"I'm here to inform you, Penelope. There's been a change of order on the watch list."
She stared at the guest coldly: "Replace?"
"Your last replacement guard unfortunately died in the line of duty." Ennod Pike told her, "You don't need to replace him tonight, or the day after tomorrow at the earliest. But it seems that you can't wait."
"So you gave me two days' notice?"
"In two days, I might also die in the line of duty. I can't say for sure. I'm not an astrologer." The silver-haired orc smiled.
What a disgusting laugh, Roma thought. Don't think that I don't know that the Qing Envoy sent you to monitor me. But she had to admit that this person's existence was necessary.
She pulled out the arrow from her backpack: "Now that you've been informed, you can leave. Don't block my way."
"And expect you to come back in two days?" Pike asked. "Don't do anything stupid, Miss Roma. You are also a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you act without permission, you will be regarded as a deserter and will be charged."
"The charges are nothing compared to human life."
"We are about to save other people's lives." Ennold narrowed his eyes, which made him look more like an eagle. "Not just your friend's life. Obey the order, I mean, everyone obeys, and the Hokolin people will be saved. Do you think the latter and a few aliens..."
With a "duh" sound, an arrow was nailed in front of his feet, and the feathers trembled slightly. Roma drew out another arrow, holding it directly between his fingers without holding the bow. "Remember, you are also a foreigner, Pike, but you just happened to enter the Tower of Sky. I don't see how you are nobler than your kind and others."
Ennod Pike lowered his head and stared at the arrow shaft. "You are too sensitive, Miss Roma. I am not standing in the position of the human race." He raised his head, "And to be honest, aren't Sita and Drow aliens to us? The word itself is not derogatory. , just illustrates the differences between them and us."
This person spread his hands. "I mean, there are tens of thousands of people in the city relying on us to save them, and the safety of a few people cannot shake the overall situation."
If Uriel were here, he would beat you. Rome knew that the Tower Messenger never had to choose between "thousands" and "just a few." Besides, as a priestly knight of Gaia, he would have 10,000 ways to render this guy speechless.
She tried to think of what Uriel would say. There is no point in debating importance with this guy, his purpose is not to argue with me. "In this case, the whereabouts of a few people will not harm the overall situation." She pointed out, "Do you think that I won't be able to come back in two days? It's not my turn to be on duty tonight. I can go wherever I want."
Ennod's face sank, "Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Qing..."
"...asked me to stay in the room. Whatever he wants." The little lion tilted his head, "Of course, we should obey the orders of the assembly, no matter who it is, the Qing Envoy or whoever it is. But when did you see me listening to Larson? "She picked up the bow with her other hand. "If you continue to get in the way, please feel free to do so. I will bypass you anyway."
Ennod smiled in surprise and sighed. "You don't understand the difference between yourself and a warrior, miss. You can't shoot two arrows by leaning on the tower. Listen, I don't want to hurt you."
who do you think You Are? "Hurt me?" Roma was even more surprised, "Are you Gao Huan?" Of course it's impossible, otherwise the Green Envoy wouldn't have to target York and the others. She didn't understand where this man's confidence came from. "Don't be stupid, get out of here."
At this time, someone suddenly opened the door. "I knew this would happen." Agatha stepped into the house. "Stop it, guys, do you want to start a war in the command post? Especially you, Roma."
"Are you also here on behalf of the Blue Envoy?"
"No. This is a personal request of mine." The detective glanced at her weapon and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. She quickly unfolded it and it was discovered that it was an arrest warrant. Roma frowned at her.
But because of the reason why this woman took the initiative to explain after the quarrel with the Green Envoy the day before yesterday, the little lion decided to listen to her words first.
"And Miss Sabina." Agatha said, "She invites you to the rooftop to work together to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the witch."
Ennod Pike stepped aside, leaving the situation to Agatha. She actually said Sabina! Roma stared at the woman: "Didn't you say that the astrologer has found Helen?"
"Finding her and knowing about her disappearance are two different things." The detective declared. "Unfortunately, I couldn't help facilitate the former, but for the latter, I'm afraid I have gotten the result." She handed the document to the little lion.
Roma took it almost subconsciously. The Blue Messenger cannot be trusted, but Sabina is different. Although Agatha was once a subordinate of Dean Rubin, she does have good intentions towards us. Maybe...
She told me about the adult world. Roma couldn't help but think about it. Could this be a means? Was she trying to convince me to agree? Accepting the invitation and going to the rooftop with Sabina would undoubtedly put aside the conflict, and I wouldn't be able to go back to the East End to find Dalton and York. is that so?
What's more, there's Sabina. If the reinforcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought any surprise to Roma, it was obviously the secretary of the "Eye of Iron". Her arrival came as a complete surprise to Roma. We haven't gone out together for a long time, and she has reason to ask me to keep to myself...
Suddenly, she realizes that Sabina has been absent from her adventures too many times. Originally, she would always drag Miss Astrologer along, whether it was for pranks or wandering around.
Maybe I should invite her instead? Roma hoped for a moment, but she knew in her heart that the other party would not be able to participate in such an intense action.
We set out on two different paths. she thought wistfully. This feeling became particularly heavy in the current situation, like cloth and fur soaked by rain clinging to the body.
"You have been more helpful than you thought, Madame Poirot. But I have reasons to refuse the invitation." Roma said to her, "I am going to find Dalton and York. When we come back, I I’ll go to the rooftop again and listen to your explanation of the riddle.”
Seeing this, Ennod took a step forward, kicked the arrow with the toe of his shoe, and broke it. He drew his sword to show his attitude. Agatha sighed: "Is it necessary, Miss Roma? I regard you as a smart child."
Roma was not afraid of him, let alone them. She was about to accept the challenge, but she saw the detective reaching out to stop her companion.
"Let me talk to her alone, Mr. Pike."
"And I'm going to wait behind the door?" Eagle Man and the detective looked at each other. "There seems to be nothing wrong with that. I'm not good at touching women. Thanks to you, Madam Poirot." He put the sword back into its sheath with a choke. Turn around and close the door.
"You can't tell that this person has a bad temper, can you?" Agatha threw the paperwork at the table and dragged out a chair. "Provoking him will only make things worse."
Roma never thought: "I have to admit, his temper is much better than mine." Ennod is the dream lover of many women. People think he is polite and humorous. "Anyway, if I'm provoked, I won't let it go so lightly."
"But you will be forthright and express your dissatisfaction. Parker will not. A little thing will make him angry, but no one knows his anger except himself. So people think that he is a gentle person." Agatha said slowly, "They were deceived."
"And you won't." Roma felt that her statement was looking down on her, "So, you are the most dangerous person?"
"But you trust me more, there's no doubt about it."
"Uriel trusts you, I don't."
"You also admit that he is wiser than you?"
Roma did not deny that her idea was rather unique. "Uril is my friend," said the little lion. "If you are not trustworthy, that is your business. I will only tell him the truth."
Agatha couldn't help laughing. "So, you are indeed a smart kid." She pointed to the paperwork: "So why don't you accept the invitation? You know it will be good for you."
"benefit?"
"Solve the puzzle and Helen will return to Hokolin."
"But the tower has already found her." Roma didn't understand.
"Just in case, the Destiny Assembly changed the decision. Your Excellency the Witch will not return to the Sky Island - it would be bad for her to be attacked again. Your Excellency the Qingzhi Envoy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took over her mission, so she does not have to commit any crime." It’s dangerous.”
"If you know the reason for her disappearance, will Helen come again?" The little lion vaguely felt that not.
"If you don't leave and take your safety into consideration, of course she will come." Agatha explained, "But if you are not in Huoklin and go to an unknown place alone, Your Excellency Helen will definitely turn to the astronomy room first to find you. The situation is urgent now. The sooner she comes, the safer your friends will be. Therefore, for this reason, it is best to wait patiently. "
"Will the Qing Envoy listen to Helen?"
"I can't say for sure." Miss Detective smiled slyly, "I can only say that he himself would not want to offend the witch. Don't forget his purpose."
Prescribe the right medicine. Roma understood. Everyone has weaknesses, and smart people will seize them and make things develop in a direction that is beneficial to them. Regardless of Agatha's level of mystery, she does have the ability to hang out at Sky Tower headquarters and live her life as she pleases.
What a hell, Roma thought. I would venture to say that most members of the congregation were not as comfortable as she was. Professor Larson of the Astronomy Room and Director of the Department of Affairs Ailoni are busy every day. Helen wanders aimlessly around the world. Ronald the lion would rather plunge into a brothel to forget his old lover; the great astrologer is the guard. The order is reversed day and night, and even the prophet has to worry about the mysterious place. Everyone in this world has something they have to do to be busy, even if they die! This detective queen is truly extraordinary.
All she could think about was the Destiny Rally. Perhaps for her, these high-altitude realms actually live with her day and night, while the real apprentices have an insurmountable gap with Roma. They don't love her, don't understand her, don't get close to her, only Sabina - but the secretary is busier than their tutor! With Heather on top, it wasn't difficult for me to make the decision.
"You're right." Roma replied, "It's a fool's errand to leave alone. It's far better to stay and wait for Helen. To be honest, I don't know what the best thing to do is. Maybe I should learn to listen to others' advice."
Agatha looked at her with interest: "A very wise decision, Miss Penelope."
"Do you really think so? I'm going back to find Helen."
The detective's smile froze.
…
Helen is preparing to go to Huoklin, an empty island.
The “gatekeepers” disagree. "You should return to Floating Cloud City. The trap has not worked and you are still in danger."
"What are you doing? The assassin can't enter the City of Floating Clouds?" She had also been murdered at the headquarters. "If it's absolutely safe, I might as well stay here."
"No." The adoptive father categorically objected. "Both Abroz and Huoklin were damaged. Now they are both a dragon and a tiger's den. Soon it will no longer be safe here... Return to the headquarters, the prophet can protect you."
"The assassin had better come when the mentor is on vacation, otherwise he won't be of use." Helen said sarcastically.
"It's okay, Lord Commander. He happens to be staying at the headquarters right now, and no nightingale dares to come to him."
"The one I'm looking for is different." The witch didn't think Bai Zhizhi had any experience in dealing with murder, so only a fool would choose him as a target. "I want to bring that ghost back to Hocklin and stop her banshees from causing further trouble."
"Then what? You work together and let the tower and the banshee deal with the new enemy?"
No matter how anxious she is, real problems must be solved. Helen couldn't answer. "The Black Knight may take care of..."
"Absolutely impossible." Princess Demon Spirit interjected, "If you ask me, he has had enough of my singing and Ruthven's infatuation regardless of the occasion."
"So, it would be in our interest to let you go back." Admittedly, the witch also wanted her to shut up. Uilosnis specializes in torturing people's spirits, and the effect is completely indistinguishable between friend and foe. "We didn't ask you."
The ghost was trapped between two steps, unable to move, but Hun didn't care. "It doesn't matter. It's my honor to be your prisoner." She changed the subject: "But I won't leave here. Everyone, I have to tell you in advance."
"Prisoners don't get to decide where they go."
"Then I won't be honored any time soon."
Helen frowned: "Maybe I should get rid of you, Princess Demon Spirit, instead of letting you talk nonsense and waste time in front of me. We don't have to meet your request."
She soon regretted her death threats. "I have been dead for hundreds of years," Uilosnis sang, "and I have seen the flowers of the polar night bloom."
The man was unable to communicate, and Helen understood. I was wasting my efforts.
Jerem, the gatekeeper, picked up his shovel and knocked on the ground. Suddenly, the steps folded, trapping the ghost in the gap. The singing disappeared. "Why say more?" he scolded. "Eliminate the witchcraft and she will be obedient. It is for this reason that this woman does not want to leave."
Leaving Abruzzi, Helen's witchcraft can no longer restore the appearance of the dead. "It's more likely to drive her crazy," the witch replied. "I expect her to reveal new information. What's the use of a mad woman?"
"This crazy woman is a senior member of Gavash. Without her, the pressure on Huoklin will be reduced."
"The Black Knight doesn't care about her life or death. There is no point in reducing the pressure. Roma is still in fear of her life." Helen said angrily, "Why didn't the Prophet bring her back to the headquarters?"
"Don't question the saint, Helen. He stands on the upper reaches of destiny and sees things beyond the limits of your and my thinking."
"Seeing and taking action are two different things. When you set the trap, you didn't consider Roma's safety at all!" If I had known about it, I would never have brought her to Huoklin. Helen felt anxious: "Okay now, how can I trust you and trust that my mentor will care about the fate of a little girl on the battlefield?"
"Destiny will not be completely in someone's hands, Helen." Jerem took off his gloves, "We love you, there is no doubt about it. I understand your feelings for Roma. The tower's reinforcements have arrived at the Sky Island. She It’s safe, you can see it from the stars, isn’t it?”
"The tower's reinforcements are the White Envoys?" the witch asked sharply.
"If it's really him, what are you worried about? It's our Vice Minister."
"Dean Rubin." Helen read the name. "Do you think he is a match for the Black Knight?" The two sides have never met, so no one knows the outcome. Only Otto can predict the fate of the Sky Realm. She barely had a glimmer of hope: "No matter what, if I help..."
"Two hundred years ago, the Black Knight was just the undead knight of Gavash, but now he is the King of the Dead Sea in Hell Outpost." The gatekeeper said, "Two hundred years ago, you were not born, Helen." He grabbed it with his bare hands. Pick up a handful of soil. "The battle at Knight's Bay gave you the illusion that you were a warrior."
She calmed down and couldn't help but blush. "I am a witch of the Harp constellation. I am not involved in fighting, but you are a warrior, Jerem..."
"I'm just a gatekeeper."
"I heard that before the White Envoy took command outside the city, he was also on duty outside the city." Helen looked at the endless stretches of stairs, "This is right here, right?"
The gatekeeper's movements stopped. He slowly straightened up, and the mud seeped from between his fingers and melted into the stone steps silently, without any stains visible. He stretched out his feet and stamped on the ground, tapping in silence.
Stairway to Heaven Abroz. This is Helen's childhood garden, the border of order where "Gatekeeper" Jerem has been stationed for three hundred years, and it is also the mysterious place with the least records in the tower. The influence of order pressure cannot reach the edge of the stone steps, and the war in the mysterious realm cannot cross the chasm under the steps. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs always has an Excellency stationed here because the prophet said it leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.
"I originally wanted him to take over my class." Jerem said, "I hate the scenery here, and there are even more people I want to follow...but the prophet thinks he is not suitable to stay. The battlefield is the destination of knights." A sad smile flashed across his old face. "The prophet is always right. The White Envoy avenged your father, guarded the astrologer for two hundred years, and made the tower a transcendent existence among the seven pivots... Ask yourself, I can't do this. People have their own paths. , I have never blamed Lord Demosis, and I think the same goes for the commander."
He held out his hand to her, and Helen took his arm wordlessly.
They walked down the stairs together. There was a strange smell in the wind, and the city was eccentric, with buildings of all kinds of strange styles. She saw the huts and caves where the ancient ancestors lived, the stone house walls that the gods guided people to build, the mysterious creatures that built the sky-like roofs, the glorious towers that the ancestors created...as well as the Palace of Light in the West Tower, Gavash's The gray atrium and the dwarven mines and iron city. They were scattered like phantoms on the descending steps. Helen was full of worries, but she couldn't help but be attracted by the jagged scenery. She had never been so low before.
Soon, they reached the lowest level. A broad, heavy platform was connected to the stone stairs. She stepped on it, and suddenly she felt that the strangeness was gone, and her hands and feet were no longer restrained. The laws here are close to Knox, Helen discovered, and the ground is like the land of the Floating Cloud City. Could it be that this is a sky island like Blumnot and Hocklin?
Jerem stopped. He let go slightly, and the flower mud fell to the ground, forming a mound.
"Do you think I'm a knight, Helen?"
"People have to change their destiny on their own." said the fate witch of the Harp constellation. "What do I think?"
The gatekeeper went around in a circle, sprinkled flower mud all the way, and finally formed a circle. Helen stood outside the circle and looked in, and saw new steps leading straight down in the circle.
"This would have been a hole," Jerome told her, "but I guess sliding down like a rabbit is not your thing. Your name is Dorothea, but we are in reality, not a dream."
Helen pretended not to hear. “Where does the other end lead?”
"Where else could it be? The exit from the stairs. There's only one exit from Abroz."
I see. He agreed and he was willing to lay aside his responsibilities for me. Even if this is only temporary... "Across the way is Hokolin, Sky Island."
"Hokrin is the place closest to the gods," the gatekeeper said, "and the starting point of the stairs."
Happy Labor day!
The plot is accelerating and we strive to return to the main line in the next chapter.
