Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 528: Burning Life
Looking at Zhao Hai's expression, Ivan forced a smile and said, "You're amazed, right? But this is really happening. It's not just in the Imperial Capital; even in our Versailles Family, there are many who are obsessed with the Church of Light, as if they've gone mad. They can sacrifice everything for the Church of Light."
Zhao Hai stared blankly at Ivan. He probably already understood what was going on; those people must have been brainwashed by the Church of Light.
Religious brainwashing is the most terrifying thing. It can make people do many crazy things, and he didn't expect that the Church of Light had reached such a level.
Ivan looked at Zhao Hai and sighed, "The empire isn't sending reinforcements. How can we, with just our Versailles Family's troops, possibly withstand the orc tribe's army? This time, our Versailles Family is doomed to perish, and it's a pity for the ordinary civilians; they'll suffer too."
Zhao Hai frowned. He realized that the situation in the Versailles Principality was indeed very complex. He could help the people here, and even relocate all of them to the Black Earth Wilderness without issue. However, doing so would expose his trump card.
Most importantly, he realized that the situation of the Versailles Family was more complicated than he had imagined. If the Church of Light had infiltrated the Versailles Family, bringing them to the Black Earth Wilderness might lead to unforeseen consequences. The Church's infiltration capability was truly formidable, even the orc tribe couldn't withstand it.
Ivan calmly said to Zhao Hai, "Little Hai, I have one request. I will arrange for a group from the Versailles Family to go with you to Golden Island. If we can survive this crisis, then all is well. If we can't, I hope you can take care of them and ensure that the name of the Versailles Family endures."
Zhao Hai looked at Ivan, knowing that Ivan had already prepared for the worst. He wanted to plant some seeds for the Versailles Family's future.
Zhao Hai did not refuse. He nodded and said, "Alright, I can agree to that. But Uncle, I have a request too. Please check how many people in Casa City are willing to leave. I can take them to Golden Island. You know our Budah Family is short on manpower. If the orcs attack, these civilians might suffer heavy casualties. I only want those with clean backgrounds, and I don't want anyone associated with the Church of Light."
Ivan nodded, "No problem. I can arrange that. Many people in the city want to leave; they just don't know where to go. In other cities, they'd have almost no chance of survival and would end up as slaves. I don't want to see that either, so arranging this is no problem."
Zhao Hai nodded, "Then I’ll trouble you, Uncle Ivan. This needs to be done quickly. Prepare everything you need, and let me know. I want to visit the Iksa Family; they might not be doing well either."
Ivan nodded, "That would be a good idea. The Iksa Family has helped me a lot because of your influence. I heard that this time the empire did send them reinforcements, but it seems they’ve been placed under house arrest."
Zhao Hai was taken aback, then his expression changed, "Really? Damn it, Aksu Empire, what do they want? Have they really become puppets of the Church of Light?"
Ivan's face turned serious, "It's very possible. If the empire wasn't controlled by the Church of Light, they wouldn't do something like this. This offends all the nobles; after this, who would help them again?"
Zhao Hai sighed. He really didn't understand the Church of Light. What were they thinking? They were just warning the rulers of other empires. After this incident, those rulers would likely suppress the Church of Light.
Glancing at the sky, Zhao Hai stood up and turned to Ivan, "Uncle Ivan, it's getting late. I'm heading to the Iksa Family now; I'm afraid they might be in danger."
Ivan nodded, "How about this, Little Hai? You can leave through our family's secret passage. I still need a few days to prepare. Don't rush; just focus on rescuing the people from the Iksa Family."