"You’re very similar to the governor of the Fengyue Free Territory, Sofia. I think... you’d probably like that place. If you’re willing, I can write you a letter of recommendation. I believe... the entire Fengyue Territory would welcome you."

Kai Leici said, his gaze sincere.

However, after listening to him, Frank pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head:

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Kai Leici. I’ve often heard Minstrels talk about the stories that happened in the Fengyue Territory, and I greatly admire Lady Sofia, who founded the Free Territory, but I don’t wish to join."

"Why?"

Kai Leici showed a somewhat surprised expression.

Frank thought for a bit and said:

"To join the Fengyue Free Territory, one must join the Life Church, and whether it’s me or my companions who follow me, many of us are devout believers of the Eternal Church."

"Although the Eternal Church has already decayed, the Church is the Church, and the Divine is the Divine. In my eyes... the Church’s mistakes cannot be pinned on the Divine."

"I greatly admire the Life Church and deeply respect Her Excellency the Life Goddess, but... I truly am sorry."

Frank said, his face apologetic.

Kai Leici looked at him deeply and gently shook his head:

"Mr. Frank, faith is not your real reason. You know my identity, so... you should also know that I can see the light of faith on each person."

As he spoke, Kai Leici let out a soft sigh and looked straight into Frank’s eyes:

"Mr. Frank, how long has it been since you last went to an Eternal Church?"

At these words, Frank trembled slightly and couldn’t help lowering his head.

A moment later, he let out a long sigh and said with a bitter smile:

"Your Excellency Kai Leici, I truly am sorry... For now, I don’t want to join any faction."

"I understand."

Kai Leici nodded lightly.

Then he smiled again and said:

"If one day your thoughts change, or rather... if you wish to join the Life Church, we will always welcome you."

Frank fell silent for a moment, then nodded:

"Thank you."

"But what are your plans next? The Imperial Nobles have already struck you from their rolls. After the war ends, what do you intend to do with the mercenary company you’ve built up?"

Kai Leici asked again.

His deep gaze rested on the young Knight as he said:

"I can sense that you didn’t found this mercenary company just to make a living. You lead your people to punish evil and uphold good, to slay Demons, your discipline is strict, your combat is brave—this is nothing like what an ordinary mercenary company should be."

"What is it... that you truly wish to do?"

Hearing Kai Leici’s words, Frank once more fell silent.

After a while, he opened his mouth, wanting to answer, but was stopped by the Elf Demigod:

"You don’t have to tell me your reasons. I imagine... you must have your own concerns and burdens."

"These past days, I’ve been watching you. You are a true chivalrous Knight, and I believe in your choices."

"However, there is one thing I wish to remind you of: it is not only the Eternal Church that has fallen. If you truly place certain hopes upon the Divine, you may end up disappointed."

"Of course, I do not mean the great Life Goddess Herself..."

"Mr. Frank, the doors of the Life Church will always be open to you. If one day you truly make up your mind, we would be glad to once again be your loyal allies."

... 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Frank did not speak with Kai Leici for very long.

After declining the invitation to join the Life Church, he soon took his leave.

And as soon as he stepped out the door, he ran into his trusted aide, Roland.

"Lord Frank!"

Roland greeted him with a slightly excited bow.

Frank raised an eyebrow:

"Roland, what are you doing here?"

"Hehe, I just won a round of cards and thought I’d come pick you up. Didn’t expect you to be done so soon."

Roland scratched his head as he spoke.

After speaking, he raised the flask in his hand and said excitedly:

"Look what I won!"

Frank’s heart stirred.

He glanced at the Elf-style flask, took it and sniffed at the mouth of the bottle, then said in some surprise:

"Elf Flower Tea?"

"Haha! That’s right! It’s the legendary Elf Flower Tea! I heard that over in the Imperial Capital, only those rich noble lords get to drink this stuff!"

Roland said excitedly.

But as soon as he finished, he suddenly noticed the faint shadow between Frank’s brows, realized he had said the wrong thing, and hurriedly covered his mouth:

"Ah... I’m sorry... Lord Frank, I shouldn’t have mentioned nobles..."

Frank had been stripped of his noble status.

Although he always said he had cast aside his identity as a noble, casting it aside is one thing, being stripped of it is another.

For the Imperial Nobles, this is almost a shame tantamount to complete ruin.

Usually, he would never dare mention nobles in front of him, for fear of touching a sore spot, but today, in his excitement, he had forgotten.

Frank, however, shook his head and said helplessly:

"No, Roland, I’ve said it many times: I don’t care about a mere noble title."

"Then why... do you look so unhappy?"

Roland asked curiously.

Frank froze.

"Do I... look very unhappy?"

He touched his own cheek.

"Of course. You look like you’ve lost your soul."

Roland nodded.

Frank was stunned.

A moment later, he gave a bitter smile and said:

"Maybe... I’m just a bit lost myself..."

"Lost? Lord Frank, didn’t you say that all along this journey, you’d already decided how you were going to walk the road ahead? Didn’t you say you planned to lead everyone to punish evil and promote good, to save the people from fire and water?"