Monster Girl Development Master

Page 15

Secondly, Johnson also wanted a stable territory, not one where Old Deng's death would trigger a civil war. Even if he won, the territory would likely be devastated. This wasn't something that could be resolved simply by killing Earl Cross; the surrounding lords and even the king would certainly not mind coming over to divide the spoils after Cross's sudden death.

Let's think about how to reasonably eliminate the other Leons.

Zhuang Sen smiled and looked at Leon and the others. His polite expression awakened their wisdom and made them realize a problem—it seemed that Cross hadn't said that economic development was the only way.

Just as a territory cannot develop solely through economic trade without preparing an army.

Of course, such a thing cannot be brought up in the open, and even if Count Cross wanted to use this as an excuse to do something, there was no way to stop him. But if he really wanted to eliminate it, he could just say it outright, just like "no external assistance is allowed." With his intelligence capabilities, no one would be stupid enough to get angry.

But he didn't say it, and not saying it means it's okay.

However, we need to be discreet enough, and not be as careless as last time... Hmm, the plan to utilize the Church of War and the Church of Healing can still be implemented, and maybe we can even go further.

Zhuang Sen remained silent in thought, appearing to outsiders as if he had suffered a blow. Lady Lia, holding Zhuang Sen's arm, looked coldly at Earl Cross, her expression one of extreme dissatisfaction, making those around them quite tense. The Falau family's economic influence over the Leon Territory was enormous, no joke.

Dantalian bit her lip and looked at Bishop Rosa, who nodded and took the initiative to speak: "Count Cross, I think it's alright for me to open a church at Thorn Manor?"

Count Cross paused slightly, his suspicions about the Church of Vengeance deepening. The reason he orchestrated this trial wasn't to select an heir, but for his own plans, including testing Zhuang Sen. That's why he deliberately gave Zhuang Sen the worst manor, hoping this unfair start would force Zhuang Sen to seek help from someone behind the scenes—he didn't believe Zhuang Sen could escape his plot on his own.

At present, the Church of Revenge seems to be the most suspicious. It's really strange that they are still supporting Zhuang Sen even though their situation is not good.

Even if it's for the sake of bloodline knowledge, wouldn't threatening methods be the most efficient approach at this point? For example, "Zhuang Sen, you don't want to be surpassed by your brothers and sisters, do you?"

His thoughts raced, but Earl Cross showed no sign of his unease, smiling politely as he said, "Of course, Bishop Rosa, but the small chapel in the manor probably doesn't need a person with divine blood, does it? Besides, it no longer belongs to me, so I won't be paying any donations to the chapel."

The witty and humorous reply could not hide the underlying rejection, but Bishop Rosa nodded as if she did not notice: "Thank you, Earl Cross, Dantalian, it is time for you to spread the glory of the goddess independently."

"Ah... yes!"

Dantalian originally intended to ask Bishop Rosa for permission to join Johnson's team alone, but unexpectedly, she ended up being asked to go to Thorn Manor to build a church—which was even better.

After all, a church needs at least a few nuns and a few guards, right?

Moreover, she wouldn't have to be attacked for being a nun, which is clearly an external force that could easily be rejected given her status.

But Bishop Rosa is a level three bloodline user who has awakened three times, so what can she do even if she does this?

Come and bite me!

Although she didn't say it directly, Bishop Rosa's aged face clearly conveyed this meaning, and those whose gaze swept over her all lowered their heads. Of course, some people didn't lower their heads, such as the bishop of the Church of War, but he didn't object either, because the Church of War also had supporters like Leon, and was happy to have an opportunity for them to intervene.

Count Cross naturally wouldn't continue to veto it; he was hoping the Church of Vengeance would intervene.

And so this clause was approved.

Nothing further happened, and the banquet gradually returned to normal, transforming into a diplomatic setting amidst melodious music.

……

In the corner, Johnson sat on a long bench covered with heavy silk velvet cushions. Lady Lydia sat to his right, her posture upright and her demeanor graceful, while Dantalian occupied his left side, gentle, serene, and holyly loving. Nia was squeezed into Johnson's lap, but she seemed quite happy.

Bishop Rosa sat to the side, watching with a broad smile, while Lydia and Loris acted as guards, using their eyes to shoo away anyone else who tried to approach.

"Lord Johnson, it seems Count Cross is not entirely satisfied with your previous actions. What are your plans next?"

Hearing Bishop Rosa's teasing question, Zhuang Sen curled his lip: "Anyway, he's never liked me, so of course we'll proceed according to plan. Besides, we were going to do business anyway, weren't we?"

The arms trade has always been a highly profitable industry, regardless of the era. With Nia and the Harper family, even if Thorn Manor is barren, they can simply convert it into a workshop. They might not be able to take first place, but at least they won't fall to the bottom.

It seems unlikely that the Flor family will succeed unless they also have a member with the potential to become a monster girl. Otherwise, they definitely won't choose to cooperate with Zhuang Sen under these circumstances. Even if they offer the Sacred Seed, they will at most just pay money to buy the seed.

Zhuang Sen is unlikely to sell.

Lady Lia smiled and interjected, "We also have to thank Bishop Rosa for her generous assistance in lending out Priestess Dantalian. This has truly solved a huge problem."

Zhuang Sen asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Lady Lia glanced at Bishop Rosa, who was only smiling, and then explained, “The land of Thorn Manor is not actually barren, otherwise there would be no manor there. But its location is too remote, there are no trade routes, and it is difficult to recruit manpower. However, if there is a priest there who has healing abilities, then many people will go there on their own initiative.”

Simply put, population +3

It may seem insignificant, but it is actually very important. After all, no matter how ingenious Zhuang Sen's ideas are, they are just empty talk without manpower to realize them.

"Moreover, I didn't just make up an excuse. Dantalian really should go off to preach independently, and our church really does need to increase its number of believers."

Bishop Rosa looked at Zhuang Sen with a trusting tone: "Our church has been in decline for the past few years. We finally made some progress because of Dantalian, but then we were targeted by the Church of War and the Church of Healing. We can only ask for your help, Lord Zhuang Sen."

“Of course, Bishop Rosa.”

Zhuang Sen's affirmative answer meant that winning over the Church of War and the Church of Healing did not mean he wanted to kick out the Church of Vengeance, a loyal ally; that was not his style.

"But what can I do to help?"

It was impossible to order the people to believe in the Church of Revenge. Not to mention other churches, even the king and the Church of Revenge would not want Johnson to do so, unless they wanted to become the target of everyone's hatred.

Bishop Rosa's smile held a hint of cunning and embarrassment: "For example, claiming that you possessed so much lost knowledge of bloodlines only because you were inspired by the goddess?"

Chapter Thirty-Three: Killing Three Birds with One Stone

Revelation and miracles were certainly familiar to Zhuang Sen, and he was even more familiar with forging miracles, such as the Firstborn Son of God and the Yellow River Stone Man. However, it was still a bit unexpected for Zhuang Sen that a dignified bishop would personally say that miracles were forged.

This is a world with truly extraordinary powers; who knows, there might even be gods?

Even if there wasn't one, Johnson didn't understand why Bishop Rosa wanted to do this.

Attracting the powerful and wealthy with miracles? That's impossible. Extraordinary bloodlines are not exclusive to the church. The powerful and wealthy are well aware of the truth about bloodline knowledge. They would not join the Church of the Nemesis just because of such a miracle, and Zhuang Sen does not have that kind of appeal.

Attracting ordinary people? That's somewhat feasible, but only slightly. Ordinary people certainly have fantasies of one day awakening their bloodline and transcending social classes, but fantasies are just fantasies because they are too unreal and lack strong appeal. The effect is only better than nothing.

Even if Zhuang Sen reveals his ability to switch bloodlines, it won't matter, because he only has one free bloodline right now!

This doesn't seem like a beneficial move for the Church of Vengeance; it's more like Bishop Rosa is making a loss to curry favor.

So he asked directly, "This doesn't seem to be working either?"

Bishop Rosa was somewhat surprised by Zhuang Sen's question. She glanced at Lady Lia and smiled, "Why don't you let Ms. Falau explain it to you?"

Lady Leah was sipping her black tea when she heard Bishop Rosa's words. She gracefully raised her head and said, "Bishop Rosa's proposal is indeed excellent. It's like shooting down three swans with one arrow. Johnson, don't focus too much on the surface..."

Zhuang Sen stared speechlessly at Lady Lia, who had transformed into a riddle teller, but his thoughts began to stir with the riddles, and he vaguely grasped a glimmer of inspiration. Don't focus on the surface…

His expression gradually turned strange, and he speculated uncertainly, "Could it be that Bishop Rosa simply wants me to share my knowledge of bloodlines?"

The revelation is not important; what is important is that Johnson's bloodline knowledge is related to the Furies, which of course is related to the Church of the Furies.

A hint of helplessness surfaced on Lady Liya's elegant demeanor. She truly couldn't understand why Zhuang Sen, who was clearly very intelligent, sometimes couldn't see things clearly, but there was no time to continue going in circles.

Glancing at Dantalian's towering peak that seemed to engulf Johnson's entire left arm, Lady Lydia put it more bluntly: "Bishop Rosa's point is that if you discover any more lost bloodlines in the future, you can falsely claim them in the name of the Goddess of Revenge. In this way, those who have benefited from your kindness—whether they believe it or not—will naturally be indebted to the Church of Revenge. As for whether you want to share your knowledge, we'll see when the time comes."

Zhuang Sen nodded, now he understood! But isn't this still forging a miracle? I never expected Bishop Rosa to be so kind and gentle…

However, Lady Lia hadn't finished speaking. She continued, "Furthermore, making such a public statement will bind you even more closely to the Church of Vengeance. Other churches will likely become wary or even hostile towards you. But it's not without its advantages. At least it will allow you to accept followers of the Church of Vengeance legitimately, without relying on external forces... if Cross allows it."

Zhuang Sen nodded in agreement. He understood this as well; it meant simply acquiring the title of a "favored one of God," thus gaining the legal right to rely on the Church's power. However, this world didn't have a monotheistic religion like Christianity, so doing so would naturally attract hostility from other religions, making the pros and cons quite clear.

So, what's the last of the three birds with one stone?

Looking at Zhuang Sen's clear eyes as he gave up thinking, Lady Liya was momentarily moved. She reached out her delicate white finger and poked his forehead: "Finally, as someone who has received divine inspiration from the goddess, it is only natural for him to be served by the priestess. It will not affect the priestess's divine status, nor force her to leave the church and return to the mortal world."

After speaking, Lady Leah's gaze slid to Johnson's left arm, which was being held tightly in Dantalian's embrace. All she could see were two soft, trembling mounds of flesh, causing her to involuntarily gasp. She hadn't actually wanted to point this out; in her view, Dantalian was too old and unworthy of her Johnson. Only after much hesitation, driven by some inexplicable feeling deep within her, had she reluctantly spoken the words, and even regretted it afterward.

However, seeing the intimate way Zhuang Sen and Dantalian were getting along, the strange feeling in her heart seemed to grow a little stronger.

Although she was just his adoptive mother, Zhuang Sen still felt a little embarrassed by the look that seemed to say, "Son, Mom is very disappointed in you." However, he didn't have both hands free right now, so he couldn't even scratch his head. He could only change the subject verbally: "No problem, Bishop Rosa! I'll do anything you need me to do!"

Seeing Zhuang Sen's embarrassed appearance, Loris couldn't resist teasing him and said sarcastically, "So eager to be served by the priestess, Lord Zhuang Sen?"

She was obviously referring to Dantalian. Upon hearing this, the carnivorous holy Ramia shrank half her face behind Zhuang Sen, and the half of her face that was exposed was also flushed.

Zhuang Sen, however, had recovered by this time and immediately retorted, "That's right, Priestess Loris, so are you going to be the first one?"

Dantalian was not the only priestess at the Temple of Aranta.

Loris, not expecting her plan to backfire, spat and went back to her post. She had no inclination to share a man with her sisters, nor did she share Dantalian's fondness for children.

Bishop Rosa, who had been watching the show with amusement, finally spoke slowly: "Since you've agreed, Zhuang Sen, I'll start the publicity from now on. You just need to do as Ms. Falau said."

Zhuang Sen nodded, but still couldn't suppress his curiosity, and asked tactfully, "Bishop Rosa, are you sure what you're doing is alright?"

Bishop Rosa's smile deepened, and she gestured to her chest: "I guess you're asking me, Lord Johnson, whether it's acceptable for a bishop to forge a miracle?"

Zhuang Sen nodded awkwardly.

Bishop Rosa smiled and said, “There’s no need to be embarrassed. I was just in a hurry. But please don’t misunderstand, Lord Zhuangsen. I didn’t forge a miracle. I was just asking if you were willing to proclaim it. All things are created by God, and you are no exception, Lord Zhuangsen. The knowledge you possess naturally belongs to the Goddess. Moreover, the person you initially chose was a devout servant of the Goddess, which shows that this is indeed the Goddess’s will. Furthermore, I am doing good in the name of the Goddess in order to seek greater good and revenge. If this is not a miracle, then the Goddess must have made a mistake.”

Zhuang Sen's lips twitched slightly. Bishop Rosa's words, translated, were: "Because the world must have been created by God, everything is a miracle. I say this because I am doing good, so if the goddess says it's wrong, then the goddess must be wrong."

This is not just heresy, this is blasphemy.

Especially the last sentence. The first half can be said to be the self-brainwashing of fanatics, which is a good thing for religion, but the last sentence is simply digging up the roots of religion.

Zhuang Sen looked at Dantalian, and the gentle priestess also freed one hand to make a prayer gesture in front of her, whispering, "If a goddess does not do good, then she is not my goddess—from the first line of Chapter 3 of the Record of Sacred Revenge."

So, it's something your family wrote in the Bible?

What kind of church is this?!

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Dwarven Legacy

The doctrines of the Church of Vengeance greatly shocked Zhuang Sen, but this was a good thing, as he trusted the Church of Vengeance even more.

Good people are always more trustworthy, whether they are good or bad.

And now that we've said that, it's about time.

Zhuang Sen glanced again at the hall, where the number of guests had dwindled considerably, and shook his head slightly. Many of them, who had been showering him with gifts just days before, were now pretending not to see him. The reason was obvious: Count Cross's deliberately unfair distribution of gifts had given them a whiff of Zhuang Sen's impending downfall.

Fortunately, Zhuang Sen hadn't relied on these opportunists anyway; his trump card was always the monster girls he had personally found and raised. He lowered his head and ruffled Nia's short brown hair, eager to use [Inheritance] again.

The dwarves' heritage shouldn't be the same as Lamia's, right?

Although it's all good, thanks to that illusion, his relationship with Dantalian progressed so rapidly, and now there's not even the last obstacle left. It's a pity that Dantalian still has to prepare for opening the church, otherwise maybe tonight... cough cough, Zhuang Sen suppressed the daydreams brought on by the inheritance, and compensatorily took Nia's hand: "It seems there's nothing to do here, let's go back first."

Bishop Rosa: "Then we'll take our leave. Johnson, even though you are bloodline holders, you should still prepare some guards, as the wilderness is very dangerous."

"I understand, Your Excellency."

Zhuang Sen understood what Bishop Rosa meant; the wilderness of this world was not only home to ordinary wild beasts.

……

Soon, Johnson and his group returned to Glorious Manor. Lady Lydia, who had only the physical condition of an ordinary person, went to rest with Lydia's help, leaving Johnson and Nia, who were still full of energy, alone.

The night was dark, the moon was hidden behind a veil of darkness, dim and hazy, but Nia was still in a good mood.

For the first time, someone liked her so much; for the first time, she liked someone. These two joys overlapped and merged, bringing even greater joy...

The naive girl had already been won over by Zhuang Sen's strategy, but she was still too inexperienced. Unlike Lamia's bloodline, the dwarf's bloodline did not carry the instinct to hunt for lovers. So she could only continue to harbor rosy fantasies and look at Zhuang Sen with her bright green eyes.

Hey~

Zhuang Sen picked up the adorable little dwarf, who looked incredibly cute, and carried her in a princess carry: "Nia, are you ready to become stronger?"

Although it wasn't the "punishment" she had imagined, Nia was still happy: "Ready! Shall we continue forging?"

Zhuang Sen shook his head and carried Nia toward the ceremony room: "No, this time it's a different, faster way. The effect varies depending on each person's talent and patience. Generally speaking, the longer you persist, the better the effect."

"Looking forward to it~" Nia hugged Zhuang Sen's neck tightly. With the real effect of the bloodline awakening as proof, Nia now completely trusted Zhuang Sen's words and was determined to hold on for a long time later.

Damn~

Nia, who had just been fully committed and made up her mind, suddenly turned red with anger when she felt the warmth on her lips and the hot breath on her face.

If this were in an animation, steam would probably be coming out of its head, right?

Zhuang Sen looked at the increasingly adorable little Nia and reluctantly raised his head.

"Oh... Lord Zhuang Sen..."

The kind little dwarf quietly denounced Zhuang Sen's ambush, but because he also liked him, he ended up simply calling out Zhuang Sen's name, as if he wanted it to happen again.

Unfortunately, time didn't allow it, otherwise Zhuang Sen would have loved to do it again: "Nia, you attacked first, I was just retaliating~"

Nia pouted, her big green eyes glistening with tears, which crossed Zhuang Sen's bottom line.

Again.

Her soft lips were once again attacked by his large mouth, his sweet saliva, like the first spring water of the new year, greedily drawn in, making Zhuang Sen even more intoxicated. Nia felt a heat pressing against her lips, the scorching temperature relentlessly encroaching, making her whole body involuntarily hot as well. This should have been very uncomfortable, but Nia didn't find it unpleasant, because the source of the heat was Zhuang Sen, and because of the cautiousness in his fiery demands.

After a long while, Zhuang Sen finally raised his head, looked at Nia whose lips were a little swollen, and asked with some shame, "Nia, are you alright?"

Nia, however, retorted, "It's alright. We're bloodline beings, this is nothing. Besides, Zhuang Sen, you've been holding back for a long time, haven't you? Sister Dantalian is indeed very alluring."

Now I feel even more guilty.