Monster Girl Development Master

Page 77

“Classic, absolutely classic.” Zhuang Sen tossed aside the report and looked at Lady Liya beside him. “So, which high-ranking member of my chamber of commerce is so capable that they managed to snag Loris?”

Ange pursed her lips, and the white silk ice cream draped on the desk swayed: "Besides the [Vengeful Saintess] who else, who else is there besides that unnamed Lord Leon? These guys are quite good at spreading rumors. I think their target was probably never Loris."

Dantalian nodded, her large breasts trembling slightly with the movement: "Judging from their propaganda, they are clearly targeting me. Although the nuns of the Church of Vengeance do not prohibit marriage, they cannot continue to serve in the church after marriage and interfere with the church's policies. From this point of view, I have indeed violated the rules."

After a pause, Dantalian continued, "So I'm wondering if I should abolish this rule once I become Patriarch or even Pope?"

This rule is actually a good thing, otherwise the Church of Nemesis might really be in trouble, but if it is not abolished, Dantalian will always have to carry a troublesome stain of violation.

Zhuang Sen flew up and tapped Dantalian on the head, saying with exasperation, "Idiot, the rules say that you have to step down from your post after marrying an outsider, but I'm not an outsider, I'm God's chosen one!"

Dantalian blinked, exchanged a glance with Zhuang Sen, and suddenly realized, "Oh right, then what was I so worried about before?"

“I didn’t see you struggling with this either,” Anjie complained. “All I saw was you swaggering around every day, hugging Zhuang Sen and showing off.”

"I'm conflicted, but giving up on Zhuang Sen is impossible." Dantalian said confidently, hugged Zhuang Sen and gave him a hard kiss, then licked her lips, "Hmm, it seems like he smelled even better before."

Zhuang Sen was at his wits' end with this group of female hooligans, so he could only pinch the enormous breasts that were twice his head: "Stop talking nonsense, tell me how to deal with these clowns?"

Dantalian and Ange spoke at the same time, one with a resolute tone and the other with excitement: "What to do? Only kill!"

The author says:

作者的话：月票达标，加一更~推剧情了~进度更新：月票7/50，催更票28/50，打赏3600/5000

Chapter 189: You actually did it?

Now, dealing with these inspectors is not too complicated for Zhuang Sen. It's a simple analysis: these inspectors' power comes from the Fallen Star headquarters of the Church of the Nemesis. Theoretically, they have a strong restraining power over branch temples like the Temple of Aranta in a count's territory because they are supervisors, "angels" who come to inspect.

In reality, the Temple of Aranta, from Bishop Rosa at the top, disliked the headquarters. Since they couldn't rely on the Temple of Aranta's power, the headquarters' prestige was essentially wasted. Of course, they could report to the headquarters to punish the Temple of Aranta, but the problem was that, not to mention whether the headquarters in the capital could even govern the Temple of Aranta, which had already colluded with Zhuang Sen, Dantalian was about to undergo its fourth awakening. At that time, it was uncertain which side would be the headquarters.

So these inspectors are nothing but clowns. They were kept around before because they weren't causing any trouble, but now that they're jumping around like this, they should just be slapped to death.

"If that's the case, then..."

“I’ll do it, after all, she’s a member of the church,” Dantalian said, her smile as usual. “But we need to treat her well, otherwise people will think the nuns of the Temple of Aranta have neglected their studies.”

Although Dantalian spoke lightly, her decision to arrest the inspectors from her own department was tantamount to openly severing ties and taking sides, which would be a major stain on her career within the church. As for the benefits...

Zhuang Sen patted Da Ke'ai's head and added, "Ledia, you take the Shadow Raven Knights with you. It's a good opportunity to test the extent of their combat improvement. Besides, we can't let Dantalian steal the limelight for something so impressive."

Dantalian gave Zhuang Sen a loving hug, then got up and left the room with Lydia.

……

In an inn near the Temple of Aranta, distinguished guests from the capital gathered. According to regulations, they should have stayed at the temple being inspected and enjoyed the treatment befitting bishops, but Bishop Rosa refused their stay, citing the presence of a man among them, and instead sent them to this inn.

So not only did they have to pay for it themselves, but they also received worse treatment than when they didn't have to pay. Coupled with their encounter with Zhuang Sen on the day of their arrival, they didn't receive the enthusiastic flattery from nobles and wealthy merchants they had imagined. After all, no one in the territory of Leon dared to offend the "Count who murdered his own father".

Under such circumstances, they naturally complained incessantly, even to this day.

Princess Celine has left!

"Ha, as expected, even Her Highness the Princess can't stand this kind of rural place!"

"Without Her Highness the Princess's protection, let's see what that child count can do with his arrogance!"

"And these rural nuns, not only violating church rules, but also being so arrogant, completely disregarding the church! They must be severely punished!"

Sitting around the lavish banquet, High Priestess Mary and her entourage, who had been grumbling and complaining recently, became smug. In their view, without Princess Celine standing up for Johnson and the Temple of Aranta, they could manipulate Johnson and Dantalian at will.

They're just counts and priests from the countryside; do they really dare to oppose the chief inspectors and trusted confidants of nobles from the capital?!

Therefore, they spread rumors with a clear conscience and were not worried about retaliation at all, even though the strongest among them were only two bloodline users who had awakened three times—which was already quite impressive, considering that the entire Alanta Temple, including Dantalian, only had two bloodline users who had awakened three times.

But amidst this lively and joyous banquet, a robust man with a resolute face and a doubtful expression seemed somewhat out of place. However, before he could express his opinion, a chaotic commotion erupted outside the inn, with shouts faintly audible: "In the name of the Earl! Arrest the spies of Farau Territory!!"

……

Fully armed Shadow Raven Knights galloped through the streets, their raised banners and thunderous hooves scattering the pedestrians and leaving only billowing dust as they charged toward the luxurious inn. But their shouts announcing their crimes arrived even earlier, startling the innkeeper, who had been peeking out to observe the situation, back into his room.

The charge Zhuang Sen assigned to these inspectors was "Faraw spy," since it was the most useful charge available at the moment. Moreover, according to Lilith, most of these inspectors were indeed connected to the Faraw family, so it wasn't entirely unfair to accuse them.

Since their mission was to capture spies, the Shadow Raven Knights were anything but gentle. While they weren't so excited as to charge into the inn on horseback, they did show off their warhorses' drifting and sudden stops. Then, the front-row knights dismounted and charged forward, while the rear-row knights drew their crossbows and aimed at every window and door of the inn.

"Follow me! For the Earl!!! The feast has begun!!"

The commander of the Shadow Raven Knights brandished his brand-new rune longsword, which he had only acquired a few days prior, and shouted with excitement. The other knights were equally in high spirits, eager to rush in and capture the evil Farau spy to present to the Earl.

After all, after Zhuang Sen took office, he not only equipped them with better weapons and equipment, but also taught them powerful and practical swordsmanship. Even their treatment was improved, and the deductions and differential treatment that they used to feel were unavoidable were gone!

The knights will always remember the Earl's kindness and are ready to serve him at any time, and this time is no exception!

Loyal! Sincerity!

The knights shouted maxims, their heavy rune-plate armor gleaming in the sunlight, and charged toward the inn's gates under the watchful eyes of their clever and agile warhorses!

Sister Anne, who had just come out of the hotel to check the situation, was confronted by this group of high-spirited knights and instinctively used her bloodline ability to attack!

A crimson, bee-like ray shot out from her fist, engulfing and knocking away all the knights at the forefront, including the knight commander. The raging offensive paused, and Sister Anne calmed down, realizing that everything was alright.

She's a bloodline user who has awakened three times and has already demonstrated her strength. Normal soldiers wouldn't dare charge her head-on. Moreover, she possesses the speed-enhancing Bloodthirsty Bee bloodline, has an inn behind her, and isn't afraid of crossbows. However, the earl of this small town is so rude; just a rumor and he's already sending troops… wait, why are they attacking again? Don't they have a death wish?

Although the Shadow Raven Knights were shocked by the enemy's identity, they did not stop their attack! What Johnson had given them was enough to spur them on to this death-defying courage! And…

"Charge!! For the Earl!!"

The knight commander, who had been knocked away, stood up again. The runes on his plate armor had dimmed considerably, and he was covered in dust when he landed, looking extremely disheveled. However, his powerful roar as he got up instantly boosted the already high morale back to its peak. The defensive power of the rune plate armor dispelled the Shadow Raven Knights' last concerns.

"Looks like we don't even need to lift a finger?" Lydia rode her little mare, gazing at the "battlefield" in front of the inn.

But Dantalian shook her head: "That's a bloodthirsty bee. The knights can't catch it. I'll do it."

The nun raised her hand, and holy spears appeared in the air—one, two… twenty!

The dazzling holy light coalesced, even overshadowing the sunlight. Sister Anne, of course, noticed this scene. She first showed an expression of shock and fear, then looked at Dantalian, who was completely unmasked and dressed in her nun's habit, and issued a threatening but cowardly statement: "Dantrian! How dare you attack a patrolling nun! You have committed treason!!"

Dantalian raised her hand and swung it downwards, sending twenty holy spears flying that pierced through Sister Anne's limbs as she screamed. The immense impact carried her through the hotel doors and into the depths of the lobby, where she finally embedded herself in the elaborately decorated stone wall. The aftershocks caused a large decorative painting hanging on the wall to fall off, delivering the final blow.

Sister Anne tried her best, bursting forth at top speed in an attempt to dodge, but before she could dodge the Holy Spear spell, she had to break free from the Shadow Raven Knights who were grabbing her, and also dodge the barrage of arrows from the Shadow Raven Knights behind her... Although even without these obstacles, she still couldn't escape Dantalian's attacks.

However, Dantalian and the others were no longer paying attention to this useless man. Their gazes were focused on the group of patrolling nuns who were trying to cross the hall, or more precisely, on the resolute-looking man among them—Mann Farau.

No, you guys actually do spy work?

Chapter 190: Those Who Understand the Times Are Wise

"Lord Mann Farau, I never expected you to visit such a small shop. I was really looking forward to the beauty of the Radiant Hall, but now it seems I should probably lower my expectations?"

Dantalian entered the inn's lobby, and the knights who had made way for her closed in again. Their synchronized movements and impeccable order made Mann Farau uneasy. But putting that minor issue aside for now, he glanced warily at Dantalian and at Lydia, who had been largely ignored, knowing that today was probably the end for them.

He was merely a second-level bloodline user who had awakened once, and among his "allies," apart from Sister Anne who had lost her ability to fight, only Sister Mary was a third-level bloodline user, and there were two second-level bloodline users; the rest were ordinary people.

This level of strength is already quite formidable, equivalent to two counts plus a viscount and a baron as assistants. Even now, it seems that they still have the advantage, since the other side only has the priestess Dantalian, a third-awakened bloodline user, and the other one should be Lydia from the Ston family, who, according to the intelligence, has only just awakened for the first time.

But Mann Farau couldn't say "the advantage is mine," and neither could anyone else, because nearly fifty holy spears hovered above Dantalian's head. Each one radiated a powerful aura—the genuine power of a third awakening!

That's enough to kill them all three times over and still have some left over!

Perhaps Sister Mary, who also awakened three times and whose bloodline is the speed-savage Bloodthirsty Bee, could survive, but the knights outside have already proven their strength and courage. Even if the wounded Sister Mary rushed out, she would only die a little slower.

Sister Mary clearly understood the situation and had no intention of making any rash move to escape. She simply shouted, "Dantrian, this is apostasy!"

Dantalian chuckled, her smile polite yet carrying an air of disdain: "I'm here to arrest a spy, Sister Mary. You'd better think about how you're going to explain why you're with Lord Mann Farau, the eldest son of the Farau family—what's the punishment for inspecting nuns who violate the rules again?"

In theory, the Church would not intervene in the internal disputes of the nobility, especially for clergy members with special duties such as inspectorate nuns, who were absolutely forbidden from establishing connections with the nobility. After all, losing its neutrality would hinder the development of an organization like the Church, so such a violation was far more serious than a nun having an affair.

“You…” Sister Mary was speechless for a moment. She wanted to deny it, but the countless eyes outside and the Holy Spear hanging above her head made her afraid to speak.

Dantalian's smile vanished, and she coldly ordered, "Take them all away!"

The Shadow Raven Knights, armed with chains and poison, swarmed forward, first forcing them all to drink poisonous potions that would weaken their physical abilities, then binding them all tightly with chains and shoving them all the way to the dungeon of Leon Manor.

……

In the dungeon, Zhuang Sen stepped into the candlelight.

Her petite figure and the holy aura of an angel cast a soft halo around the candlelight, but to the group of "spies" chained up in shackles, it looked more like a demon had walked in.

Dantalian knelt down and picked up Zhuang Sen, saying slowly, "Darling, why did you come to a place like this yourself?"

"Didn't we hear they caught a big fish?"

Zhuang Sen's gaze swept over the fourteen spies lined up on the wall, then stopped on Mann Farau: "Mann Farau, the eldest son of Olco Farau, by all accounts, I should call you uncle, shouldn't I?"

Mann Farau forced a smile: "Sir, there's no need to be so polite. You can just call me Mann."

"I thought so too." Zhuang Sen nodded. "But I can call you brother-in-law, so, Brother-in-law Mann, what brings you here at this hour?"

Mann ignored Johnson's address and replied sincerely, "I'm here to pay the ransom for Lilith Farau and Colm Farau. I just happened to be resting at that hotel. I'm not a spy."

—He hasn't even had a chance to start his espionage activities yet!

The patrol officers quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes! We only came out to investigate after hearing the noise; we weren't together!"

Zhuang Sen frowned and said, "Brother-in-law, you've gone too far. You're still keeping it from me at a time like this. Lilith told me that these guys are spies hired by your Falao family, right? Fine, since you won't tell me properly, then I'll leave it to you, Dantalian."

Dantalian smiled and nodded: "Loris, sisters, it's time to show the real skills."

“Of course, but are you worried that the Earl will think you’re too vicious if you don’t go yourself?” Loris casually picked up a branding iron with a red-hot tip and walked towards Sister Mary. The other vengeful nuns also let out silvery laughter, each grabbing their favorite instruments of torture.

Fire tongs, whips, hammers, silver needles... each one has their own unique weapon and secret techniques, which must surely drive the spies to madness with pleasure!

The spies' expressions changed rapidly, with the patrolling nuns looking the most grim. They were well aware of the torture techniques used by the Vengeful Sisters, as they themselves knew them! It was an unbearable torture, a form of brutal interrogation that the nuns had learned but rarely used, employing only when necessary—such as interrogating kidnappers about their hideouts.

"Sister Mary, my skills in torture are not very good. If I poke in the wrong places, please forgive me."

Loris waved the fire tongs in her hand, sometimes pointing at Sister Mary's chest, sometimes at her private parts below her abdomen... The scalding heat transmitted through the air and fabric, making Sister Mary's mind automatically conjure up images of charred flesh.

"I'll talk! Don't hit me!!!"

Sister Mary chose to slide to her knees.

Zhuang Sen, who was braiding Dantalian's hair, looked up, somewhat surprised: "I didn't expect Sister Mary to be such a remarkable person. But how can we trust you without having been tortured?"

Sister Mary gave a smile that was even more painful than bitterness: "Lord Johnson, Earl Johnson, I am well aware of the Church's methods of torture, and I certainly cannot withstand them, so I think it is better not to waste your precious time and my precious life."

The pride of those with a bloodline means that even in this state, they can still confidently say that their lives are precious... It's not that life isn't precious, but saying it like that at this moment feels a bit strange.

Zhuang Sen shook his head, ignoring that point: "So, what are you going to say?"

The author says:

作者的话：进度更新：月票22/50，催更票28/50，打赏3900/5000

Chapter 191: Torture

Sister Mary slid down to her knees very thoroughly, and in response to Zhuang Sen's question, she immediately dropped the most important information: "Patriarch Yelena and Prince Grean have joined forces, which is why she sent us to the territory of Leon to monitor you closely and determine whether you can still be won over. As for dealing with Bishop Rosa and Priestess Dantalian, that is secondary."

"Loris," Zhuang Sen called out. The priestess put down the branding iron, but her cold expression showed that she hadn't forgotten the slander and rumors she'd been told. Sister Mary breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhuang Sen ingratiatingly, ignoring the condemnation and curses of her other companions.

Sister Mary saw things very clearly. Being scolded wouldn't hurt her, but being tortured would hurt her more than just a piece of flesh.

Seeing this amusing scene, Zhuang Sen noticed that only the men among them spoke up to condemn and insult Sister Mary, while the other nuns remained silent, clearly understanding Sister Mary's choice.

So, these men weren't actually with them? He'd thought Patriarch Yelena had implemented some kind of church reform, allowing women with gender dysphoria to join the church; turns out he was overthinking it.

But if that's the case, whose people are these men?

Sister Mary, who had been keeping a close eye on Zhuang Sen, noticed his gaze and guessed his doubts. She quickly explained, "Your Excellency, they are Prince Grean's men. Although they are all of low bloodline, they are Prince Grean's confidants. They came here to assess whether you are still a possibility to win over Prince Grean, as well as the cost and methods of doing so."

As soon as Sister Mary uttered these words, the insults from the group intensified, as if they had been proven right. However, Zhuang Sen did not believe it so easily, but instead waved his hand lightly: "Sisters, it seems these gentlemen are quite unconvinced."

The vengeful nuns chuckled. They were all local nuns from Leon Territory who supported Dantalian and Johnson, and they had no liking for the patrolling nuns. Naturally, they had no sympathy or pity for these suspected instigators and the mastermind behind the scenes, Grean's confidants. After Johnson gave the order, they immediately used their unique techniques on them.

A red-hot branding iron is pressed into the groin, pressing luxurious embroidered fabric deep into the flesh to create an imprint; a sharp, slit-headed hammer gently strikes from the toes, each strike precisely shattering bone and wedging the toenail into the slit, which is then pulled out by the root when lifted; a silver needle, several centimeters long, slides through the fabric several times under the groin, forcing a bulge before being plunged in, precisely piercing the eye through the fabric… This one is more delicate, but don't worry if you don't succeed; you'll eventually succeed with a few more tries.

Zhuang Sen was amazed by the vengeful nuns' superb memories, but Dantalian calmly touched Zhuang Sen's smooth face: "This is just the appetizer, my dear. There are still bee stings, rat bites, snake walks... these advanced moves haven't been shown yet. I hope these gentlemen can hold on and let you enjoy them all, my dear."

This woman is insane! She's completely insane! And Zhuang Sen is insane too!!!

The leader of this group of Grean's trusted men, the middle-aged man who had previously tried to use his status as the King of the Capital to oppose Zhuang Sen but was humiliated by Celine, was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Feeling the eighth silver needle piercing his groin, he felt his brain tremble and his body scream!

These people weren't interrogating them at all; they had no intention of getting information. They were purely torturing them! They didn't even say what they wanted to ask!

The ninth silver needle was finally inserted in the right spot.

The vengeful nun in charge of the middle-aged man wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, her face showing a relieved expression. She gave Loris and Dantalian a clear, embarrassed, innocent smile.

Dantalian smiled and nodded: "Although there are a few, it's because there aren't enough seats, so it's not your fault."

Great!

The vengeful nun excitedly raised her hand and picked up the pointed hammer. The middle-aged man had already witnessed the effects of this thing on others, and his extremities were immediately filled with intense phantom pain. The simple, innocent, and joyful smile on the vengeful nun's face, like that of a child playing with an insect, became the last straw that broke his heart.

"I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!! Go ahead and ask me!"

If you have to ask them to tell you, then they haven't broken down yet!