"The perpetrator is one of us?!" The muscular man snorted, his eyes menacing.
"But who could it be?" another noble said. "I know most of the people here."
"It doesn't matter who it is," another noble pried in. "We're going to make them regret messing up our sacred ceremony."
All the nobles nodded their heads in unison. For them, the current dilemma they're facing is a sign of disrespect.
The person behind all of this is not only disrespecting their tradition, but also the kingdom, the royals, and them; the nobles, who are all representing their kingdom's might.
No matter how much the nobles hated each other, when it comes to their pride as citizens of Geayforth, they are all united.
Their eyes are full of rage, different kinds of bloodthirst start to envelope the temple, and all of their intentions are focused on one goal: finding the culprit and torturing it to death.
From the sidelines, two individuals witness the nobles' folly unfold, as even the knights and servants begin to align with the nobles' actions.
Meagus, feeling less than enthused about their circumstances, senses that there is additional information to uncover before confronting these mysterious individuals.
And Vivienne, who's gritting her teeth in frustration.
"Fools!" A thunderous roar reverberates through the temple. "Our objective is not limited to one individual! Do not overlook the fact that there is someone with the gift of spatial attribute!"
Exactly!" Meagus added, finally acknowledging one of his concerns. "Her majesty was sent to an unknown location because of the abilities of a spatial user!"
"Hmmm?" The muscular man hummed with a complacent smile. "So, we're dealing with at least two individuals: someone who can control the undead and a spatial attribute user. Is that what you're trying to say, Lady Vivienne?"
"You realized now?" Vivienne questioned. "Strength means nothing if you lack proper judgment. I don't want to witness the downfall of our kingdom's pillars due to their own foolish actions."
Vivienne desired to vent her frustration to the nobles, but she was well aware of their prideful nature.
Talking to them in an unfavorable manner will make them more riled up and irrational.
As a result, she took the opposite approach, making a sincere effort to converse with them politely and in a lighthearted manner, in the hope that it would encourage a more reasonable stance.
Thankfully, Vivienne saw the nobles reacted positively to her words, and now they were all getting ready to listen to her instructions.
"I'll get straight to the point," she declared. "Bring the children here so I can put them to sleep. I don't want them to experience any more trauma. All unblessed servants and parents should also come to this location.
"The knights and I will assume the responsibility of guarding the children, while the nobles should complete the task of dealing with the acolytes. It is possible that we may be familiar with some of the acolytes, but they have already perished. Hence, we must end their misery and apprehend the criminals with utmost caution."
Her instruction was heard loud and clear. However, there's a question that everyone wants to ask.
"But, Lady Vivienne," Meagus raises his voice slightly to represent the nobles.
Vivienne was already aware what kind of question Meagus is about to ask.
"I am aware," she responded calmly. "As I mentioned previously, the culprit is still within our midst, so it is undeniable that they are aware of our plans."
"Then—"
Meagus was cut short.
"It's alright. I am aware that they can hear us. However, the culprits are intelligent enough to perceive the danger Her Majesty poses to them. Therefore, they took measures to remove her from their path.
"It seems to me that they are being cautious. I have serious doubts that they would present themselves before seasoned Archons such as us, unless we forced them into a desperate situation. As a matter of fact, we have already trapped them. All that remains is to uncover their identities."
Vivienne took a close look at the faces of those around her and noticed their expressions of confusion. They didn't even bother to mask their blank expressions.
"To put it simply, be cautious when dealing with the acolytes and stay alert for any signs of someone trying to leave the temple.
"Those brutes wouldn't risk using an overtly attention-grabbing ability such as spatial attribute when we are all fully prepared and vigilant, unlike earlier."
Following Vivienne's comprehensive explanation, everyone swiftly began to act in accordance with her instructions.
The knights assumed the responsibility of guiding the children, unblessed servants, and parents to a designated corner of the temple, while the nobles are protecting them against the acolytes who attacks the marching group.
With this method, the children, servants, and a select few unblessed parents were successfully brought together and secured in the designated corner, ensuring their safety.
The knights started to surround them with Vivienne and Meagus on the lead.
"Are these all the children?" Vivienne asked. "I hope to hear that no innocent children have been harmed."
No one answers for a while before Meagus.
"Yes," Meagus responded, confirming the facts first before he opens his mouth. "Thankfully, not a single child has lost their life. However, the mental state of the children and the situation with some of the servants is far more concerning."
"Is that so?" Vivienne bit her lips, her tone was full of bitterness. "I don't know if I can consider that a good news since a few of our people..."
She can't find the strength to finish her sentence. A loss is a loss no matter how insignificant the numbers might be.
Additionally, they only calmed down everyone, Vivienne knows this is not the end yet.
More people could fall victim if this continues longer, Vivienne understand this.
She gathered herself and breath deeply to loosen up. The only solution to this, is to find the miscreants as much as possible.
On the other hand, after confirming their children were safe, the nobles started to fight back.
The situation took a turn, the acolytes are trying their best to protect themselves against the raging onslaught of nobles.
However, their movements and attacks are far too weak against the nobles.
"They're weak!" The muscular man sneered and unleashed a powerful punch, shattering the face of one of the acolytes. "I finally understand why the dark attribute user is hiding from us. That person is weak just like his puppets!"
"Don't let your guard down," One noble remind him of Vivienne's words earlier. "It's also a possibility that the effect of the dark attribute is not yet complete!"
Every nobles have different ways of ending the acolytes. The muscular man is crushing them with brute strength alone, while there are also who cuts the head as swiftly and accurately as they can, and some are sadistic enough to play around first before obliterating the acolytes with their blessings.
No one show mercy to these dead acolytes even though a few nobles were familiar with them.
"Knights!" Vivienne yelled. "Make sure to block the kids' sights. "I don't want them to see this violent display coming from these nobles."
With the knights large body and armor, this is not a problem as their body can cover a lot of spaces.
"Now then." Vivienne stretches her fingers and makes a cracking sound in the process. "It's time to nap, kids."