Chapter 213 - 147: A Brand New Cult

Chapter 213: Chapter 147: A Brand New Cult

The task Lian gave Dora was simple: secretly stir up trouble in the Rose Territory. Of course, she was strictly forbidden from creating a large-scale, dangerous infectious disease like the Red Itch Plague. Such an act would immediately remind people of the Blue Moon Territory, which had suffered a catastrophic disaster because of the Red Itch. It would also draw attention to the Green Shade Territory, which had faced no crisis despite the plague’s presence.

But Dora could spread the common flu. In an era without vaccines or specific cures, the flu wasn’t a terminal illness, but it was definitely unpleasant. It could even be fatal for those living at the bottom of society.

With just a little guidance, the poor who received no aid could be led to form an entirely new faith.

Those who were devout in their faith would receive Dora’s healing. Dora could also rely on her Power as a Witch to perform various miracles for them.

In addition, she would provide them with food and hold regular mass.

Sickness would become the breeding ground for the cult, and Dora would be the missionary of this brand-new cult.

No proper witch, one who followed the established ways, would ever commit such a heretical act.

But Dora had been imprisoned for too long. Her heart was inherently rebellious, yearning for freedom and fun. Deep down, she was disrespectful towards the gods.

In the past, she would have been the kind of witch sent to the gallows.

That was why Lian chose her for this task.

Let the "cult" grow quietly in the Rose Territory. At the critical moment, these cultists would deal the Rose Territory a heavy blow.

"A thousand people have joined the organization already, and they’re constantly recruiting more believers,"

Dora said proudly.

"What organization?"

Catherine looked at Dora, completely baffled.

Old Jack, Nancy, and Anna also looked over with curiosity.

Only Sophie remained as calm as ever. She didn’t care about such things.

"The White Cross Association."

Dora answered truthfully. The name, of course, had also been chosen by Lian.

Old Jack’s eyes widened. He never thought his own son would not only move against the Southern Dominator but also start a cult!

"Lian, do you have any idea what you’re doing? The Empire’s only faith is the God of Tiger! If you’re discovered, you’ll offend the most terrifying power in the Empire: the Church Court."

Old Jack couldn’t help but warn him. The Church Court’s power was arguably second only to the Empire’s supreme ruler, King Augustus. Even Mary wouldn’t dare to offend the Church Court and made sure to maintain a good relationship with them.

"Oh, Father, don’t make it sound so unpleasant."

Lian smiled at his old man. "This isn’t a cult. If you knew our purpose, you’d know what a heartwarming organization this is."

"What purpose?"

Everyone, including Dora, looked at Lian.

Even Dora, the missionary, didn’t know the organization had a purpose.

"Yes. We heal the sick and spread warmth."

"Didn’t you spread the sickness yourselves?"

Old Jack asked.

"We raise donations to help the poor."

"By blackmailing nobles who are in deep trouble?"

Old Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"We resist oppression and fight tyranny."

"Are you trying to align with the Revolutionary Army?"

Old Jack felt like Lian was going to give him high blood pressure.

Lian’s mouth twitched. "Father, have you been spying on me this whole time? Who snitched? Alex Pool or Kob? Oh, with Kob’s brain, he wouldn’t have figured out I was blackmailing those nobles. It must have been Alex Pool, right?"

"All of your current assistants were people I left for you, except for these beautiful ladies."

Old Jack said with a straight face, "Any one of them could have revealed your affairs to me, couldn’t they?"

"Alright, so it wasn’t Alex Pool. You just guessed it all."

Lian stroked his chin, having reached a conclusion.

Old Jack rolled his eyes. "I have no idea where you get your confidence."

"Lord Lian, this sect sounds quite nice," Anna said admiringly, "but its nature does seem to lean a bit towards the Revolutionary Army."

"Yes. Otherwise, how could I pin everything on the Revolutionary Army at the critical moment?"

Lian smiled and winked at Anna.

Anna caught his meaning and smiled as well.

"Anna, how are things going with Father Simo?"

"It will be settled soon. Father Simo is about to obtain the title of Green Shade Lord Bishop, and from then on, he will work in close cooperation with us,"

Anna said in a soft voice.

"Of course. Father Simo is a very good man."

Lian nodded in satisfaction.

"Darling."

Catherine suddenly looked at Lian with worry. "You just said Mary would declare war on the Blue Moon Territory after Lorne dies. Has Mary sent another assassin to kill my brother Lorne?"

"No. Mary has discovered the secret of how your brother Lorne is staying alive. She plans to build many churches to the Golden Goddess within Yusofa’s borders to increase the Goddess’s number of believers. By doing this, she intends to weaken the Goddess’s blessing on your brother, causing his life to return to its original course—death by poisoning,"

Lian explained.

"So that’s her plan... As expected of Mary. To think she came up with such a method."

Catherine had always known this rival of hers was a behemoth, but now it seemed Mary wasn’t just powerful, but also incredibly shrewd.

Nancy silently glanced at Catherine, then her gaze returned to Lian.

She, of course, knew what was really going on, but she saw no need to tell Catherine everything.

This was a secret between her and Lian.

"I’m sorry, Catherine. This time, I can’t save Lorne."