The Villain’s Cheat Code: When a Gamer Becomes the Evil God’s Sidekick-Chapter 378: I Bestow Upon You a New Surname
Divine emissaries are mortals endowed with the residual power of gods.
They walk among the mortal realm as the spokespersons of their deities.
With unparalleled power, they demonstrate to the world the gods they believe in and widely spread their sacred teachings.
And Bishop Mikaela standing before him represented the generous Goddess of Abundance.
As for why Viktor knew this so clearly?
He had a divine emissary in his own family.
Hearing Viktor reveal her crucial identity, Mikaela showed no surprise.
Instead, a peaceful and gentle atmosphere still enveloped her, as if surrounded by an invisible halo:
"It seems you know much more than I imagined."
She half-sat, bowing elegantly to Viktor, her eyes flickering with deeper respect.
Her voice, soft yet firm, said:
"I am certain I have not chosen the wrong person."
Mikaela's composed reaction seemed to have been anticipated by Viktor.
He leaned back leisurely against the seat, quietly examining her with eyes as deep as an abyss.
Mikaela's lips curved slightly upward, revealing a subtle smile.
"Pricis has no connection whatsoever with the late Laurien."
Her lips parted gently:
"These words were meant to dilute the nobles' preconceived notions about this matter."
Although this almost blatant sophistry would be apparent even to the most ignorant person.
Pricis was, after all, Count Laurien's daughter.
But something about Mikaela's indescribable aura always made those nobles willing to believe.
Even though they were not easily deceived, they couldn't help but be confused by this exquisite rhetoric.
And Mikaela didn't give them much time to think, quickly proposing her carefully planned solution.
Select someone to replace Count Laurien, raise Pricis, and take over the territory of Shulbon.
The sophistry was established.
"The church always knows better than ordinary people how to bewitch hearts."
Viktor narrowed his eyes, clearly a compliment, yet his gaze carried no emotion.
This bishop of the Abundance Church knew very well how to use the art of debate, and how to manipulate hearts with her unique aura.
Mikaela bowed to him respectfully again, her smile even more radiant:
"You flatter me."
When people's attention was no longer focused on the relationship between Count Laurien and Pricis,
But shifted to the topic of "whoever gets custody of Pricis can become the lord of Shulbon,"
Mikaela had already won.
The next step was just to rationalize the subsequent events.
Using the golden wheat to choose a new lord as a manifestation of "divine will."
And select a candidate that no one could refuse and everyone would accept.
That person, of course, could only be Viktor.
Viktor not only legitimately obtained a piece of the kingdom's territory—Shulbon.
But also, no one would pay much attention to Pricis, even though she had indirectly retained her father's territory.
The Abundance Church would also continue to exist in Shulbon, and their faith status in Shulbon would not decline.
A win-win-win situation.
And among all this, the Grand Duke's support was essential.
After all, Laurien had been his most outstanding subordinate.
The Grand Duke also didn't want to see this subordinate who sacrificed everything for his daughter, after his death,
His beloved daughter being met with cold eyes and hidden arrows from the nobles.
Therefore, the territory of Shulbon, as well as Viktor's protection, were valuable assets the Grand Duke left for Pricis.
The Grand Duke could have directly handed the control of the territory to Pricis.
But doing so would only dishearten many lords who didn't know the truth.
After all, Pricis was still the offspring of a 'criminal.'
"The saying 'the older, the wiser' is not just empty words."
The Grand Duke also achieved a triple win.
Returning the ownership of the territory to Pricis.
Making those noble lords accept it with peace of mind.
And ensuring the rule of the Kingdom of Kanter, preventing the kingdom from falling into chaos because of the king.
Everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly.
Viktor looked at Mikaela calmly and asked:
"So, what else do you want from me?"
After all, Viktor had done nothing and got a piece of extraordinarily valuable territory for free.
Apparently also gained a daughter.
It was an absolute win.
Of course, Mikaela definitely had other intentions.
The bishop smiled at Viktor, and a gentle voice came from her mouth:
"Count Laurien was an excellent lord, which both you and I know very well."
"That's why we decided to entrust the church's treasure to him for safekeeping."
"Now it seems it has fallen into your hands."
Viktor knew that what Mikaela was referring to was the golden wheat that he had filled with the realm of the dead.
Before Viktor could react, Mikaela spoke again:
"But please rest assured, I'm not here to take back the wheat."
When she mentioned the wheat, her expression became extremely devout.
Her hands crossed over her chest, her slender fingers slightly curved, as if praying for some sacred power:
"That night, the power of the Goddess of Abundance descended upon Shulbon."
"I know that besides you, no one else could have done such a thing."
At this point, Mikaela's eyes, veiled by the thin gauze, seemed filled with a pleading intent, mixed with a measure of respect:
"Lord Viktor, you are a person recognized by the goddess."
"I hope you can bring the golden wheat to the Abundance Church."
"Once there, you will understand everything."
Listening to Mikaela's request, Viktor closed his eyes again.
Only his voice softly echoed in the carriage:
"Then, let's make a deal."
"After it's done, I want you to agree to one condition for me."
......
The wheels on both sides of the magical carriage were propelled by magical power, the axles making cracking sounds on the brick road, speeding along the road to Shulbon.
The carriage arrived at the church, its wheels rolling across the wide square.
White doves scattered across the square, the fountain water in the center reflecting the shimmering sunlight.
The church, built of white marble, stood in a wide open space in the territory, clearly visible.
Two rows of three rose windows were embedded in the white church, and two golden wheat patterns were carved above the two doors.
Solemn and sacred.
The magical carriage slowly stopped in front of the church, and its door opened automatically.
Viktor and Mikaela stepped out of the carriage together, standing before the church.
As if sensing their arrival, the church doors, which had baptized countless lives, slowly opened to both sides.
A road covered with a red carpet led the way into the depths of the church.
Sunlight poured down, brilliantly red.
Nuns lined up on both sides of the church, and upon seeing Viktor's arrival, they all bowed in unison, with profound respect.
Looking straight down the carpet into the depths of the church, a familiar figure caught Viktor's eye.
It was Pricis.
At that moment, she was kneeling before the statue of the Goddess of Abundance, her eyes closed on her fair face, hands clasped together.
Silently offering her most devout prayers.
Colorful golden light shone through the rose windows, like countless patches of colored light.
Pricis was draped in this mysterious light, like a deity being praised.
The entire church was immersed in silence at this moment, with only Pricis's concentration stirring the air of the church.
Mikaela looked at Viktor, smiling.
She extended her slender hand, gesturing for Viktor to enter the church.
Viktor walked with his hands in his pockets, silent.
He slowly advanced on the red carpet covered with felt, his steady steps not making a sound.
Only the soft felt responded with a faint whisper.
Viktor walked to the front of Pricis, standing alongside the statue of the Goddess of Abundance.
He gazed at the face of the statue, full of kindness and gentleness, lightly exhaled, and extended one arm.
As if a spiritual force entwined his arm, a pale green flame instantly lit up on his arm.
Under the consumption of that flame, stark white bones appeared in the ghostly fire.
In the eyes of everyone, this hand seemed to reach into a quiet, deathly space, swallowing Viktor's original arm.
Until Viktor withdrew his hand, the golden wheat appeared in his hand.
He placed it steadily on the golden platform in front of the statue.
Almost simultaneously, Vega's single eye flickered with a blue light.
The next second, the wheat began to shimmer with streaks of golden light.
Amidst the dancing golden light, the statue of the goddess seemed to be given life.
Her eyes flashed with the same golden brilliance, filling the surroundings with sacred golden light.
Inside the church, melodious chanting arose.
The ethereal image of the goddess, wearing a crown of flowers, once again appeared before everyone from within the statue.
She held the wheat, with gentle love, gazing at the multitude below.
Witnessing this sacred scene, all the nuns held their breath, knelt with respect, and clasped their hands together.
They slightly raised their heads, offering the highest respect to the ethereal image of the goddess.
Bishop Mikaela stood at the entrance, watching the sacred scene unfolding before her.
Even her eyes, veiled with black gauze, seemed to bring waves of heat.
She crossed her hands over her chest, and with the most devout voice, echoed softly:
"Lord Viktor, you are indeed a person favored by the divine."
Amidst layers of enchantment, the ethereal image of the goddess slowly rose.
Like a mother's protection, a hand full of love brushed over Pricis's head.
Feeling the warm touch on her head, Pricis awoke with a start.
In the instant she raised her head, she met the goddess's gaze.
As if feeling the warmth and love of the goddess, her eyes moistened.
Her trembling voice expressed her feelings:
"Goddess, are you responding to me?"
"The goddess will not respond to you."
Viktor's indifferent voice suddenly rang out, startling Pricis once more.
She stiffly raised her head, only to see Viktor standing beside her.
When did the mage come?
Pricis wasn't sure, but at this moment, Viktor had already picked up the wheat again.
The moment the wheat was taken back, the surrounding sacred golden light, along with the melodious chanting, gradually dispersed.
And the ethereal image of the goddess, suspended high in the sky, seemed to have completed her final mission.
With a gaze overflowing with mercy, she returned to the statue.
"Unless I want her to respond."
Pricis raised her head, her blood-red eyes full of confusion.
"Mage... sir?"
Viktor did not answer, but bent down and extended his hand to Pricis.
Instinctively, Pricis reached out and grabbed Viktor's hand.
A warm feeling spread from Viktor's hand to her palm.
Then, a strong force pulled her directly up from the ground.
Pricis couldn't react in time, couldn't even stop her body.
With momentum, she fell into Viktor's arms.
Feeling the warmth in his embrace, Pricis was momentarily dazed.
She hurriedly escaped from Viktor's arms, lowering her head, shy and embarrassed.
"I'm... sorry."
But even though she had left Viktor's grasp, the warmth in her palm still remained.
Pricis was curious, lowering her head, secretly opening that palm.
The golden wheat was quietly lying in her palm.
Still radiating warm heat.
This is, Mr. Viktor's...
At this moment, she couldn't help feeling flustered.
Wanting to raise her head, wanting to return this sacred object to Mr. Viktor.
But Viktor's voice had already sounded above her head:
"Prayer will never accomplish anything, Pricis."
"You need to learn to stand up by yourself, like today, even without me."
Finally, hearing Viktor's words, Pricis still didn't raise her head.
She dimly lowered her head, her words full of helplessness and despair:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Mage..."
"I can't stand up anymore."
Bearing the pain of her parents dying for her, and the suffering of being a vampire not accepted by humans.
These things were making Pricis as she said.
She could never stand up again.
She didn't want to be a vampire who hurt people, she just wanted a happy family.
But she couldn't choose any of this, so Pricis could only pray.
She had to keep kneeling here, to atone for sins her father never committed.
Even so, those people would not forgive her.
Because she was Laurien's offspring, she was a vampire who would hurt others.
So she had to keep kneeling here.
Only a kneeling vampire would not harm others.
This was what everyone wanted.
Suddenly, a warm hand gently rested on top of her head.
Only Viktor's voice echoed around her ears.
"From now on, you never need to kneel again."
"From this day forward, Kravina will be your new surname."
Pricis was stunned, opening her eyes.
The hand on her head was very light, yet it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making Pricis afraid to look up.
She didn't want to look up and find that everything before her was all a lie.
But when the next words sounded, Pricis could no longer contain her nearly collapsing emotions.
"This is what I promised your father I would do."
The crystalline tears in her eyes could no longer be suppressed, silently sliding down her cheeks.
That was the last protection her father's passing had left for her.
Golden sunlight descended from the skylight.
The light fell on the falling tears, reflecting a glow named tenderness.
It draped over the statue, like a sacred garment.
Only the quiet church echoed with the devout prayers of the nuns.
And Pricis's final words, spoken to no one in particular.
"Fa...ther."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/BZDXG - Unlock a HUGE stash of advance chapters now!
Dive deeper into the story ahead of everyone else!
.
!
Chapter 378: I Bestow Upon You a New Surname
Comments