In the Name of Empress

Chapter 662 376: Between a Rock and a Hard Place (2)

Roland resolutely shook his head, then nodded, leaving Cyrus a bit baffled. What does it mean?

Roland smiled and explained, "If it's a religious speech, Christine certainly wouldn't agree and might even duel you. But I'm speaking as an individual, and not involving religious content."

He held up three fingers and earnestly said, "First, I will exchange sufficient secrets; second, you can review my speech outline in advance; third, in return, you can carry out missionary activities in my non-Faith in Light territories."

Cyrus stood up abruptly, and looked at Roland in disbelief.

"Mr. Roland, are you serious?"

"Very serious." Roland's eyes sparkled with a peculiar brilliance.

Cyrus pondered for a moment, as if using all his strength to say, "These are irresistible terms, I agree. But I will offer secrets of equal weight in exchange, not taking advantage of you."

"Oh? Mr. Cyrus is quite straightforward." Roland and Cyrus locked eyes, both of them laughing.

Bargains aren't that easy to gain.

The exchange terms Roland offered indeed outweighed the gains. The first two items are just appetizers; allowing the Divine Court of Nature to preach in his non-Faith in Light territories is the main course.

The Light District is Christine's forbidden zone, no one can touch it. What she can't chew, Roland doesn't mind trading.

He has no camaraderie with the Divine Court of Fengrao, not even because his switch to Light has caused tension.

Not friends, even potential enemies, Roland certainly wouldn't be polite.

The benefits he gave up are many, but they are empty promises, he doesn't lose. Cyrus also knows this, but he focuses on the future.

As long as Roland remains, the promise stays valid.

With Roland's territorial expansion, his non-Faith in Light territories would only increase, making the agreement promising for the future.

Cyrus doesn't mind taking advantage, but he knows Roland.

Those who want to take advantage of Roland usually end up badly, he doesn't want to offend anyone.

After reaching a cooperation intention, Roland throws out the first appetizer.

"Mr. Cyrus, have you heard those four prophecy verses?"

"Of course, Miss Christine is eager for the world to know she's conveying the Divine Oracle, who hasn't heard?"

He said somewhat dismissively.

The religious belief contest is a contest for discourse.

Christine's four prophecy verses are gradually becoming a reality. Once her conveyed "Divine Oracle" becomes reality, who can doubt her exalted status?

Other sects' believers couldn't help but waver.

The gods they worship are silent while the Light Faith Gods not only protect the mundane but can also convey the Divine Oracle through Christine.

This is hugely important.

Gods are mighty, but not every god is sufficiently generous.

Followers fear not worshiping evil gods but worshiping gods who don't refuse or respond.

Even if evil gods are willing to listen to their prayers and respond, it's considered good.

The strength and powers of the Three Goddesses are at the same level, but their response to followers is not at the same level.

Since Christine possesses the ability to listen to the Divine Oracle, attracting followers is naturally easier.

Thinking of this, Cyrus' face contorted in pain, and he couldn't help but argue:

"Although Miss Christine insists it's a Divine Oracle, the content might not be entirely accurate."

"'In the night, shadow tentacles weave the net' evidently targets our Divine Court of Nature's Dr. Crow, utterly ridiculous. Dr. Crow, although wearing a crow mask to hide his identity, does so at the cost of healing abilities through sacrificial rituals."

Cyrus, unwilling to accept, said, "If only because the Crow Doctor group hides their identity, equating them with other saboteurs, I cannot accept."

Though it's somewhat impolite to disparage Christine in front of Roland, Cyrus didn't back down.

He understands Roland, although a Knight of Light, he isn't religious, his essence is still a secular lord.

Saying certain things to Roland not only conveys emotions but doesn't completely lose control.

Seeing Cyrus' agitated expression, Roland motioned him to sit with one hand.

It's clear that while the Crow Sage seems emotionally agitated, his mind remains sharp.

While others assume Roland and Christine's interests align, Cyrus keenly senses their differences.

Facing Cyrus' questioning, Roland calmly explained, "Certainly not related to you. Although your Crow Doctor organization looks like a target described in the prophecy, it's someone else."

"Have you heard of the Dark Race?"

Cyrus was stunned, eyes bewildered, breath a bit chaotic, "Mr. Roland, please speak."

If the Dark Race can be mentioned in prophecy verses, they surely have formidable power. His complete unfamiliarity with them naturally makes him tense.

Roland sternly said, "Do you still remember Queen Sisi? She's an Enchanting Demon of the Dark Race."

"Enchanting Demon? You're talking about the Demon Race?!"

Cyrus stood up again, eyes wide open.

The news Roland brought challenged his perception, he strove to calm his emotions, gradually easing.

"Enchanting Demon? No wonder she captivates men so easily. Several young talents of the past generations fell hopelessly for her, even ruining their great futures, turned out to be those damn Demon Race!"

Roland shared information related to the Dark Race with Cyrus.

While he narrated, Cyrus wanted to ask questions but restrained himself.

Upon hearing the Dark Race's high-tier councilors dared to ambush Sofia in the Arctic Icefield, his face turned notably unpleasant.

Though the Dark Race's move failed, their astonishing actions and bold adventurous style still made Cyrus tremble.

Luckily these guys are far away in Tirol, far from him.

He exhaled deeply, relieved with a gentle sigh, "I heard you've settled Queen Sisi, truly worthy of you, so easily resolving the Dark Race crisis."

"No, the Dark Race crisis isn't resolved. Although Queen Sisi is dead, the Dark Race remains, even the space rift connecting the Dark Side and main realm was reinforced and relocated."

Cyrus' heart beat wildly, though he heard some of the Demon Race's formidable reputation.

These mad folks fought for survival space with the Goddesses' kin during the Age of Gods, despite being at a disadvantage, their power is evident.

If not for the unexpected appearance of the Three Goddesses, it's uncertain if their kin could defeat them.

He retracted his schadenfreude, concernedly asked, "Mr. Roland, with such hostile neighbors, you must have it tough, I'm willing to abide by the White Mountain Agreement, offer help."

"Mr. Cyrus, I appreciate your sentiment, but I probably don't need it."

Roland couldn't help but raise his lip corner slightly, calmly saying, "Mr. Cyrus, with such hostile neighbors, you've had it tough. I'm willing to abide by the White Mountain Agreement, offer help."

Cyrus was stunned, Roland this guy is actually mimicking what he just said.

He's somewhat irritated, such behavior indeed isn't very polite, but he couldn't complain.

While he felt displeased about Roland's mimicry, he suddenly thought of a possibility, standing up abruptly.

"Mr. Roland, you mean..."

"Yes, the Dark Race failed in the contention with Rodinia, they're no match for Sofia, resorted to plea for Sofia to stop. The final agreement results in the Dark Race retreating from the Rodinia Continent to develop in South Continent."

Cyrus almost spat an old mouthful of blood.

The Nubian Kingdom's territory spans Rodinia Continent and South Continent, although the wealthiest Sky City is in Rodinia, most lands are in the South.

If the Dark Race settles in South Continent, how should he handle it?

His vision dimmed, Cyrus nearly fainted, but managed to stand firmly.

A bitter smile appeared on his lips, he self-deprecatingly sighed, "Mr. Roland, if you have more bad news, say it all. I can handle it."

"There's another piece of news, albeit not entirely bad. Talia Kingdom is about to become New Magic Empire, their direction of expansion is..."

Roland took a deep breath, calmly said, "Southward."