NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 77 – Exploring One’s Ability
It wasn’t as if Romoly alone could move the whole church, but…
Elana felt quite good about her choice to get the man to join her side. He was influential, well-liked and had the pope’s ear. His contributions to the inner workings of the large clerical body were immense, which was why he had been the one sitting so close to the King.
Furthermore, Romoly was sympathetic to Elana due to his own sexual preferences. She would let him have his choir boys or whatever he liked.
Meeting the Bishop had definitely been worth it. Sitting in a carriage, heading back to the family’s mansion, Elana changed her plans to incorporate the new developments.
Cinthia, sitting across from Elana, noticed her lady’s good mood. “The meeting went well?” She shifted in her seat, trying to keep her voice down. The coachmen would report everything that was said to the Duke’s men.
Elana nodded. “It went well,” She supposed. “Much was discussed. Our dear Bishop had a lot to say.” She didn’t bother lowering her voice.
The bodyguard nodded, her expression brightening. Cinthia didn’t particularly enjoy Elana’s outburst of anger. “I see. So what now?”
“Now,” Elana looked out of the window, wondering if she had the leisure to fuck anyone. “Now, I will have a meeting with my dad.” Her voice was dispassionate, not betraying her feelings about the upcoming interrogation.
Elana assumed the summon to her ‘Father’s’ workroom would come as soon as she returned. It would be a little too quick. And she was running out of time.
“The meeting went very well,” Elana hummed, changing her plans again. “Father will be very pleased. There is a reason to celebrate. In fact…” She felt her bloodlust rise.
Cinthia tilted her head, waiting for her lady to continue. She shuddered, feeling the cold seeping from Elana’s direction.
“In fact,” Elana continued after a brief delay. “We should visit our dear Merchant’s daughter. I think father will want to celebrate with me.” She nodded for Cinthia to give the instructions to the coachman.
It had always been a question of how to give the old fart the other dose of poison. Now Elana had a good excuse to bring another bottle of ‘valuable’ alcohol.
The issue was it was too soon. Elana chewed on her nails while considering the options. She now had support in the church. There was no need to rely on her father to get inside the convention.
Moira would use the Prince to get in. Catarina had her own ways. So, that part was covered.
But Vermont had an important part to play. He was the element of unrest - proof the King could not control his vassals. Her father was the leader of a faction, and she didn’t know how they would react to his death.
Would they even have time to act? It was just a couple days. What could they do?
Elana studied the large crowds that filled the capital. The city was constantly filling with new arrivals, ready to grab any chance of earning more money or power.
Merchants, artists, performers, common folk, holy men and nobles mixed in the streets, raising the already loud city to new levels of obnoxiousness.
In the end, it all depended on what the little alchemist would say. Elana leaned back in her seat to escape the sights of the city. There were too many sweaty meatheads hauling goods for her taste. But this was the merchant district, so it was given.
And for the next part, Elana had to concentrate. She tried to feel the tenuous connection with the bracelet.
It didn’t work at first. Elana had to switch to her sensing Moira’s location to find the link. She explored the connection, trying to draw on the strength she had before at the King’s audience hall.
Slowly, Elana felt her body grow more powerful. She felt wonderful, ready to face hundreds of enemies. Together with her control over Ice, she could fight and do it well.
Sure, Elana lacked experience, but…
The ice slowly crept over her fingers, covering them in a crystal glove. She continued to form the comforting shielding, cladding her arm in a formidable armour.
“Looks scary,” Cinthia nodded in approval. “But can it take blows?”
Elana experimented by adding a few spikes. “It can.” She was sure of it. “And it shouldn’t be a problem to repair it during a combat. “But it is your job to prevent that ever happening.” She reminded.
“I know,” Cinthia gulped when an icicle shot past her head, piercing into the carriage wall. “But I am glad my Lady can defend herself in need.” She bowed.
“Quit with the flattery.” Elana dismissed the icy cover. “It doesn’t suit someone who likes to ravage young ladies on the side.”
“What can I say. It is fun.” The Redhead shrugged. “And it earned you some support, so where is the harm?”
“There is none.” Elana pushed more divine might into her bones and flesh. Cinthia was right. Her sleeping around had earned a couple more supporters for their cause.
Elana punched the air, enjoying the speed she could achieve. The movement was crips and fluid, despite the bit of clumsiness. Maybe a bit of practical training was in order.
After another punch, Elana now understood how the Prince in the game had been so gallant and daring. He had a cheat!
During that duel with Kurt, he hadn’t been impressive at all. Elana’s previous fiancee was good, but not facing-an-army-alone good as in the game.
Elana flexed her muscles, enjoying the fearful look she was receiving. She let her eyes wander over Citnhia’s lush body.
“What are you planning?” Redhead felt Elana’s thoughts turn to the lewder side of things.
“Just realising I can hold you down now,” Elana admitted. “There would be no escape for you.”
But before more could be said, the carriage came to a stop. Elana glanced out of the window and prepared to step out.
It was time to see what the little alchemist would say. And maybe, just maybe, she would see if the girl could be coaxed into more.
