Chapter 159: Lynn Arrives, the Duchess is Saved
"Relax, Sir Knight, he's abstainer-type, not blood-drinker-type."
"Blood-drinker-type, as the name implies, still feeds on blood, not necessarily human, nor necessarily intelligent beings. But for them, the blood of intelligent beings tastes much better than that of animals."
"As for abstainer-type, just as the name suggests, they've controlled their desires and no longer drink blood."
At this point, Lynn told a small lie: "As for anything more, I'm not sure. If you're interested, you can ask him yourself."
In reality, he knew more than he let on to Maximus. However, the rest were Regis's personal secrets and private matters. He felt it would be improper to disclose them without Regis's permission.
The ranger knight seemed to have an epiphany, believing he had guessed the witcher's thoughts. "So that's why you don't hunt him? Because he's an abstainer-type vampire?"
Lynn corrected him: "He's an abstainer-type higher vampire, and that's one of the reasons, yes..."
"Since we're on the subject, Sir Knight, I hope you will swear on your knightly honor not to reveal Regis's identity."
"At the cultists' gathering place, he could have hidden his identity, but he chose to reveal it. Although he is a monster, his conduct is honorable. However, you can't deny that in this world, some people are ignorant and prejudiced. They categorize others simply based on race, origin, region, or other irrelevant things, rather than rational thought."
"What's worse, these people refuse to listen to reason. And mind you, I'm not just talking about those hospitable, honest common folk, but also the knightly brothers you know."
"If they were to learn Regis's true identity, not only would Regis face difficulties, but you too would find yourself in great trouble. Sir Maximus, as a ranger knight serving Her Grace, the Illustrious Duchess, you surely aren't one of those ignorant individuals. So, please, swear your knightly oath to keep Regis's identity a secret."
Maximus's face was a mixture of conflict and resignation, but he finally agreed. In front of Lynn, he solemnly swore on his knightly honor that as long as he lived, he would never reveal any part of Regis's true identity.
A few days later, the group returned to the side of Lake Serawe. Standing on the lake's surface, as clear as a mirror, Lynn softly uttered the name of the Lady of the Lake.
A hazy mist suddenly rose from the lake. Gentle moisture enveloped the group, like the tender hands of a lover, washing away the fatigue and hardships of their journey. The weariness instantly dissipated, replaced by a feeling of renewed vigor.
The Lady of the Lake slowly emerged from beneath the water, her bare feet standing directly on the surface. With a sacred smile, she gazed at the group.
"Excellent, brave warriors. I can feel that you have purified the den of iniquity where the evil god Dagon was worshipped."
"Yes, Lady Goddess," Lynn said, taking out the image of the evil god Dagon, which the cultists had worshipped and offered to, from his magic-imbued leather pouch. "This is their holy artifact."
The Lady of the Lake gently beckoned. A soft white light enveloped the image and flew towards her. The image seemed to sense danger, struggling as if alive. But the white light, like a cage, trapped it tightly.
The Lady of the Lake pressed her palms together. Without any discernible movement from her, the white light surrounding the image grew brighter and brighter, even emitting an astonishing heat. So much so that everyone had to step back, temporarily avoiding the intense warmth.
Boom!
The white light dissipated into specks. And the image, enveloped within, seemed to have evaporated, vanishing without a trace, leaving not even a shred of cloth behind.
"I noticed, young warrior, that you seem to have been marked by His evil sign."
"Once you appear in His territory, you will suffer His boundless wrath."
"However, fear not. I will cleanse this mark for you... step forward."
Lynn unhesitatingly walked to the Lady of the Lake.
"Close your eyes and do not resist."
He obeyed. He then felt an invisible force lifting his body, gently tilting him backward. He didn't panic or move aimlessly, allowing the force to carry him into the lake water. Contrary to what he expected, the lake water wasn't cold; instead, it was warm and very comfortable. Soon after, the chilling sensation within his body rapidly dissipated.
A few minutes later, Lynn was brought back to the surface of the lake. He opened his eyes and checked his attribute panel. Indeed, the Deep Sea Mark was gone. Not only that, but a new "Detect Evil" specialization had appeared in his attribute panel. This Detect Evil was specifically for detecting evil gods and their chaotic minions. As long as they were near the blessed individual, it would automatically reveal their presence.
Though he had guessed that the Lady of the Lake would likely be able to remove this nasty debuff, Lynn still expressed his respect and gratitude when she actually helped.
The Lady of the Lake nodded gently with a soft smile. She beckoned again, and a jewel-encrusted chalice slowly rose from beneath the lake water.
"Take this chalice. When needed, holy water with the power to exorcise demonic forces will flow from it."
"However, this chalice can only be used once. After use, you must bring it back."
"Additionally, young warrior, I have other plans for you. We will discuss this when you return with the chalice."
At Beauclair Palace.
Fringilla's hands trembled as she carefully fed the holy water, which had emerged from the chalice, bit by bit into Duchess Anna Henrietta's mouth.
Inside the sickroom, Count Raymond and a host of high-ranking officials watched nervously as the Duchess lay in her bed.
Until she drank all the holy water.
A miraculous sight occurred: the black lines on the Duchess's face miraculously faded, then slowly receded.
Though she still hadn't awakened, it was clear that Duchess Anna Henrietta's complexion had significantly improved.
Fringilla placed her hand on the Duchess's forehead. She softly chanted a spell. A gentle green light emanated from her hand. The sorceress closed her eyes, sensing carefully.
After a moment, she opened her eyes again, letting the magical aura subside. She turned to the anxious and hopeful Count Raymond.
"The witcher succeeded. Her Grace's demonic power has indeed been completely cleansed."
The high-ranking officials behind Count Raymond all breathed a sigh of relief. Count Raymond himself also looked much more at ease.
But then he asked, puzzled, "Then why hasn't Her Grace awakened yet?"
Fringilla explained, "Her Grace is advanced in years, and her body has been tormented by demonic power for so long. Naturally, she will need time to recover."
Count Raymond nodded, then looked at Lynn and the others. His tone was no longer the cold, distant attitude they had encountered during their first meeting. Instead, it was filled with gratitude and goodwill.
"Master Lynn, Master Geralt, Lord Regis, Sir Maximus, I, Raymond, in my capacity as Regent, on behalf of Toussaint, thank you for your immense contributions to Her Grace, the Illustrious Duchess, and to Toussaint."
Count Raymond's way of expressing gratitude was direct. He paid each of them 450 florins.
Florins, also known as Nilfgaardian francs, are a currency circulated within the Nilfgaardian Empire and its various provinces and vassal states. At the current exchange rate, 450 florins equals 5,000 orens.
However, the value of the florin doesn't depend on its gold content. Instead, it depends on the Nilfgaardian Empire's economy. If the imperial army consistently wins battles, the large amount of spoils and slaves plundered from conquered regions can significantly increase the gold coin's value. But if they're caught in a long standoff with an enemy, unable to break through, and war debts pile up, the florin's value will slowly and continuously decline.
The florins were just an advance payment. Count Raymond assured them that if Her Grace the Duchess awoke, there would be further substantial rewards.
....
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