"Let them go."
Gerhard waved his hand. As the words left his mouth, he felt as though he had suddenly aged years.
He had spent his entire life lording over others in Heim City, and now he had actually been forced to bow his head to a young girl.
Still, Gerhard was no fool — he knew that if he didn't yield today, neither he nor his knights would be leaving Heim City alive.
But that didn't mean he could swallow this humiliation. He'd always been the one to throw his weight around — when had he ever suffered such disgrace?
Once he returned to Mandrake City and his brother became bishop, he swore he'd repay this humiliation to Hel tenfold — no, a hundredfold.
Hel, of course, saw the flash of resentment and venom in the corner of Gerhard's eyes. She knew perfectly well that letting someone like him walk away meant endless trouble later.
So—
"In that case," Hel said mildly, taking two steps forward, "it seems this was all just a misunderstanding."
She extended her right hand and smiled kindly. "I hope Father Gerhard won't hold my earlier impulsiveness against me."
Gerhard, already fuming inside, had no desire to shake her hand — but faced with Hel's calm smile and the tense knights standing behind her, he gritted his teeth and reluctantly reached out to clasp her hand lightly.
In that fleeting moment, Hel activated the charm she had prepared long ago.
[Trait Granted: Chronic Poisoning (Black)]
Time until death: 7 days. Countdown: 6 days, 23 hours, 58 minutes.
"Since Count Hel has said so," Gerhard said through tight lips, "how could a humble priest like me refuse?"
Though he spoke with forced civility, his tone dripped with irritation. He wouldn't dare act rashly — not here, not now — but his pride burned.
"In that case," Hel continued pleasantly, "there's another small matter I'd like to discuss with Father Gerhard."
"Please, Count Hel, go ahead."
Gerhard frowned. He had a bad feeling about this.
"These past days, I've worked quite well with Vivian," Hel said with a gentle smile. "Why not let her serve as Heim City's acting Church representative?"
Gerhard's expression immediately darkened.
Now he understood — Hel's true purpose today was Vivian. It was even possible that during his absence, Vivian had already pledged allegiance to Hel.
"How very capable of you, Count Hel," Gerhard sneered. "But by meddling in the Church's appointments, aren't you afraid our Holy Church will hold you accountable?"
"Oh, Father Gerhard, you misunderstand," Hel replied smoothly. "I'm merely making a humble suggestion out of gratitude — Sister Vivian helped me greatly with the refugee crisis. If you disagree, I won't insist."
Hel smiled sweetly — yet the knights behind her still hadn't sheathed their blades.
Gerhard's eye twitched.
Not insisting, huh? More like, if I don't agree, you'll cut me down right here.
Fine, he told himself bitterly. I'll remember this, Hel. Someday you'll pay for it.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to speak through clenched teeth.
"Very well. I accept Count Hel's suggestion. From this day forward, Sister Vivian will temporarily oversee Heim City's Church affairs. Now then — may we go?"
He glared at Hel, daring her to demand anything more.
"But of course," Hel said pleasantly. "If Father Gerhard wishes to leave, no one will stop you. My soldiers only wish to ensure your safety while in Heim — after all, wasn't that your own request yesterday?"
"How very considerate of you, Count Hel," Gerhard said coldly.
He could no longer stand to look at her. He turned and climbed back into his carriage.
Hel didn't stop them. She simply watched as Gerhard and his men departed.
There was no need to have them ambushed later — not when patience would serve her better. In seven days, Gerhard would die suddenly upon returning to Mandrake City. His death would have nothing to do with her — no one would ever find proof of poison.
Even if his brother, Olad, suspected her, he'd have no grounds to act.
As long as Olad still had half a brain, he wouldn't dare openly oppose a countess with real power. And if he tried to scheme against her in secret, it would be like throwing an egg against a boulder.
"Looks like the young master's had a bit of trouble," said a voice beside her.
A figure silently dropped down next to Hel — Witt, who had been lurking in the shadows.
Watching Gerhard's carriages vanish in the distance, Witt frowned slightly. "Young master, since we've offended Gerhard's faction, letting them go may cause serious problems later. Shall I remove this trouble for you?"
"You mean ambush them?" Hel looked at him curiously. This wasn't like Witt — he wasn't usually this reckless.
Clergymen were different from nobles — not people she could just kill casually.
"No, no," Witt said quickly. "I wouldn't do something that foolish. If they were attacked right after clashing with you, it would look far too deliberate. Even without evidence, the Church would never let Heim go unpunished.
What I mean is — shall I infiltrate Mandrake City and assassinate Gerhard's brother, Olad, directly?"
"You? Assassinate someone in Mandrake City?" Hel gave him a doubtful once-over. "You haven't even broken through the fifth tier. What makes you think you can kill a seasoned fourth-tier cleric in the heart of the Church's territory?
And the old bishop — the fifth-tier one — is still alive. If you make a move, he'll strike you down to protect the Church's honor. Do you really want to throw your life away for one Olad?"
"Ah, so the young master does care for me!" Witt said dramatically, bowing in a knight's salute.
"Your humble servant is willing to risk everything for the young master's grand ambitions. Even if it costs me my life — I'll make sure to drag Olad down with me!"