Wizard: I Have a Cultivation System-Chapter 56: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

「Three days later.」

Inside the great hall of Baron Duval’s Castle, a solemn memorial mass was underway.

Bishop Alberto stood before the altar, his long, silver-white hair shimmering with a sacred light in the flickering candlelight.

On either side of the altar, six Assistant Priests held censers. Plumes of smoke curled into the air, mingling with the light that streamed through the stained-glass windows to create an ethereal veil of light.

"Oriane on high," the Bishop’s voice echoed from the hall’s vaulted ceiling. "We gather here today to bid farewell to the Guardian of the Duval Clan, the ruler of this land—Baron Edgar Duval. He was a lord who staunchly upheld his family’s traditions, a Warrior who lived by his knightly vows his entire life, and a believer who remained ever true to the essence of his faith."

His gaze swept over the congregation, where he saw solid ranks of Knights and followers standing in perfect formation.

In the front row stood members of the Duval family, dressed in black mourning attire. Behind them were the territory’s Knights, followers, and the envoys sent by other nobles.

The Bishop continued to intone, "For thirty years, he ruled this land under the guidance of the stars. With unwavering loyalty, he guarded the bloodline and honor of the Duval Clan. With unshakeable fidelity, he fulfilled his oath as a Lord to his vassals. With constant devotion, he lived his faith in Oriane. Now, at the call of truth, he has returned to the sea of stars."

"..." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

...

「After the mass and burial.」

The funeral banquet proceeded in an oppressive atmosphere.

Seizing a moment while the guests were exchanging pleasantries, the Lady Baron intercepted Roton Knight by a pillar in a side hall.

"Roton," she said, her voice laced with urgency, "do you remember the promise you made to me in the Rose Garden all those years ago? You said you would forever guard the honor of the Duval Clan."

Roton bowed slightly, a sorrowful expression on his face. "My Lady, I remember it all. But the Baron has only just passed. The territory needs stability now."

"Stability?" The Lady Baron’s voice trembled. "Kelvin refused to wait even a month. We have the Eternal Sleep Ice Crystal, which could have preserved Edgar’s body perfectly, yet he insisted on holding the funeral ahead of schedule. Sylvan is riding post-haste from the South. Is his own son to be stripped of the right to preside over his father’s funeral?"

She took a step forward, her eyes beneath her black veil fixed on Roton. "You watched him grow up, Roton. Sylvan is the rightful heir, but Kelvin is seizing this opportunity to consolidate his power. I need your support. When Sylvan returns..."

Roton Knight fell silent for a moment, his gaze drifting toward Kelvin, who was conversing with envoys from other noble families in the distance.

He lowered his voice. "My Lady, I understand how you feel as a mother. But please, think about the situation. Viscount Hans is watching our border like a hawk, and the other lords’ positions are unclear. The territory cannot afford to be embroiled in a succession dispute at a time like this."

He took half a step back, maintaining a respectful posture. "The Eternal Sleep Ice Crystal can indeed preserve the body for a month, but our enemies will not grant us that luxury. Kelvin is the legal heir for now, and we need a Lord who can take charge immediately. Besides, proceeding with the funeral was the will of Bishop Alberto himself."

The Lady Baron’s fingers tightened on her dress, her knuckles turning white with the force of her grip.

She suppressed her fury, her voice squeezed out from between clenched teeth. "So, you intend to forsake your promise as well? Roton Holden, you swore an oath of fealty to the Duval Clan, and now you support that..."

"My Lady!" Roton cut her off, his tone hardening. "I *am* fulfilling my oath to the Duval Clan. The survival of the territory comes before personal sentiment. I urge you to consider the bigger picture."

With that, he gave her a deep bow and turned to leave.

The Lady Baron stood frozen in place, her face contorting with rage beneath her veil.

She watched Roton’s retreating figure, a vicious glint flashing in her eyes, but she was utterly helpless.

In a world where might is paramount, she stood no chance against Kelvin, who held the real power, without the support of Roton—the territory’s only Official Knight.

...

After the funeral banquet, Roton crossed a long gallery and came to a secluded parlor on the east side of the castle.

He pushed open the door to find Bishop Alberto and Kelvin already waiting inside.

Bishop Alberto’s voice was low. "You’re here, Roton Knight. Perfect timing. I have an important decision to announce. At dawn tomorrow, I will depart to return to my diocese."

Kelvin shot to his feet, shock written all over his face. "Your Grace, why so suddenly? My father’s funeral has just ended, and the territory is in a turbulent state. We need the Church Court’s guidance..."

Roton was also astonished. "Your Grace, isn’t it too hasty to leave now? The threat from Viscount Hans is imminent, and the other lords’ stances remain unclear. If we had the Church Court’s support..."

Bishop Alberto raised a hand, silencing their protests. "Do you think the darkness will simply stand still forever? The Witch’s shadow has not yet faded, and an unnatural haze still shrouds the skies of the Northern Territory. The longer I stay, the more vigilant those lurking in the dark will become."

He ambled toward the window and gazed in the direction of the stables. "Sometimes, the most effective hunt is not a relentless chase, but a feigned retreat, waiting for the prey to reveal an opening itself."

Realization dawned on Kelvin. "You mean..."

Bishop Alberto turned back to them. "When those entities in the darkness see me depart, they will surely let down their guard. Only then can we see who is truly pulling the strings."

Roton Knight said thoughtfully, "So you intend to... set a trap?"

Bishop Alberto nodded. "Precisely. Though the Witch Othilia was defeated, the seeds of darkness she sowed remain. I must create the illusion of my departure to lure the snake from its hole. During this time, you must maintain a calm facade, as if you have truly lost the protection of the Church Court."

Kelvin said with concern, "But if Viscount Hans seizes this opportunity to make a move..."

"This is your test," Bishop Alberto said, looking at him sternly. "Only a Lord who can stand on his own in a crisis—defending his territory without alerting the hidden enemy—is worthy of the Church Court’s full support. Remember, I am not truly leaving. I am watching over you from the shadows."

Roton Knight dropped to one knee. "Rest assured, Your Grace. As long as I, Roton Holden, still draw breath, I will never allow the Duval Territory to be overrun by our enemies."

Bishop Alberto helped Roton to his feet and then turned to Kelvin. "The truth behind your father’s sudden death has not yet been uncovered. My covert investigation will also aim to determine if his passing is connected to the forces of darkness. In the meantime, you must stabilize the territory, but do not act rashly."

Kelvin bowed solemnly. "I will heed Your Grace’s counsel."

Bishop Alberto took an insignia inlaid with a Moonlight Stone from his robes and handed it to Kelvin. "If an emergency arises, place this insignia in candlelight, and I will know. Remember, until the truth is revealed, remain vigilant, but do not strike the grass and startle the snake."