Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

Noah couldn't help but feel a little breathless, but it was not Skadi and the others' fault for these things. You know, they didn't even know him at that time.

And even if they were not there, the bounty hunters would most likely take the treasures and even desecrate the dead. From this perspective, it was a blessing in disguise for Skadi and the others to go.

"I was thinking about my grandfather a few days ago... Well, next time I will go to Dishui Village to pay homage to my grandfather." Although Noah felt that these things were coincidental, she was not angry. Instead, when she learned the burial place of her grandfather, she also wanted to go to pay homage.

As for Dr. Kal'tsit... she really knows everything. Even she herself doesn't know the location of her ancestral grave, but Dr. Kal'tsit knows it very well.

"Speaking of which, Dr. Kal'tsit, what's the secret my family has guarded for generations?" Noya's curiosity piqued. After all, the secret that the entire Kirilet family guarded was something she knew nothing about. Perhaps it was because of her father's disappearance, or perhaps it was because her grandfather didn't want her to continue to bear the responsibility of protecting the secret. In any case, as the head of the Kirilet family, she probably knew less than Dr. Kal'tsit. "Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to answer me."

"It's not really inconvenient." Doctor Kel'tsit looked at Mace and Skadi beside them. "Do you want to listen in this situation?"

"...Mana, Miss Skadi..." Noah understood what Kal'tsit meant. She wanted the two of them to leave. Skadi and Mace immediately understood what Noah meant and turned around and left for the time being.

After the two left, Kal'tsit spoke.

"This matter is related to the ancestors of the Kirilet family. I reached an agreement with them. At that time, I didn't expect that this verbal agreement would become a secret kept by the Kirilet family for generations. In this regard, your Kirilet family is indeed a promise worth a thousand gold. You have guarded that location for generations, and these knight treasures are actually a later addition."

Kelsey explained.

"Do you know The Last Knight?"

"...You mean the one from Casimir's fairy tale?" Noya knew him, of course. He'd even fought a giant creature alongside the final knight in her dream. But that wasn't the point. "Did he leave the knight's treasure?"

"To be precise, he gave it to your ancestor before he left. It was because of this knight that you settled down in Casimir," Kel'tsit explained. "He gave all his knightly title and wealth to the Kirilet family and left Casimir alone. This is the source of the knight's treasure, and the secret guarded by your ancestors lies deeper within—as for the specific contents..."

When Kal'tsit said this, she was actually a little hesitant. On the one hand, Noah was a descendant of the Kirilet family, and she was indeed qualified to know the truth.

But the truth is a serious matter, and even Kal'tsit is not sure whether it is a good thing to tell Noah now.

However, she hesitated for a long time before speaking.

"This secret is related to the civilization that existed before us—"

Chapter 26: Carmen, the Saint of Iberia

There are actually many things that Kal'tsit said, but she took into consideration that Noah might not know much about the previous civilization and her words might be vague. But what Kal'tsit didn't know was that she had a lot of connections with the previous civilization.

There is a cyber ghost living in his head, and he also met Luo, the person in charge of the Deep Blue Tree project. He has a good relationship with the doctor who is a remnant of the previous civilization - he is even half a previous civilized person.

It has to be said that Noah's connection with the previous civilization is so close that even she herself feels puzzled.

Is it a coincidence? Or is it fate?

Why did Priss stay by his side after failing to take over his body, and even made the so-called three wishes? Why was there a mark of the Gray Nail on his soul, even making Luo think that he was a pre-civilized person?

Soon, however, Kal'tsit produced a blood-red key. This key had been retrieved from Noya's ancestral tomb... ahem, from the knight's treasure. Kal'tsit had sent Skadi to Dripping Village precisely for this key. The key, now stained with blood, resembled a blood-red gem. "This key is the key to activating the Eye of Iberia. The technology behind the Eye of Iberia largely came from the Agor, a people who most perfectly inherited the technology of previous civilizations. In other words, the fundamental technology behind this key comes from a previous civilization."

"...This thing...looks familiar." As Noya opened her God's Eye to observe, she subconsciously sensed a familiarity. Soon, she suddenly realized that she seemed to have received something similar from Enya before. The touch and temperature of this key were exactly the same as the jade Enya had given her. It was a pity that the jade had been lost long ago, otherwise she could still take it out and compare it.

"Is this what my ancestors guarded?" Noah asked doubtfully, "Why would my ancestors guard the key to activate the Eye of Iberia?"

"It's hard for me to explain the details to you—" Dr. Kal'tsit said frankly, "There are some things I can't say. I can only tell you that this key is the key to your family's secrets. This is why the last knight entrusted everything he had to your ancestor."

Most people would have thought Kal'tsit was deliberately playing the role of a riddler, but Noya could sense that Kal'tsit was indeed hiding something. Although curious, she nodded. "I understand. If you have any concerns, I will go and find the truth myself."

After hearing Noah's words, Kal'tsit nodded. As a creation of the previous civilization, she had many secrets. There were some things she knew but could not say out loud. It was not because she was unwilling, nor was it something she could control. It was more like some kind of anti-leakage agreement that was deeply engraved in her heart, so that she could only hint at it through riddles.

She could tell that Noya's ancestors had guarded a secret about a previous civilization, but she couldn't tell the specific content of the secret, so she could only let Noya witness it herself.

"I'm sorry." Kelsey apologized sincerely, "Please believe that I fully believe you are qualified to know the truth, but the truth is unspoken to me."

"It's okay. Perhaps it would be better for me to witness it myself—" Noah shook her head, indicating that she didn't mind. "This is a secret guarded by my ancestors. Maybe it's a good thing for me that you can keep it to yourself. My grandfather and sister didn't tell me, perhaps because they didn't want me to bear this responsibility. I understand."

"Indeed, you can't feel at ease if you know all the secrets of this land. Perhaps the more you know, the greater the responsibility, the more painful the past, and the harder it is to find old friends—" Kal'tsit spoke with emotion. She rarely had such sentimental moments, but in front of Noah, she always had a sense of security, as if she could always let down her guard in front of her. This trust was built up imperceptibly, and even she was surprised that she could be so relaxed in front of Noah.

"I wholeheartedly agree." Noah agreed, but there was no way she would give up on pursuing the truth. After all, that was just who she was.

After finishing the conversation, the two returned to the main force, and Skadi and Mace did not ask what they said, as if nothing had happened.

At night, Mr. Carmen, a saint, also came to the hotel in casual clothes. In order not to cause a disturbance, the tall old man had to meet Kal'tsit and others in this manner. However, if you really count it, Carmen is still a junior in front of Kal'tsit. In the whole of Terra, there are only a handful of people who can be regarded as Kal'tsit's elders. Miss Kal'tsit from Rhodes Island is simply a living fossil in the true sense. She is a true witness who has witnessed the rise and fall of Terra civilization with her own eyes.

This is where Carmen's respect for Kal'tsit comes from - after all, he is also an immortal, and Iberia has used many methods to ensure his survival, just to make Carmen the spiritual symbol of the Inquisition.

The significance of a great man who always exists is more important than many things.

Even if Carmen really died, he felt that the Inquisition would even allow others to have plastic surgery to look like Carmen. He was no longer himself, but had become a symbol.

And it is precisely because he has experienced a long time that ordinary people cannot go through that he has respect for Kal'tsit. This is not only for her experience, but also for her ability to maintain a positive attitude throughout such a long life.

Time passes, and time is the most ruthless thing, but time has not made Kal'tsit succumb. She is still herself, not anything else.

This alone is enough to make any immortal admire him.

Carmen knocked on the door of the hotel. The old man in a top hat walked into the brightly lit hall. He looked up and saw Kal'tsit standing at the stairs. Kal'tsit was discussing the future arrangements with Noah. After seeing Carmen coming, she ended the topic, turned around and motioned Carmen to come in to talk.

Carmen glanced at Noah Kyrielight who was beside Kal'tsit. Carmen, who had known her for a long time, knew that in this cooperation, Noah represented Rhine Life, the highest technological representative from the inland of Terra. But in addition to that, she also helped Saltwind City resume production and construction. Carmen also learned from the report about everything Noah had done and her contribution to the treatment of those infected by the sea.

If Carmen went to Saltwind City, the only outcome would probably be an extermination order—

After all, at his age, he doesn't have much time to spend on a city, not to mention that this city may become Haisi's monster spawning cage at any time?

An extermination order, we call it efficiency.

If Noah were younger, he might have done something like that, since he was still a teenager, but now it seems quite sad. If you put yourself in his shoes, you will realize that these things are something only young people can do.

After all... he is no longer young.

However, despite his sigh, he quickly shifted his gaze away, and after entering the room, he went straight to the point.

"The Punitive Forces are ready. Tomorrow morning, you can set out to sea in search of the Eye of Iberia. I've already found the former lighthouse workers to guide you. If nothing goes wrong, this will be a tough battle."

As a Saint of Iberia, Carmen had a responsibility to inform all those involved in the operation of the risks. They faced more than just the sea and its capriciousness. The primary reason their countless recapture attempts had failed was the infiltration of the Deep Sea Church. To avoid this, he chose a surprise attack by an elite squad. He wanted to minimize the possibility of being taken advantage of. If possible, he didn't even want the lighthouse workers involved.

Unfortunately, apart from the old lighthouse workers who come to lead the way, no one knows the specific operation of the Iberian Lighthouse.

The Great Silence dealt Iberia a more devastating blow than most imagined. It was a true blow that brought down a top power, a day the Iberians will never forget.

The coastline swallowed up a large amount of Iberia's territory. The original Golden Kingdom and Invincible Armada were destroyed overnight, and even the royal city sank into the vast ocean.

Although Iberia is on the verge of extinction, it still has the pride and backbone to move forward.

"To allow someone like you to cooperate with the Deep Sea Hunters—may I ask why you're so anxious?" Kal'tsit couldn't help but ask, "You clearly no longer trust Agor, right?"

"When it comes to life and death, all prejudices can be bypassed." In response to Kel'tsit's question, Carmen spoke. His expression remained unchanged, but his words were filled with fatigue. "Lord, do you know how old I am?"

"..."

"I know you know everything, that you've experienced far more than I have. I know that what I've been through cannot be compared to yours, but do you know this? My homeland, the Iberia I still remember, now exists only in my mind. In the Inquisition, my old friends are dwindling. I'm afraid—I'm truly afraid—that one day, Iberia's glory will truly become a legend. I lived in that era, I live in this era, and I am a relic of that era. I strive to support this country, but no matter how many means I employ, I will eventually die. After I die, how long can my successors hold on?"

Carmen asked.

"People are gone and the tea is cold. The successors have not experienced the glory of Iberia, and they will not understand the weight of the word 'Iberia'." Carmen looked into Kal'tsit's eyes, "If we don't recapture the coastline while I'm still alive, we may never cross it again. We must cross it! Iberia must cross it!"

At this moment, the old saint's eyes seemed to be burning with endless flames.

"I don't want to lie on my sickbed. I want to die on the battlefield, paving the way for my country. I don't want stability, I want revival." The Iberian Saint roared like a roaring lion. "For this, I will risk everything. I don't want to protect the broken Iberia of today. I want Iberia's name to resound throughout Terra once again. I will take the first step and rebuild Iberia's glory."

Carmen clenched her fists. "What's the point of burning this broken body for this?"

Carmen had experienced Iberia's glorious period. He had witnessed its decline, the Great Silence, the fall of the country, and the overthrow of the royal family. He was of course afraid that people after him would forget the Iberia of the past. He was already in his twilight years, and he didn't know how long he could stay in power, or how long he could maintain the current situation with a tough stance. But what he knew was that people would pursue stability, and perhaps, after his death, no one would mention the plan to retake the coastline anymore.

He—has no time left.

The immortal planned for future generations, and his life had long been dedicated to Iberia. He only hoped to do more for Iberia before leaving.

Even if it's just a little progress——

Feeling Carmen's will, even Kal'tsit could only nod.

"I understand, Saint Carmen. I accept your reasons—but this plan must be carried out under my supervision. Is that okay?"

"Of course, besides Agor, you're the one who understands these creatures best. Besides you, who else can I count on?" Carmen smiled. "Besides, these deep-sea hunters are beyond my control. I'll hand over full command of the front lines to you. The two Inquisitors participating in this operation were carefully selected by me—they are resolute and fearless of sacrifice. You can command them with absolute confidence."

Carmen nodded and took off his hat to show his sincerity. The tall old man with white hair handed over the command to Kal'tsit.

He used everything he could to revive his motherland. Even Kal'tsit had to admit that the man in front of him was a tough guy. No wonder he could control the Iberian political situation for so many years.

Carmen, the Iberian saint, changed the doctrine and the faith originally derived from the Lateran, established the Inquisition, and replaced the firearms in the hands of the Lateran statues with rapiers and lanterns.

He knew that Iberia needed faith, but it must not be dominated by the faith of the Lateran.

So what he needs is the Inquisition, not the Holy See. He is a saint, but not a saint of the Lateran.

——He is the saint of Iberia.

He belongs only to Iberia and will wield his sword only for Iberia.

If anyone dares to stand in his way, he will tear him apart with his own hands. He is a strong man, a madman, a dictator, and a tyrant, but no one loves Iberia more than him, and no one understands what Iberia needs better than him.

For such a person, Kal'tsit can only give enough respect and admiration.

As long as Carmen is alive, Iberia will not fall.

Chapter 27: Understanding the Iberian Tribunal

Noah took the initiative to avoid the conversation between Carmen and Kal'tsit, but after learning the location of her family cemetery from Kal'tsit, she actually wanted to go back and take a look.

However, going to see the family cemetery means returning to Casimir. Now, his identity in Casimir is not very popular, but at least he is hated by everyone. He must find a way to hide his identity and try not to cause trouble for Margaret.

I didn't expect that even going back to my ancestral grave to burn incense would require me to think about how to get back. I left so carefree that I didn't even think about how to get back...

If I contact Margaret, she will definitely help with the arrangements, and maybe Grandma Russell will help too, but it shouldn't be a big problem to just go back secretly to take a look... probably.

Amidst the confusion, Kal'tsit and Carmen also finished their discussion. Before leaving, Carmen took a deep look at Noah Kyrielight who was in a daze, thought for a while, and then came to her, took off her hat and greeted her.

"Good evening, Miss Noah."

"...Ah, good evening, Saint. Have you finished your discussion with Dr. Kal'tsit?" Noah came back to her senses and responded immediately. She was actually a little nervous. After all, she had never really met many true leaders. Enya and Enthiotis were partners and their families. As for Grandma Russell, Noah had never treated her as an outsider. She truly regarded her as her own grandmother...

So, the closest thing Noah had ever seen to a leader was perhaps Amiya, or the Rhodes Island trio of Kal'tsit and Doctor. While Amiya had leadership potential, she wasn't fully developed yet. Doctor was more of a military advisor, and Kal'tsit was more of a guardian between the two. So, in a sense, if the Rhodes Island trio combined their strengths, they would be the perfect model for a leader.

As for Saint Carmen, I'm really not familiar with her——

However, since the other party had come to him, Noah was mentally prepared. After all, the actions in Yanfeng City were somewhat presumptuous. Even if he had reported it in advance, Noah had expected that the other party would come to hold him accountable.

"The matter of Saltwind City..."

It really is something about Yanfeng City... It happened suddenly, but setting up a makeshift hospital on someone else's territory, claiming it's humanitarian aid, is bound to be met with suspicion...

"On behalf of Iberia, I want to thank you."

"……what?"

Just as Noah was about to be scolded, she heard the word "thank you" from the other party. She was stunned for a moment before she reacted.

"No, it was an emergency that forced me to resort to this last resort. Iberia is being lenient by not holding me responsible." Noah said this sincerely. She never thought of getting thanks from Iberia. After all, her behavior was outrageous in every sense of the word. It was a good thing that it did not cause international disputes. The stationing of a large number of foreign personnel into Iberia's territory could even be regarded as a violation of sovereignty to some extent.

Fortunately, the Iberian leader has not attacked him so far.

"Indeed, your actions initially made the Inquisition very wary. A large number of foreign personnel entered Iberia, including members of Rhine Life from Colombia and volunteers from other countries. The number of people was truly too great. If you hadn't submitted the personnel information and reports for approval in advance, and hadn't asked Dr. Kel'tsit to act as an advisor, the Punitive Army would have razed Saltwind City and driven you out."

Carmen had no intention of hiding it. This was the usual practice of the Inquisition. Iberia had simply become weaker and was no longer a place where people could come and go as they pleased. In fact, the Punitive Army was almost on the verge of setting off.

However, Kal'tsit's arrival changed the situation. Kal'tsit used her own reputation to guarantee that this action had absolutely no military purpose. You know, the reputation of this lord is not something that can be thrown away casually. Kal'tsit is a very prestigious person in the whole Terra. She can even mediate a small-scale war. In front of this living fossil of Terra, most people are willing to give her face.

You know, the military advisor of the coalition that led the attack on the newly born Kazdel was also Lord Kal'tsit.

The value of her face is very high.

It was also because of Kal'tsit's appearance that Carmen really noticed the young man's actions. There was no doubt that the other party had taken most of the situations into consideration, including Iberia's reaction. The square cabin hospital built with mobile cabins did not carry a large number of accompanying staff except for a large number of medical staff. The protection was basically only the responsibility of the group of deep-sea hunters. In this case, they also repelled a wave of attacks from the sea.

After the investigation into Noah began, Carmen could see reports about Noah in various places almost every day. It had to be said that although Noah was young, he was already a leader of the new generation.

If such a talent were in Iberia, Carmen would really consider training her as her heir.

But Casimir, who gave birth to her and raised her, exiled her because of a charge full of loopholes. Carmen felt her blood pressure rise when she saw this information.

I know Casimir has a Radiant Knight, but how can one have too many talents like this? If it were in Iberia, Noah would definitely become a high-ranking official in the Inquisition, and even after training, he would inherit my position and become a new Saint.

The court, which is eager to recruit talents, is really short of such talents now.

--etc……

Carmen suddenly had a new idea.

"Ms. Noah, are you interested in joining our Inquisition?"

"……what?"

"Of course, instead of being an inquisitor, you'll be doing some internal clerical work. Considering your physical condition, we'll prioritize liaisons with Agor as your main focus. You'll have two days off a week, no overtime, and some small benefits."

Mr. Carmen, is there something wrong with your painting style?

Noah didn't know what to answer. After all, these questions were beyond her expectations. At this moment, Kal'tsit appeared behind Carmen like a ghost.