Chapter 118: No One Understands Prayer Better Than I Do - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

### Chapter 118: No One Understands Prayer Better Than I Do The man’s voice was soft, yet it carried a weight like a thousand tons. Under the moonlight, the girl's face blushed slightly, making her look extremely endearing. She murmured and turned her head away, refusing to engage in conversation. Lucius remained silent as well, both of them enveloped in silence. It was unclear how much time had passed before Lucius realized a small, heavy head had quietly nestled upon his shoulder. In the darkness, the gentle voice of Eilene broke the silence. “Let’s go back.” Lucius nodded, having no objection. Just as they were about to rise, a petite figure at the corridor's corner hurriedly withdrew its gaze. ... After this small episode with Eilene, Lucius's manor returned to its usual serenity. Rumors of him being idle and staying at home spread wider over time. Undoubtedly, Lucius was a prominent figure in the outer districts. How many people watched him in secret was anyone's guess. Naturally, his every action became fodder for widespread discussion. Notably, the rumors spread by the Third Prince, Lance, accusing him of harboring witches and falling into dissipation. Initially, few people were inclined to believe this. After all, Lucius had always been the pride of the outer districts and the whole Mayan Empire. But as time ticked on, the two 'witches' he had taken away remained out of sight and mind. This inevitably led to increasing speculation. People questioning Lucius's actions were becoming more frequent. Though some still firmly believed in Lucius, trusting their priest to be loyal to the church and the goddess. Regardless of belief or doubt, all awaited a response from Lucius himself. The skepticism even reached the ears of the current ruler of the Mayan Empire. Some of the church's political adversaries seized the opportunity to vilify Lucius, adding fuel to the discord stemming from his defiance of royal orders, which had long been a point of contention among many ministers and nobles. Lucius’s response? Silence. The turmoil outside has nothing to do with me. Bearing the banner of a priest, no one dared lay a finger on him. Those with intentions lacked strength. Those with strength often chose to turn a blind eye. Most notably, the Third Prince, Lance, still hadn't fully recovered. It was rumored that he had undergone a drastic change, with bouts of incontinence and increasing irritability, drawing laughter at every mention. The shadow Lucius had cast on him last time was perhaps too profound. Early one morning, Lucius rose from bed, dressed, and heard Anna's gentle voice from outside the door. “Lord Lucius, there's another message from the church. They hope you'll surrender the witches soon.” Lucius let out a chuckle and opened the door. Before him stood the familiar blue and white maid outfit, the woman’s graceful curves evident. Indifferently, he said, “It’s fine. Leave the letter in my study; I’ll reply later.” After speaking, he paused and suddenly asked, “By the way, how many messages have they sent?” Anna bowed her head slightly, responding with respect, “This is the seventh letter from the church.” Lucius’s eyes flickered with a hint of contemplation. Anna continued, “Lord Lucius, the royal family is also urging you. They say His Majesty has requested a personal audience with you.” Lucius waved dismissively, “You handle that. Tell them I’m unwell and can’t make it.” Anna hesitated, reminding him, “Lord Lucius, that was the reason you used last time…” “Was it?” Lucius mused, “Then say I broke my leg on the swing in the garden and can't go out.” Lucius casually concocted another excuse. When dealing with his own bastion, the church, Lucius was nonchalant about the royal family. You may call, but I simply won't go. If necessary, send the princes over; let’s see how many they have to spare. Recently, the tension between the church and the royal family had intensified, and with both sides eager to woo Lucius given his tremendous value in conflict, his actions weren't considered rebellious. Or rather, it was this very tension that highlighted Lucius's invaluable prowess. The royal family tried to win him over, hoping to weaken the church, but the church wouldn’t agree. Both sides promised Lucius numerous benefits – the church even tacitly allowed his harboring of witches as a sign of goodwill. Only those oblivious to the situation in court naïvely believed Lucius was the targeted scapegoat, seeking to topple him. Unaware, their own substantial power was their safeguard. If a true rift between the church and the royalty occurred, these well-fed ministers and noblemen would be the first to face repercussions. Ruminating on such thoughts, Lucius noticed Anna had remained silent. He raised an eyebrow, coming back to his senses. “What, have I used that one too?” Anna nodded obediently, “This is the twenty-third time the royal family has sent someone to urge you.” Implied was that most plausible reasons had already been exhausted. Lucius frowned, thought for a moment, and said, “Then say I’m going to the chapel to pray today, and can’t make it.” Anna was taken aback. “But today’s not a prayer day…” Lucius shot her a look. “Who’s the priest here, you or me?” “No one understands prayer better than I do.” With that, Lucius started walking towards the stairs. Suddenly, he turned, as if remembering something, and asked, “How long has it been?” The question seemed abrupt. But Anna quickly grasped his meaning, responding, “Two years.” Two years... Lucius glanced at the azure sky beyond the corridor. It had been two whole years since he brought the two little witches into his care. During these years, Lucius grew very close with them. The well-groomed girls, resembling porcelain dolls, were now healthy and vibrant. No longer the pale, forlorn figures from before. Although the journey was fraught with challenges and considerable pressure from the church, Lucius had managed to shield them. Nevertheless, he knew well that the time to confront the church was drawing very near. The church would never allow grown witches to exist. Honestly, Lucius was surprised they had tolerated his ways this long; he had expected a crackdown within a year. To grant those two ‘witches’ true freedom... Lucius descended the stairs, his mind set on a plan formed long ago. That plan stemmed from information provided by the system. And the legendary divine ascension ritual.