Who made him a paladin?

Chapter 21: Is that old hag trying to trick me again?

Upon hearing this, Xia Nan frowned, somewhat unable to process what was being said.

"Wasn't Linus one of your men?"

Fario sighed, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes appearing somewhat deep in the dim light.

"That's a long story. Actually, I noticed several months ago that there were heretics infiltrating the Vatican."

"It's just that they're too well hidden; even the Shadow Walkers of the Holy Crown Division can't find them."

"However, the turning point came when Sylvie wanted to go on a training trip."

Fario paced back and forth in the small room with his hands behind his back, his head tilted back as he looked up at the ceiling, seemingly deep in thought.

"To protect my niece's safety, I specifically sent Linus's team to the Elk Forest to investigate the den first."

"Unexpectedly, Sylvie was arrested after her safety was confirmed. From that moment on, Linus became a key target."

"Since you already suspect him, why did you still send him to rescue the princess?"

Xia Nan wanted to understand the whole story, since this arrangement was really illogical.

"Young man, patience is the key to catching big fish," Fario said casually.

"I gave him a chance to see how he would choose to act."

"Just in case, I also sent Lisa to follow us secretly. Unfortunately, Lisa's infiltration was discovered by the elves in the group."

"What surprised me even more was that," Fario looked at Xia Nan with a half-smile, his eyes showing both appreciation and approval.

"The princess was actually saved by an intern, who even brought back a succubus."

Xia Nan wasn't arrogant; he simply nodded as if he had just realized something.

No wonder the succubus has a magic-sealing circle that can counter mages.

It seems the succubus wasn't lying, but she didn't mention that Linus had come.

However, it also proves that the people in the Vatican are somewhat beastly.

Knowing full well that the princess was in trouble, they still wanted to play the long game and catch a big fish. They were truly willing to use even a princess as a pawn to achieve their goals.

"And then what?" Xia Nan asked, snapping out of her reverie.

"With the Prayer Festival approaching, most of the city guards and paladins have been transferred to intensive training," Fario continued. "Also yesterday, the Shadowman discovered that Linus was using a grey-feathered carrier pigeon to contact unknown individuals. After intercepting their intention to harm His Highness, I chose to play along and arranged for the Seven Swords to provide covert protection, hoping to wait for Linus to reveal himself."

Fario shook his head, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Unfortunately, the opponent is extremely cautious, only sending out ancient golems."

"Before the Seven Swords could even make a move, you saved His Highness once again."

Recalling the scene of using living people as weapons, Xia Nan rubbed his nose sheepishly.

"After this incident, I wonder if he harbors resentment towards you because you keep ruining his plans?"

"So this morning," Fario's tone turned serious, "I had someone forge the letter, creating the illusion of pressure to force him to eliminate you immediately. At the same time, I also had Miss Charlotte surface as a false informant." Fario smiled at Xia Nan, narrowing his eyes. "As expected, he forged an arrest warrant to try and arrest you."

After hearing about the intricately linked plan behind it, Xia Nanren was dumbfounded.

Indeed, the older a person gets, the more cunning they become.

Step by step, he was forced into the game himself.

If he didn't have some special skills, it would have been expected that he would have been taken down.

Xia Nan decided that he must be more careful when dealing with these shrewd people in the future.

"Linus is now under secret control." Fario's smile grew even brighter. "As a reward, I've decided to promote you and appoint you as Sylvie's personal bodyguard."

"A tenfold increase in monthly salary, baronial privileges, and free access to the imperial city."

Within the Pasar Empire, such generous conditions would be enough to drive any person from the lower classes mad.

Fario had no doubt that Xia Nan would not refuse the terms offered now.

However, he overestimated Xia Nan's brain circuits.

Xia Nan thought that having a bodyguard sounded good; not only would he be able to have long-term contact with the princess, but he might also be able to gain some benefits from it.

But Xia Nan wasn't stupid. If he accepted, it would be tantamount to voluntarily entering the royal game.

Xia Nan knew he couldn't outmaneuver this seasoned veteran in terms of power after Fario's recent arrangements.

But Xia Nan didn't want to give up the benefits of being an elite Tier 3, so he cleared his throat, leaned forward slightly, and asked in the most sincere tone:

"Lord Fario, please forgive my intrusion. But do I have any other choice?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise appeared on Fario's composed face.

Princess bodyguard, a coveted job that countless noble sons would kill for, how did it become a choice for Xia Nan?

If Sylvie hadn't been interested in Xia Nan, Fario would have already sent the Seven Swords to take on this mission.

To discourage this arrogant young man, Fario put away his smile and deliberately drew out his words:

"The Holy See cherishes freedom and grants everyone a fair right to choose. But you should know that advancing to Elite Tier 3 means being transferred to the Holy Crown Division. Your daily work involves facing terrifying magical beasts and carrying out high-risk missions."

Facing Warcraft...

Xia Nan was worried about how to link the loot mechanism of "Greed" with the profession to maximize profits.

Isn't this a golden opportunity?

"So you mean if I refuse to become the princess's protector, I'll be transferred to the most dangerous department of the Holy See?"

"That's right."

Fario looked calm and secretly pleased, believing that this choice would definitely keep Xia Nan under control, after all, who doesn't want a peaceful life?

"I want to join the Holy Crown Division."

"..."

Fario seemed slightly lost in thought. It was as if he had meticulously planned and calculated everything, and given the opponent the greatest benefit, only to have the opponent not fall for it.

A sense of loss welled up inside me without warning.

Even the two Seven Swordsmen beside them exchanged surprised glances.

Everyone subconsciously thought that Xia Nan had something wrong with his mind.

Becoming the princess's personal bodyguard is equivalent to being a confidant, and entering the upper house, the center of power, would be a piece of cake in the future.

"My dear child," Fario was the first to recover, but his tone held a deeper meaning, "Are you sure you want to give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? The Holy Crown Court... is not a place for peaceful afternoon tea."

"Of course I understand, Lord Fario." Xia Nan's expression suddenly became incredibly devout, deciding to say something grand to impress the old man. He nodded slightly and said in an aria-like tone, "A life of ease will corrupt my will, and luxurious palaces will blind my eyes. Only by fighting the most terrifying monsters and facing the purest evil can my soul be elevated."

These words were spoken with such righteous indignation that even the two Seven Swordsmen, who were used to seeing big scenes, took notice.

Even Fario looked at Xia Nan with amazement, secretly thinking to himself that this guy was even better at pretending than he was.

However, Xia Nan changed the subject, adopting a shrewd smile.

"However..." He rubbed his hands together, leaning forward slightly, "Lord Fario, my friend unfortunately suffered some injuries during your grand performance. Don't you think we should consider the medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for emotional distress?"

"Pfft."

Fario couldn't help but laugh, his shoulders shaking with laughter, seemingly admiring Xia Nan's attitude.

"Interesting, you're quite an interesting child. Alright, I respect your decision." He then turned to the white-haired, scarred-faced Seven Swordsman and instructed, "Kyle, take him to complete the procedures for his advancement and dormitory, and while you're at it, go to the Holy Register Academy to collect the 3 gold coin subsidy."

"Yes, sir."

The man named Kyle succinctly agreed and then led Xia Nan away.

After the door to the secret chamber closed again, another of the Seven Swordsmen who had been present couldn't help but ask Fario, "Excuse my bluntness, sir, why did you choose Xia Nan? After all, his style of doing things and his identity are not the best choice."

"Boris, it is precisely because Xia Nan has no powerful or influential background that he is the best candidate." Fario walked to the desk, tapped his fingers lightly on the surface, and the smile in his eyes disappeared completely.

"He could cleave Linus's armor in two with a single sword strike, and even toy with Charlotte using bizarre moves."

Fario paused slightly and looked at the map of the capital city on the wall.

"Besides, it took two paladins to lift his heavy sword back, but he could lift it with one hand."

"This incredible power must be cultivated into the empire's trump card."

In Fario's strategy, Xia Nan thought he had jumped out of the chessboard and chosen a seemingly free path.

In reality, no matter what choice Xia Nan makes, he has been caught up in the situation from the moment he stepped into this room.

Xia Nan might think he'd made a profit, but Fario would never lose out.

"Then, sir..." Boris hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "could you perhaps transfer Xia Nan to my command?"

"Boris, you're too late. Xia Nan has already been reserved."

"May I ask who it is?"

Charlotte.