The Righteous Player(s)

Annan didn’t have the energy to keep staring at the forum.

However, Longjing Tea, as the mentor of the three new players, had already learned about the emergency there when Alfonso was about to arrive in Frostwhisper Province.

Thirteenth Fragrance, as a Soul Snatch Wizard, did not perceive Alfonso as being malicious towards himself or Annan… As Nefertari’s brother, this man had a pretty good temper.

He had a better temper than Miss Nefertari.

So Thirteenth Fragrance wasn’t particularly vigilant. It was only after taking the subway to Frostwhisper Province with Alfonso that they casually sent a message to the mentor to explain the situation here.

However, Longjing Tea had just logged off shortly before that… When he logged back in again half a day later, he quickly replied to the message and inquired about the situation.

By that time, Alfonso was already approaching the Frostwhisper Province.

Longjing Tea certainly knew that Alfonso should be considered a semi-ally. He was manipulated by his teacher and could not be said to be in the same camp as the Bone Healer. Moreover, Nefertari was considered their ally.

But, why did Alfonso suddenly visit the Frostwhisper Province?

Longjing Tea suddenly felt that something was amiss.

Although Alfonso was only an incomplete saint — a saint who forcibly used sacred bone through surgery, he was still a saint after all and was one of the world’s top combat forces.

Since the deities didn’t like to interfere too much in mortal affairs, there was no doubt that the saints were the top combat force in the world. Apart from the fact that there was no need for escort and etiquette, the saint’s visit and the king’s visit could be regarded as a major event on the same level.

Most importantly, his intention was unclear.

Longjing Tea and the others were escorting Celecia to Frostwhisper Province. She was Annan’s prisoner, and it was related to the Winter Insurgent.

Considering that the Winter Insurgent was also part of the underground forces and originated from the same place as Saint Alfonso, Longjing Tea felt his nerves tense up. It might have been unnecessary, but he decided it was wise to report this matter to Annan.

However, he couldn’t contact Annan, so he had to make an urgent call to Wandering Child and explain the matter clearly to him.

At this moment, the Child happened to be waiting outside the door, waiting for Annan and the others to come out.

When Annan put on new clothes and exited the door, the Child immediately went up to Annan and explained the matter clearly.

“…Alfonso is here too?” Annan pondered, frowning.

Why is he visiting?

Nefertari’s brother actually had a good relationship with her. It was not an exaggeration to say that they were dependent on each other for survival.

However, Nefertari had already learned the true nature of her teacher from “Nightmare: Gemini”, so she didn’t dare to visit the Bone Farm again, fearing that Bone Healer Seti would notice the fear in her heart and realize that she knew too much.

In that case, she might not be able to get out of that place.

She indeed wanted to meet with Alfonso. She had mentioned this to Annan a few times, but she couldn’t find a good reason to lure Alfonso out without arousing Seti’s suspicion.

However, Alfonso visited before Nefertari sent the letter.

Moreover, he wasn’t here to find his sister… but to approach Annan.

Estimating the timeline, Alfonso’s decision to head to Austere-Winter likely coincided with the night Annan ascended as the Grand Duke. It was after that night that he received the intelligence and decided to come to Frost Whisper Province.

He must be here for Annan.

If Annan hadn’t suddenly decided to gank the northern nobles, he would be in Frostwhisper Province now.

However, what did Alfonso want to do?

Was he a friend or foe?

Also, Celecia was about to arrive in Frostwhisper Province.

They were both celebrities in the underground world and must know each other.

One was a public idol, Digger among Diggers, Poppy in the Deep Rock; the other was a sinner who desecrated the sacred bone, the only “Thief Saint” who was not respected by others… If they met, what would happen to them?

Thinking of this possibility, Annan realized that he couldn’t stay in the northern territory for too long — he had to head back as soon as possible.

Any emergencies on both sides must be handled by him personally.

Even if it was left to “Ten Fingers” to handle it, it might not be to his liking.

Annan originally thought that if Celecia was the only one in Frostwhisper Province, there wouldn’t be any big problems.

He originally planned to take a detailed tour of the northern territory, plowing through everyone’s house one by one to interrogate them to find out where they tinkered with the extract of “the Heart of Justice”.

Annan might get clues to seek out “the Heart of Justice”.

Of course, they were merely clues at most.

As Annan’s resonance with “the Heart of Justice” deepened, he had become vaguely connected to it.

Therefore, when Count Urie took out the “local curse energy device”, he immediately realized that it was the sacred bone extract belonging to “the Heart of Justice”.

After one or two more nightmares, Annan should be officially in sync with “the Heart of Justice”.

“Let’s head back first, Your Majesty.”

Keenly aware of Annan’s thoughts, Zoya whispered considerately, “After all, because of the accident just now, Your Majesty’s clothes are… sullied. If you continue to explore, you might catch a cold. And if you buy new ones, the clothes don’t suit your identity.”

…Hmm? You’re right.

Annan nodded silently.

“And I also need to have some clothes custom-made,” he added. “I need to make sure the rune on my left shoulder is visible.”

“…Isn’t that… an off-the-shoulder style?” Citalopram whispered.

—That’s quite bold.

She actually wanted to say that.

However, under the gaze of the two of the “ten fingers”, she dared not speak her mind.

Thus, feeling uncomfortable, she had no choice but to take a screenshot and post it on the forum.

[Annan is going to change into an off-the-shoulder style outfit!]

“—What? What?”

“—The one like Kal’tsit [1]?”

“—Hey, I think it would look great. After all, Annan is not afraid of the cold.”

“—Tsk… I seem to have an inspiration. I’ll draw a doujinshi about that tomorrow…”

“—Stop a moment. The boss upstairs, can you give me a copy?”

“—I want to see it too. Not because I’m lusty on Annan, I’m just a little curious…”

—I saw you.

Annan silently noted down everyone’s ID.

He coughed slightly and said seriously, “Then I’ll leave Zorgen here.”

“You will command the Frost Beast troops, tasked with tracking down the remaining northern nobles… We must find their criminal evidence.”

Annan squinted his eyes and emphasized the word “must”.

“Let’s take Count Urie’s body and the count ball back as evidence first — private use of curse energy is already a capital crime, and there is no need to charge him separately. Once this crime is announced, no other noble will try to exonerate him.”

“The problem now is how to spread this crime to other northern nobles. We already have enough evidence to investigate them, and they must have other evil research in their hands…”

“After we go back, Zoya will be responsible for compiling the charges against Count Urie. He had previously been accused of studying forbidden rituals and avoided imprisonment only by offering three of his estates as collateral. This point can also be singled out. Using this charge as a starting point, the crime of using curse powers can be used to seize the remaining Northern Brotherhood.”

“There are no innocents among them; their crimes vary only in severity. Zorgen, you first use the Frost Beast troops to sever their connections, then leak the news… The first one to surrender, the first willing to come forward and denounce others, can be given somewhat more lenient treatment. But don’t let them know who else has surrendered.”

Annan said leisurely, “Just tell them…”

“Everyone — if you consider yourselves truly loyal, now is the time to show it. By the mercy of the Grand Duke, he was reluctant to resort to extensive killing on the first day of succeeding to the throne… This will be your last chance.”

“Your Majesty, are you really not planning to eliminate them?”

Citalopram couldn’t help but ask in a low voice.

Annan immediately glared back, “Are you as foolish as they are?”

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