The Villain Saint is my secondary account

Ella pushed open the dungeon door and entered again. Orfindo, who was in the corner, seemed to notice her out of the corner of his eye. He quickly closed his eyes, crossed his fingers in a prayer gesture, and began to mutter to himself.

"I am forever loyal to Lady Agnes, I am forever loyal to Lady Agnes..."

“Mr. Orfindo, you are a knight of the Sanctuary. You should be loyal to the Sanctuary of Light and the God of Light, not to Agnes, whom you speak of.”

Ella crossed her arms over her chest.

"I will always be loyal to Lady Agnes..."

Orfindo ignored Ella and kept repeating his mutterings, looking almost like he was going mad.

What's wrong with this guy...? He seems even more crazy than he was last night?

Ella bent down and looked Orfindo over with a puzzled expression.

The other party immediately shrank back, as if avoiding some terrifying demon.

The other party is not strong-willed, but will resolutely avoid anything that might shake his loyalty.

What methods did Agnes use to brainwash this guy like this?

Ella was very confused; this didn't even look like a normal person anymore, it was more like a...

Forehead?

Ella was stunned to recall the blunders Ye Xiao had caused in Agnes's bedroom last night.

"No way?" Ella was a little surprised.

Isn't this just some kind of romantic flair, or perhaps some kind of more distorted relationship...?

Ella glanced at the back of Orfino's collar and reached out to pull it open.

A dense array of thin, elongated scars came into view, including many bloody wounds that appeared to have appeared in the last few days.

These wounds were clearly not inflicted by Ella during the interrogation, nor were they inflicted by Ye Xiao. There is only one answer.

No wonder Agnes was so ruthless last night; she probably didn't treat Orfino like a human being.

No... I'm afraid it's not just Orphnoch...

Ella's lips twitched.

Stockholm syndrome, as a controversial psychological term, has not been officially recognized by authoritative medical institutions. However, such cases do exist in reality, and the term can reflect emotional states under certain power imbalances to some extent.

If this guy in front of her had been given a similar mental illness, then Ella could probably understand the reason for his unusual loyalty.

It's not for any belief or righteousness, nor for spiritual strength, but simply a kind of morbid state.

The problem is, how do we crack this?

After a moment of contemplation, Ella came up with a bold idea.

Chapter 81 Barren Mountain

As the saying goes, the one who tied the knot must untie it. Since Orphund only listens to Agnes, the only solution is to bring Agnes over to him.

However... of course, I don't mean capturing the real Agnes. After all, even if we captured Agnes, that woman certainly wouldn't listen to Ella.

Therefore, Ella planned to use the Myriad Rings that Ye Xiao was using to mimic Agnes's image and then pry open this guy's mouth.

For the Wanxiang Ring to record the image of the target object, the user needs to touch the target for more than three seconds.

And unfortunately, just as they came up with this solution, Ye Xiao and the others were already on their way to the desolate island and mountains.

Agnes rode close behind Decali in the center of the group, while Ye Xiao, as the vice-captain, was assigned to lead the Templar Knights on foot at the front of the group.

This made it difficult for Ye Xiao to find an opportunity to contact Agnes for the time being.

Because the Mimicry recording function of the Myriad Rings needs to be actively triggered, Ye Xiao did not consider using Agnes's image yesterday, so he did not activate this function when he was in the other party's bedroom, which means he has to find a way to stage another incident with the other party now.

Ella had considered asking Asamonte for help using her divine power, but the pleasure-seeking demon had taken Lucyville somewhere to party last night and she wouldn't see her for a while.

However, it doesn't matter. This matter isn't that urgent. After all, Orfino is right here and can't escape. Ye Xiao can slowly find an opportunity to make contact, and there won't be any major problems.

Ella stretched, and since she had nothing else to do, she created a portal back to the merchant ship to continue resting.

As for the Holy Tribunal team, as mentioned earlier, after their discussion in the morning, they decided that Agnes would lead the team to search the desolate mountains for any trace of the missing Holy Casket.

The main island of the Mansa Islands is actually quite large, but its terrain is mostly rugged, densely forested hills. As a result, only the slightly flat coastal area on the south side of the island has developed towns and docks. The vast north side is largely uninhabited due to its treacherous terrain, making it an ideal hiding place for fugitives or pirates.

It would not be surprising if heretics chose to hide here.

In addition, Ye Xiao also learned from the morning meeting that Agnes seemed to be one of the descendants of the Boromeo family, who were responsible for guarding the Holy Casket. Therefore, she was able to find people or things with the aura of the Holy Casket by relying on the revelation she received from praying to the gods.

The specific manifestation of this process of seeking "divine revelation" was Agnes interlacing her fingers, holding the pendant around her neck, and praying, recounting some of the images she saw in the darkness.

The process may seem simple, but the reason they traveled all the way from the Holy City to the Mansa Islands was because Agnes claimed to have seen this place in a revelation.

Similarly, they arrested Effie for the same reason. Although Effie was not a member of the church, Agnes saw Effie appear when she prayed for "divine revelation."

Her appearance in the divine revelation suggests a connection to the Holy Casket, but since Iphi is not of the Boromeo family bloodline, she can only be judged as a heretic who stole the Holy Casket.

Of course, Ye Xiao secretly pondered that it would be absurd to hastily label someone a heretic and decide their life or death based on such a mysterious thing, but considering the way the Holy Tribunal operates, it seems quite normal to do so.

As Ye Xiao was lost in thought, the court team had already arrived at the foot of the barren mountain.

Located in the center of the Mansa Islands, this mountain's grey-brown body appears somber even on sunny days.

The group entered a vast, desolate mountain forest with few human footprints and a rugged path. Agnes, who was used to being pampered, insisted on riding on horseback, so the leading Templar Knight had to keep clearing the way for his master's horse.

Decali, with her ponytail, rode alongside Agnes, chatting and laughing all the way. Her loud voice echoed through the procession, a stark contrast to the Templars struggling to make their way through the mud, holding onto the reins.

Occasionally, you'll encounter some monsters like goblins and mud frogs along the way, but these insignificant little monsters pose little threat to the Templar Knights.

As noon approached, the group slowly made its way into the depths of the desolate mountains.

Although it is winter, the forests on the barren mountains of the tropical islands remain as lush as in summer, with layers of leaves forming a dense net that breaks up the scattered sunlight.

Time passed leisurely, and about an hour later, the group reached the middle of the winding mountain path. Decali ordered the team to stop so that they could replenish their supplies and rest.

Agnes gently tightened the reins and began her routine sacred ritual, seeking guidance to find the lost relic.

"May the Holy Light have mercy on me and grant me insight to illuminate the hidden path to the sacred objects."

At this moment, a circle of Templar Knights stood solemnly around them, with Ye Xiao at the head of the group, also gazing at Agnes's sacred prayer.

Shortly after, Agnes opened her eyes again, her finger pointing firmly to the lush forest deep in the mountains.

"The holy light has given me clear enlightenment—that heretics who dare to steal the sacred objects are hiding in the darkness."

No matter how many times you witness it, this so-called "divine revelation" always seems too hasty and simplistic.

Ye Xiao's gaze swept over Agnes and noticed that as she spoke earnestly, she was tightly clutching a rectangular crystal pendant to her chest with her other hand.

During her morning prayers seeking divine guidance, Agnes would hold the pendant in her hand.

Compared to the so-called "divine revelation," Ye Xiao felt that the pendant might be the key tool Agnes actually used to track the Holy Casket.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lady Agnes."

Dekali, who was serving the other person, smiled and nodded.

"What's so hard about just a few words..." Ye Xiao couldn't help but complain inwardly from a distance.

However, now that the team is resting, he might have a good opportunity to get close to Agnes and record the mimicry of the Ring of All Things.

Ye Xiao had already thought of an excuse to get closer, so he braced himself and went over to pat Agnes on the shoulder, saying he apologized for what happened last night. Regardless of whether Agnes forgave him or not, as long as he could record the mimicry, that was enough.

However, just as Ye Xiao tiptoed toward Agnes, Decari, who was beside Agnes, suddenly gleamed in his eyes, drew his sword, pointed it at the bushes beside him, and said coldly, "Come out!"

This angry shout immediately drew the attention of all the knights, and even Agnes, who was resting on a rock covered with a soft cloth, became alert.

Ye Xiao had no choice but to stop and look in the direction of the crowd.

Three seconds of contact, neither long nor short, was originally intended to be a quick and decisive battle while Agnes was off guard, but now that she was on alert, it would undoubtedly add variables.

The grass where Decali's sword was pointing rustled, and a simply dressed old farmer staggered out, saying in a panic, "Your Excellency, please calm down! I was just passing by and had no intention of offending your dignity!"

Chapter 82 Trap

"Who are you? What are you doing hiding here so suspiciously?"

Decali frowned.

This desolate mountain is rarely visited by people; what chance would it be to run into a passerby?

"I'm innocent, Your Excellency! I'm just a villager living nearby!"

The old man's face was filled with terror as he looked at the cold glint of the sword's blade. Tears welled up in his eyes. "I usually take this path to gather herbs. Today, seeing so many people all of a sudden, I didn't dare to rush in, so I just stood by and watched!"

Dekari raised an eyebrow. "Are there any villages nearby?"

Although the northern part of the island is sparsely populated, it is not entirely uninhabited. Even in such places, there may be some nameless villages built by sea people who drifted here in earlier years.

Therefore, if there are indeed villages nearby, then it might really be a case of wrongly accusing someone.

Decari then looked at Agnes and said, “Lady Agnes, if there are any villages nearby, we might go and investigate. Perhaps we can find some clues about the heretics.”

"It's up to you to decide."

Agnes waved her hand casually.

"Sir, then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

Decali sheathed his sword.

"Ah, sir!? But, but..."

The old man stammered, seemingly unwilling, but after meeting Decali's cold gaze, he had no choice but to nod.

The group, which had just sat down to rest, set off again. Ye Xiao was thinking of taking advantage of the chaos to get close to Agnes when Decari's voice came over, "Orfindo, go to the front of the group and keep an eye on that old gentleman. Don't let him get away."

After giving his orders, Nadcalli went back to his horse and chatted with Agnes.

Agnes treated everyone else coldly, but she seemed to have a lot to talk about with Decari.

Ye Xiao's lips twitched, and he could only lead the team to follow the old man deeper into the dense forest.

Before long, after about half an hour's journey, an unexpected scene came into view—a village hidden in the forest, like a secluded paradise in a dream.

The village is small and exquisite, with simple houses surrounding a blue lake. The lake flows gently, and a hidden river winds through the forest, seemingly connecting with the vast sea in the distance.

The villagers bustled about among the houses, but when they saw the fully armed Templar Knights appear, they all hurriedly retreated and disappeared into their own houses.

A middle-aged man ran out in a panic, claiming to be the village chief. After nervously inquiring about their purpose, he led the group to the village to rest.

"There really is a small village here."

Decali was somewhat surprised. He hadn't found it when he went up the barren mountain alone to investigate the traces of the heretics. He had to admit that the village was indeed in a very hidden location.

"Judging from your attire, are you from the church?"

As the village chief led everyone into the village, he chatted with Dekali.

"That's right, you're the village chief here. Have you seen any suspicious people around here?"

"There are quite a few suspicious people... to be honest, pirates or fugitives often pass through the mountains,"

The village chief scratched his head. "But we're poor here, and to be honest, there's not much to spy on. Pirates or fugitives mainly use this place for hiding, so there's never been any conflict."

As they spoke, the group entered the village along the moss-covered stone path.

The surrounding area was mostly low houses built with palm wood and rocks. As soon as Ye Xiao entered the village, he felt many hidden eyes cast from the shadows around him, and some blurry figures could be seen in the windows of the small houses.

Villages that frequently deal with pirates or fugitives are certainly not as honest and kind as the village chief claims.

If you treat this place as a typical hospitable and simple village, you're bound to run into problems.

Fortunately, Dekali seemed to realize this as well. He ordered everyone to eat only the dry food and water they had brought with them. This was not a long journey, so there was no need to replenish supplies in this unknown village.

Ye Xiao secretly approved of Decali's order; it was wise not to touch food or water of unknown origin during the mission.

After finding a vacant spot on the lakeshore in the village to temporarily set up camp, Dekari had everyone gather together to rest for a while before continuing their journey an hour later.

Seeing that he had a free moment, Ye Xiao began to think about getting closer to Agnes again.

He took two jugs of water, prepared an excuse in his mind, and headed towards Agnes.

Agnes caught a glimpse of Ye Xiao approaching out of the corner of her eye. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the smile that had been playing in her eyes while she was chatting with Decali instantly froze.

"what's up?"

"Um... Lady Agnes, I think I need to apologize for what happened last night."