Inside the package was half of Elma's face.
Then everything began. Every month, the Jialan Council would receive a package, containing a part of Elma, be it a limb, a fragment, skin, or an organ.
This process continued for ten years.
Of course, Veronica knew about this story. The witch thought of her partner, who was considering her safety, so she crossed her arms and elegantly crossed her long legs, causing a slight bounce of her bosom, while her crystal ribbon earrings faintly appeared and disappeared within her dark brown curly hair: "Couldn't bear to part with me?"
"I couldn't." Laine's expression was earnest, which moved Veronica. The witch forced herself to remain calm, though her tone couldn't hide her delight: "Alright then, let's first find a suitable candidate to enter the Gladiatorial Arena."
"This candidate must have strength, intelligence, and a willingness to become a gladiator." Laine ate his oatmeal and ham heartily and declined Veronica's offer of some red wine: "This kind of candidate is not easy to find."
"Indeed, it's hard to find, but perhaps I already have someone in mind. Do you remember that young Wandering Knight, the one who traveled to Marinburg with us aboard the ship? You even took my room..." Before Laine could finish, Veronica's sly smile made Laine stop in his tracks, suddenly realizing a serious problem.
"At that time, the person with you was our little princess of Jialan, dear~" Veronica's face was all smiles, but her words made sweat appear on Laine's forehead: "I don't want to hear Trovik's name from your mouth, nor am I interested in what happened between you two because it would stir up my jealousy."
After speaking, Veronica put down her utensils and food, walked to Laine's side, and then sat on his lap: "Now that I'm with you, that's enough."
Marinburg, branch of the Justice Church.
Another invigorating morning class. Alfred, from the north, could feel how refreshing it was to be awakened by gentle sunlight in this cold winter. He felt blessed by the God of Justice once more.
Another energetic day!
But what followed didn't feel quite right for Alfred because in Marinburg, the position of the Justice Church was completely different from other places.
Elsewhere, the Justice Church is a savior, a beacon of hope, the backbone and reliance for all the impoverished people in a place.
But in Marinburg, the awkward position of the Justice Church could be summed up in one sentence: "Move aside, you're interfering with business."
The Paladins might not be treated like rats on the run, but they have to act discreetly. In such a bustling place as Marinburg, where transactions and other commercial activities are taking place constantly, the moment a Paladin acts impulsively, a blizzard of complaints from merchants and freelancers will fly in, and even the poor do not wish to accept help from the Paladins, as this means being seen as unwelcome by the entire community.
Thus, Alfred found himself with nothing to do, and after maintaining his weapons and armor once more, he donned a robe, intending to go out and wander about. Alfred knew he would see injustice once he stepped out and knew he was not welcome, but he would still venture out, as he was deeply influenced by Laine, knowing many things could not be ignored simply because he did not like them.
Fortunately, not long after stepping out, Alfred encountered Lops, the Wandering Knight with whom he had traveled previously.
"Hey! Friend, where are you headed?" Alfred waved at Lops, who was dressed smartly today, clearly with plans.
"Me? I'm planning to go to the Gladiatorial Arena. Recently, I've been working there as a Free Gladiator." Lops raised his long halberd, speaking with slight embarrassment.
Being a Free Gladiator isn't humiliating, but it's not prestigious either. Lops, having set out not long ago, had used up quite a bit of his savings. Knowing his current trajectory wasn't sustainable, he tried various methods to earn money after arriving in Marinburg. However, being of the Elite Tier, he was more in demand in the desolate Nord, whereas in places like Marinburg, his status wasn't as high, and he earned less than expected.
Even though Lops was a noble's direct descendant, he had some pride and didn't want to work as a bodyguard for merchants, making Free Gladiator one of his few options.
"Oh! Interesting, can I come see?" Alfred showed interest.
"Uh... sure." Lops smiled awkwardly: "Just don't cause any trouble!"
"Why would I cause trouble? I'm just there to watch. Let's go, let's go~" Alfred thought, finally, something to do!
So the two headed to the Gladiatorial Arena together.
As soon as they reached the entrance, a voice called out to them.
"Afu? Lops? You're here for the arena show too?"
Both Alfred and Lops paused, especially Alfred, who looked at Veronica beside Laine, quite surprised: "Uh, Lady Veronica? I didn't expect..."
"What didn't you expect? Oh! Why is Trovik missing?" Veronica, who knew Alfred, clung to Laine's arm, her tone dripping with sarcasm: "That's because she returned to where she belongs, Alfred, do you understand what I mean?" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novelꜰire.net
Can it be ? Alfred thought the situation was odd, how come the woman beside Laine changed every few days?
However, knowing it was Veronica, Alfred thought maybe it wasn't a big deal. She was always Laine's partner, and occasionally, when Laine returned from adventures or battles, Veronica would accompany him, staying a few days.
"It's just a bit sudden. I thought Lady Trovik would finish this task before leaving." Alfred smiled awkwardly, thinking it was strange not seeing Veronica with Laine at the time.
"You don't need to worry about that. You won't see Trovik by Laine's side anymore." Veronica's words made Alfred feel quite awkward. The Paladin scratched his head, turning to Laine: "So... you've changed partners?"
"Uh... sort of, like your morning classes, the content is different every day." Laine offered a strange analogy: "But it's also a bit different."
"Hey! Laine, are you an idiot or something?" Alfred expressed his disappointment with Laine: "Do you understand or not?"
"The morning class can be skipped today and made up tomorrow!" Alfred was utterly disappointed with Laine: "But if you don't have a partner, then..."
"Then what?" Veronica was also intrigued.
"Then you can do your morning class every day!" Alfred patted Laine's shoulder with a solemn look: "So don't spend too much effort in this area! Pray properly; doing morning classes every day is the right path."
"Hahaha~" Veronica laughed heartily, her black-brown curls swaying, emitting a fragrance of lilies.
Is it you beyond saving, or me? Laine covered his face with his hand, unsure whether his worldview was flawed or it was Alfred's: "Anyway, Afu, I came to you to discuss something..."
Laine shared with Alfred the plan he and Veronica had discussed, only for Alfred to shake his head: "My friend, personally, I'm more than willing to do you this favor, but the Church's rules prohibit Paladins from becoming gladiators."
Laine understood Alfred's reluctance and then turned his attention to the other person present, the Wandering Knight, Lops.
After all, his original plan wasn't for Alfred to go into battle.
The Wandering Knight had been waiting for a chance to prove himself, especially after Alfred declined. Lops couldn't wait to step forward: "I'm willing to take on this task! Mr. Laine! Please give me the chance!"