Communication

Night fell.

The bonfire in the center of the square illuminated the surroundings, the hearty laughter of soldiers, the aroma of barley wine, and the enticing scent of grilled meat echoed in the air, creating an atmosphere that couldn't help but make one's body and soul feel light.

Luo Li sat upon the divine platform that had been erected. She didn't need to do anything; as the Saintess, simply sitting there and watching them celebrate was enough.

A cup of wine sat before the young girl, though it was entirely different from the low-grade barley wine the soldiers drank. In front of her was an aged, blood-red vintage wine.

Even though there was no one to drink with her, the urge to share a cup still uncontrollably seeped out from her heart.

She picked up the wine glass and took a small sip. The mellow fragrance of the wine echoed in her mouth as her pearly teeth lightly grazed the glass. After savoring the endless aftertaste for a moment, she finally swallowed.

Setting down the cup, she turned back to look at the two figures standing beside her.

Hilda and Cain.

Cain's speed in adapting to his role was somewhat surprising. Almost immediately after the order was given, he had fully immersed himself in the role of a Praetorian Knight.

Even when I told him to go back and get some more rest, he had resolutely refused.

"Hilda, Cain, you two should go have some fun as well."

Below, the knights were happily putting their arms around each other's shoulders and dancing a somewhat clumsy dance around the bonfire, but their laughter only grew more boisterous.

"As a Praetorian Knight, my duty is to protect Your Highness. In a setting like this, danger is everywhere. I think I'll pass. Knight Cain should go enjoy himself,"

Hilda's response made Cain shake his head slightly.

"There is no need. Since I have received Her Highness the Saintess's favor and become a Praetorian Knight, I must naturally stick to my post. The more others relax, the more we need to stay vigilant."

Hilda glanced at Cain. Seeing that his expression remained serious and his gaze occasionally swept over the surroundings, she finally withdrew her gaze in satisfaction. Then, she leaned down and whispered into Luo Li's ear.

"Your Highness, the demon army's attack has only just ended. It is still unknown whether there are demon spies left in the city. Your Highness should try to avoid participating in such large-scale events."

Beside her, Cain also nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Clearly, this public appearance had made her Praetorian Knights quite dissatisfied.

"How could I do that? As the Saintess, if I cannot celebrate with the people, how can I lead them?"

I laughed and rejected their advice. At a time like this, if the Saintess were to leave of her own accord, it would definitely not have a good effect.

What I needed to do now was sit here and enjoy this moment of relaxation together with the people.

"Your Highness, the magic tower has been repaired. The communication room has received a request for an audience from the Heavenly Punishment Knight, Kevin Cromwell."

Just as Luo Li lifted her glass for a second time and took a sip before she could even swallow, Lola's voice came from behind her.

"We've made contact?"

I instinctively set down the wine glass and looked back at Lola, whose face carried a hint of excitement.

Being able to communicate with the outside world meant that, to a certain extent, it could be guaranteed that Brilliant City would not be blindsided by the demon army again.

In this situation, even if the demon army attacked again, there would be time to react and even send out messages for help.

"We're going back."

I put down the wine glass and stood up. On such an important matter, a small thing like entertainment didn't count for anything at all!

Surrounded by my retinue, Hilda, Cain, Nara, Ella, and Lola, along with a group of nuns, priests, and knights, escorted me back to the Temple.

As soon as we arrived at the Temple, I headed straight for the communication room.

In this era, long-distance communication was something that consumed a massive amount of energy. Because there was no electricity, all energy was provided by magic stones.

Magic stones were a precious mineral, and the cost of this long-distance communication was definitely not something an ordinary person could afford.

Without time for many words, I arrived at the communication room.

The communication room here was more like a small individual room, about twenty square meters in size.

"Your Highness, Knight Kevin has been waiting for a long time."

As I entered the room, the report from the mage guarding the communication room reached my ears.

I nodded slightly.

"Connect it."

"Yes."

The mage turned back and pressed a few spots on the control interface. The interface here was very interesting, made entirely of stone. Even the buttons were stones that would light up with corresponding magic lights when pressed.

Following a burst of flowing light from top to bottom, a three-dimensional screen formed in front of me. On the screen, a middle-aged man wearing a cyan robe with gold trim appeared.

"Kevin Cromwell offers his greetings to Her Highness the Saintess. Seeing that you are safe and sound, I can finally put my heart at ease."

Kevin's appearance was very handsome, giving off the vibe of a rugged heartthrob who could make any young girl's heart flutter. Although his face was covered in stubble, he didn't look particularly fierce.

His thick brows, skin that showed the passage of time, and kind gaze made one feel much calmer just by looking at him.

"Your Highness, I heard that you personally led the army in a frontal charge against the demon army. Please, you must never do such a thing again. Do you know that when I heard this news, my heart went cold?"

"Uh... thank you for your concern, Kevin. But if I encounter such a thing next time, I will still stand forward. This is my duty as the Saintess."

What's with this guy? Picking on me the moment we meet, who do you think you are?

I'm a great villain! Do you think I'm afraid of you?

Hearing me say this, Kevin's brow clearly tightened, but he didn't press the matter. Instead, he turned to look at the people by my side.

"It seems that Nun Martha really has defected to the demons? Does Your Highness have people you can trust by your side now? If not, Knight Hilda is sufficient for the task."

This Kevin seemed to have a personality that liked to worry about everything.

"I have already promoted Hilda and Cain to Praetorian Knights to lead the guards."

"That is good... as long as Your Highness the Saintess is safe, the brilliance of the Kingdom of the Moon will never be extinguished."

Kevin's heavy brows relaxed slightly.

"Knight Kevin, are you still in the Snow Country? The reactions of the Kingdom of the Sun and the Snow Country were somewhat unexpected. Was that your doing?"

I asked this very bluntly. Upon hearing my question, Kevin looked extremely surprised.

"Your Highness, may I take the liberty of asking a question? Just what... what exactly happened to you? The current you is completely different from the you I saw before. I wonder if it is convenient for Your Highness to tell me a thing or two?"

He actually developed suspicions about me?

As expected of a Heavenly Punishment Knight.

Fortunately, I had prepared for this beforehand.

"Everyone else, leave. I wish to speak with Knight Kevin alone."

Kevin also instantly understood my meaning.

Soon... in both communication rooms, there was no one left except for him and me.

I looked at Kevin, carefully observing the details revealed in his expression.

Although his brow was furrowed, no other emotions could be seen at all.