Chapter 204 Chapter 204: Saint Carmine
Chapter 204: Saint Carmine
Iberia, Tribunal Central Hub.
As the most crucial location of the entire Tribunal, its importance even surpasses that of Iberia's capital.
Of course, ever since the Iberian royal family fled, the former capital has retained little more than symbolic significance.
The Tribunal, which rose to prominence during this struggle—the place where they reside is the true capital in every sense.
This place is very close to Iberia's coastline, as if they have long been prepared for destruction at any moment.
The elegant and solemn surfaces of the buildings already bear many signs of decay. Even after repairs, they cannot conceal the mottled traces left by time.
In a simple office, an old man as weathered as this building was intently reading a letter.
Dignified, robust—he possesses traits most elderly people lack. Few know that he is already one hundred and twenty-three years old.
Only the occasional flicker of fatigue in his eyes makes one realize with a start that this Saint is already advanced in years.
"......"
Incredible.
This was the only thought remaining in Carmine's mind after reading the letter.
If not for the fact that this letter was delivered by Dario, his most outstanding student, he would likely have thought it was a joke played by some overly stressed novice Inquisitor.
"Calculating the time, they should be arriving soon."
This letter was sent several days ago. Dario and Irene were delayed by matters in Saltwind City and could only entrust it to a messenger.
But if what is described in the letter is indeed accurate, then an entire prosperous Saltwind City is completely worth the Inquisitors expending their efforts.
For the sake of Iberia's continued existence, whether to make trade-offs or not holds significant meaning for the increasingly pressured Tribunal.
Carmine gazed out the window, silent for a long time.
In the report, the description of the high-risk peril felt as if it were rushing towards him face-to-face. Irene's reports were always this detailed.
Kal'tsit, an Aegir, the Deep Sea Cult, and that man Dario referred to as "Kevin"...
The old man dared not be certain whether his aged body could still grasp the helm of this nation amidst the impending storm.
——————
Outside the Central Hub city,
A group of several people walked towards the city.
"The situation here is indeed better than by the coast."
FrostNova remarked with emotion. Although still far from wealthy, there were basically no extreme sufferers in sight.
"This is where the Tribunal headquarters is stationed."
Speaking of the Central Hub city, a hint of pride appeared on Irene's face. But she wasn't wrong—the order and peace here were largely thanks to the Inquisitors' maintenance.
"The inexplicable confidence of surface-dwellers. This place doesn't even have automatic toilets."
Specter said with a smile, not knowing what "holding back" meant.
Although Irene didn't understand the term the other mentioned, seeing her smile made it clear it wasn't anything good.
This made the little bird puff up with anger, completing her transformation from a Liberi to a pufferfish.
So what if she's Aegir? What's so great about that?
"Let's go. We'll be there soon."
Dario had no energy to participate in these harmless squabbles.
"Sir Kevin, welcome to the Tribunal Central Hub city. Please rest assured, although Iberia's current situation is not ideal, the welcoming banquet prepared for you will surely be sufficiently sumptuous."
Now, what is Iberia's deepest predicament?
Is it the Seaborn? The Deep Sea Cult? Or other countries...
No, none of those.
The Seaborn rarely come ashore in large numbers, even though they once brought profound suffering to this nation.
The Deep Sea Cult? Those filthy rats are incapable of resisting the Inquisitors' hand cannons and swords. Under high-pressure conditions, basically anyone who even shows a hint of their head gets rooted out.
Iberia's greatest predicament now is actually food.
That "Great Silence" nearly eroded most of Iberia's grain-producing regions along its coast.
The Seaborn Tide that spread with the tide almost absorbed most of the nutrients from the soil. The sea salt left behind after the tide receded pushed the already barren soil into an irreparable state.
Since a solution has been found, what does it matter if he, as the host, acts a bit obsequious?
Face can't be eaten as food!
This is the logic belonging to adults after crossing childhood.
So whenever Dario saw Irene looking at him with a hint of "shattered image" in her eyes, he would always helplessly shake his head.
Still too young.
"As for these few others, and Dr. Kal'tsit, I will arrange accommodations for you."
No one objected to Dario's arrangements.
It was already quite good—at least they weren't being invited into prison cells.
"I need a quiet medical room."
"Granted. Your request will be fulfilled, Dr. Kal'tsit."
Kal'tsit glanced at Specter, who was sound asleep on Skadi's back.
"Then let's enter the city. It would be best if you cover up a bit."
Irene, who had just disappeared somewhere, returned carrying some clothing to conceal distinguishing features.
Iberians aren't necessarily very friendly towards Aegir people.
......
In front of a building resembling a church, an old man stood like a statue.
Occasionally, passing Inquisitors would cast surprised glances, wondering who could make this Saint—who was almost equivalent to Iberia's "symbol"—personally wait here.
Suddenly, Carmine opened his eyes.
He saw his student,
Dario, Kal'tsit... and—
Kevin seemed to sense something. His sky-blue eyes met the old man's gaze.
That feeling... of being of the same kind!
......
"This is Iberia's Saint, Mr. Carmine."
Dario introduced him to everyone.
"Teacher, I have brought them to you."
"Your hand?"
"Still needs some time to adjust."
"As long as you're alive."
That was an old man's final wish.
Carmine shifted his gaze to everyone.
"It's been a long time, Sir Carmine."
"Kal'tsit. The last time we met was a year ago."
Irene listened to their conversation in surprise. She hadn't known that the Tribunal's most revered Saint actually had connections with this Feline lady who spoke so strangely.
"Please come inside first."
The old man's posture was very upright. After sweeping his eyes over everyone, he led the way ahead.
He didn't pay any mind to Skadi and the others being Aegir. This was where Inquisitors were most concentrated. At worst, his old bones weren't completely decrepit yet.
Iberia still maintained its most basic hospitality.
——————
Collectible:
["Sun"]
Effect: Lanterns and stage HP are restored to full value. Operators recover HP +50 per second. If HP is already full, then max HP increases by +5 per second, and Operators are unaffected by any abnormal statuses.
Description: A lantern damaged to the point where only its outline remains, vaguely different in form from ordinary Inquisitor lanterns.
No one knows why this lantern was given the name "Sun." Only hope remains unextinguished.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!