Chapter 10: The Holy Lily Swordswoman

“Mr. Proxis, your explanation disappoints me greatly. Is the Great Secret Sect’s missionary work in the southern regions limited to vagrants and beggars? What value is there in gaining their faith?” Komer shook his head. “I’ll discuss this issue thoroughly with Xuheluo. But I must remind you not to be overly optimistic. Perhaps the Light Church isn’t ready yet, but I can tell you without exaggeration that the Light Church is full of talented people—far from as mediocre and incompetent as you think. If the Dark Sect doesn’t seriously examine its flaws and improve itself promptly, waiting until the Light Church advances before waking up will be too late.”

Komer’s sharp and merciless criticism left Proxis and Seramius, two key figures in the Great Secret Sect, feeling depressed. It seemed this Dark Lord had little confidence in the sect’s prospects in the south. Yet they had to admit his points made sense. Due to inherent limitations from the start, although the Dark Sect had gradually gained permission to preach openly in various southern countries over the years, few had truly won the allegiance of the upper classes. Apart from Piraeus, which could be considered a success story, other cities and nations had not reached that level.

Seeing the two core members of the Great Secret Sect unusually refrain from contradicting him and instead ponder deeply, Komer felt slightly better. At least these guys knew how to use their minds. If they remained complacent about their achievements, the sect likely had little future. While it’s important for a sect to have many powerful experts, what’s more crucial is having wise people who think critically and know when to advance or retreat. Only then can they move from winning the support of ordinary people to gaining the trust of the upper nobility. Only by reaching this stage can the Dark Sect truly establish itself in the south. And as it stands, if other countries and cities are in the same situation, the Dark Sect has at most laid a foundation.

Komer ignored the two who had quietly settled in Glamis. Since they wanted to stay there, no one had the right to stop them. Komer had his own work to do.

What Komer needs to do now is establish long-term cooperative relationships with the Odysseus family and the Stephens family. The negotiations with Baski over the prices of Cotton Castle and Crystal Castle have also reached a basic agreement: 450,000 gold coins for both castles along with the surrounding forests and pastures, plus a land contract for the Flanders Valley. This deal is a highly satisfactory outcome for both parties.

On the third day after Komer arrived in Athens, the Olympic Festival finally began. As a guest of honor of the Odysseus family, Komer was fortunate enough to sit in the stands and witness the grand musical and dance performances with a strong Mediterranean flavor. The most renowned performing groups from various countries took turns on stage, while bards and musicians collaborated to form a huge procession, delivering enchanting melodies to guests from all over the world in the grand arena.

Yet nothing compared to Sparta’s most famous three sports: racing, horse racing, and gladiatorial combat. At the opening ceremony, the Spartans would also demonstrate their bravery and skill to prove they were indeed the foremost land power in the Southern Mediterranean region.

When the winged warhorse pulled the chariot made of pure silver onto the circular track in the grand arena, the arena, capable of holding 30,000 people, erupted into excitement.

Komer curiously examined this exquisitely noble chariot. The snow-white warhorse was undoubtedly a famous Pegasus from the Olympus Mountains. Though its flesh-colored wings couldn’t make it fly, its strong physique held endless strength. Its beautiful mane and neat hooves moved lightly on the track, as if dancing to music. Even those uninitiated understood what this Pegasus meant.

The chariot made of pure silver was perfectly suited to this king of horses. The delicate reins were harmoniously connected, and golden ribbons hung from the pole at the back of the chariot, indicating that its owner was no ordinary person.

The racer sitting in the chariot sent the entire arena into frenzy. Flowers and ribbons thrown in the air carried people’s sincerest blessings. With long black hair and ivory-white skin, those bright eyes swept across the entire arena. Even Komer, who was dozens of meters away, seemed to feel the coolness brought by those gaze, just like the other spectators.

Taking a deep breath, Komer tried hard to control his uncontrollable emotions and asked in a low voice, “Mr. Karmado, who is this young lady?”

Glancing at Renault with some surprise, Karmado laughed. “Mr. Kaladin, have you never heard of the reputation of our Holy Maiden of Mount Olympus? She is our great Holy Maiden Athena—Miss Helena. She will perform amazing racing feats for us in a moment, and she will also compete in the chariot races of this Olympia Championship.”

They look so alike, Komer couldn’t help but mutter. If it weren’t for the noble bearing displayed by Miss Helena, she would be none other than Vero herself! At this point, Komer was almost certain that Miss Helena and Vero must have some kind of blood relation.

Vero had once told him that she had a twin sister who was stolen from her as a child. Over the years, Duke Zelin had spent countless efforts searching for her, but to no avail. Every time Vero mentioned this, she would burst into tears. Komer had to carefully comfort her wounded heart, hoping that one day he could help her fulfill her long-held wish to reunite with her sister. And now, it seemed that a glimmer of hope was right before their eyes.

“Oh? Miss Helena, the Holy Maiden? Is she of noble birth in your country?” Komer asked casually.

“No, no, she isn’t from our Spartan nobility. But she is the only disciple of our greatest Holy Maiden and Lily Swordswoman—Miss Kleiper. Her swordsmanship is said to be on par with Miss Kleiper’s,” Karmado said, lifting his head proudly.

“Holy Maiden Lily Swordswoman? Kleiper?” Komer repeated those names in his mind several times. He really had no memory of them. “What kind of person is she?”