Septa looked at the Stone Lord, who had a hard time believing everything. However, he couldn't really get any argument to turn around the situation.
No matter how he said it, it didn't change the fact that the Plant Lord was suspicious. After all, there was no need for him to do all this if he wanted to escape.
And if that was the case, he would have returned already.
He could say he was a deserter, but because he wasn't from the army, he wouldn't really get punished.
Yet, the fact that he disappeared after causing all the ruckus simply felt like it was a scheme.
It looked like the Plant Lord had tried to kill them.
Last but not least, Septa opened his mouth. "There was one thing that first raised my suspicion. Are you aware of the Fagant Leaf?"
"!!!" All three of them were shocked for different reasons.
Clara, as a doctor, obviously understood the Fagant Leaf more than anyone else. She knew how powerful that leaf was since even her ability wouldn't be able to break free from the binding. Even though there was a treatment, most people would choose to spend some time until the effect wore off. During that time, they would become extremely vulnerable.
Shale, on the other hand, knew this because he once sent Noel to investigate the missing Kirika. He had received the report regarding the Fagant Leaf and the appearance of the Devil Bishop. "This is bad. The Fagant Leaf incident involved a Devil Bishop back then…"
The Stone Lord wasn't that aware of the incident. Instead, he focused on the current fact about the leaf. "Hasn't this plant gone extinct a few hundred years ago?"
"That's the problem." Shale pointed at the Stone Lord. "I once sent Apprentice Knights to check the situation. But it turned out there was a noble cultivating this leaf. He even used it to kidnap people for the Supreme Devil Organization.
"If this leaf was truly resurrected and used by the evil, I'm afraid that there would be a lot of chaos in the kingdom. And the one who could revive such a plant…" Shale fell silent while turning to Septa.
"Yeah. There are only a few handful individuals who have the ability to revive this plant. But the only person who can do it in this kingdom is none other than the Plant Lord." Septa nodded his head with a serious expression. "I won't deny that there is a possibility that the other kingdoms are reviving it as a war weapon. But it doesn't change the fact that the Supreme Devil Organization is involved.
"Although I'm saddened by the fact that the Plant Lord is missing, I would like to ask the Stone Lord to cooperate with the investigation. I have to get to the bottom of this and find their relationship."
The Stone Lord gritted his teeth. "Do you think your Demon Banner Army is above our Association?"
Septa narrowed his eyes. Of course, they were debating about dignity. The Tower Association would become a huge joke if they were known to harbor a member of the Supreme Devil Organization.
The Demon Banner Army once experienced it when Noel's uncle was revealed. They obviously didn't want to endure such ridicule.
However, Septa's intention was clear. "If I give this investigation to the Tower Association, you are simply going to bury this matter to avoid being ridiculed by the whole kingdom."
"But don't forget that our enemies remain the same. They are the Supreme Devil Organization. If we can't find anything, we will suffer at the Supreme Devil Organization's hand."
"That's why I would like the Stone Lord to cooperate with me. At the very least, I can ask the commander to set up a hidden investigation. This way, the report won't be published, and we still can discover the secret relationship the Plant Lord and the organization have."
"You only need to stay quiet about this incident. If no one knows the Plant Lord is dead, it will give us time and opportunity to do everything without anyone's knowledge."
The Stone Lord gritted his teeth. He wanted to berate Septa, but this might be the best solution.
Even if he reported this incident to the association, the other elders would only cause a mess. There might even be a war with the Demon Banner Army.
On the other hand, the Demon Banner Army would have the chance to do everything since they would be the ones to have the people's support.
And the one who benefited the most from this incident was the Supreme Devil Organization. Even the Royal Family might get involved and support the Demon Banner Army.
In addition, with all that ruckus, the Supreme Devil Organization would have wiped all the records about them.
The Stone Lord could see this scene in his eyes. That was why he was angry. Despite the fact that the association's dignity and prestige were tarnished, he couldn't help but agree with Septa's suggestion.
The Stone Lord gritted his teeth. He didn't give any reply yet since he had to consider the pros and cons.
Shale and Clara already supported Septa's arguments. Septa even said, "We can use the Spirit Seal to know whether I'm lying or not."
This showed how serious Septa was in handling this matter.
The Stone Lord took a deep breath. "Alright. You will retell the entire plan while under the influence of the Spirit Oath. If it's truly the truth, I will cooperate with you."
"However, I have a condition. During the expedition, I want you to continue to look for a trace of the Plant Lord."
"I understand." Septa nodded with a serious expression. "The Plant Lord remains a good guy until it's proven otherwise."
"Alright then." The Stone Lord sighed, feeling a headache.
They immediately returned to the tent to get the information from Septa. Once they knew what Septa told them was the truth, the Stone Lord finally agreed to remain quiet for the time being.
Meanwhile, Septa had sent someone to relay a message to the commander, preparing for the investigation.
They didn't realize that Noel was the one who caused all this. He had expected this outcome. Last time, they were almost wiped out by the Supreme Devil Organization and were forced to take an early vacation. So, this was his way of making the organization pay for what they had done.