A red and a green streak of light instantly cut through the rainy night.
They landed at the Alchemists' Association.
A moment later, the two streaks of light departed from the association once more.
When they touched down again, the graceful figures of Ligeia and Camilla appeared before Lancelot.
Lancelot was already clad in his full silver armor, with the massive silver cross still strapped to his back.
"Lady Ligeia, what is the situation?"
Lancelot's expression was grave as his eyes remained fixed on Ligeia.
"We move out."
"Should we notify Lord Augustus?"
"No need. They will understand."
Ligeia had gone to the Alchemists' Association and learned everything from Nina.
It was essentially confirmed that Luo Li was currently in Moonrise City and had encountered significant trouble.
Ligeia wasn't entirely sure of the specific source of this trouble.
However, she understood that for now, the less information leaked, the better.
"I understand."
Lancelot turned back to look at the silver dragon.
"Mr. Momo, it's time to depart."
Roar—!
With a dragon's cry, two thousand skysoar dragons let out a long howl toward the sky simultaneously.
The two thousand knights, who were already prepared, vaulted onto their skysoar dragons.
In an instant, accompanied by the whistling wind, the dragon flock soared into the sky, heading straight for the southeast.
Ligeia looked back at Camilla.
"Camilla, I'll leave things here to you. Don't let anything happen to Augustus or Lola before we return."
"Rest assured, leave it to me."
Camilla nodded. Ligeia said no more, taking flight to follow the Dragon Knight Corps.
At that moment, many people within Brilliant City saw the Dragon Knight Corps take to the skies.
Nara watched the dragons flying away in the sky with terror, nearly tripping in her panic.
She ran all the way back to the side palace.
"Lola, this is bad! The Dragon Knight Corps has mutinied!"
Nara's panicked cry caused Lola, who was still lying in bed, to sit up abruptly.
"What did you say? What happened?"
"The... the Dragon Knight Corps flew away!"
"Did they come to the Temple?"
"No, they left Dragon City."
"Where did they go?"
"I don't know, but they seemed to be flying toward the southeast."
Lola froze for a moment.
The Dragon Knight Corps was an army directly under Her Highness's command.
Even Lola didn't have the authority to deploy them without Her Highness's orders.
Although she held the Papal Decree, Lancelot and Ligeia wouldn't care about it at all.
One was Lancelot, a former Temple knight who had been branded with the name of 'traitor.'
The other was an elf mage who had no faith in the Holy Church.
Neither of them would show any obedience when faced with a Papal Decree.
Under the current circumstances in Brilliant City, there was only one person who could possibly mobilize the Dragon Knight Corps.
"Southeast... Moonrise City?"
Nara followed Lola's gaze toward the southeast.
All she could see were the thick, dark clouds filling the sky outside the window.
She couldn't help but ask, "What's happening in Moonrise City?"
Lola withdrew her gaze, a faint smile touching the corners of her lips.
She rolled over and lay back down in bed, pulling the quilt over herself.
"It's nothing. I'm going to sleep. Goodnight."
"Eh? Wait! Lola, how can you sleep at a time like this! How..."
"I need to keep my spirits up. If I go to see her looking all sickly and weak, she'll worry."
Nara was stunned.
It had been about a month since Her Highness left Brilliant City.
This was the first time she had seen Lola smile.
"See... who?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Goodnight."
Under her quilt, Lola finally felt completely at ease.
Two thousand skysoar dragons of the Dragon Knight Corps—every knight selected was an elite of at least level thirty-five.
Two thousand elites, a Heavenly Punishment Knight like Lancelot.
And with Ligeia, a powerful mage, added to the mix.
Even against the top powers of the continent, they had the capital to hold their own.
Since the most elite force of the Kingdom of the Moon had departed.
It seemed there was no longer anything for her to worry about.
For the past month, her mood had been a roller coaster of ups and downs.
Today, she could finally get a good night's sleep.
...
Meanwhile, at Augustus's estate.
A report reached his ears.
"My Lord, the Dragon Knight Corps has moved. They are heading southeast."
"Southeast... I see."
After a moment of silence, Augustus picked up a pen and wrote down an administrative decree.
"Send this decree to everyone."
The butler took the decree, and his eyes widened when he saw the information on it.
"This..."
The decree clearly stated: 【The Dragon Knight Corps has been ordered to Moonrise City to purchase and transport supplies, departing immediately.】
"Don't ask questions. Just send it out."
"Yes."
The butler nodded and asked no more. As an experienced butler.
He knew best that to survive in noble circles, one must forever forget anything the family head didn't want questioned.
The order was quickly disseminated.
However, at that moment, in a small courtyard in the North Gate of Brilliant City.
A figure hidden in the shadows held the decree he had just received.
"Heh~ Transporting supplies? That's likely just an excuse, isn't it?"
As he spoke, the man picked up another piece of paper from the table.
This paper was the very one taken from the communication room of the Alchemists' Association.
"Send this news to those fools. They will know what to do."
"Yes, My Lord."
The one who responded to the man was a woman who appeared from the shadows; her voice was slightly raspy.
When a flicker of candlelight illuminated the girl's face, her true identity was revealed.
It was Daisy, the one who had stabbed Nina.
"Also, Daisy, since you've been exposed, don't linger in Brilliant City for now. It's fine if the Alchemists' Association catches you, but it would be troublesome if the Holy See's people got their hands on you."
"I understand, My Lord. I will leave Brilliant City in disguise tomorrow."
"Mhm. It just so happens that things are quite lively in Moonrise City. Go have a look while you're at it."
"By your command. This subordinate takes her leave."
After Daisy left and the room returned to darkness, the figure in the shadows stood up.
In his hand, he seemed to be holding a colored magic photograph.
"The Saintess, heh!"
That cold laugh seemed to carry a hint of disdain.
Crack—!
A bolt of lightning illuminated the room and the photograph in the man's hand.
It was a photo of Luo Li.
...
Midnight in Moonrise City was silent and peaceful.
Outside the window, a light rain fell pitter-patter, seemingly signaling an approaching storm.
The brothel was very quiet during the day, but at night, it was so lively it seemed every man in the city had flocked there for pleasure.
Although this wing was located to the right and rear of the main building, making it quieter than other areas.
Occasionally, people would still pass by nearby.
Some people even intentionally sought out secluded spots for excitement.
Fortunately, tonight had been very quiet.
But just as the girl was sleeping peacefully.
A series of unsettling noises drifted from the distance.
She opened her eyes in a haze and looked toward the distance.
The commotion seemed to be coming from outside the brothel.
People were shouting and barking orders, making it sound very unpleasant.
"What's happening outside?"
She crawled out from under the quilt.
In this dangerous place, Luo Li didn't feel safe enough to change clothes for bed.
So she had slept in her clothes the previous night, and tonight was no exception.
Climbing out of bed, a hint of confusion flickered in her crimson eyes.
It hadn't seemed nearly this noisy last night.
As she was thinking about this in her groggy state, a faint knocking suddenly came from the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
Luo Li gripped the hilt of the Holy Cross Sword that appeared out of thin air.
"It's me. Open the door, quickly."
A familiar voice came from outside.
It was Izzy.
His voice was urgent, as if he had run all the way there.
"Coming."
Luo Li quickly threw on her cloak, turned, and put on her shoes before heading to the door.
When she opened it, Izzy's face appeared before her.
However, Izzy now had a bit of stubble on his face.
He was covered in sweat, his chest heaving as he breathed heavily.
Even his collar wasn't straightened properly.
It was clear he had been jolted awake while sleeping and rushed here immediately.
He hadn't even had time to shave.
"What happened?"
"There's no time to explain! Come with me, quickly!"
Panic was written all over Izzy's face.
In the few days she had known him, this was the first time he had been this frantic.
Luo Li pulled on her cloak and followed Izzy into the rain.
As for the room, there was nothing worth packing.
All her belongings were kept in her storage space, which was less than one square meter.
Izzy led her all the way to the back door, but just as they were about to step out.
Torches and magic lights flared up outside the door.
The bright light instantly illuminated the back exit.
At the same time, loud shouts could be heard.
"Everyone, remember! Guard this place to the death! No one is allowed to leave, or you will be executed on the spot!"
"Yes, sir!"
This was followed by the crisp clanking of armor.
Hearing the voices outside, Izzy's brow furrowed, and his expression grew even more solemn.
Luo Li didn't move recklessly.
At a time like this, panicking would only make things more difficult.
It was better to stay calm and wait for Izzy's decision.
"Follow me!"
After thinking for only a few breaths, Izzy gritted his teeth and turned back toward the main building.
Luo Li followed him without a word.
"For some reason, that General Bill the Stuart family locked up today was released, and people from several other families went to the Stuart family estate."
The girl followed behind Izzy, her eyes narrowing slightly as she thought.
"Then the army suddenly moved. Someone told me about this, and I thought they were likely coming for you, so I came over."
"I didn't expect they really were coming for you."
At this point, Izzy couldn't help but look back at Luo Li, eyeing her from head to toe.
"I say, who exactly are you? Can you give me some information? I'm helping you this much; at least let me know why."
Luo Li didn't speak, only watching Izzy quietly.
After a long moment, Izzy scratched his head.
"Fine, if you won't say, you won't say. Just my luck to run into someone like you."
"Almost half the nobles in Moonrise City have been mobilized. Who on earth did you offend?"
Izzy grumbled as he walked, but his pace didn't slow down for a second.
He led Luo Li all the way to the top floor of the main building.
They stopped in front of a room.
He turned and whispered a final instruction to Luo Li:
"Remember, once we go in, I'll have you hide. Whatever you do, don't make a sound. Just remember that!"
With that, he knocked on the door.
After only two knocks, the door was slowly opened.
At the same time, a gentle female voice drifted out.
"Madam, didn't I say I wasn't feeling well today and wouldn't receive... Izzy!?"
The door opened to reveal a tall woman with blue hair, as elegant as an orchid with peach-blossom eyes.
"Why are you here? And... who is she?"
As she said those last few words, the woman's eyes clearly held a hint of hostility.
A thought instantly popped into Luo Li's head.
Could this woman be Izzy's lover?
"Aiya, now isn't the time for that. Help me out; help me hide someone."
"Hide someone? Her? Who is she to you?"
Aiya's expression turned slightly sour.
"Izzy, what kind of trouble have you caused now? Why did you come to my place to hide someone?"
"There's no time to explain! Quick, if I can't hide her, I'm finished!"
Izzy didn't say much more, pushing Luo Li inside.
He turned as if to leave.
But before he could step out, Aiya grabbed his sleeve.
"You... where are you going?"
"Me? I'm running away, obviously."
Izzy spoke as if it were common sense, but just then, rapid footsteps echoed from downstairs.
Hearing this, Aiya's brow tightened, and she pulled Izzy into the room.
"It's too late. Don't leave."
With that, she glanced at Luo Li, her frown deepening. After a moment's thought, she rushed to the bedside and lifted the mattress.
Beneath the mattress, a secret door was revealed.
"Get in, quickly. No matter what happens, do not speak."
Luo Li nodded and stepped into the hidden compartment.
Aiya quickly closed the secret door and replaced the mattress.
Just as she turned to say something to Izzy, a knock came from the door.
"Aiya, open the door! Look at this, these people are being so rude!"
"Coming, Madam."
Aiya glanced at Izzy, gesturing for him to sit there.
Izzy nodded and quickly straightened his clothes.
Meanwhile, a man's voice shouted from outside.
"Open this door immediately!"
"Coming."
Aiya also adjusted her appearance before gracefully walking to the door and pulling it open.
Aside from the Madam of the brothel, several other people were there, clad in armor and looking fierce.
"Aiya, you finally opened the door. You have to get justice for me! Just look at them! They barged in without a word, saying they have to search the place. How am I supposed to do business?"
The Madam, whose face was wrinkled but heavily powdered, complained to Aiya with a sorrowful expression.
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