Shadow of the Evil God

"A historian present recorded the entire negotiation process," Artinya suddenly said. "Future generations will regard it as the longest, most complex, and most turbulent negotiation in a thousand years. The wit and verbal exchanges employed were of a splendid and rare kind. The communication of names, the distribution of interests, how to appease people, how to establish order, from the initial tit-for-tat to the subsequent oath of obedience, every step..."

"They are all carefully fabricated," Shiloh continued. "Historical stories, Your Highness, are stories first, and history second. You don't really believe the historians' self-proclaimed fearlessness of life and death, do you?"

Cesar noticed that the princess' fingers were twitching and she almost couldn't maintain her expression and etiquette.

"The purpose of historical records is largely to write a name for the rule of those in power," Cesar reminded Artinya. "Its writing is not necessarily false, and its words are not necessarily boastful. However, for its most essential purpose, they must best meet the needs of those in power."

"Of course, everything that happened later is true," Brother Xiluo continued to tell the princess. "After that, Gaidechi's popularity reached its peak. Not only did nobles from all over the country rush to the imperial capital to pledge their allegiance, but later, wherever the emperor went, the people lined the streets to welcome him. The most amazing thing is that all this flattery, respect, and admiration formed a complex and exquisite illusion, planting a seed in the heart of our new emperor, making him believe that this was an honor he deserved. After all, everyone said it was an honor he deserved."

Although Cesar himself had experienced a series of rumors and gossips, some of which were fabricated for him by Musali and others, and some of which he himself fabricated on his own initiative, when compared with Brother Shiloh's recollections, the rumors about him actually seemed less absurd.

Brother Xiluo fumbled with his elusive burnt beard as he spoke, "In the past, Gaidechi was young and timid. But with each city he arrived in, his timidity faded a little, and the temperament he had displayed since he was still a baby and cultivated for over twenty years was completely offset. He believed that he was truly a great emperor who could turn the tide, and with this idea in mind, he did a series of things in the second half of his life that were both praised and criticized."

Chapter 250 Why Don’t You Get In The Rain With Me?

"Let me ask you something, Brother," Altinia suddenly said, "Did your disciples lead the rebellion midway, or did they initiate it themselves?"

Brother Xiluo pondered the implications of her words. "There were many rebellions at the time," he said. "As for the initiative, it was indeed his, but as for the timing, he was just a small, insignificant force among many other local rebellions. Think about it, Your Highness. The core of this matter is not the people who started the rebellion, but why they started it."

"I understand," the princess said, "that if we don't rebuild order and eliminate the poison that has accumulated over the years, then no matter how hard we try, the rebellion will only intensify. But eliminating the poison itself is extremely difficult. Even if we use the excuse of punishing the local nobles, the people below will still do what they want."

"Using the momentum of the local rebellion to shield our resolution—that's the essence of this whole thing," Shiloh said. "The local populace couldn't stir up much trouble, but with the participation and organization of the Holy Temple, a series of forces, families, and territories were quickly destroyed one after another, leaving corpses strewn from the southernmost to the northernmost reaches. With the predicted locations razed to the ground and reduced to ruins, it's time to head to the imperial capital to hand over power to the new emperor. The burning ruins need to be rebuilt, and the missing population needs to be replenished, which is just the right place to accommodate the surrendered rebels."

"You don't seem to need this emperor." She suddenly spoke, and the monks were stunned.

"No, I hadn't joined the temple at that time, but I heard from my earlier fellow believers that you and we were the common decision we made when we crossed the ocean," Shiloh denied.

"Is the emperor just a title?" she asked.

"It's more than just a name," Xi Luo continued to deny. "There are some deeper intentions, but I don't understand them to that extent. If you are willing to trace them, some of my fellow believers who have been separated for a longer time have been lost along the way. If you can find them, Your Highness, you can find a way to communicate with them and see if they are willing to speak."

"Well, it sounds like you've agreed to seek out your fellow believers and recover the burned library documents for me," Altinia said. "I'd like to start with what we can use, as this is particularly crucial for defending Fort Gural."

"It is difficult for me to say which ones you would need, Your Highness, but perhaps someone else knows," the monk said.

"Your fellow sectarians?" asked Altinya.

"My life span isn't very long," Shiloh said, seemingly without any self-deprecation. "Many of my memories aren't very clear. However, I recognize monks in the library who sailed across the ocean with the ocean-going fleet. Perhaps they know more secrets, but it might be more difficult to communicate. After all, the longer we live, the more heterogeneous our thoughts become."

"You are quite heterogeneous, monk, indeed."

"I think I'm still pretty close to being human," the monk shook his head. "At least compared to others. Have you ever heard of something that might have lived from the beginning until now, Your Highness? The origin of our sect is actually neither human nor divine, but some ancient thing."

Altinya's eyes widened slightly, "You said at the beginning..."

Cesar thought of the Kuna legend, which said that time was born the moment Analik became aware of his own existence. It was at this moment that the world split apart, possessing a history that could be spoken of. Brother Shiloh seemed to be saying that something, not divine, existed outside of time, yet it had been born from the beginning of time and lived to this day. Furthermore, it had passed on its life essence, cycling between life and death, to the Temple, forming a branch of the cult.

This statement was truly intriguing. In this way, he seemed to be able to glimpse the secret origins of the royal bloodline of the Kasar Empire.

As he spoke, Brother Shiloh's breathing gradually weakened, and he collapsed to the ground, having died from blood loss and burns. Altinia was shocked. Cesar frowned and observed his lifeless body for a while, finally deciding to leave him alone and wait until Shiloh came back to life the next day.

They both left the prison, climbed the tower, and reached the top of the city wall. Cesar finally felt less suffocated. A strong wind and heavy rain whipped his cheeks, washing away his hair and hands, which were stained with burning heat. This place was usually like an oven, so this strong wind and heavy rain were the best weather recently, at least in his opinion.

Torches lit the narrow gates of the tower, but they were barely enough to stave off the darkness on the city walls. He could barely see the silent princess beside him. In the distance, ships, each lit by a single oil lamp, were anchored at the harbor, bringing piles of supplies to the fortress. People were already traveling along the roads, counting supplies and inspecting the city's defenses, forming a faint, star-like river flowing through the fortress. A temple could be seen being built in the open space. The Shawl Order, while sending a large amount of supplies and manpower to Sodoris, had also negotiated to build a temple within the fortress to accommodate refugees and the sick.

Despite this, Cesar felt that it was still not enough. In order to withstand the next attack, they still had to prepare a lot more.

"It feels ridiculous to live in such an elaborate lie," Altinya said suddenly. "But at least you are real."

"I've told a lot of lies too," Cesar said.

"No, I mean, what I have confirmed with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and touched with my own hands are all true.

"Sir, it's not the rumors, it's you." The princess reached out and touched the rain-soaked tower wall.

Although the light was dim, Cesar could see that she was different from usual. She walked slowly, her eyes were unfocused, and her carefully combed hair was wet. She seemed to be lost in some kind of memory. Whether it was the memory of her childhood when she preached history to her brothers and sisters, or the memory of her family's indifference, he couldn't tell.

She leaned over the parapet, closed her eyes against the pouring rain, and took a deep breath. "That's how I was able to learn more about the truth from the monks. Many years ago, I also met Brother Shiloh, but he only spoke politely to me, no different than he did to my other brothers and sisters," she said.

"For someone who has just discovered another side of the past, you're in pretty good shape."

Altinya glanced at him sideways. "Perhaps it's because someone's blocking my way, what do you think, sir? When I was little, I always thought I was superior. I was even more arrogant, stubborn, and rude than Anne. Later, when I was ignored, I felt resentful and felt that I had been treated unfairly. Now that I've heard the false side of history, many things suddenly seem different."

"How arrogant and stubborn?"

"If you take one step into the tower, I will ask you why you don't get wet with me. Then I will stand in the heavy rain for a whole day and night to see when you dare to leave."

Chapter 251 Let’s Forget About the Spanking

"Have you not had similar thoughts for many years, or have you just not told anyone about it for a long time?" Cesar asked her thoughtfully.

"I think it's the former," said Artinya.

"It sounds like I'm irritating you, and you haven't been this irritated in years."

"Yes," the princess smiled, "indeed. I'm very annoyed. When I look at you, I feel that you are the kind of person I can never become. I can get rational knowledge from your teachings, but for other things, no matter what you say, I can't take a single step in the direction you point out. How easy is it to replace one's thoughts? How can it be achieved with just a few sweet words?"

Cesar pondered her meaning. "You mean, if you can't do something that sounds good, you want to get angry at the person who did it?"

"No," Artinya denied. "It sounds good because it sounds so sweet coming from your mouth, and you seem very wise. However, this kind of doubt and scrutiny is the right of philosophers, not anyone else. If someone changes after hearing a few sweet words, then I think that person is definitely not a human being, but a puppy wagging its tail."

"You mean you still believe in your own path and won't waver after hearing a few words from me?"

"Yes, sir."

"But you find my words particularly appealing and hard to deny."

"Indeed, sir."

"It seems that contradictory thoughts can make people feel irritated."

"I never was so irritated, sir."

"As irritated as you were when you were less than ten and hadn't experienced any setbacks?"

Altinya frowned and stared at him intently. Cesar stood there, responding to her gaze without a trace of uneasiness, because he didn't think it was a big deal. Only when she seemed to feel like a child did she turn her head and look at the rushing river outside the city wall.

"If you had been my teacher at court when I was a child, my thoughts and path would have been very different, sir," the princess said, facing the dark, rainy sky. "But then, by this age, many years later, I wouldn't be the same person I am today. I live in this world now, willingly thrust into the midst of war, precisely to traverse this path. I cannot tolerate even the slightest self-doubt."

“Things don’t just have means, they also have consequences,” Cesar reminded her.

Altinya clenched her hands tightly.

"I believe, Mr. Cesar, that when major events first begin to unfold, we often fail to see the long-term consequences of our decisions. But I can see what's happening right now, so I make decisions based on what's happening right now, without considering the longer-term implications. Whether it's reaching an agreement with you in Gonzales or committing murder at the meeting in Sodoris, I can foresee the consequences. So, I'll do it. As for later accepting you as my teacher or capturing Rolaisa in Sodoris, they were just unexpected gains."

"You sound as stubborn as you were when you were ten," he said.

"And shortsighted?" Altinya asked him.

"You have seen far ahead, far ahead of all your relatives," Cesar said. "If I had been your teacher when you were little, I would have said this: I have raised a wise child, and only I could have raised one."

"Oh, would a teacher brag like that?" The princess asked him with a smile.

"What I'm best at is bragging. It has nothing to do with who I am."

"Then I would say that you have truly made me a dangerous person, sir," Altinia continued. "From thought to action, the difference between them is not just fire and sword, but also the method of using fire and sword. Without a doubt, the method you gave me is more reliable than anything I have seen in history. No one else could have given me that."

"Is this the reason why I can't deny my involvement if you make a big mistake in the future?"

"You always assume I'll make a big mistake in the future."

"Maybe this means I see the bigger picture than you do."

Her gentle smile flickered in the darkness. "It also shows that you knew this and still gave me the sword and the way to hold it, sir."

"You're such a finder, I think I'll have to find a way to deal with you. It'll be useful when you make a big mistake."

"Like?" She raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Like a stick of wood."

Altinya opened her mouth briefly, but remained silent for a long moment. If it weren't for the pouring rain, her forehead would have been sweating. "No, forget the spanking..."

"Is this your royal tradition?" Cesar became interested. "Can you tell me what mistakes you princes and princesses make that earn you a beating?"

The princess covered her mouth with a clenched fist. "If you insist, the definition of this fault is not very clear. I have never made such a mistake, but when I was a child, the eldest prince under General Clifas was beaten. We were waiting for an audience with the Grand Master at the time. The general thought that his eldest prince was very charming and enthusiastic, and was perfect for establishing a childhood friendship and paving the way for blood marriage in the future, so he sent him to see me. However, many

My brothers and sisters all thought my arrogant speech made perfect sense, and several, including him, even considered recognizing me as their leader. Because of this voluntary debasement, the eldest prince was beaten in front of everyone by his grandfather and teacher, Clefus, leaving his buttocks swollen.

Cesar laughed.

"It was a bit too much in front of everyone," he said.

She turned her head to look at the hills in the distance. "I guess the general wanted him to remember it clearly. After that, he left the party in anger and returned to their territory to spend the winter. Because his plan to forge a childhood friendship failed, Cliface went to discuss this matter with my grandfather."

"What's the relationship between Clifford and your grandfather?"

Artinia shook her head. "I heard that before the old emperor died, they had a pretty good relationship, like classmates and friends. But whatever they were like in the past, it's meaningless now. Cliface knew this would get me into trouble, but he still chose to do it. I can only understand that Cliface wanted me to have no choice but to accept his plan."

"If you were insulted like this, what would you do?"

The princess turned her head at this. She stared at Cesar, "Clefas was not only the prince's teacher, but also his grandfather. When the old emperor was still alive, he was also an important official in the court."

She put it very delicately.

Cesar looked at her seriously. "When I defeat Clefas, the expert in defending the border, in the war, you'll know if I have the qualifications."

"I won't walk away in anger." Altinya stared at him even more closely. "I will stand right here and confront you. I'll teach you that there are things you can't say carelessly and things you absolutely can't do."

"Before you even thought of confronting someone, I'd already walked away from someone you'd angered me with."

"Where to go?"

"Maybe it's Urbino's mansion. I guess you can't use your power there." Cesar said, it couldn't be Neuen anyway.

She knitted her delicate brows together. "Even so, sir, I can still go alone and accuse you in front of the Duke of Urbino and Diana. First, you publicly humiliated me when I was already quite old, and then you ran away from the crime. This is not something I can deal with by just walking away."

"Not running away from the crime," Cesar corrected.

"I know you didn't run away from the crime, but if I insist that you did, everyone will believe you did."

Cesar frowned in mock seriousness and shook his head at her. "When your bottom is so swollen from being beaten that you can't even sit in the chair at the Duke of Urbino's house, then they'll know if I've run away from the crime."

"Then I'll have to let you experience my swordsmanship, Master Cesar."

"You're going to cut my ass into quarters with a sword and call that revenge?"

"I really shouldn't have told you about our traditions," said the princess.

Cesar shrugged. "Anyway, this is settled. Aya, as long as you call me teacher, I have the right to continue your royal tradition for your future mistakes. Of course, you can ask me to compensate you later, but in order to make your memory clear, you definitely won't be able to sit in the chair that day."

She sighed. "Can I ask you to make it up to me for what you said, sir?"

"Okay, so where are we going next in this pouring rain, Princess? I won't be leaving."

Altinya nodded. "Let's inspect the towers and the city defense cannons first. I'd like to hear your suggestions for improving them."

Cesar followed her silently, walking with her across the city walls. Before long, she ceased her thoughts and began peppering him with questions, ranging from history to philosophy, from mathematics to logic, then focusing on the geometry and mechanics involved in the trajectory of cannonballs. It must be said that Artinia was indeed well-qualified and capable of inheriting the throne. If she had been born into General Clefas' lineage, her succession to the throne and the initiation of war would have been a foregone conclusion. But alas, she was not.

The Chancellor's family seemed more concerned with their economic lifeline. They handed over matters of war to Garcia, who had come from the Kingdom of Dominion as part of their alliance. He also cared more about the throne, wanting his own daughter to rule from behind the scenes, even attempting to support an incompetent prince. A person's fate is determined not only by their qualifications and abilities, but also by their background and circumstances. This statement also applies to Artinia.

"Come to think of it, do you still remember the change in Brother Shilo's attitude?" Altinya suddenly asked.

“Although he was in awe of you, he looked at you as if you were something unknowable,” Cesar said. “At least at first.”

Chapter 252 Fighting for Blood

"The relationship between the Temple and the royal family is indeed difficult to fathom," the princess agreed. "I used to think it was merely a subtle one, but after hearing Brother Shiloh's explanation, it seems even more complex. The Temple's goals and aspirations are complex, and so are our royal bloodlines. Come to think of it, Ferriers plays an indispensable role in all of this."

"It depends on whether we can find the lost compatriots of Brother Shiloh and whether they can give a reasonable explanation," said Cesar.

"Perhaps," Altinya pursed her lips and said, "But this is too long-term. The fortress is more important right now. While the library is burned down, I hope they can recover those rare books and documents. Some of them will be of great help to our defense."

"Remember my view on knowledge, Aya? I hope those documents gathering dust in libraries will no longer be read by only a few people."

She nodded gently. "I understand, Master, but I still ask you to wait until everything is settled before making any plans. At least until we're on a firm footing. There are some things I don't want to share just yet. Even if people can discern clues from our tactics, I only hope they can speculate and guess, rather than directly analyze them theoretically."

"Hearing what you said, it seems that I can't have other students." Cesar exclaimed.

"Indeed, I hope so."

"You look very pleased with yourself."

"Me? Of course I'm proud." Altinya smiled at him. "Children vying for their parents' favor, and students vying for their teacher's favor, are both equally annoying. I experienced the former deeply when I was still a child, and for that reason, I have no desire to experience the latter at all. As your only student, it's only natural that you teach me everything."

"You've been speaking more and more seriously lately."

"Perhaps this fortress itself is very heavy." The princess said nonchalantly.

"Is there anything special about this place?"

Altinya raised her violet eyes and gazed toward the distant mountains. "Have you heard of the legend of the real dragon, Teacher Cesar?"

"I only heard about it recently. I thought it was a myth about the Kuna and the Beastmen."

"Myths and legends have their truth," she said. "The Empire has had frequent contact with the Beastmen and knows some of their tribal legends. If the legends are true, this mountain beside us is one of them."

Cesar's face twitched, unsure how to answer her. He recalled the worgen tribe's sacrifices, the scenes where the dragon's breath shook the earth. How could he describe the horrific scene? If Diana had recorded that scene in her true knowledge, he would show it to the princess now.