"He just wasn’t as pugnacious as you, wanting to avoid a conflict. Yet you think he’s weak because of that? Is this what you call justice? You haven’t answered my question yet. Will you challenge me for your justice?"
"No, no... I, I won’t challenge you, I won’t challenge you. Please forgive me, it was unintentional. No, it was intentional, but I didn’t realize you were truly a Lich... Please spare me... I don’t want to die. I’m the father of five children, I only came here to gain some reputation... because I heard you never kill. So... please, don’t kill me, I won’t tell anyone, don’t kill me..."
"Coward," Gray commented softly.
"Yes! I am a coward! Please forgive me! I’m just a coward! You don’t need to kill a coward, do you?" the Silver-armored Knight howled, now crying so hard he couldn’t catch his breath, with snot bubbles forming as he sobbed.
Gray slowly sheathed his sword.
The Black Cat was dumbfounded: "Gray, what are you doing? Why don’t you kill him!"
"I won’t kill him, I have never killed any human, and I won’t make an exception for him." Finally looking at the Silver-armored Knight who was now a mess of sobs, Gray put his sword back into its scabbard.
"He’s already seen your true form! If you don’t kill him, the news that you are a Lich will spread across the entire continent soon!" The Black Cat still shouted desperately through the armor: "Kill them! Listen to me, kill him! This man will never keep his promise! He will tell everyone that you are a Lich! I know you adhere to the Knight’s code, but it’s simple! He doesn’t dare to challenge you, you can challenge him! He has already violated your dignity, you have every reason to challenge him! Just one accident, and you can take his life! Like an accident!"
Carl rode up to Gray and asked softly: "Should we pick up all the helmets?"
"There’s no need," Gray replied softly. "I’m tired of hiding, and I don’t want to deceive anyone anymore, including myself. From today, we will walk in the daylight!"
"Yes!" The Silver Moon Knights pounded their breastplates in unison.
The Black Cat was almost in tears: "Gray... it’s over, it’s really over now. Gray, you can’t do this... something bad is going to happen!"
Gray rode past the Silver-armored Knight, and the members of the Silver Moon Knight Order followed one by one.
The cavalry, already terrified, gasped heavily, lying obediently on the ground, none daring to block the way, not even to struggle. They allowed the "Evil Army" who had removed their helmets to pass through without shedding a drop of blood.
Everything was so peaceful, so incredibly peaceful.
"Gray... you really should reconsider, really."
Ignoring the Black Cat’s pleas, Gray continued to ride forward step by step. The Silver Moon Knight Order gradually disappeared from Zeda and Belinda’s astonished gaze, until they vanished on the other side of the mountain.
Vivian took one last look at Zeda and Belinda hovering in the sky, and at the cavalry lying on the ground motionless. She then followed the Silver Moon Knight Order around the mountain pass.
Just as the Black Cat said, the news quickly spread across the entire continent, like evidence laid out on a table, instantly silencing the last voices defending Gray. But who cared?
That was never what Gray wanted, was it?
Who asked them to argue with others whether Gray was a Lich?
Gray wanted to hear someone say that a Lich could also be just, could also be a Holy Knight.
But there wasn’t, not a single one.
Did the Silver-armored Knight keep his promise?
Who knows. Gray didn’t know and didn’t want to explore this question any further. He had taken off his helmet and had no intention of putting it back on. If these were his last days, then he hoped every moment could be spent in the sunlight. Upright and honest, with no lies, no deceit. Everything should be as bright and forthright as written in the "Bible."
The road home became incredibly smooth.
In the places they passed, everyone could clearly see an Undead Army marching in the daylight, carrying the Silver Moon Banner that once symbolized justice to everyone, still courteous and polite. Only, people’s attitudes towards them had changed from admiration to fear.
Every town dared to stop Holy Knights of unknown identities, but no town dared to stop a true Undead Army. They were more willing to move their entire household before Gray arrived than to set up roadblocks outside the town.
New information, like a storm, quickly swept across the entire continent.
"The clergy demand that we make a statement, to join the crusade against the Holy Knight, or become the target of the crusade."
"Are you sure? Sir Holy Knight... is truly a Lich?" Benedict II’s voice was trembling.
The minister replied expressionlessly, "Confirmed. The residents along the way all saw it. Sir Holy Knight is indeed a Lich. The clergy want our immediate response. Additionally, the citizens are also waiting for a response from the Royal Family."
Bob stood beside them, listening dumbfounded, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"What do the people say?"
"The people hope the Royal Family will immediately join the crusade."
"They have received immense benefits from the Holy Knight!" Benedict II roared.
"Even so, no one wants to ally with darkness." The minister said helplessly. "Your Majesty, if you choose to side with the Lich, your subjects will choose to stand against you. Please consider carefully."