Chapter 102: Chapter 101: Morgana is back (4/?)
Chapter 102: Chapter 101: Morgana is back (4/?)
Morringan walked slowly, gradually leaving the palace. The voices of the nobles gathered outside could be heard even from within.
Rachel was curious about what Morringan might say. The clatter of the nobles' carriages echoed, and people were steadily assembling in front of the palace.
Although Rachel didn't fully understand the conversation between Seth and Morringan, she was certain that the arrival of these nobles was a sign of a significant event.
After all, no matter what Morringan did, it could either lead to a major problem or a remarkable outcome.
Even though Rachel didn't know Morringan personally, she had some impression of her. Morringan seemed like a puppet without much free will. Her expression was often emotionless. She rarely smiled, and when she did, her smile quickly faded back into indifference.
Though Rachel didn't like it, she had heard bits and pieces about Morringan's experiences. Morringan resembled a child who had just been cast out into the world.
Or rather, she was like a blank slate. She was learning and growing, her personality seemingly only beginning to take shape. Rachel felt an inner resentment toward Thomas for treating Morringan so irresponsibly.
Allowing a man like Thomas, who cared about nothing, to manipulate someone as pure and innocent as Morringan, potentially leading her down a dark path, was something Rachel would never permit.
As Rachel's thoughts came to an end, Morringan finally exited the palace, and the first thing she saw was an almost endless line of carriages.
Each noble had brought at least 30 soldiers. The rest of their armies were left behind, as bringing troops into the palace grounds had been forbidden since ancient times due to the potential for treason.
Even though the lords were paranoid and fearful, they were compelled to follow this rule. Otherwise, they would be killed by the loyal lords.
Despite the turnout, two people were missing: Lord Julgen and Lord Wilfried. While their absence was currently unexplained, the gathered lords seemed too focused on Morringan's arrival to care.
As Morringan entered, her gaze immediately turned to the most powerful lord present, Zavier. Lord Zavier was an imposing man with a thick white beard and shoulder-length gray hair.
He was the lord of Nordan City, one of the kingdom's most militarized regions. Financially and militarily, he was the strongest lord in the kingdom, commanding 30% of its total forces.
He was both a racist and a Nord nationalist. Had he been 20 years younger, he would have seized this opportunity to wage war and claim the throne.
He had only two heirs: one was incompetent and arrogant, while the other was soft and sickly. This made Lord Zavier cautious.
Even if he became king, his dynasty would be destroyed upon his death, rendering his efforts meaningless. For a man like Zavier, who longed to leave a mark in history, this was a nightmare.
His personality was stern but sardonic. Morringan knew Seth had added him to the list of threats. If a massacre were to occur today, Lord Zavier would be among the first to die.
"You must be the famous Saint," Lord Zavier said in a calm but mocking tone. Morringan's expression didn't change; she simply looked at him with a serene gaze. "I'm surprised to see you here. Though I don't know you personally, I've heard unsavory rumors about your old age and inability to even rise from your seat."
Lord Zavier's face twitched, but he said nothing and merely frowned. "As you can see, I am still energetic and strong. Don't mistake me for a feeble old man, young lady."
Zavier's gaze then shifted to Rachel. His eyes widened in surprise upon noticing the familiar culture of Wargan, then narrowed. "It's been a long time since I've seen someone from Wargan. It's strange to see you with an Albion native."
Rachel sensed the implication in Zavier's words and smiled, though her eyes were cold. "Morringan is my friend. She is a great warrior and a just ally. Even if she's not from Wargan, she would be greatly respected there."
Then Rachel narrowed her eyes, which gleamed with a merciless light. "Unlike the filthy offshoots of the noble Wargan lineage, the Nords, we judge people by their strength in battle."
Zavier gritted his teeth and exhaled heavily, his face twisting in anger. "How dare you—"
But he was interrupted when Princess-General Eden arrived. "Don't cause trouble, Zavier. You're standing in front of the royal palace."
Though furious at Eden's disrespectful address, Lord Zavier was still a shrewd man. He realized that continuing would ultimately harm his position.
"Fine," he said, regaining control and calming his anger. He glared at Eden with disdain. "I won't bother with you today, but remember: Nord grudges run deep."
Without another word, Zavier threw a hostile glance at Morringan and joined the other lords.
Eden sighed and turned to Morringan, her gaze calm but ruthless. "My lady, I hope you're prepared. There is no turning back today."
Morringan closed her eyes, lost in thought. She contemplated her future. The Church of Creation was growing rapidly, but it wasn't enough.
Morringan was intelligent enough to understand what was needed. Seth had to gain more power in the mortal realm, and this would involve countless deaths.
She was certain she would play a crucial role in this process. The Church of Creation needed her as much as she needed Seth.
"It seems you're here," Richard said, smiling faintly with satisfaction as he saw Morringan. She nodded and greeted him. "You're on time, Richard."
"Have you seen Lord Wilfried?" Morringan asked calmly. Richard shook his head regretfully. "I waited at the city gates for a long time, but neither his carriages nor his banners appeared."
Morringan sighed briefly and then turned to Rachel. "It seems the lord won't come, but that was predictable. Seth must have told him."
Richard was curious about Seth's identity and wanted to ask but refrained. Meanwhile, Rachel frowned.
Morringan continued, "But Lord Julgen's absence is more suspicious. He should have no knowledge of our plans. Why didn't he come?"
"There's no point dwelling on it now," Richard said calmly. Morringan wanted to think further and uncover the reason, but she knew the lords were waiting inside. Delaying any longer would be unwise.
"Very well," Morringan said calmly before turning her back and walking into the palace. Rachel and Richard followed closely behind.
As Morringan entered, the first person to catch her eye was Thomas, who stood apart from everyone else.
Not understanding why Thomas seemed to be avoiding people, Morringan gestured for him to come over. Thomas approached his lady, stood quietly, and gave her a respectful bow.
"It has come to an end, my lady," Thomas said calmly, looking at Morringan with a relieved expression and a faint smile on his lips. "All the lords here believe they are superior to you, my lady. Believe me, it took all my restraint not to slaughter them."
Rachel gave Thomas a sarcastic glance, while Morringan sighed, her expression devoid of emotion as she looked at him. "Don't worry, Thomas. Today will be the last time you see them anyway. Let them enjoy their final night."
Hearing Morringan's merciless words, Thomas gave a sadistic grin. He then bowed deeply, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty. "It is the greatest reward of this century for me to witness this, my lady."
Thomas stepped back, allowing Morringan to proceed. Morringan walked forward slowly, stepping into the grand hall. The Royal Hall was massive, and all the northern lords were gathered there. Ten lords, each of significant importance, occupied the room.
Each one ruled great cities, commanded vast armies, and presided over large populations. They were the leaders and rulers of the most powerful houses in Drachenreich.
While their deaths would cause chaos in the kingdom and widespread panic, in the end, the realm would reunite, and the Church of Creation would crush its enemies with great force.
Morringan took a deep breath, choosing her words as she prepared to address the lords. But there was little need to think deeply; there was no point in saying much to those about to die.
"Today, you have gathered here to honor a dead man. May the gods protect you," Morringan said, ensuring all eyes were on her. Then she continued, "Today, you will bear witness to an event of great significance, something that will leave an indelible mark on history."
The lords, intrigued by her words, raised their goblets of wine and drank. Morringan carried on, her tone calm, silent, and deadly. "Today, you will witness the kingdom's rebirth, the unification of a broken and fragmented people, and the beginning of offering the world anew to the Queen of Darkness under one empire."
As soldiers of Eden began to enter the hall, some of the lords cautiously reached for their swords.
Morringan's eyes turned icy cold as she locked her ruthless gaze on each lord in turn. "In short, you are no longer needed. From today, neither your power, your reputation, nor your armies will be yours. All of it now belongs to the Empress and the Empire."
"What is the meaning of this?!"
A sudden anti-magic spell enveloped the palace, sealing the lords' magical powers and leaving them helpless.
"It was a trap! From the very beginning, we were led into a trap! Curse you, saint!" Lord Zaveir trembled with rage and tried to escape, but it was already too late.
Thomas swiftly tore out Lord Zaveir's heart. As the first lord's blood stained the palace floor, many other lords fought back against the advancing soldiers. However, they were no match for Eden, Rachel, and Richard, and one by one, the lords began to fall.
The lords were slaughtered mercilessly, some desperately trying to flee, but the soldiers blocked every escape. Thomas unleashed his magic, breaking every bone in their bodies.
Screams echoed through the palace as the massacre spread beyond its walls. The soldiers killed the lords' armies stationed at the capital's outskirts, as well as anyone connected to them.
The city gates were sealed, prohibiting entry or exit. Eden's soldiers, disciplined and ruthless, eliminated every individual on their list of threats.
Terrified citizens fled to their homes, locking their doors, while the streets turned into battlefields. Screams echoed everywhere. It wasn't just the soldiers; assistants, advisors, and anyone allied with the lords fell victim.
No one escaped the wrath of Seth, and one by one, they all met their end.