Chapter 140: Are You Saying You Want to Become the Grand Commander Directly? We Can’t Very Well Force Commander Alfron to Retire!

​“Of course... Lady Meilin is already at the front lines, gathering evidence.” I nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

​“But just to be sure, I’ll head out myself. I know the City-State of Brook like the back of my hand—from my days roaming up north, it was practically my second home.”

​Besides, most of those crusader bands I took down back in the day are buried deep beneath its local labyrinths.

​It’s been ages since I last checked on them—about time I made sure the old seals are still holding.

​After all, nothing is more unpredictable than a hero.

​If you believe the demonfolk histories, more than a handful of Demon Lords met their end at the hands of these so-called heroes.

​Having once sat the Demon Lord’s throne myself, I know better than anyone—within your own castle, fortified by a Demon God’s Divinity, you should be all but invincible.

​And yet, even then... heroes can still bring you down?

​You expect me to just sit back and ignore those seals?

​Not a chance. Leave them unchecked and before long, it’s Hero Squad versus ex–Demon Lord, season who-knows-what. Never fails.

​“Wait... you’re going alone?” Veya’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

​She tried to sound unfazed, but worry flashed across her face the moment she realized my intent.

​“I mean, sure—the northern war is going our way, and Brook isn’t far from the Empire’s border...”

​“But there are demonfolk units everywhere. And what if you run into one of the Four Heavenly Kings? They’re said to rival the Grand Commanders!”

​“You haven’t even officially claimed your inheritance yet. If you cross paths with one of them now, getting away won’t be easy!”

​That was exactly why Lin Wei had moved from Aurens Town to the capital to begin with.

​Now, he was about to step beyond the Empire’s borders. No matter how many guards we assigned, it was enough to make anyone anxious.

​“That won’t be a problem. Once I reach the Northern Countries, my first priority is to rendezvous with Grand Commander Meilin.”

​Honestly, if those so-called Four Heavenly Kings could last more than three seconds before dropping to their knees, I’d be shocked.

​Lin Wei muttered this silently. He was thoroughly unimpressed by their supposed threat, though he had the wit not to voice it. Better to offer some reassuring words.

​“Collecting evidence means working closely with those on the inside,” I added.

​“And besides, City-State of Brook sits right at the Empire’s doorstep. Even if I really did bump into the Four Heavenly Kings, escaping would be no trouble with my abilities.”

​“Don’t forget, my Holy Light was personally blessed by the Dawnstar Pope. Its purity is so absolute that even a Demon Lord wouldn’t dare face it. As things stand, you don’t have anyone you can truly rely on among your lieutenants. A little risk is unavoidable if you want me to keep the Holy See running smoothly for you.”

​Outside the stained-glass windows, the night glimmered with that crystalline, dreamlike radiance—unique to the Holy See after dark.

​A city that never truly slept—here, even the most timid child would know nothing of fear.

​“I... I understand...”

​So this is what I get for not revealing my true identity sooner? If I’d told Lin Wei the truth from the start, maybe the Holy See would be in perfect order now. No bullying nobles. No shortage of supplies.

​Veya pressed her lips together, regret written plain across her face.

​“Then—why not go with Vice Commander Guga and his squad?”

​“That’s not necessary. Tomorrow, I’ll have the Holy See’s so-called spokesman issue a public announcement: the supplies had been quietly shipped out of the Empire long before Duke Ous was arrested tonight, and are en route to the front lines via Brook.”

​Lin Wei dismissed her suggestion without hesitation.

​Afterwards, I’ll arrange for someone to disguise themselves as a supply caravan and camp near Brook’s outskirts.

​“As long as they take the bait, everything will fall into place. By the way, how does the Holy See communicate with Commander Meilin? Give me the method.”

​Since this was a covert mission, there had to be some special system.

​Lin Wei turned to Veya for details.

​“We use this—special spatial letter paper,” she said.

​She drew a sheet from the drawer, only half of it remaining blank.

​Seeing Lin Wei’s uncertainty, Veya explained gently, “This is a rare magical relic left behind by the Goddess Alicia herself, before she left the mortal world. The Holy See still has a few precious sheets, and current magic can’t replicate them. As long as you’re within range, it works for two-way messaging—whatever you write here appears on Commander Meilin’s sheet as well.”

​“And if you use the Holy See’s special cipher, you can reach her directly.”

​So the Holy See had something like this? Lin Wei’s eyes went wide as he received the sheet—a mixture of awe and disbelief surfacing in his expression.

​No wonder, he thought. Out on the battlefield, the Allied Forces always deployed reinforcements at the critical moment, matching up to the demon army’s assaults. This was their hidden edge?

​“The range is limited,” Veya added. “You must stay within the Border Wall for your messages to reach Brook. I’ve written out the cipher for you. Once you’re there, just head to the city’s largest inn—Commander Meilin will be waiting.”

​With that, every preparation was complete. The plan was crystal clear in Lin Wei’s mind.

​When Veya finished, she looked at him—her composure only half masking the anxiety in her eyes.

​“Be careful out there. You might run into trouble.”

​“No matter what happens, don’t try to resolve everything alone—run first, ask questions later.”

​“And if it comes to it, just abandon Commander Meilin and come straight back—no one will blame you.”

​Veya clenched her fists tight. She knew—these were words a Pope should never utter, but for Lin Wei’s sake, nothing else mattered.

​She kept her head bowed, guilt coloring her voice, but her feelings could not be hidden.

​Commander Meilin was important. The Holy See even more so.

​But... Even if Alicia herself consigned her to the deepest hells, she would accept it.

​No matter what, she would never let harm befall Lin Wei. If it came down to choosing, there was no question—she would take Lin Wei’s side.

​“And when all this is over,” she said softly, gripping Lin Wei’s hand, holding his gaze, “join the Holy See. For real, this time.”

​Something bright flickered in Veya’s eyes—equal parts determination and satisfaction, as if the thought of finally keeping Lin Wei by her side brought her secret delight.

​“I’ll grant you formal Adventurer status, directly sanctioned by the Pope—perfect for secret missions.”

​“I’ll make public all your contributions to the Holy See—including rooting out Duke Ous and his crimes against humanity.”

​“And... I can offer you a position equivalent to a Vice Commander in the Knights Order. With that, only the three Grand Commanders and the Archbishop would rank above you. Not even a Central Archbishop would have authority over you. Sound good?”

​Lin Wei didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh—she really did sound like someone coaxing a child.

​He stood, meeting her gaze with a wry, amused smile.

​Seems like you’re the one more eager for me to join than I am.

​“Well, at least tell me—are there any real perks to signing up with the Holy See?”

​“Perks? Isn’t a high priest’s position enough? It’s the highest rank below the Five Supreme Cardinals. As for Grand Commander... unless there’s an opening, even I can’t arrange that,”

​Veya looked almost anxious, as if afraid Lin Wei just wanted a way out of his duties.

​If, by chance, Sir Alfron, the Grand Commander, ever did step down, she’d have Lin Wei’s name at the very top of the list.

​“I have no interest in being Grand Commander. What I care about is whether the Pope is willing to grant me any, ah... personal rewards.”

​“Stand up for a moment, I want to ask you something—face-to-face.”

​“Huh?”

​She wasn’t sure why he wanted her standing, but Selena—Her Holiness the Pope—rose, slightly perplexed, and turned to face him.

​Only to see Lin Wei rise as well, stepping lightly to stand right next to her.

​“Height’s just right... Now, turn around, hands on the desk.”

​“Wait—don’t tell me this is the kind of benefit you’re after?!”

​Sensing his true intentions, Veya’s eyes went wide, divine light flickering dangerously in their depths. Normally, she would have leapt back into her seat, but—

​Too late.

​“I already dismissed the soundproofing spell. Only the wards to keep people out are left.”

​“You’ll have to keep quiet—don’t make any strange noises, understood?”

​“Otherwise, the Pope’s dignity will be gone for good.”

​A surge of Holy energy pressed down on her shoulders before Veya could react.

​Lin Wei leaned in, his voice dropping to a mischievous whisper that tickled her ear. “Careful now.”

​A few moments later—

​He watched as Veya’s brows furrowed in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth to muffle a gasp—adorably flustered, in his eyes.

​Even Lin Wei, usually so composed, felt a wicked glee ignite within.

​Who would’ve thought, here they were, in the sacred halls of the Holy See itself!

​Heh.

​Lin Wei pressed down on his wife’s shoulder, satisfaction blooming deep inside.

​So, this is the famous Pope Veya?

​Let’s see how the so-called Demon Lord handles you, after you kept your true identity from me all this time.