Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 448 (Part 2):

Levina spoke in a softer, almost deflated tone.

“Less than two months remain until the sacred barrier collapses. We must select our forces, weed out potential enemies, and devise a strategy.”

So little time remained. Two months. The Crown Prince nodded.

“Then we must quickly summon the representatives of each nation to discuss countermeasures.”

“Fortunately, there is a simple method,” Levina added firmly.

“Each nation’s temples house crystal orbs. Through them, we can communicate via images without gathering in one place. We need only coordinate the timing.”

“For this reason, we have always prioritized establishing temples in every nation. Solely to stand against the power of darkness.”

Her words were aimed at the Empire, which had demolished temples and expelled their priests.

The Crown Prince refrained from mentioning their tyranny.

Nor did he bring up their attempts to establish their own kingdom within nations with existing rulers, acts tantamount to rebellion.

For those already at odds to join hands, concessions were necessary.

As was the flexibility to bury the past.

The Temple, which had seemed unyieldingly rigid, had shown that flexibility. Now it was their turn.

“Archmages Heike and Antiol are studying the sacred barrier,” Charlotte said.

“They will inform us of the exact moment it will collapse.”

There was no longer any need to hide their connection to Helmut.

High Priest Levina slowly closed her eyes, then opened them.

“Now, strategy remains.”

How would they confront the Demon King?

The sacred barrier was a grand sacred artifact imbued with Lumen’s essence.

Once it collapsed, Lumen’s divine power would be lost.

Unlike a thousand years ago, Lumen could not manifest to lead the charge against the Demon King.

Only the High Priests and Holy Knights wielding sacred artifacts could be mobilized. In such a situation, a direct confrontation would be impossible.

This was something to consider moving forward.

After some deliberation, the first meeting concluded.

The gathering dispersed, each person leaving to attend to their tasks.

High Priest Levina and the Grand Duke of Renosa moved together.

Charlotte was about to follow when—

“Charlotte!”

Asuka, who had silently observed the meeting like a mute, called out to her.

Lost in complex thoughts, Charlotte greeted him with her usual demeanor.

“Senior Asuka, it’s been a while.”

“Where did the others go, leaving you here alone?”

“They went to investigate the Forest of Roots. To understand what’s happening there.”

Asuka’s expression soured.

‘While I’m stuck in the Empire, they’re off doing all the exciting stuff.’

Asuka never shied away from danger. His sword was practically rusting.

“Aren’t those guys coming to the Empire?”

“After the meeting, I contacted them. They should arrive soon. They said they’ve finished their exploration and returned to Renosa.”

Charlotte was both anxious and eager to hear what they had discovered.

“Can I join in?”

As the heir of Grand Duke Farnese, Asuka held no official title but could participate in the meeting. His question was almost timid, as if he felt sidelined and without purpose.

“Of course.”

Charlotte kindly included the overlooked Asuka.

Despite everything that had happened, they were still comrades.

They would all gather here in the Empire.

The reinforcements not sent during the war between Renosa and the Temple would now head elsewhere.

To the Forest of Roots.

Where all causes and consequences would converge and conclude.

* * *

“What is it you wish to show us?”

High Priest Levina and High Priest Romulo followed the Grand Duke of Renosa.

The Empire had provided a building within the palace for the Renosa delegation.

“It may be welcome news,” the Grand Duke said, maintaining his unreadable, stoic expression.

The moment they entered the room, the High Priests’ eyes widened.

Levina cried out, almost a scream.

“High Priest Agato!”

In the center of the room sat a man, his wrists bound by shackles, seated on a chair.

Though his body was restrained, his clothes were clean, and he appeared otherwise untroubled.

Levina clutched her face with both hands, holding back tears that threatened to spill.

“You’re… alive.”

It was Agato, her long-time comrade.

The burden of upholding the Temple as its eldest High Priest without him had weighed heavily on her shoulders.

“I regret meeting you in this state. But it seems Lumen believes I still have work to do before I die.”

A faint smile curved Agato’s lips.

“Enough of this—these shackles! Release him at once!”

Levina demanded of the Grand Duke, but he remained cold.

“That cannot be done.”

“What do you mean? He is a High Priest of the Temple, a vital asset…”

“Before that, there is a document the Temple must sign.”

A Black Wing Knight guarding Agato approached with a single sheet of paper.

Eighty million marks. An unbelievable sum was written on it.

“What is this?”

“This is compensation for the war and the price for releasing a prisoner. I believe the Temple has more than enough resources to pay.”

After all, few nations were as wealthy as the Temple.

The High Priests stared at the Grand Duke in stunned silence.

But they had no choice but to sign the document.

It was an official agreement, drafted to allow no negotiation, demanding the full eighty million marks.

Their transaction concluded there. The compensation would be delivered to Renosa within ten days.

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