Chapter 505
After a long stretch through winding canyons, a vast wilderness suddenly unfolded before them as if by magic. Sparse patches of withered grass and bare trees jutted up here and there.
"My goodness..."
But Diana, marveling as if she had seen green for the first time in her life, constantly looked around. She paid no attention to the conversation of the two on Moro behind her.
"The royal family wants to focus on restoring the capital and the front lines, and the Great Church seems to want to quell the internal chaos of the Empire first. The lack of smooth cooperation between them is beginning to show its side effects."
"Sounds like the documents were full of complaints about the crusaders and the purification squads."
"They expressed it in a roundabout way. It seems the Great Church is currently focusing on the purification of the West. They predict it won't be easy, as it's been neglected for the longest time." Lucia nodded impassively.
Color was finally returning to her complexion. She had been suffering from a hangover-induced headache all day.
"If we think about the West, it might be better for Prince Hyked’s presence to remain hidden for now. Once it’s revealed, the Great Church will likely turn their eyes to the front lines," said Lucia.
"I don't know if that's good for us, but, well." Ian nodded indifferently. He’d already decided to stay out of the conflict between the Empire and the Dark Prince. If he could help it, he wouldn’t get involved at all.
"What about the South?" asked Ian.
"As you know, the erosion didn’t cause too much damage here. And since they never really relied on the Great Church's help, they’ve gotten used to resolving things on their own."
"That's a relief," said Diana. She turned back as she walked, her boots crunching over the dusty path, and offered a cold smile. "To think the South is still being discriminated against. I was worried too much had changed, but it's just as I remember."