Chapter Seventeen: The Emblem of Light

“Are you sure?” Welch’s expression grew even more solemn. His hands, which had been hidden in his sleeves, instinctively came out and clasped together.
“Absolutely certain,” Clark Dawes replied with a grave expression as well. “Nojora and Lorenzo both appeared near the Sky Garden. How could they be there? They rarely go there even once in a few years. How could they appear there so frequently in just a few days? Other than meeting Caesar, I can’t imagine what else they could be doing.”
“Hmm, if the news is true, then we need to think carefully,” Welch sighed, his worry deepening.
“My lord, are you worried that they might join forces against me?” Clark Dawes couldn’t help but ask.
“No, that’s not what worries me. I know Caesar well. As the leader of the Wind Riders, he would never do anything against his principles. The same goes for the knights of the Wind Riders. This is precisely why the Wind Riders stand above all other knight orders on the continent, even those of the Bohemian Court Magic Knights.”
“It’s not that their combat strength is much greater than those other orders, but rather their rigorous discipline, unwavering beliefs, and persistent spirit make all other knight orders look up to them. The Wind Riders are the true Emblem of Light. To be precise, they are the true representatives of the Church of Light. It’s a pity that their strict adherence to their principles has kept them from interfering in church affairs, leading to the Church of Light’s current state.”
“The Wind Riders would never turn their swords against the Church of Light itself. Whether it’s our Order of Mercy, the Church of Pericles, or the Church of St. Basil, I’m certain of that.”
“Then what is worrying you? As long as it’s not aimed at us…” Clark Dawes asked, puzzled.
“Clark, you need to think more broadly. Nojora and Lorenzo wouldn’t step in lightly, especially for something like visiting Caesar. If they do, it means they have something important to discuss and are completely confident about it.”
“Caesar wields the most powerful military force of the Church of Light. Aside from Caesar himself, any two of his four Holy Heart Knights together possess the strength to defeat Trajan. If we include other knights as well, I doubt there’s any knight order on the continent that can match them, not even the Bohemian Court Magic Knights.”

“Think about it—how could the Inquisition even ally itself with the Wind Riders? Who could make Norolla and the others set aside their pride and seek help from them? Who has such power?” Welch asked calmly.
“Ah? My lord, are you referring to that guy from Nicomedia?”
“Besides him, I can’t think of anyone else,” Welch nodded. “It seems Norolla really intends to launch a thorough purge. If the Wind Riders truly join forces with those guys from the Inquisition, then even if Komer has plenty of half-orcs and barbarians backing him, he’ll be as weak as paper. Even if he gains control over Nicomedia’s major knightly orders, it won’t help at all—against Caesar and the others, such ordinary forces are worthless.”
“In that case, if they wish, wouldn’t the Wind Riders be able to decide anything on the continent?” Clark Dawes murmured, somewhat dazed.
“Not exactly. First, the Wind Riders won’t act recklessly. Second, they’re not without rivals. I’m saying Komer’s half-orcs and barbarians are useless, but that doesn’t mean he lacks other strengths. That guy Rebril has been hiding his abilities for so long—I reckon he’s on his way to becoming a great archmage. That puppet mage, Mihajic, is equally unpredictable. Add in a few dark powers from the south—just the strength of the Inquisition isn’t enough to suppress Komer’s forces.”
“And Komer’s Black Flame Knights are also a hidden blade in the darkness. Several of those dark knights already possess considerable strength, at least on par with Leclerc’s level. Though they can’t compare to the Wind Riders, if Komer really manages to gather the elite of Nicomedia’s three major knightly orders, he still has a fighting chance.”
At this moment, Welch acted like a shrewd tactical analyst, explaining in detail the strengths of both sides to Clark Dawes. It was then that Clark Dawes realized how sharp-witted and clear-minded Lord Welch was, able to analyze the situation so thoroughly that all his previous doubts were dispelled.

“What should we do now?” Clark Dawes couldn’t help swallowing a mouthful of saliva that had turned bitter from nervousness. If Lord Welch’s analysis was correct, this battle was almost imminent, and it would determine the fate of entire Nicomedia and the Church of Light. It would also have an immeasurable impact on the entire continent. No matter the outcome, it would affect the rise and fall of all factions on the continent.

Welch stood up and began to pace slowly around the room. He wasn’t all-knowing and omnipotent as Clark Dawes had imagined. The complex situation before him was extremely delicate—one wrong move could lead to total failure, yet it wasn’t him who was making those moves; he was merely an observer.

An observer sees clearly, but they also suffer from being unable to intervene. Watching a game that could affect one’s own fate without being able to influence it was equally distressing.

“What to do?” Welch murmured to himself.

Komer’s hostility toward the Salvation Society was gradually becoming more evident, and it was intensifying. Clearly, he sensed the threat posed by the growing strength of the Salvation Society to his rule. This could be seen from his compromises with the Pericles faction and the St. Basil faction. Although it seemed on the surface that both sides were treated equally, the underlying coldness and distance couldn’t be concealed.

Under such circumstances, it seemed favorable for Noroya and the others to teach Nicomedia a lesson. But the problem was that this wasn’t a lesson—it was outright destruction.

Welch didn’t believe Noroya and Caesar hadn’t reached some kind of understanding with Frunest and Vazhinki. Noroya went without saying. Although Caesar was straightforward, he wasn’t an ignorant fool who failed to understand the times. Such unspoken understandings could suffice—there was no need for explicit declarations. Wasn’t that exactly the attitude they showed toward him?

The Salvation Society could stand by and watch. At least on the surface, the alliance between the Wind Riders and the Tribunal wouldn’t harm them. But what if Nicomedia failed and collapsed completely? Who would benefit from that?

Needless to say, the Tribunal would naturally become the undisputed power within the Church of Light. But that would only apply to the church’s internal affairs and its authority to interpret doctrine. As for the real division of secular power, Frunest and Vazhinki would be the biggest beneficiaries. Without a unified central government, Nicomedia would surely fall apart, with various factions aligning themselves with Pericles and St. Basil.

And what about the Salvation Society?

By then, the Tribunal, freed from other obligations, would use its victory to target the Salvation Society. With control over the interpretation of doctrine in hand, the Tribunal would surely shift all blame onto them, making their situation even more difficult. The end of the Komer era would also break the current tacit coexistence between the Dark Faction and the Salvation Society; they would retreat to the South and make every effort to undermine the foundation the Salvation Society had just established there, turning everything extremely dire.

Realizing this, Welch felt greatly relieved. Since this battle was inevitable, he had to make a decision right away. In such a conflict, those who stayed neutral were undoubtedly pitiful. The Salvation Society not only had to stand firmly by the Nicocians but also immediately warn them to prepare thoroughly, including suggesting they seek help from the South if necessary.

The Wind Riders hadn’t fought in years, and their combat strength couldn’t be underestimated. Yet Caesar and the Wind Riders’ participation hadn’t been approved by the Pope. The Pope’s seclusion seemed to foreshadow something. If his judgment was indeed wrong, then it was probably divine will.

Did he need to go to the battlefield personally? Welch hesitated for a moment before shaking his head with a bitter smile. Could he really avoid it? In the history of the Light Church, he should have long been doomed to hell—why care about such things now? If he was to be destroyed, it better be completely.

“Clark, go inform Komer right away. Tell them as much in detail as possible about the alliance between the Tribunal and the Wind Riders. Also, hint that even if they unite their forces, they won’t be strong enough to resist. Hmm, and let them know the current attitudes of Frenst and Vazinki so they can make their own judgment.”

“Huh?” Clark Dawes was so surprised he couldn’t speak. He never expected to get such an answer.

“What did you say, Lord Welch? Did I hear that right?” Clark Dawes’ face turned red as he stammered.

“Clark, you heard me right. Time waits for no one. Go and inform them first. As for the details, I want you to think carefully on the way—consider all aspects of the situation and its possible consequences. If you still can’t figure it out, I’ll explain it to you when you return. But for now, you must go to Ugru immediately. I’ll prepare and follow soon.”

Welch’s face also showed bitterness. Perhaps no one wanted to see such an outcome, but who could change it? Even the Pope might not be able. That’s why he chose to avoid it and leave it to divine judgment.