Chapter Seventy-One: Goddess, Do You Think I Am Guilty?
“Someone wants to see you.”
The cold voice of the guard came from outside the iron bars embedded with magical patterns.
Shaya, submerged in the fountain of ice, opened his eyes.
At this moment, his originally long and athletic body was covered in ice shards. As he lightly trembled, these ice shards immediately shattered into fragments and fell to the ground.
After advancing to the Totem Knight rank, his physical body had reached a very formidable level, with injuries that would be fatal to ordinary knights having a minimal impact on him.
A hint of confusion flickered in his eyes.
Who could it be?
With only two days left until Judgment Day, the only people who could have the connections to visit him at such a time were a select few.
Did they not fear being associated with the “Blood Moon Cultists”?
Thinking this, Shaya changed his posture, propping his right knee against the wall, directing his gaze towards the entrance of the ninth-level prison.
Then, a figure completely beyond his expectations appeared within the prison.
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Angelica smiled gracefully, looking radiant in her rose-colored mage robe.
“I can only give you twenty minutes. If you have anything to say, make it quick.”
The Secretary of the Chief Justice, Nidro, nodded, then signaled the guards with his eyes.
Upon receiving the order, the guards all left the area.
Once the prison door was closed, Angelica retracted her smile, her expression turning remarkably calm.
She then slowly turned around, descended the stone steps, and approached the only prisoner on the ninth level.
Apart from him, all the heretics held in the ninth level had been executed in the past few days.
So now, this effectively became Shaya’s private cell.
Shaya raised an eyebrow.
It had been a long time since he last saw Angelica after the duel at the academy, though they had no real need to meet.
However, Shaya was puzzled as to why she had come here at such a time.
With his unabashed gaze fixed on her, Angelica walked slowly to the front of his cell.
She looked around with an inexplicable expression, then revealed a slight condescending smile.
“How does it feel?”
Leaning slightly forward, her platinum hair brushed against her ears, and her captivating little face was filled with mockery towards Shaya’s fallen state.
After being defeated by Shaya and then losing face in front of him, Angelica’s pride was thoroughly shattered.
During that time, she had remained locked away in her bedroom, rarely going out, feeling as if the looks from those around her were filled with ridicule.
Especially the “Seed of Fear” that Shaya had planted deep within her heart.
Many nights, when she dreamt of the boy’s figure, she would feel her consciousness overtaken by a terrifying nightmare, waking to find her sheets soaked.
Indeed, since the arena, Angelica had developed a strange illness.
Whenever she heard anything related to Shaya, if she inadvertently associated it with him, she would uncontrollably leak urine.
It was a shiver that stemmed from the soul.
This strange illness even prevented her from living normally.
During meals, while bathing, and when changing clothes, she had to constantly worry about this issue.
Eventually, when Angelica stayed at her family estate, she had no choice but to go without undergarments.
Wearing only a dress, which felt cold underneath.
After all, when the maids changed her underwear daily, if they discovered this hidden ailment, she could only imagine the whispers about her.
Angelica cared the most about her reputation.
So two days ago, upon learning that Shaya was a Blood Moon Cultist and had been arrested by the Heretic Tribunal, she was so excited she almost cried.
Generally, when the caster dies, the marks imposed on the victim disappear, allowing Angelica to return to a normal life.
Therefore, today, to celebrate the return to her original life, she specially asked her father, Duke Algiya, to pull strings to let her in.
Not for any other reason, but to sarcastically mock Shaya as retribution for the humiliation she suffered at that time.
Upon hearing this, Shaya chuckled softly.
He adjusted his sitting posture, gazing at Angelica with an intrigued expression: “I suppose it’s not pleasant to be wetting yourself every day, is it?”
“You seem to have a scent of urine about you.”
Angelica’s expression froze, her mocking demeanor solidifying on her delicate face.
Then she clenched her fists in anger, raising her voice: “You’re about to die, and you still have the mood to say such things?”
After saying this, she appeared to suddenly remember something, glancing at Shaya with a cold smile.
“If you’re saying these things just to irritate me, then my evaluation is that you are childish.”
There was something Angelica did not explain.
As a woman who grew up in the Northern Earth Duchy and possessed the Eternal Frost Physique, after advancing to the rank of Mage, her body had been thoroughly improved by magical power.
Not only had her life essence been enhanced, but her physiological metabolism was also quite different from that of ordinary people.
After all, being strong involves continuously enhancing one’s life essence and evolving towards the highest point; each step upward brings about earth-shattering changes.
This is akin to Shaya.
After being promoted to Totem Knight, he had completely discarded the shackles of needing to eat; eating, drinking, and bodily functions could be controlled at will.
The most straightforward point is that Shaya had been imprisoned for nearly a week without a drop of water but still maintained his vitality.
At this point, he was hardly describable as human.
Angelica was similar.
Though her level was significantly lower than Shaya’s and far behind, as a mage, the improvements to her body with magical power provided her with inherent advantages.
Moreover, due to her special Eternal Frost Physique, the bodily fluids that flowed from her were pure and clean.
In other words, there was no scent.
Even the color was purely transparent.
“Let’s make a deal.” Angelica narrowed her eyes, gazing at Shaya intently, “Unlock the mark you placed in my consciousness.”
“And in exchange, after you die, I will ensure that no one harms your close ones.”
Upon hearing this, Shaya silently chuckled.
“Did the people from the Heretic Tribunal not unseal your curse?”
He inquired.
A flicker of resentment flashed in Angelica’s eyes.
After being marked, she had certainly tried various methods, even going to the Church for purification techniques, but even at great cost, she could only slightly mitigate the pressure the mark imposed on her.
Eradication was impossible.
So, she had come here just before Shaya was to head to the execution grounds.
“Looking at it this way, you really haven’t grown at all.” Shaya shook his head, expressing wonder. “Compared to Selly, you were completely outclassed; even your charm as a female is vastly inferior.”
“Moreover, why should I believe a whore’s promises?”
Shaya shifted his posture again, crossing his legs.
Angelica clenched her silver teeth, squeezed her fists, and raised her voice: “Don’t you care at all about the survival of those around you?”
“That maid? And your sister Naya?”
“Deyora? I’ve already arranged a path for her, and as for Naya… I’ve severed ties with her long ago; what happens to her in the future has nothing to do with me.”
A hint of cold indifference flickered across Shaya’s face as he spoke without emotion.
But in reality, it was not like that at all.
There were very few things Shaya could do while in prison; being able to ask Selly to take care of Deyora was already his limit, and regarding Naya, who was Mevis’s disciple, Shaya was wholly incapable of intervening.
He could only use such a seemingly indifferent tone to distance himself from her.
Hoping it wouldn’t affect her future.
Hearing this, a strange smile crossed Angelica’s face: “So that’s it, so that’s it, even now, you still haven’t noticed anything.”
“……”
Shaya was momentarily stunned.
Angelica looked him over, clicking her tongue: “As a brother, you truly are incompetent, even after all this time, you have not noticed anything happening with your own sister.”
“Such a big heart.”
“What do you mean?”
Shaya frowned slightly.
“Do you really think that Naya’s coldness towards you is because she has climbed up to big names and wants to sever useless kinship?”
Shaya pondered deeply for a few seconds, then his pupils contracted!
He slowly stood up and walked toward the edge of the cell.
“What did she do to Naya?”
Shaya fixed his gaze on Angelica, a formless pressure emanating from the cell into the outside world.
Angelica instinctively recalled the moment he had defeated her fiercely in the arena, stepping back two paces out of reflex, but then regained her composure and was ashamed of her cowardice.
So she clenched her fists and shouted: “What can you do? You’re just a prisoner imprisoned without freedom; the other side is a high and mighty Sorcerer faction. Do you still have any delusional thoughts?”
“I’m asking you a question.”
Shaya repeated his earlier words.
Angelica’s expression darkened.
At this moment, she felt a slight wetness in a certain part of her body, the pressure in her lower abdomen making her think she might lose control in front of him again.
But she still struggled to hold on, taunting Shaya: “This is a prison; do you think you can do anything to me?”
Just as the words left her mouth, a pair of blood moons seemed to fluctuate within Shaya’s pupils!
“Look into my eyes.”
An authoritative voice that was hard to defy resonated from within the cell, reaching Angelica’s ears.
She was startled for a moment, ready to involuntarily comply with his command, when the gem on her earring suddenly flashed with light!
Accompanied by the sound of glass shattering, the connection between the Blood Moon’s Eyes and her was cut off by a magical device.
A hint of a smile appeared on Angelica’s face: “Now that I know your abilities, why would I come here to see you unguarded?”
She scoffed.
As if the boy in front of her was facing the end of the road.
Seeing this, Shaya did not withdraw his gaze, but instead said again: “Look into my eyes.”
At the same time, the blood moon in his pupils gradually dissipated, replaced by a captivating pink mark slowly blooming with alluring brilliance.
【Enchanted Eyes】 activated!
This was the ability Shaya had comprehended after raising his charm to thirty points in order to escape control during his confrontation with Beatrice.
Its effects were self-evident.
Still basking in the joy of victory, Angelica thought she had the magical device at her disposal, and carelessly shot a glance at him.
But that single glance caused her to completely descend into the depths of those eyes!
Did this guy always look this good?
Angelica thought instinctively.
At the same time, the hatred and resentment she originally held towards Shaya gradually dissipated with their eye contact.
Her heart raced slightly, with heart-shaped marks reflected in her pupils.
Why do I feel a bit strange right now?
Angelica’s cheeks flushed pink, her gaze evasive, as if the boy standing before her was her first love.
“I’m s-sorry…”
She clutched her chest, speaking with a hint of shyness.
Her previous attitude and tone towards him had been overly harsh, and she needed to apologize.
He… wouldn’t hate me for this, would he?
Angelica thought anxiously.
At this moment, she had completely cast aside those daily memories, her eyes only holding onto Shaya.
However, looking at the beautiful girl in front of him, Shaya sneered, not harboring a single strange thought.
“Take off your earring.”
He ordered flatly.
“Okay, fine, just don’t be angry anymore, alright?”
Without the slightest hesitation, Angelica gently brushed away her long hair, removing the magical device that resisted mental enslavement.
And enchantment was not categorized under mental enslavement.
It was more of a subtle psychological suggestion stemming from her appearance and temperament surpassing human limits, leading her unconsciously to fall for Shaya.
If it had to be described, it resembled hypnosis.
The moment the earring was taken off, a blood moon rose sharply in Shaya’s right eye.
In an instant, a scene of corpse mountains and blood seas appeared before Angelica, with countless dead and undead wandering before her.
She immediately collapsed, covering her head and screamed as she crouched on the ground.
“I’ll… I’ll listen to everything you say, pl-please spare me…”
The scene from the arena replayed in Shaya’s mind.
But unlike the last time, Angelica was now under the dual control of enchantment and fear.
If nothing unexpected happened, she would never escape from the shadow cast by Shaya in her lifetime.
Observing the trembling girl, Shaya felt no pity whatsoever.
Standing high in the cell, he revealed a cruel yet wicked smile: “Tell me everything you know.”
“Oh, and squat down like you are now while you speak, and show me your most skilled performance.”
Moments later.
Accompanied by the girl’s shuddering sobs, a trickling sound echoed in the dungeon.
…
“Do you really want to see His Majesty?”
The well-dressed count with gold-rimmed glasses hesitated, looking at the girl before him.
Xivista took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes, then nodded.
“That’s right, Uncle Edward.”
Upon hearing this, Count Edward sighed and nodded.
The little girl from his memories had unknowingly grown into the person standing before him.
As one of the most trusted attendants of His Imperial Majesty, Edward’s thoughts were complicated.
Ever since Princess Diana passed away sixteen years ago after giving birth to Xivista, only leaving behind a helpless infant and a grieving Hiren Emperor.
In a sense, this was also one of the reasons why the Hiren Emperor did not favor Xivista.
Thus, shortly after her birth, she was secretly sent to Duke Algiya to be raised, even becoming his nominal daughter.
As for the incident a few years ago, when Xivista returned to the royal capital and was besieged by the Blood Moon Cult, it was officially regarded as a political coercion against Duke Algiya, but in reality, it was a provocation against imperial authority.
Once the princess fell into the hands of cultists, her fate could be easily imagined.
After Count Edward finished reporting, Xivista received permission to enter, giving her uncle a gentle nod.
“His Majesty is in a bad mood today, so be careful and don’t provoke him.”
As Edward gently passed by Xivista, he quietly reminded her.
A hint of gratitude flashed in Xivista’s eyes, and she nodded in response.
Under the lead of court maids, Xivista slowly walked into the Hiren Emperor’s chamber. Upon entering, she gently removed a hairpin from her hair.
A faint glow flashed.
In the next moment, Xivista’s appearance transformed completely.
The originally platinum-haired girl with a typical Hiren appearance now had her white hair cascading over her shoulders, her petite ears somehow elongated to pointy shapes, peeking out from her hair. Not only that, though her facial features did not change, her skin became even more tender and delicate, her pupils shimmering with a green hue.
Half-elf.
A term flickered in the hearts of the court maids.
At the same time, a hint of barely perceptible disdain crossed their eyes.
This was proof of a mixed bloodline.
As an heir to the human empire, how could one be tainted with the lowly elven bloodline?
Especially that kind which even elves themselves despised—half-elves!
This point was precisely why the Hiren Emperor detested Xivista.
To the extent that she was sent to the Northern Earth Duchy when she was still an infant.
Her mother, Princess Diana, had a typical human appearance, but due to a trace of elven blood, this extremely rare event happened to Xivista.
A phenomenon of regression.
“Father, I bid you well.”
As she entered the palace, Xivista gazed at the middle-aged man quietly reading behind his desk and spoke.
“What is it?”
The Hiren Emperor did not raise his head, gently turning a page in his book.
“I want… to ask you to save someone.”
Xivista lowered her head and answered.
“Who?”
“You should have heard of him; it’s Shaya, who has been labeled as a ‘Cultist’ and imprisoned by the Heretic Tribunal. He… is my friend.”
“Impossible.”
The Hiren Emperor gently closed his book, casting his gaze towards the half-elf girl before him.
In her, he seemed to see a hint of his dearly beloved wife from the past, and a trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes.
Thus, he felt a moment of softness.
He continued: “Nidro’s side has taken this case very seriously; even if you want to intervene, there will be numerous obstacles.”
“And the so-called labeling is merely your one-sided account; the real situation is clearer to the Heretic Tribunal than to you.”
“Moreover… a small noble from the countryside, although he inherited the surname Adelaide, has shown no sign of the glory of his ancestors. It’s not worth the cost of me getting involved in this matter.”
“Is there anything else you want to ask?”
“……”
Xivista lowered her head, gently biting her lower lip, as tears welled up in her eyes.
“No, that’s not it… that’s not it…” She gently shook her head, “He can never be a cultist, nor can he have any connection to the Blood Moon Cult.”
“Because it was him, Shaya, who saved me from those people at Mansfield eight years ago!”
“He nearly sacrificed his life to save me.”
Xivista’s body trembled slightly, then she slowly knelt down, prostrating on the ground, pressing her forehead firmly against the red carpet.
“Father, it has been many years since I referred to you this way.” Xivista said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of tears, “Just this once, I beg you…”
After a long silence.
Finally, a merciless voice traveled down from above, enveloping Xivista.
She felt as if she had fallen into an ice pit.
“Then he must die.”
…
For the vast majority of the commoners in the Hiren Empire, two days was merely a fleeting moment in their monotonous, laborious lives.
But for the many believers of the Goddess of Light in the royal capital, especially those in the upper town, these two days made them feel exceptionally anxious.
Fortunately, the Goddess of Light, who governs time, did not prolong it too long. In response to the expectations of many, these two days swiftly passed.
Finally, the monthly large-scale mass day arrived.
On this day, all followers of the Goddess of Light would gather at the central square of the Church of Light headquarters, led by the High Priest, to earnestly recite the “Holy Text of Light” and chant the goddess’s name.
After completing all this, they would begin the holy ritual, where each believer could receive free holy communion.
Today, just before all these activities began, there was another process that made the believers particularly concerned.
At this moment, the spacious square of the Church of Light, which could accommodate tens of thousands of people, was bustling and crowded. In addition to the believers, there were countless citizens who came to join in the excitement.
Because today was not just a mass; it was also the day of the execution of heretics.
It was akin to how in Shaya’s previous life, when public executions were held in ancient markets, there would always be a crowd of onlookers.
Sergey was one of them.
As a student of Norton Academy, he had come to the central square with several friends, eager to observe the trial ceremony.
Though the target of the trial was his classmate, Sergey showed no mercy on his face, instead appearing excited as he chatted with a nearby friend.
“Only a good death; I’ve long found him unpleasant.”
“After all, he’s a heretic, not considered human. Burning him to death is just burning him. What the Blood Moon worshippers did to our compatriots back then should be repaid a thousandfold!”
“Shh, keep your voice down; we are students, so it’s best not to be too conspicuous.”
“You worry too much. Just listen to the voices around. They’re all filled with indignation and curses!”
After this, the group of boys looked around and found that such discussions were quite common.
Although the Goddess of Light taught her followers to have a heart full of love, the hatred of the Blood Moon worshippers was an unspoken truth among all.
The horrifying scene of the Blood Moon massacre remained unforgettable to this day.
So at this moment, Shaya had undoubtedly become the public enemy of all.
Unaware of how much time had passed.
As the believers in the square grew more anxious, several figures appeared at the judgment seat on the high platform.
Leading them was Chief Justice Nidro along with several high officials of the Heretic Tribunal, all appearing before the public.
Moreover, even people from the Judgment Tower had arrived.
Though there were only the presiding judge Rod and Senior Investigator Selly, this also indicated the Judgment Tower’s stance.
No mercy for traitors!
Observing this scene, Nidro’s gaze briefly met with that of Sorceress Mevis on the spectator stand, then discreetly diverted.
Then, looking over the bustling Light Square, he took a deep breath and said loudly, “Please be a little quieter, everyone.”
Quickly, the square fell into silence.
Nidro nodded gently and opened the case file on the table.
“Bring the heretic ‘Shaya Adelaide’ to the Faith Pillar.”
Before long, two powerful knights from the church escorted Shaya, shackled and bound, into the center of the Light Square before everyone’s eyes.
The pillar was about forty meters tall, its surface etched with reliefs depicting the goddess’s descent into the world, as well as murals showcasing miracles.
The murals were also inscribed with ancient Hiren characters as annotations.
All of this was documented in the “Holy Text of Light,” condensed into this pillar.
This Faith Pillar was the initial version of the “Holy Text of Light,” and also one of the few miracles the goddess left on earth.
Within the Church of Light, one could even communicate with the goddess through this pillar and receive answers.
At this moment, Shaya wore only a pair of long trousers, his upper body completely bare, the distinctly defined muscles of his chest marked prominently with a blood moon surrounded by nine lines.
“This is the heretic?”
“Nine marks; does this mean something?”
“Fool, don’t you remember the declarations issued by the Heretic Tribunal earlier? This is currently the highest-ranking member of the Blood Moon Cult captured; he’s reportedly a Holy Son within the cult, holding a tremendously prestigious position!”
“Wow, that’s quite a catch.”
“If he dies, those heretics will probably grieve for a long time!”
“Deservedly so.”
At the same time, people once again began to whisper among themselves in the square.
However, this time Nidro did not stop their behavior but quietly waited, exhibiting Shaya as if he were an exhibit for the public.
Selly’s eyes turned red, almost bringing her to tears.
She watched the extremely calm Shaya, who showed no signs of resignation to death, her hands tightly wringing together.
You said you would definitely come out alive to see me.
She silently thought.
After a long, long while.
When the square had returned to silence again, Chief Justice Nidro finally spoke again: “This is the heretic to be judged.”
“His name is ‘Shaya Adelaide,’ from a small village in the southern city of Randi in Sako Province. His father is a lord with the title of viscount.”
“The surname he should have inherited now, however, is stained by his actions.”
Nidro paused, his voice carrying a note of solemnity: “Shaya Adelaide.”
“You are guilty of heresy, espionage, and treason.”
“As a citizen of the Empire, you turned against us, mingling with those depraved and beastly heretics, seriously damaging the sentiments of countless survivors of the Blood Moon massacre.”
“The believers of Light… do you think he is guilty?”
“Guilty!”
“Atrocious!”
“Death penalty!”
“That’s beyond doubt!”
Upon hearing Chief Justice Nidro’s query, countless residents and believers of the royal capital raised their fists, shouting with righteous indignation.
The entire square instantly erupted into chaos.
Nidro nodded, casting his gaze toward Shaya.
“As you can see, heretic Shaya Adelaide, do you understand your sins and repent for them?”
In response, Shaya chuckled softly.
“What are you laughing at?”
Chief Justice Nidro showed no surprise.
He had seen far too many reactions from heretics just before execution over the years.
The vast majority steadfastly clung to their evil beliefs until the end, with very few begging for mercy in desperation.
Shaya smiled: “I laugh at how you dare to delegate the authority of judgment to those who merely shout, attempting to use public opinion to judge me.”
“But I do not blame them; I pity them.”
“Pity them for their blind submission, providing you with a constant stream of money and faith, only to be misled by simple political orders and declarations, like pigs being led by their noses.”
“I pity them for never knowing the truth, yet raising weapons against the wrong people.”
Hearing this, Chief Justice Nidro frowned.
“Heretic Shaya, do you plead guilty?”
His voice rose slightly, carrying a magical intimidation of spirit reinforced by magical power.
Were he an ordinary person, they would have already hunched over in front of the Faith Pillar, confessing.
“Plead guilty?” Shaya laughed heartily as if he had heard something ridiculous, “Why not ask your goddess instead?”
At this, laughter erupted among the crowd.
After all, it had come to this; there was irrefutable evidence against him as a Blood Moon Cultist, who still cared whether he was guilty or not?
Did the Goddess really intend to descend once more to personally decide this matter?
Many shook their heads, preparing to move on to the next segment.
Judgment of the heretic and the descent of the Sacred Fire of Light.
That was a rare miracle!
But at that moment.
From the very center of the square, Shaya’s clear shout echoed once more.
“I accuse!”
The reverberation filled the entire square.
Many were taken aback.
They could not comprehend why, at such a juncture, Shaya still had the leisure to accuse anyone.
All eyes converged on the solitary figure in the center of the square.
Shaya proclaimed loudly: “I accuse!”
“I accuse Sorceress Mevis of controlling my biological sister, turning her into a puppet, and even employing assassins to eliminate me to seize my title!”
“I accuse Count Violet and the organization behind him of attempting to initiate an evil ritual to summon a fallen evil god to the royal capital and extort lives!”
“I accuse the Church of Light of pursuing me on baseless charges, manipulating public opinion to slander me, attempting to eliminate me through the means of judgment!”
Shaya took a deep breath.
“And lastly, I accuse this city.”
“I accuse you all, in your ignorance and naivety, for attempting to harm the one who saved you… the so-called ‘hero.'”
Seeing this, Chief Justice Nidro gently shook his head.
“He has gone mad.”
Just as he was about to begin the final phase of the judgment ceremony, conjuring the Sacred Fire of Light to pass judgment upon him.
Shaya suddenly raised his head, smiling as he gazed at the holy and noble figure represented on the Faith Pillar, symbolizing the Goddess of Light.
Her expression was one of compassion for the world, with a divine light mark hovering above her head.
“Goddess, do you… think I am guilty?”
As soon as his words fell.
A brilliant golden holy light suddenly burst forth from the Faith Pillar in the center of the square.
That light soared towards the heavens, transforming into a blazing pillar of light visible across the entire royal capital, infused with immense divine authority, piercing through heaven and earth!
