The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 160: Interrogation and Confession

Vol 2 Chapter 160 Interrogation and Confession

White Cliff City, an independent mansion outside the royal palace.

This was originally a property belonging to a Regas noble, but now that the nobility of Regas had been almost entirely wiped out, it had been taken over by the royal family and was currently used to detain the remaining Hundred-Eyes Sect cultists.

In the spacious room, the only three remaining 'Demon Contractors' stood, waiting.

Soon, the door opened. Knights clad in engraved silver armor filed in. In their midst, a young girl wearing a white robe-dress stepped in unhurriedly. She walked to the wooden chair in the center of the hall and sat down. Six knights then stopped behind her, standing guard with swords in hand.

"My lady." Upon seeing Sylutia, they respectfully bowed.

They now knew that Sylutia was not the divinely favored one as claimed by the Hundred-Eyes Sect, but she was undoubtedly a superior existence capable of communicating with the Astral Plane and wielding the authority of the 'alien star'. As cultists who revered the 'alien star' lifeforms, they naturally maintained respect for such a being.

Moreover, they had all personally witnessed the descent of the 'vulture-lion' and were conquered by its immense power, not daring to oppose this girl who could summon the stars.

"You may rise." Sylutia had them stand up first, then pondered slightly.

"Actually, I originally intended to punish you. After all, as members of the Hundred-Eyes Sect, you bear a considerable amount of sin. But considering that keeping you alive would give this nation, setting sail once more, a few more helpers, I've decided to spare you for now.""Regarding the 'Hundred-Eyes Sect', during this period, I imagine you have seen many of the documents delivered to you and understand this was by no means a benevolent or harmonious organization."

"Yes, my lady." Hearing Sylutia speak this way, they quickly understood that the Hundred-Eyes Sect would likely cease to exist from now on.

"We are willing to renounce our identity as members of the Hundred-Eyes Sect, heed your guidance, and turn over a new leaf." After speaking, the few of them respectfully prostrated themselves.

Seeing them switch sides without any resistance left Sylutia, who had prepared quite a few persuasive arguments, momentarily at a loss for words. But this did indeed save a lot of effort.

"Turning over a new leaf isn't just about words. For at least the next ten years, you must atone for your past sins. During this period, you will not receive favorable treatment, so be mentally prepared." Sylutia reminded the three of them.

"However, if you can complete your tasks exceptionally well, I wouldn't mind guiding you on the Path of the alien star in the future." They needed to be given some hope; otherwise, if they remained mired in suffering, it would be difficult for them to get things done properly.

Hearing this, the three of them immediately became excited. Compared to the former Hundred-Eyes Sect Leader, this girl before them who had made the stars descend was clearly far more convincing and was also an officially recognized existence. This meant they wouldn't have to live like other cultists in the future, hiding and skulking about. Even with strength, they could gain social recognition and respect.

"We thank Lady Sylutia. We are willing to follow by your side and serve you."

Hearing such words, the knights behind Sylutia snorted coldly. These cultists spoke such pretty words. If they weren't still useful, they would have been executed long ago.

Sylutia wasn't surprised by the knights' distrust. After all, people with a tainted past found it hard to earn trust.

"In the future, you will need to systematically organize and compile everything you have learned into comprehensive instructional materials. Pay special attention to completely excising any parts related to the Hundred-Eyes Sect, leaving only the parts concerning the cultivation of the 'alien star' Aspect. I will review your materials and make improvements." Sylutia stated her plan.

"Afterwards, Regas will establish the 'Stargazing Hall' institution to train personnel in the 'alien star' Aspect. They will be used to observe stellar orbits, maintain the calendar, and construct magic arrays for communicating with the stars, to connect Regas and the Lion Palace." After the descent of the vulture-lion that night, a faint connection had now been established between Regas and the Lion Palace.

"Perhaps there will be a second opportunity to summon the 'vulture-lion' in the future. That will be when the 'Stargazing Hall' plays its role."

"Subsequently, you will join Regas's newly established investigation department, assisting in the search and clearance of cultist organizations and personnel within the country. As former members, I believe you should have particular insight into this area." The 'Evil Eyes' they had contracted with were indeed rare and useful assistants for detection and investigation.

"Yes." The three of them assented.

Afterwards, Sylutia led her people away, heading towards the heavily guarded dungeon. On the lowest level, she saw Carkis, who looked haggard and had a numb expression in his eyes.

This former Anty general now wore rough linen prison clothes, sitting in a corner. Heavy iron balls were attached to his arms and ankles. These were no ordinary items; they were special creations enhanced by 'Castle' secret arts, greatly suppressing the bound person's ability to manifest their Aspect and restricting their movement.

Inside the dungeon, several guards on duty immediately stood up upon seeing Sylutia's arrival, bowing to this somewhat petite silver-haired girl.

"Lady Sylutia."

"Hmm, just carry on with your duties." She nodded, then walked to the front of Carkis's cell. This place was heavily sealed, with several layers of isolation arrays reinforced around it, making it difficult for Carkis inside to recover his strength.

Hearing footsteps approach, Carkis, who was leaning against the stone wall, opened his eyes and saw this girl of exquisite beauty, gentle demeanor, and clad in snow-white attire.

"It's you?" He was somewhat puzzled, as he had been captured that very night and was unaware that Sylutia was the White Knight who had burst onto the battlefield.

"It's me." Sylutia nodded with interest.

Immediately, a knight accompanying her brought a chair for the girl, allowing her to sit comfortably.

Seeing these knights bearing the vulture-lion emblem show such respect to this girl, Carkis was quite confused and perplexed. But soon, someone explained it to him.

"Prisoner Carkis, standing before you now is the Acting Prime Minister of the new Regas, the Kingdom's Chief Knight, Her Majesty the Queen's benefactor and close friend, the Azure Star—Lady Sylutia."

"This…" He still had some doubts. Why was this girl, who looked quite delicate and not physically robust, addressed as the Chief Knight.

"Shouldn't it be gardener?"

"I am a gardener, but I occasionally moonlight as a knight. The White Knight you saw that night was me." Sylutia lightly covered her face with her fingers.

"But now is not the time to discuss that, Carkis."

"I have some questions for you, especially concerning the 'Hellhound' and the 'Twin-Snake Cult ritual artifacts'." When mentioning the 'Twin-Snake Cult', Sylutia's voice became solemn.

"Hah, I won't confess anything. Give up." He closed his eyes.

"Oh, why is that?" Sylutia tilted her head, her light blue eyes appraising this general whose rank had fallen.

"Because the moment I finish revealing the secrets is the moment I die." Carkis chuckled, seemingly mocking the girl's naive methods.

"So that's what you think." Sylutia pondered briefly. Given Carkis's character, he had likely done many similar things himself. Now applying that logic to his own situation, he naturally assumed the same.

"Indeed, even if you revealed all the secrets, it would be difficult to atone for your sins." Sylutia openly admitted that she would not spare his life.

"However, I still wish to know the answers to many questions. If you can tell me, I will help you fulfill some relatively unimportant wishes."

"Wishes? My greatest wish is to live, to grow stronger, to enjoy life. Which of those can you accomplish?" Carkis shook his head disdainfully.

"That does make things difficult." Sylutia thought for a moment.

"Perhaps I'm always too soft-hearted." She sighed and stood up, preparing to leave.

Seeing her give up so quickly, it was Carkis who felt uneasy instead, as if he had missed something important.

He scrambled to his feet and shouted at the departing figure's back, "How do you plan to deal with me?"

Hearing this, the girl wearing the white robe and cloak turned back, her smooth hair forming a beautiful curve over her shoulders.

"I will invite some professionals to question you." Sylutia answered honestly.

Hearing the words 'professionals', a chill ran down Carkis's spine. He was a professional himself and knew all too well the methods such people employed.

"Wait, I think we can still talk. Actually, I also have some small wishes I hope Miss Tia can help me fulfill."

"Really?" Sylutia tilted her head, somewhat disbelieving that he would change his tune so quickly.

"Yes. Who doesn't have some regrets and wishes?" Carkis slumped back to the floor, answering dejectedly. Within just a minute or two, his mental state had fluctuated several times.

"Then I'll listen." Sylutia nodded to the knight beside her.

She then sat back down in front of the cell, listening as Carkis confessed the experiences and secrets of these years, some concerning the Kingdom of Ante, others concerning the 'Twin-Snake Cult'…