"I wish you success as well." Murphy’s tone was flat as he put away the metal box containing the Heart of the Fierce Sun.

Knight Armand said no more. He gave another solemn bow, then tightly gripped the crystal tube, turned, and strode away, his pace even more hurried than when he had arrived.

The courtyard fell silent once more, leaving only the gentle gurgle of the spring.

"He... seemed very emotional."

A soft voice, tinged with hesitation, came from the side.

Murphy turned his head and saw that Elizabeth was standing under the porch of her stone house, though he hadn’t noticed when she’d arrived.

She was still dressed in her dark blue riding attire. Apparently, she had heard the commotion outside but hadn’t dared to come out and interrupt. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Now, seeing Armand leave, she took a few steps closer.

"Mm," Murphy replied faintly, not explaining the specifics of the transaction.

Elizabeth looked at his calm, emotionless profile, then recalled the old Knight’s near loss of composure. Her confusion deepened.

She hesitated for a moment but couldn’t help asking, "That old Knight... was he here to ask for your help with tomorrow’s mission? I saw that he seemed to give you something, and... took something from you as well."

Murphy glanced at her. "It was just a transaction. We each got what we needed. He needed something to have a chance at a breakthrough, and I received a weapon that might be useful in a dangerous situation."

"A weapon?" Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly. Her gaze subconsciously fell to the Ancient Longsword at Murphy’s waist before she realized he probably wasn’t referring to an ordinary blade.

"A... rather special consumable," Murphy said without further explanation, changing the subject. "Your Highness, what do you know about tomorrow’s mission?"

Elizabeth’s expression darkened, and she shook her head. "I only know that it’s extremely dangerous and requires going deep into... the place where that monster came from. The Ironspine Duke and the two Bishops haven’t told me the specifics. They don’t seem to think I can participate in or understand things on a tactical level."

Her voice held a barely perceptible note of disappointment, but it was quickly replaced by resolve. "But I have reviewed some of the files on frontline casualties, material attrition, and refugee placement. The logistical pressure is immense, and morale is complicated."

She looked up at Murphy, her dark eyes looking exceptionally bright in the firelight. "Lord Melfield, do you... really have to go? I mean, your injuries... even though you said you’re fine, a place like that..."

"I have to," Murphy interrupted her. "Under the edict, no one can refuse."

Elizabeth fell silent for a moment before asking softly, "Then... is there anything you need me to do here? Although my own power is meager, perhaps... I can help keep an eye on the situation in the rear, or, if Lady Aurora arrives, I could also..."

"Just keep doing what you’re already doing," Murphy said, his gaze sweeping over her slightly slender but straight back. "As for Aurora..."

He paused, a flicker of indiscernible softness in his eyes. "If she comes, she’ll know what to do."

"I understand." Elizabeth nodded firmly and took a deep breath, as if to suppress all her anxiety and weakness. "Please... you must return safely. I... I’ll be here, waiting to hear the news you bring back."

Murphy watched her trying to straighten her spine and present a strong front, giving a barely perceptible nod.

"Mm."

He said no more and turned toward his stone house.

Tomorrow, he would step into an unknown world. Tonight, he needed this final bit of time to adjust his condition and make good use of his newly acquired Heart of the Fierce Sun.

Elizabeth watched his door close and stood in the courtyard for a while longer.

The night wind was cool, carrying the scent of sulfur and rusted metal, but her heart felt a little calmer than before.

She turned and went back inside her house. Her gaze fell upon the pile of unread files, and her expression gradually became focused and resolute.

’No matter what storms lie ahead, all I can do is hold on tight to what I can, and then, wait for the dawn—or for the return of the one who promised to bring back news.’

* * *

For the vast majority of the Peak Mortal Knights gathered here, the allure of the "Holy Protector" title and the permanent protection from the Church Court that came with it was perhaps far greater than the ethereal possibility of becoming Extraordinary.

After all, long life was the stuff of myths and legends, while the continuation and prosperity of one’s family was the most immediate and tangible responsibility.

Even if one broke through the limits of life, their lifespan would only extend to a hundred-some years before they eventually returned to dust.

But if, at the great risk of their own potential demise, they could trade their life for several centuries—or even longer—of the Church Court’s preferential resources, political asylum, and opportunities for development for their blood relatives, this "transaction" was, in the eyes of many, worthwhile, even glorious.

Against the backdrop of the Church Court ruling the Continent’s faith for over a thousand years, a "Holy Protector’s" family was virtually branded with the mark of "divine favor." Their status was far more stable than that of ordinary nobles who relied solely on military might or wealth.

This was not just a title; it was the cornerstone for a family’s path to "immortality."

This was also why the Cardinal’s reward was not an Extraordinary Potion.

However, to Murphy, none of this was necessary.

’I have to live. I have to live for a long, long time!’

’I have to witness a wider world with my own eyes and seize control of my own destiny and the destinies of those I care about!’

’Power, long life, protection—I want it all!’

’I’ve never thought of using my own strength to challenge, let alone overthrow, a behemoth like the Church Court. That would not only be foolish but also meaningless and extremely dangerous.’