When the Saintess Arrives, No King Exist-Chapter 746 - 702: Reunion at Windmill Land

"Armand?!"

Upon seeing the person inside the room clearly, Lupher involuntarily blurted out, but she immediately covered her mouth. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

The meeting room filled with the scent of old wood had several exquisite paintings hanging on the walls, each crafted by renowned artists.

In the center, the wooden table was scattered with several manuscripts and freshly printed samples of "Artistry," the edges already slightly curled from being turned.

Beside the table, a brazier was slowly emitting smoke, with curling lines wandering in the air. Standing by the smoke line was Armand, wearing a black robe and smiling contentedly.

"Long time no see..."

The door closed with a "clack," and Lupher didn't pay any attention to Armand, rushing instead to the window to shut the outer glass pane and shutters, leaving only a few strands of winter sunlight shining into the room.

Then she opened the door again and whispered to the person outside, "Don't disturb me unless it's important."

With the room's door closed again, the dim room seemed to quiet down at once, leaving only the crackling of firewood burning in the fireplace.

Lupher's breathing echoed in the faint light. She took a deep breath, her gaze locked onto Armand, "Why did you come to Windmill Land yourself? Don't you know you're a major fugitive on the Northern Church's wanted list?"

"How much is the bounty?" Armand asked with keen interest.

"2000 gold pounds! Does it matter how much money it is? If you have nothing better to do, you should hurry back." Lupher glared at him with a mix of delight and frustration.

"Who said I have nothing to do? I'm here with a mission." Armand showed no panic at all, even crossing his legs as he drank some of Lupher's premium red tea…

He said slowly, "First, to develop the Saint Father's Association in Windmill Land, and second, as the primary promoter of the Sugar Trade War in Thousand River Valley."

"You came to Windmill Land to develop the Saint Father's Association?"

After the war in Black Snake Bay ended and the Hundred Households District in Thousand River Valley was completed, at the July Imperial Cardinal Conference, Armand proposed the missionary plan upon returning as the host.

Strictly speaking, Armand believed that facing the invasion of the Leia people, the Empire should take the initiative rather than wait in Thousand River Valley.

The Holy Axis ideology naturally attracted the local radical citizen and intellectual layers, which if organized, could bring considerable benefits both in intelligence and politics.

Due to the civil war and the Church's division in the south and north within the Leia Kingdom, its domestic control declined, coinciding with the opportunity for the Juanist Faction to preach, allowing the establishment of the Saint Father's Association at the grassroots level in the Kingdom.

No need to reach the extent of the Hundred Households District, achieving what the Juanist Faction had in Kasha County back then would be advantageous enough.

"Therefore, we have dispatched missionaries and investigators in these four key directions: Immortal Stone Field, Dawn Island, River Island, and Windmill Land." Armand looked at the Empire map hanging on the wall, "These places are close to the Nao'an River, convenient for transferring and transporting propaganda materials, and once the basic Saint Father's Association organization is completed, the 'Truth Newspaper' and various theological pamphlets will spread through these Saint Father's Association organizations."

Since being criticized as the "Juanist Faction newspaper," "Artistry" has recently reduced the publication of Juanist theological articles.

But the previous "Artistry" had already attracted a significant number of citizen readers, after all, if they accept this narrative approach, they no longer need to fear not reaching the Celestial Kingdom or facing criticism.

The Juanist Faction's repair of many holes in traditional theology has even led many monks to regard it as a standard, providing Armand with a foundation of believers in Windmill Land.

Listening to Armand's explanation, Lupher felt perplexed yet still irritated, "Then why do you have to come personally? It's too dangerous for you here!"

"Windmill Land is a crucial business center, and both in form and thought, it is extremely close to the Juanist Faction, making it the main target of this strategic activity." Armand flipped through the manuscripts on the table, "Moreover, if the senior officials don't step up, who from the lower levels would be willing?"

Staring at Lupher's frowning face, Armand stood up and approached her, "In Windmill Land, can the vast Lakin Clan protect me, a weak and humble little priest?"

Lupher was stunned, with her expression turning into suspicion, but she quickly realized this expression was inappropriate. She immediately tried to put on a righteous expression but failed.

Seeing Lupher's facial muscles contorting into a comical expression, Armand reached out and poked her face, "Your face is cramping?"

Lupher slapped away Armand's hand with a smack, glaring, "Try touching my face again and see what happens?"

Armand quickly raised his hands, "Oooh ooooh, just joking, just joking. I thought our friendship had reached that level. If you're not happy, I'll apologize, and I won't touch you next time."

"Who cares." Lupher suddenly turned away angrily, stepping quickly to the table to pick up the latest issue of the "Truth Newspaper," covering her face.

The contents of the newspaper were somewhat scattered, but quickly caught her attention.

The newspaper's headline essentially covered three topics: complete Hundred Households District completion in Thousand River Valley, Juanuo's work revealing the Church's dark history, and the expansion of the sugar factory.

The final topic, although brief, immediately captured Lupher's attention.

"…Currently, the number of sugar factories has reached 30, and adequate funds have been raised at Red Leaf Hill, with plans to increase the number of sugar factories to 45 by next spring..."

"…On the afternoon of the 7th, the great leader His Majesty Saint Sun, the Holy Axis Solar Pope Great Shepherd His Majesty Horn, visited the sugar factory. The industrial area manager reported to His Majesty Saint Sun that monthly production reached 300 tons, and His Majesty provided important guidance: the sugar vat must contain sugar..."

"300 tons, 300 tons." Calming her mind, Lupher put down the newspaper and discontentedly asked Armand, "When will your white sugar finally arrive? I've been saying for three months that the price of white sugar will drop, and now it hasn't. People are criticizing me every day, and the credibility of my 'Artistry' has suffered."

Displaying a mysterious smile, Armand lowered his voice, "That's part of the plan..."

"Then tell me the date." Lupher interrupted unceremoniously.

Armand awkwardly coughed, "Just wait a little longer. Lady Catherine is still negotiating with those El Bankers and the oligarchs. This matter must be handled imperviously."

Lupher pursed her lips, "I hope my 'Artistry' won't go out of business before then... Never mind, where are you staying?"

"At the Dock Hotel."

Lupher immediately showed a disdainful expression, "I have a garden villa by the canal in the outskirts. You should stay there. The Dock Hotel has many people with prying eyes; escaping from the canal won't be slower than from the docks."

"As expected of the great Miss of the Lakin Family." Armand feigned modesty and bowed with a hand on his chest, "Then I'll accept with gratitude."