While the members of the two infamous cults were clashing, they were unaware that the true person responsible for everything had quietly left the Ancient Beast Wilderness long ago.

Having killed the unknown Devil's clone and having collected everything of value in the stronghold, Liora didn't remain in the forest for long.

Without even waiting for her wounds to fully recover, she hurriedly left the land inhabited by the beasts.

Only a few days later, she had returned to the territory of the Iron Armor Empire.

More accurately, she had returned to the fiefdom of Earl Black Tulip.

--

"...the nearby nobles were originally preparing to make some moves when they learned about the death of my father. But perhaps because they sensed something amiss, they have ceased their actions for now."

Listening to Eleanor report what had happened during the time that she was gone, Liora nodded her head to show that she understood.

In fact, not much had changed since she left for the Bloodshield Baronry.

Although she had experienced a lot and her strength had undergone massive changes—jumping from just reaching the True Knight rank to becoming a Great Knight—not much time had actually gone by.

Hence, Eleanor did not have much news to report.

Still, Liora noticed a well-disguised worry hidden within her eyes.

"What's wrong?", she couldn't help but question.

"Well... Lord Liora...", Eleanor paused for a brief moment before continuing:

"Alex has been trying to involve himself with the Earldom's matters. I believe he noticed your disappearance and thought that you wouldn't return...", she said, her voice becoming lower the more she spoke.

Alex.

Hearing this unfamiliar name, Liora's first reaction was that she didn't know who it was.

She was about to ask further, but when she combed through her memories, she soon remembered.

Alex was a Knight Apprentice and the son of the only True Knight remaining in the fiefdom after Earl Black Tulip's death.

Though that True Knight was now crippled and seriously injured, Alex's status and his individual combat power were indeed enough to allow him to interfere in the Earldom's matters.

Noticing Eleanor's pleading tone and seeing her teary blue eyes, Liora understood that she was requesting that she deal with him.

However, Liora immediately shook her head.

She didn't care about such a person when she had just descended to this world, much less now that she had regained most of her combat power.

She had just obtained the great achievement of killing the clone of a True Devil.

If she were to go out of her way to take action against a mere Knight Apprentice, her reputation would be forever gone.

"No. He's no longer a mere Knight Apprentice. It should be a True Knight now...", Liora thought, as her consciousness expanded and observed the situation of the Black Tulip mansion.

She immediately sensed that Alex had secretly managed to advance to a True Knight, becoming the second True Knight in the entire Earldom and the only one who could actually fight.

In comparison, Eleanor—who was still at the peak of the Knight Apprentice rank—seemed a little shabby.

Without Liora's support, she and her younger brother would find it difficult to retain their control over the fiefdom.

"However, this is a great opportunity for me to test my earlier hypothesis.", Liora thought, and her eyes staring at Eleanor grew deeper.

Then, under her pleading gaze, she coldly refused:

"No. I won't interfere any further with the matters concerning your fiefdom. Don't ask for my help unless there is an outside faction threatening you.", her voice echoed in the room.

Although Eleanor had expected such an answer, it was inevitable that she still felt a little disappointed.

But judging from Liora's expression, it was clear that she wouldn't be able to change her mind. There was no need to plead any further.

Thus, Eleanor nodded her head.

After she reported a couple more—less significant—things, Eleanor turned around and was ready to leave.

Looking at her departing back, Liora suddenly seemed to remember something.

Just when Eleanor was about to close the door behind her, Liora's voice rang directly in her mind:

"Alex has already become a True Knight. If you possess any trump card, you should make use of it as soon as possible."

Eleanor's hand holding the knob paused for a brief moment when she heard those words. But she soon resumed her action.

"Thank you."

Only her faint voice remained behind, as Liora was finally left alone in the room.

However, she didn't rush to do anything.

Instead, her consciousness expanded and followed Eleanor, watching her as she entered the mansion's central building.

After having a brief conversation with her brother—the young Earl—she closed herself in her room and began practicing.

Liora keenly sensed that Eleanor's Life Force was surging, while her aura was fluctuating violently.

Obviously, the fact that Alex had managed to advance before her had stimulated her.

With the current situation, it wouldn't take long for Alex to take over the Earldom and for her younger brother to turn into a mere puppet, with the title of the Earl but no power to make decisions.

Now, Eleanor was trying to become a True Knight to break the situation and seek a way out for herself and her brother.

Watching this, Liora didn't show much surprise.

Eleanor's choice was within her expectations, and it perfectly matched what she would have done if she were in her shoes.

"Now that my part of the contract has been completed, I can more easily investigate my earlier suspicions..."

That's right.

With the destruction of the Necronomicon Sect's stronghold, Liora's part of the deal had finally been completed.

This allowed her to understand that everything had gone according to plan.

Most likely, the Holy Church and the Necronomicon Sect believed that the other was responsible for everything, and the two would clash in the future.

Therefore, the Black Tulip Earldom had been "saved". At least for now.

Nodding her head, Liora's focus turned back to reality.

Subconsciously, she couldn't help but brush her fingers against the Space Orb's cold surface, secretly wondering just how much she had gained over the past few days' experience.

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