When everyone heard this, they all frowned. What about that huge dragon just now? How could it be a human corpse? Did it return to human form after death?
Federigo thought for a moment, but spoke authoritatively:
"This Grumblebundo was a cultist. He used some kind of drug powder and props to confuse us and the spectators, creating an illusion of a raging fire dragon. Then he hid behind the illusion and killed Mozgus with the cannon in his hand."
"Fortunately, Nidhogg was here. He saw through the cultist's tricks, broke the illusion, and killed the cultist Grumblebundo on the spot. It's a pity that Moses and his disciples were martyred because of this."
"I will honestly explain to His Holiness what happened today, mourn Mozgus, and request merit for Nidhogg."
Everyone looked strange for a while. Then they thought that Federigo was actually spouting nonsense with his eyes wide open.
Indeed, cultists use drug powder to create illusions. But the point is, the drug powder needs to be mixed into food. A person who takes it will only see the illusion when the drug is active. That doesn't apply to the current situation.
Not to mention the terrifying dragon head, the scorching flames, and the damaged venue—it seemed that Grumblebundo couldn't have wrought all that with just his war hammer and heavy shield firing cannonballs.
However, since the "Master of the Scales" Federigo had said so, the members of the Vandimion family naturally remained silent.
The city officials of Vritannis didn't dare to object. They knew the Vandimion family was their main financier. If the "Master of the Scales" said it was an illusion, then it was an illusion.
Nordic's eyes rolled. He just looked at Nidhogg up and down, recalling the so-called "vision" he had seen before. A smile appeared at the corner of his lips. He didn't say a word.
This clever lie successfully passed everyone's test and became the "truth" that would be announced to the citizens in the future.
In any case, Federigo intended to handle the panic caused by this unfortunate "Pope's Tournament."
He believed that more people would choose to believe this "fact" rather than that a fire dragon had actually appeared. That would be absurd.
Then, calmly sending people to continue securing the venue, Federigo invited Nidhogg, the hero who had defeated the cultist, to return to his mansion. He wanted to entertain him well.
This time, Federigo's banquet and hospitality would certainly be much better than last night. The situation was completely different. And he had too many things he wanted to learn from Nidhogg.
However, this time Nidhogg directly refused. He wanted to return to Guts and the others to prepare all matters before setting sail.
Everyone was a little surprised. For the first time in so many years, they had seen someone reject Federigo, the head of the most powerful family in the Holy See's circle.
Even when Federigo offered to send more people to help, Nidhogg did not change his decision.
Federigo also understood that Nidhogg didn't want to continue associating with them and wouldn't resolve his doubts. At least not today.
Nidhogg called out to the bard. When he was about to leave, he looked at Farnese and Serpico.
He didn't speak, but the meaning was obvious.
It's time for you to make a choice. If you want to come with us, I will take action. If you decide to stay, I won't force you.
Serpico, naturally, was interested in Nidhogg's and the others' journey. But he hadn't forgotten his original purpose—he was Farnese's "half-brother" and guardian.
He looked at Farnese and completely left the decision to her. He believed Azan would make the same choice.
Farnese understood what Nidhogg meant, and what Serpico's eyes meant. She felt heavy pressure. But it didn't come from them. It came from her father, standing before her.
After hesitating for a moment, she lifted her head and walked up to Federigo herself.
Everyone was still a little puzzled. Only Madame Vandimion, who had figured something out, covered the lower part of her face with her small fan and smiled softly.
And indeed, when this happened, Farnese was still the "devil of the Vandimion family."
Federigo looked at Farnese before him, who had shed her previous cowardice and timidity, and understood something.
"Father, I... I want to go to sea with my friends."
Federigo heard this, and his eyes widened slightly.
Zulchio scolded, "Farnese, what nonsense are you talking?"
Although Polidiaro smiled, he also said, "Farnese, you can't be so stubborn. You are the daughter of the Vandimion family."
This time, Farnese ignored her two brothers and only stared at Federigo. Because she knew perfectly well that Federigo made the decision.
Federigo frowned. Silence fell all around.
At that moment, Madame Vandimion broke the silence.
"Oh, this is truly my daughter." Madame Vandimion approached, gently took Farnese's hand, and said with a smile, "Just like me, everyone loves to travel."
"I think this is a good idea. Farnese has practiced in the monastery for many years, then served in the Holy Iron Chain Knights. She had little youth in her childhood."
Madame Vandimion deliberately mentioned some events from her youngest daughter's past that would make Federigo feel guilty. Then she looked at her third son, Manifico, who was nearby.
"Manifico is here."
Manifico's name was called, and he quickly replied, "Mother!"
"Aren't you going back to the northern branch by ship? Perfect timing. Just take your sister along. Accompany her to have some fun, and then bring her back. You must take good care of her."
"Huh? I... me?" Manifico pointed at himself in confusion.
At that moment, Nordic also said, "If that's the case, I'm also on my way. Perfect timing. Let's travel together."
Madame Vandimion tapped her small fan on her palm and said with a smile, "That's great. With the escort of the Ys fleet's 'Sea Horse,' we don't need to fear danger at sea."
After these words, she looked at Federigo.
Federigo listened, thought for a moment, and then looked at Farnese.
He knew perfectly well that his wife was just helping Farnese speak. When he said this, in fact, as long as she went to sea, when Farnese returned, it would not be within his control.
However, looking at Farnese's eyes, which seemed to have come alive, no longer the lifeless spirit she had when she first returned from the monastery, Federigo knew a fact.
Even if he resolutely stopped her now, he couldn't prevent Farnese's subsequent actions. At least now she was telling him herself, instead of leaving quietly.
In the end, she was the rebellious little daughter who had burned down her own mansion.
Not to mention that Nidhogg was standing nearby—a man whose presence could change any of his decisions.
"Farnese, are you sure?"
"Yes, Father. I am sure."
Federigo sighed softly and compromised. "Alright. I will send people to help you prepare all the supplies for the voyage as soon as possible... Be careful when you get to sea. I won't be able to help you then."
Farnese quickly understood what her father meant. He was implying that once she left his control, she could be free, but he wouldn't be able to protect her in time.
But Farnese regretted nothing. She thought of magic, of Nidhogg's strange powers, of new pictures of the unknown. Only longing remained in her heart. So she nodded.
Seeing that Farnese insisted, Federigo made his final decision. Even if Zulchio and Polidiaro objected, he would not revoke it.
Entrusting the wounded Nordic and the hapless Manifico, Federigo turned to Serpico, his illegitimate son who had never been publicly acknowledged.
"Farnese's safety, I entrust to you again. You need to understand the weight of this."
Serpico immediately replied solemnly, "I will definitely protect Lord Farnese."
Federigo nodded and, finally, approached Nidhogg. He shook his hand, then took out from his person a pin bearing the crest of the Vandimion family—a four-leaf clover.
"You have earned the friendship of the Vandimion family. Whatever you need, please send someone to us with this token. We will do our utmost to help."
"Alright, I'll take it. Thank you."
Nidhogg accepted the token. It might come in handy in the future.
After that, Madame Vandimion stepped forward, bid farewell to her daughter and son, and then went to Nidhogg to thank him for protecting Farnese. But she said nothing more.
So Nidhogg led Farnese, Serpico, the bewildered Manifico, Nordic, and the bard towards the port.
And Jerome silently followed them.
He knew perfectly well what kind of problematic and awkward situation he would face if he stayed. Now he could only leave with Nidhogg and the others. But unfortunately, he hadn't had time to tell his wife at home.
However, this was just a trip to the sea. It wouldn't require leaving for long, right? Jerome was still relatively optimistic about this.
╔══════════════════════╗
📘 Want more?
Join me on Patreon for bonus chapters
and early access!
🔗 https://www.patreon.com/cw/OverlordD
╚══════════════════════╝