Chapter 78: Charm

The Sacred Martial Association otherwise known as the Holy Palace of Tribunal.

It was created by the five legendary Chivalric Order members who had achieved the most merits at the battle of Counterattack Desperado. This organization was created to prevent power from being monopolized within the upper echelons of the Chivalric Orders and to prevent its leaders from deciding anything alone and running amok. It was usually convened to solve some decisions that the upper echelons of the Chivalric Orders were unable to make or cases that would bring about severe public discourse.

The scope the Sacred Martial Association had jurisdiction over was scarce and it didnt have the authority to assume control over the Chivalric Orders. To the numerous Chivalric Orders out there it was a completely neutral existence yet none of them would dare ignore its directives.

The reason was very simple. The Sacred Martial Association enshrined and worshipped generations of Pioneer Heroes of mankind. Its high prestige and fairness had accumulated step by step over time and was incomparable to any Chivalric Order out there. They were deeply trusted by the public. Because of that they could change the momentum and directions of public opinion on a whim. Whats more as the large war had ended not too long ago a lot of Chivalric Orders were threatened by a lack of livelihood and had to rely on the help of the Sacred Martial Association to open some side businesses. Thus to a certain extent the Sacred Martial Association was directly in control of the economic lifeline of the various Chivalric Orders and how the public perceived them.

To put it frankly.

As a Chivalric Head if you chose to escape and ignore a trial you would need to resolve yourself to become the enemy of all humanity and be isolated and discriminated against.

Even more important was the fact that the current president of the Sacred Martial Association The Immortal Knight Cyrandi was one of the pioneer heroes deeply trusted by the masses. With his words carrying this much weight which Chivalric Order leader would dare dismiss the existence of a pioneer knight like him?

Even if one was the leader of a Chivalric Order believe it or not the Sacred Martial Association would still drag them up to the guillotine if they were to piss them off.

In order to facilitate supervision and administrative matters the Sacred Martial Association had set up a branch in every major city. When an emergency occurred it was up to the branches to inform headquarters whereupon a tribunal would be held.1

As for the ones in charge of overseeing the Tribunal Court they were generally made up of people dispatched by headquarters together with an additional local Sacred Martial Association member.

At the Sacred Martial Association branch in Border Town.

Can you show me your credentials and explain the purpose of your visit here Mister?

Hmm? What credentials? Dont tell me Im not allowed in without those pesky things? Ji Bai tilted his head.

What else do you think?? This place is an important government facility. Wouldnt it be ridiculous to let people like you go in and out as they please like at a food market? This person couldnt be here to stir up trouble right?

Looking at the suspicious figure before him that was wearing a crucifix helmet over his head the knight guarding the door tightened his grip on the longsword in his hands.

Oh. I see. Im very certain that one didnt require any credentials to go in before. Ji Bai scratched the back of his head through his helmet.

Alright I got it. What do you need exactly? An identification card a driver license a marriage certificate or a vehicle permit?

Are you making fun of me now citizen??? People who can enter this place need to possess at least some status! Stop messing around and quickly leave!

Eh? Dont chase me away. Its not like I dont have any identity anyway Hey! Do you see this? Im actually a member of Amazon Pr*me2 and its an annual subscription! You can let me enter now right? Ji Bai took out his phone and dangled it in front of the knight guarding the door.

May I ask sire to refrain from challenging my patience and return the way you came from immediately? If you choose to continue this charade this humble self wouldnt mind letting you experience a three day vacation in a prison cell!

Eh? Do you really have to be this merciless? You dont have to right? Let me talk some sense into you: Our society is currently one thats built on a favor. One more friend represents the opening of an unorthodox possibility in life. Only by being understanding and charitable towards others can we bring forth an eternally harmonious society. Cant you just accommodate me or something?

Shrrrnng!

Alright this guy has drawn his sword out already. Seems like talking logic with him isnt going to work.

I see Ji Bai sized up his surroundings. The entrance to the government building was a scene of desolateness. There was not one passerby around.

In that case dont blame me for doing things the unorthodox way little buddy. I dont really have a choice.

Red light greatly expanded in an instant as a crowd of countless small dark-red bats flew out in a buzzing manner.

T-This this is!? Before the knight guarding the gate could even say something he felt his breathing stopping as if someone had a death grip on his neck. He was incapable of making any movement free to be manipulated like meat on a chopping board. As long as the other party wills it just a slight twitch of his finger could take his life.

Ehe~ Big brother this way. Look this way please.

While the knight guarding the gate was in a trance a pair of hands that were as soft as cotton made their way up onto his cheeks and turned his head.

In his field of vision a pair of scarlet eyes resembling flawless bloodstones appeared. The knight felt like he was being sucked into a whirlpool and was unable to move his eyes away no matter what.

Scarlet Magic Eyes of Allurement the innate skill of the vampire race. It would temporarily seize control of someones consciousness and was effective on people who possessed zero sacred abilities or weak willpower. Once that was done it would ingrain into their mind the concept of a master and their needs above all else. The probability of success and the duration of its control was related to how pure their bloodline was.

The consciousness of the knight gradually became more and more blurry.

Listen to my orders and obey my commands.

I will solemnly obey your Highness commands. I am your most loyal servant.

Mhm~ In that case I want you to listen to my following commands. After that I want you to forget everything that has happened today is that clear? Bai Ji whispered in the knights ears as her finger rested on her cherry-like lips lightly.

Understood

With his hand on the hilt of his sword the knight guarding the gate was currently walking inside the holy palace while an unknown person wearing a crucifix helmet followed behind him.

Although the sentries within the temple were suspicious of the visitors outfit they didnt probe deeply into it.

People who could get past the guardian naturally had some status to them.

May I know the purpose of your visit Mister? The leader of the sentries deferentially saluted. He had barred their way as he struck a conversation with them.

Leader the people that I bring to the Holy Palace are naturally our most esteemed guests. This person here is no exception.

Oh? Then may I know how to address your distinguished self?

He is Mas

Cough cough. The surname is CHU C-H-U and my name is Teddy. T-E-D-D-Y3. Ji Bai lightly coughed twice interrupting the words of his guide.

Oh Teddy Chu. Mr Chu right? May I ask you about the purpose of your visit?

Mhm I am a member from the Sacred Martial Association headquarters which has been dispatched here. I am here to discuss some arrangements with your branch leader.

Is that so? But this humble self recalls that my colleagues over at the Sacred Martial Association are only expected to arrive tomorrow. May I know whats going on?

Shit do the higher-ups nowadays notify in advance for every inspection work theyre going to carry out?