Chapter 529: Chapter 13: Philis’s Accession and the Dawn Church’s New Holy Land: Mother Earth’s Holy Pool

Su Li held up Archibald’s head with his own hands, his slender fingers gently stroking the face once full of arrogance and mockery. His gaze was as cold as ice, staring at the head for a long time, wishing he could tear it into pieces.

After a long while, he finally handed the head to Belos, the dwarf Master of Forging beside him.

"Turn it into a drinking vessel," Su Li’s voice was calm and indifferent, "I want it to be eternally displayed in the hall of Bauhinia Castle, to remind every fool who steps in here—anyone who dares to challenge the majesty of the Bauhinia will pay the price."

Belos took the head, a spark of excitement gleaming in his cloudy eyes. As a dwarf Master of Forging, he had seen countless rare treasures, but the legendary-level skull in his hands was a high-grade material he had never encountered. He nodded excitedly, holding Archibald’s head as he left the meeting hall.

Su Li then turned around, his gaze falling on Gaucric: "Where is Philis? Why didn’t she come back with you?"

Gaucric shrugged slightly, his heavy beard trembling gently with the motion. His tone held a touch of helplessness: "I asked her if she wanted to come back with me. But she refused."

He paused, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "The young lady was determined in her tone, stating that she absolutely would not allow such things to happen again. She wants to go to the Sulande Province, to inherit the position of Elector, thus becoming your most solid support."

Upon hearing this, Su Li frowned slightly. The incident that day may have thoroughly changed the young lady’s mindset and destiny.

Su Li sighed, saying: "Actually, she didn’t need to take such a big risk. The political struggle there has already become intense; it’s as if she is willingly entering a dragon’s den."

Gaucric muttered loudly: "She is very determined. She said she wanted to grasp greater power because only then could she truly protect you. She even said... she would rather die in the struggles of Sulande than to see you get hurt because of her incompetence again."

Hearing this, a complex emotion surged in Su Li’s heart. He closed his eyes, as if he could see Philis’s fragile yet steadfast figure.

"How could she be so determined, without coming back even to take a look?" Su Li’s voice held a trace of melancholy.

Gaucric nodded: "Yes, she has no way out anymore. Because she took Archibald’s legendary-level sword and accepted the allegiance of the Eternal Light Knight Order as the heir elector of Sulande. If she were to give up everything, those twelve Divine Chosen Knights wouldn’t follow her to the Hesse Territory. So, the following morning, she continued her journey to the Sulande Province. I believe she will become an outstanding Elector."

Su Li raised his head, his gaze looking towards the distant horizon. The glow of the setting sun poured over his face, casting a golden hue on his features. His eyes held both confusion for the future and relief for the past.

"Perhaps... this is the destiny long since set in stone." He murmured to himself.

Maybe for her, it indeed is a blessing rather than a curse. Archibald was beheaded by Gaucric, and the Eternal Light Knight Order lost their Commander-in-Chief, so it’s only natural they should pledge allegiance to Philis, the heir apparent of the Prince’s Territory—if she could smoothly ascend to become the Elector.

But she is herself the second in line to inherit as Elector, so for the Eternal Light Knights to support her return to Sulande Province and seize the supreme position is actually in the interest of everyone involved.

Su Li murmured as he looked into the distance, indeed, Philis had no way out anymore.

These Eternal Light Knights pledge allegiance to the future Elector of Sulande Province. In other words, even if she wanted to return to the Hesse Territory, these Divine Chosen Knights would not follow her to pledge allegiance to Su Li. Should she retreat, she would merely become a lowly peasant woman in the countryside. But advancing not only could gain the loyalty of numerous Divine Chosen Knights, there is also a significant chance to secure the supreme position.

Su Li only hopes that Philis, who used to be a gentle, naive young woman, can really showcase her ultimate potential, employing her wisdom and strategy to triumph in the treacherous political struggle that lay ahead in Sulande Province.

But the young lady, his first woman, and their first child, are deeply mired in the bog of Sulande Province. Even if she temporarily defeats Archibald, it is just the first step in the struggle. As she enters the dragon’s den of Sulande Province, danger will continue to lurk around them, so Su Li must grow stronger with all his might to rescue them!

But no matter how it is, the current situation is already a perfect start that Su Li had never anticipated before.

Archibald was killed, and Philis no longer humiliated by control, instead taking the reigns and accepting the allegiance of the Eternal Light Knight Order, entering the Sulande Province as a master.

She has no controller behind her, which means it will be easy for her to garner the support of other Dukes. As long as she skillfully balances various parties, she, the second-in-line heir, has the greatest likelihood of reigning over the Sulande Grand Prince’s Territory.

Su Li has avenged his old grudge as well. Now that Philis is going to Sulande Province, it is entirely out of her own will, not under coercion. He no longer needs to feel miserable.

Therefore, Su Li’s mood brightened considerably, setting aside his various thoughts, smiling as he said to Gaucric: "Your Eminence Demigod, you must stay with us in the Hesse Territory for a few days, so we can show you our full hospitality."

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