. She knew exactly what she needed to do right now. She had to feign hesitation. She needed to stall.

“Your Majesty had best think this through. We are only targeting filthy, sinful Black Mages,” Bill said, his tone softening slightly.

Yet, beneath his white cloak, his eyes gleamed with unnatural colors—a twisted mix of holy selflessness, burning lust, and profound greed. His lips even alternated between smiles and sighs, as if he were admiring a precious jewel. If Little Nine were here, she would have seen right through him at a glance. It was the chaotic frenzy of repressed emotions finally being unleashed.

Vierlia, however, could not see the face hidden beneath the cloak. She merely did her utmost to buy time. The people in the city could only pray for a miracle in their despair, hoping that their queen and their homeland would survive this ordeal.

Finally, Vice Hall Master Bill seemed to lose his patience.

“Since Your Majesty refuses to cooperate, we have no choice but to take you back by force.”

The moment his words fell, scorching light surged forth as the imposing aura of one Great Saint and three Paladins reverberated through the skies above the city.

“Sigh.” Ambrose, who had been observing the situation, let out a low sigh. He stood up. Though his body was old and decaying, it still erupted with an aura belonging to the Saint Realm as he charged into the sky.

“Vierlia,” the founding king of Violet’s voice echoed across the city. “Only where there is a king are there people. I will buy you time. Flee to the Magic Association! As long as you are alive, Violet will live on forever.”

“Protect Her Majesty! Long live Violet!” The royal guards charged out of the Royal Palace en masse, shouting their battle cries. They launched volleys of arrows and javelins at the lofty Saint Realm experts. This was the devotion and glory accumulated by the kingdom over four hundred years.

“Grandfather…” Vierlia bit her lip hard. She didn’t want to abandon a single person. But she also understood that if she fell into the hands of the Holy Hall, it would even cause Shen Yun to be constrained and held back.

Golden patterns slowly surfaced and spread across her skin as the wind began to swirl around the queen.

“Stop her!” A flash of burning greed crossed Bill’s eyes. The Holy Light in his hands abruptly transformed into a beam that blasted toward her.

BANG!

It was the sound of the air being pierced. Vierlia’s figure was completely enveloped in golden light, her long hair floating as if untethered by gravity.

Explosive power—this Secret Technique focused solely on explosive speed. Every pattern on her body spewed golden Spiritual Power. Thrusting her hands downward, flame-like light jetted out as her figure instantly triggered a violent sonic boom, turning into a streak of light that shot into the sky.

“I will return soon.”

Only her clear voice lingered in the air, offering one final comfort to her people.

However, a sinister sneer flashed across Bill’s face hidden beneath his cloak as he drew his greatsword.

“The Queen of Violet has fled out of guilt! In the name of the Head of Punishment of the Holy Hall, I declare Violet a first-tier criminal nation! Execute judgment immediately!”

“Judgment is at hand!” The other Saint Realm Paladins hoisted their greatswords high. Their surging Spiritual Power merged, gradually forming a scorching miniature sun. They fully intended to use the might of the Saint Realm to destroy the entire Royal Capital in a single strike.

The people could only weep in helpless despair. Even Ambrose could do nothing but slowly close his eyes.

Something had changed within the Holy Hall. He realized this with absolute clarity, but what did it matter now? Despair always descended suddenly, without warning.

Yet, right at that moment, a blur of motion caught their eyes. The fading golden light pierced through the clouds once more, streaking back across the sky.

“Everyone, I am back!” Vierlia’s voice rang out across the city once again.

“Why?!” Ambrose exclaimed in astonishment.

“Grandfather, my fiancé once told me something.” Vierlia’s voice brimmed with overwhelming confidence. “Only where there are people, is there a king!”

The moment her words fell, the world abruptly changed colors! Churning dark clouds blotted out the sun, and a roar laced with the boom of thunder rolled down from the high heavens.

“Which bastard with a death wish dares to bully my fiancée?!”