Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

Urbino believed that Wayne had betrayed them, or rather, that he had never been on Lateran's side. The reason he couldn't say so, and even had to argue for Wayne at the Cardinals' Council, was because his interests were intertwined with Wayne's; their fates were intertwined. But Michael was different. As the Shadow Pope of Lateran, she controlled all of Lateran's money and power. Why would she need to protect Wayne like he did?

Not to mention, Michael's reaction wasn't just protection; it was pure admiration and worship—an expression Urbino had only ever seen in devout fanatics. This was terrifying! The Pope of the Lateran Catholic Church was a fanatical follower of the leader of a heretical nation! The Lateran Church was doomed!

Let's take advantage of this time to make as much money as possible.

What? You're asking me why I didn't try to turn the tide and save the day? Please, sir, you know me. If I, Urbino, were capable of doing something like that, you should consider whether I've been possessed by someone.

Turning the tide is all about making money, and being a lackey is also about making money. Being a lackey is much easier than turning the tide; you can just lie still and let things fall apart. Why should I compete with a bunch of bishops? I, Urbino, understand this basic principle.

Lord Michael showed little interest in listening to the report, constantly muttering about Prince Wayne. Urbino immediately seized the opportunity, submitting a meeting request to the Victorian royal family. The royal family granted his request, and the envoy would arrive shortly. When Lord Michael heard he would be able to see Wayne, Urbino thought, "My flattery has hit the mark." That's the art of being a lackey!

Urbino thought smugly, and sure enough, a few minutes later, there was a knock on the door of the guest room in the Lateran lounge area, and a deep, steady male voice came from outside:

Are the Laterans resting here?

Urbino stood up, nodded to the puzzled Michael, and said, "Lord Michael, I have found Victoria's special envoy. You can ask him to see Prince Wayne."

Michael's eyes lit up noticeably. He sat up, his posture no longer lazy as before, but formal, dignified, and elegant. He said with a hint of excitement, "Quickly, let the envoy in!"

Urbino chimed in, "Please come in!"

boom--!

Before Urbino could finish speaking, the door was flung open, and a silver-haired absolutist wearing a mask performed a stylish front flip in mid-air, landing gracefully on the ground, raising his hands in what he thought was a cool pose. Following closely behind was a pink-haired Sarkaz man with a smile, clapping lightly as he entered the room. He glanced at the two people inside, lingering particularly on Michael's monk's robe with its gold trim and buttons, and slowly began to speak:

"The Shining, well done! Lateran, welcome to Victoria."

"A Sarkaz?" Urbino narrowed his eyes, sizing up Theresis's powerful armor, and his tone immediately turned hostile: "Are you here to cause trouble, dressed like that?"

Chapter 46 Mission Within a Mission

"Alright, Shining, you can get up now."

Therese subtly gave a wink, signaling Shining, who was stuck in that strange posture, to stand up quickly. If she continued to squat like that, not only would Urbino and Michael feel awkward, but Therese herself would feel a little awkward too.

Shining stood up somewhat disappointed. She had initially thought Theresis must have some deeper meaning behind making her do this, after all, the Chairman had always possessed keen insight and excellent judgment in military matters. But who knew that Theresis would simply make her stand up like this, causing all eighteen unexpected sword-drawing techniques that Shining had imagined to fail miserably within the scabbard.

Is this what His Excellency the Chairman just said? Sometimes, men know that certain things are meaningless, but they still insist on doing them because it gives them pleasure? To use this method of making me look bad in front of the Laterans to exchange for so-called "male pleasure," His Excellency the Chairman must have some serious illness.

Shining secretly vowed that next time she was on a guard duty, if Chairman Therese gave her an order, she would definitely run far away and pretend she didn't hear it.

She also planned to smash the Pardoner's communicator and radio as well, reporting it as accidental damage during a mission to Pardoner headquarters and receiving a substantial repair allowance. She refused to believe that Chairman Theresis could still command her after the communicator was destroyed!

Completely unprepared for the fact that his own absolutist had already harbored resentment towards him, Chairman Theresis was still basking in the satisfaction of having pulled off a brilliant move and given the Lateran a taste of his power. For the Sarkaz, who had lived for years under Lateran's economic blockade and moral oppression, being able to directly provoke the high-ranking members of the Lateran Church without paying any price was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, far more pleasurable than hiding in the wastelands near Lateran to rob passing pilgrimage groups or trading caravans of the Church. Seeing Urbino's prepared demeanor, Theresis felt a surge of excitement as a "demon" humiliating an "angel" and reversing their status.

Hmm, that feels good—dealing with the Lateranos is exactly what hits his sweet spot.

Having achieved his goal, Therese did not continue his little game. He pointed to the Victoria Memorial Medal he wore on his chest, then turned to show Urbino and Michael the red cloak embroidered with the Victoria gold coat of arms that he had changed into before leading the Royal Army into battle:

"Don't be nervous, I am an envoy."

Urbino, seeing Theresis's armor, had a general idea of ​​what was going on, but he was still furious at Theresis's earlier threatening joke and retorted sarcastically:

"When did the mighty Victoria stoop so low as to appoint a demon as a general? Prince Wayne has misjudged people."

"Snapped!"

Unexpectedly, before Theresis could even retort, Michael, who had been silent beside Urbino, slapped Urbino's hand hard upon hearing this. The force was so great that the marble coffee table Urbino released his grip made a dull thud and trembled slightly.

Suddenly betrayed by his ally, Urbino's face turned a deep shade of liver color. He clutched his injured finger, about to cry out in pain, when Michael's cool voice reached his ears at just the right moment:

"[The Lord said: Do not make loud noises in public places. Be polite. If one of your hands is slapped, you should extend your other hand as well, and ask if you are not satisfied and if you need to be slapped again.]"

Urbino turned his head trembling at the sound, his gaze meeting the golden cross burning in Michael's wine-red eyes. The image of the golden cross was instantly reflected in his pupils, and he forcefully suppressed the cry of pain that was about to escape his lips with strong willpower, while his other hand tremblingly reached out:

"Your Holiness, have you had enough? If not, how about this hand too..."

“A slight reprimand is enough. Remember, don’t speak ill of our allies in front of me next time. And don’t make any public statements.”

Michael extinguished the fire in his eyes, his Originium Arts dissipated, and he turned his head, his face, cool and indifferent yet with a hint of allure, fixed on Theresis. Theresis immediately avoided Michael's gaze with disgust.

He was all too familiar with that scene. Although the color and form of the spell were different, it was clearly a mental Originium Arts. Just like her annoying, mind-reading sister, they were the same kind of people—forbidden and unpopular wielders of mental Originium Arts.

Theresis finally understood why Kal'tsit and Theresia would allow a ruthless demon, someone with a grudge against the Sarkaz, to entertain Laterano's guests. They hadn't intended for her to showcase her demonic prowess; they simply wanted to annoy her. Ambitious schemers and conspirators abhor being seen through, and no matter how well Theresis concealed her true feelings, against a mental warlock, this feeling of being exposed was like a persistent, lingering affliction.

Kal'tsit and Theresa achieved their goal, and Theresa was now indeed feeling as uncomfortable as if she had swallowed a fly. The slight sense of relief she had felt earlier had vanished, leaving only the desire to quickly end this mystery and leave this place.

You wait, Theresa and that Felin, once I get back, I'll... I'll... I'll go back!

Theresa really couldn't threaten Theresa. She had Victoria backing her, and her brother-in-law wasn't really dead. Having personally experienced the firepower of the Royal Victorian Army, Theresa wasn't naive enough to think that if she threatened Theresa, she could still have a chance to survive by guerrilla warfare with her small group of men and wait for an opportunity to counterattack.

Once the turrets are erected, the land-based warships are set up, and the war fortresses are opened, he can hide in another dimension if he has the ability. Otherwise, once he returns to the Terran continent, he will definitely not have a good time!

However, even in defeat, Theresis wouldn't lose face. Despite finding the opposing psychic disgusting, he stubbornly raised his head, his expression unsmiling, and coldly replied:

"Hmph, since you've already taken action to punish me, then so be it. Remember, I am Victoria's special envoy, and no one needs to question this identity, at least not the guests from Lateran."

Michael nodded: "Then, sir, how long will it take for me to see Prince Wayne?"

See Wayne?

Theresis was taken aback. The people of Lateran were truly interesting. With their abilities, there was no way they wouldn't know about the assassination attempt on Wayne, which Vina had deliberately spread. And now, with the city shrouded in white mourning clothes, he could still calmly ask about wanting to see Wayne. Wasn't he afraid I'd reply, "You can go see him in the underworld?"

Or does this Lateran know something?

Theresis narrowed his eyes, but the next second, he had to stop thinking further. The person in front of him was a mind reader. Although the commemorative medal on her chest hadn't lit up just now, who could guarantee that she wouldn't suddenly use magic to read his mind? If he thought about it any further, and she "saw" some secrets, it would be a huge loss.

It was only then that Theresis realized how crucial Wayne's decision to issue everyone commemorative badges for detecting magical fluctuations was. Without these, dealing with mind readers was impossible; you couldn't even think twice before speaking.

After careful consideration, Theresis quickly made a decision and replied:

“You will see him after the ceremony to abolish the Holy Covenant.”

After the ceremony to abolish the Holy Covenant, it will be time for Wayne's "coffin" to appear. Although it is unknown why the prince is so insistent on raising the coffin and then taking action, a plan is a plan, and there should be no changes.

As for how Michael interprets this statement, that's up to her.

Michael nodded upon hearing this, a fleeting look of eagerness crossing his face, but he quickly and perfectly concealed it. Theresis, who was unwilling to meet his gaze, naturally did not notice this.

"Any other questions?" Therese asked casually.

Michael shook his head: "No, thank you."

Theresis quickly turned around, pushed open the door, and left without even saying goodbye. Being with an enemy sorcerer who could read minds at any moment was far more torturous than being with Kal'tsit and Theresia. At least his sister had some integrity and wouldn't recklessly use the Demon Lord's abilities, and that lynx was at least somewhat attractive, pleasing to the eye. Much better than the fluorescent light tube race whose eyes would hurt after staring at them for a while.

Seeing Theresis leave, Michael, like Doma Umaru returning home, collapsed onto the table once more, his aura shattered.

She glanced over and saw Urbino lost in thought at the corner of a table in the distance, and casually asked, "What's wrong?"

“I’m reflecting on life and my mistakes,” Urbino replied.

After seeing Michael so firmly stand by my side, Wayne, defending him and not even allowing jokes to be made about him, Urbino began to doubt his own judgment.

He had always believed that everyone trusted Wayne's loyalty because their own interests were closely tied to Wayne's or their own; they were all in the same boat, and thus had no choice but to protect each other and make money together. But Saint Michael clearly did not meet the basic requirement of being in the same boat. Yet, she was more steadfast than any of them.

Considering that Saintess Michael was even a psychic sorceress, capable of seeing through people's hearts, and that she had no rebellious motives, her judgment of Vayne couldn't possibly be wrong. Urbino immediately began to doubt his own judgment.

Whether it's possible or not, he only mentioned one possibility, which may not be correct and requires further detailed analysis and judgment.

Wayne is actually a traitor who betrayed Laterano but not completely betrayed Victoria, making him a spy within a spy mission?

Urbino's head started to ache more and more, so in the end, he gave up thinking about it.

Who cares, I'm just focused on making money.

Chapter 47 The First Batch of Products from the Spark Program

"Boom boom boom!"

There was a knock on the door of the back office for the ceremony preparations. Kal'tsit rubbed her forehead, stood up, and replied, "Coming, coming," as she walked towards the door, asking, "Hello, who is this?"

“Me, Henry, and Seria, and Himer. Menes and Mel, and White Owl were supposed to come too, but they went to Little Hills County with the organization's frontline volunteer medical team a few days ago, so it's just us.”

Seeing that it was Kal'tsit who opened the door, Henry breathed a sigh of relief, but still peeked into the room with a worried expression. After confirming that he didn't see Wayne, his heart sank, and he anxiously asked:

"Lady Kal'tsit, where is Prince Wayne?"

Kal'tsit opened her mouth, quickly organizing her thoughts: "Well, although Rhine Labs has always had a close working relationship with the Royal Family, according to the provisions of the Royal Secrecy Act and the actual needs determined by the Royal Cabinet after an accurate assessment of the current situation, although I would very much like to explain to you the relevant information about His Highness Wayne, I am sorry that as an official of Victoria, I cannot violate my duties and do anything beyond my authority. Therefore, I apologize that I cannot inform you. Please understand. If you cannot understand, please forgive me, as this is limited by my duties. I hope this will not affect our good cooperative relationship with Rhine Labs."

Saria blinked, glanced at Himeru beside her, who also looked completely bewildered, and could only stare wide-eyed in confusion and utter a questioning sound: "Huh?"

Director Henry's lips twitched. He had long heard of Kal'tsit's ability to utter riddles at work, and seeing it today, it was indeed true. After trying for a while without figuring out what Kal'tsit's long and complicated sentence was trying to say, he wisely chose to skip the analysis phase before his brain crashed and directly asked:

"I heard that Prince Wayne is injured?"

Kal'tsit paused, glanced at Director Henry and the two men, and quickly shook her head: "Uh...no."

“I started hearing this rumor from the nobles of New Wales three days ago.” Hearing Kelsey’s denial, Director Henry breathed a sigh of relief. “So it was just a hoax.”

Kal'tsit paused, then denied, "No, it's not."

Himer paused, then pressed, "What do you mean by 'no'? Does it mean 'the news is false, and Prince Wayne is not injured,' or 'the news is true, and Prince Wayne is injured'? Which one are you denying?"

Kal'tsit's lips twitched: "Uh...yes."

She shook her head, pulling her distorted thoughts back on track, and explained:

"No, the news is true, but it's also false. It depends on the specific circumstances and the specific people involved."

She initially thought Rhine Life had obtained definite information from somewhere, which was why they came to her for confirmation. However, they had only heard rumors circulating from the palace. The rumors themselves were true, as Prince Wayne had indeed been assassinated and was now lying on a flat board with his eyes closed, preparing for a banquet. But the truth was the opposite: Prince Wayne was not injured in the assassination attempt, and the news was spread by him himself to lure the nobles into a surprise attack.

The intricacies of this situation are not difficult to explain, but to ensure that Prince Wayne's plan goes smoothly, Kal'tsit cannot reveal it to anyone who is unaware of it. Even if that person is from Rhine Lab and is considered an old friend of Wayne's, Kal'tsit cannot be certain whether they should know this secret.

She could only speak in riddles, affirming to the group who were already confused by her words:

"The news is false for you. Please don't ask any more questions. You will see Prince Wayne after the ceremony."

Henry nodded blankly. Kal'tsit's answer wasn't exactly insightful, but it was at least a lot of rambling. At least she had given a vague conclusion: for Rhine Labs, Prince Wayne hadn't left. However, considering Kal'tsit's ambiguous attitude, Director Henry had to consider the implications of "Prince Wayne hasn't left Rhine Labs." Did it mean Prince Wayne hadn't physically left, or that the policies Prince Wayne had established for Rhine Labs, and their effects, wouldn't disappear in the future?

Moreover, there is another question worth studying: for whom did His Highness Wayne "leave"?

Henry didn't dare to think about it too deeply. His intuition told him that delving into this question would not only be fruitless but could also put him in danger. It was best not to consider it.

He pursed his lips, bowed to Kal'tsit, and said:

"Although it's not my place to say this, I hope you can protect Prince Wayne. He is the only person I've ever met who can truly be called great. If you need any technical, medical, or other support related to Rhine Lab's research, please don't hesitate to ask. Rhine Lab will do everything in its power."

Kal'tsit was somewhat stunned. In the past, if someone had told her that these words would come from the mouth of a businessman, she would have been merciless in her sarcasm, because, as Prince Wayne said, capitalists have no country.

“I’m saying this as a Victorian,” Henry added.

Kal'tsit looked at him and Wayne, who had followed him there, and nodded seriously. Wayne was the two scientist friends he knew best in his life in the Rhine.

"Of course, I promise!"