paranoianovel Chapter 127 Changing the Letter
Chapter 127 Changing the Letter
Chapter 127 Changing the Letter
When Evan came downstairs dressed in formal attire again, he was surprised to find that Robert seemed different from before, more dignified than before, which was evident from the bowed heads of the servants around him.
"We have to go to the palace tomorrow morning to receive our knighthood, so we can't stay here any longer. Let's go back to Backlund now!"
When Robert saw Evan come down, he stood up and said something. Only then did Evan notice that Robert had already put on his coat.
"Aren't you going to say hello to the old count?"
Evan didn't see the old count and asked curiously.
"No need, he's already very tired and has just gone back to his bedroom to rest."
Evan nodded silently and left the manor with Robert without saying anything more.
On the carriage back to Backlund, Robert held his cane and kept his eyes closed, resting. Evan wanted to ask what had just happened, but every time the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back.
Since the old count had sent him away at that time, it was clear he didn't want too many people to know what he had told Robert.
Robert was probably also implicated, so it was very likely that nothing would be found out, but if he didn't ask, Evan would be itching to get the information.
Perhaps sensing Evan's hesitation, Robert opened his eyes, looked at Evan, and smiled, saying:
"Indeed, these are some things that are difficult to talk about. If you ever become a demigod, I will tell you the secrets of the Horn family. But I cannot tell you now, because it may bring you disaster."
Evan was helpless, realizing that his brother always meant what he said and that he couldn't get any useful information from him anymore.
After a long while, Robert spoke again to Evan:
"If Edsack Augustus is trying to win you over and get close to you, you don't need to refuse; you can even show him goodwill appropriately."
Evan looked at Robert in surprise. This was very different from what Robert had told him before. Robert had only instructed that if Edsac Augustus showed him goodwill, Evan could interact with him normally. But now Robert was actually telling Evan to actively get closer to him. How could Evan not be surprised?
What exactly happened to cause such a significant change in Robert's attitude? Robert's actions could even be considered as actively participating in the internal power struggles within the royal family.
Robert ignored Ivan's gaze and offered no further explanation, instead continuing to instruct:
"Starting tomorrow, you should actively participate in the activities of the Church of the Night and actively contact the church's archbishop."
Becoming the heir to the Earl of Akhova comes at a price: conversion. This is based on an ancient covenant that cannot be broken. In other words, after being formally granted the title of Lord by His Majesty George III tomorrow, I will convert to the God of Storms.
"This—this is impossible! Where is there any talk of converting to another faith? Aren't evil gods and demons the ones who tempt people to convert?"
When Evan heard this, he stammered. Converting to another faith is a very serious matter in this world. It is generally believed that only people who have been tempted by evil gods and demons convert to another faith.
If it were a past life, Evan wouldn't be so surprised, and believing in a few more wouldn't hurt. But in this world, there are truly extraordinary powers and real gods. Is it really okay for Robert to convert like this?
And what does this ancient contract he mentioned mean? Is there a contract that binds Earl Akhova's title to only be inherited by followers of the Storm God?
Does this mean that my previous deduction was correct, and that the Horn family is indeed a remnant of the Medici family? So, is the condition for the Kingdom of Rune to accept the Horn family that they must convert to the "God of Storms"?
For a moment, Evan was in a state of utter confusion.
"This ancient covenant was something I hadn't expected before. Influenced by our parents, we've always been believers in the goddess of night."
It would be difficult to explain my sudden conversion, but the Church of the Night is aware of this ancient covenant, so they won't investigate further.
They don't delve into it, but we can't ignore their feelings, which is why we want you to actively participate in the activities of the Night Church.
Contact Archbishop Anthony Stevenson to appease the Church of the Night as much as possible, while simultaneously demonstrating your worth.
I never understood why the church was so lukewarm towards me after my high-profile retirement from the military and my active participation in politics as a follower of the Goddess of Night.
I used to think that it was because I was too assertive, and that joining forces with Earl Hall might reverse the power balance between the two churches in the political arena, that the Church of Goddess didn't want to provoke the Church of Storm too much.
Now I understand. Entering politics as the heir to the Earl of Akhova, I am seen by the Church of the Night as someone who will eventually convert and become part of the Church of the Storm's political influence.
Robert paused, glanced at Evan's intent gaze, chuckled, and continued:
"Both the Church of the Night and the Church of the Storm are expanding their influence in various fields of the Kingdom of Rune. The relationship between the royal family and them is extremely complicated, and the struggle for influence within MI9 is of paramount importance."
The Church of the Night's representative within MI9 was actually Mason Deer, who was executed by the royal family on charges of rebellion.
The previous King William VI was committed to reform, so he chose Mason Deer, who had deep ties with the Church of the Night, as the royal spokesperson. Together with the relatively enlightened Church of the Night, they suppressed the conservative Church of the Storm in order to promote reform.
However, after the current king ascended the throne, he killed Mason Deer on charges of rebellion, purged the related forces, and turned to be relatively close to the Church of Storms. The Church of Night's power in MI9 was greatly reduced, so your appearance at this time is just in time.
If you can demonstrate your abilities, gain the approval of the Church of the Night, and integrate the power left behind by Mason Dill, it will greatly benefit your future development.
This was originally what I was supposed to do, and it was a pleasant surprise that Mason Deer's daughter became your subordinate. However, things didn't go as planned, and I can no longer continue this work. But it would be a shame to give up such a significant position of power, so you will take over. I will fully support you.
Robert talked a lot in one breath, even revealing many inside stories that Evan didn't know before and his previous arrangements.
"I know what to do. I've recently discovered some clues that seem like a major case. I'll report to Deputy Commissioner Jonas as soon as possible and try to get independent case-handling authority."
Once I have independent case-handling authority, I'll have the power to mobilize investigators. During this time, I've also come into contact with many of Mason Deer's former subordinates who are eager to curry favor with me. I'll then break down the cases and distribute the credit among them. The subsequent process of claiming credit will require your help, brother.
Robert listened to Evan's well-organized arrangements, smiled with satisfaction, and nodded in agreement.
Seeing Robert close his eyes to rest again, Evan couldn't help but sigh that his meeting with the old count that evening seemed to have changed everything, bringing many questions. At the same time, Robert's behavior and logic had also undergone a significant change due to the changing circumstances.
However, he himself did not know the root cause, and only had some vague guesses.
Everything seems unchanged, yet everything seems completely different.
In Tingen, West End, at the Michelin-starred restaurant, today is the day when Lanius formally hosts a dinner for the Mécos family.
The Michelin-starred restaurant is the finest in Tingen, said to be no less impressive than the most famous top-tier restaurants in Backlund. Seating and private rooms are limited and often need to be booked up to two weeks in advance.
Kolanius is the most eye-catching "new tycoon" in all of Tingen. Countless people want to curry favor with him just to get a tiny share of his business, so securing a Michelin-starred restaurant spot at the last minute is a piece of cake.
The seats they are currently sitting in were offered to them by a nobleman.
Throughout the banquet, everyone present was in high spirits, chatting and laughing, discussing the bright future and investment prospects.
Megalos happily clutched his stomach, gazing tenderly at Lanluus, who was toasting his parents.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Christina, the aunt of Megos and their matchmaker, told a funny story.
"I have a friend, Mr. Grassis, who participated in the first round of investment. He is a mining enthusiast. When I recommended him to participate in the investment of the Lanzhous iron ore mine, he was very happy and brought all his friends to participate in the investment."
However, to his surprise, one of the "occupiers" in his club said that the investment was risky, which made him hesitate. In the end, it was only after my strong persuasion that he took out half of his money to invest.
The shares he bought in advance have skyrocketed in value these past few days. When I ran into him this morning, he was furious and regretting not investing all his money. He kept blaming the person who advised him to be cautious with his investments.
As she spoke, Christina mimicked the way Mr. Grassis, the fortune-telling enthusiast she had met that morning, regretted not seeing her off.
"I've heard about this too, but it's his own fault. He had a chance to make money right in front of him, but he listened to other people's opinions. He deserves to not make a lot of money."
A middle-aged man with a large belly, deeply marked by his belt, drank a glass of blood-red wine.
He said dismissively.
He was Megas's uncle, owned a small factory, and was the Megas family's largest investor in the Lanluus iron ore mine. In order to get more shares, he mortgaged the factory he had worked hard to build up over half his life to the bank and then invested it all in the mine.
Instead, it was Lanius who became interested and asked Christina:
Did the "fortune teller" who said my investment was risky ultimately invest in my project?
Christina thought for a moment and said:
"Probably not. Mr. Grassis said that the man who took over the position has been tirelessly trying to dissuade others, but no one believes him anymore. Although they don't say it to his face, they all think he's a 'clown,' especially after the value of their shares has increased these past few days."