As mentioned before, the small territory of Heim didn't have many transcendents.
There were perhaps around a hundred first-tier transcendents, and maybe ten or so of the second tier.
But what was happening now was entirely different—
two hundred knights had just ridden out, and every single one of them possessed at least first-tier strength. Half of them were already second-tier transcendents.
Could such a small territory like Heim really afford to maintain an army of that caliber?
Could the rumors be true—that the Count of Heim had a powerful backer?
The nobles, who had been harboring other intentions, were now struck silent, cowed by the overwhelming force before them. They dared not speak further and quietly backed away.
But it wasn't only the nobles who were stunned—Gerhard and his men were as well.
Their reactions, however, were very different.
Gerhard, who had a fourth-tier powerhouse as an elder brother, knew that low-tier transcendents like these were nothing more than advanced cannon fodder in front of such a being. So, he managed to keep his composure.
Tonio, on the other hand, was trembling so badly that his knees nearly gave out.
Of course, it was just as likely that he was scaring himself more than anything.
Inside, Tonio's heart was collapsing.
He was now utterly convinced that Hel intended to lure them into the city and wipe them out all at once. Afterward, she could simply come up with any excuse—and who would care enough to question it?
The Mandrake territory was already in ruins. In times like these, no one would risk confronting a powerful count just to avenge two insignificant clergymen.
Even Lord Conrad, who was currently locked in a political struggle with the old archbishop over the bishop's seat, had no time to bother with them.
Otherwise, why else would the two of them have been kicked out of Mandrake City in the first place?
By the time Mandrake territory stabilized, even if someone did remember them and wanted revenge, it would be far too late.
Hel's power was simply too great.
Even a marquisate would struggle to field an army of transcendents like hers—and she was still officially part of the Mandrake family.
The new Grand Duke would surely prioritize winning her over to secure control of the Mandrake region.
Under pressure from the ducal house, the Church would likely prefer to keep things quiet.
So if the two of them died here… they'd just die in vain.
"L-Lord Gerhard…" Tonio's voice quivered as he tried to speak, but one cold glance from Gerhard shut him up immediately.
"Let's go."
This time, Gerhard actually showed a rare bit of courage. He waved his hand like a man returning home, signaling the driver to move forward. The Church knights followed closely, surrounding his carriage protectively.
When they reached the church within the inner city and stepped down, they found Hel already waiting for them.
"It's been a long time, Father Gerhard."
Hel greeted him with a warm smile, extending her right hand in a gesture of courtesy.
Seeing this, Gerhard's chubby face squeezed into a kindly, benevolent smile of his own.
"It truly has been a long time, Count Hel."
He shook her hand briefly and began his usual flattery.
"Count Hel, you're remarkably talented for someone so young. To hold Heim City against the beastmen's siege—such a feat is most impressive!
It's a shame I missed it, really. I had to attend an important conference in the capital at the time, so I couldn't witness your heroic deeds on the battlefield."
"Think nothing of it, Father Gerhard," Hel replied with a polite smile. "I'm sure your duties kept you very busy. Leaving temporarily was perfectly understandable."
As she spoke, her thoughts flickered—and she activated a pre-prepared Word of Power.
Word of Power Granted: [Low Intelligence (Black)]
Knowledge -20. Current Knowledge: 5.
"But I must apologize," Hel continued smoothly. "I'm afraid I kept you waiting earlier. You see, while the beastmen's invasion may seem over for now, it's merely a short ceasefire. In a month, when spring comes, they'll surely return.
"And recently, we even discovered several beastman spies who infiltrated Heim City…"
"Beastman spies?" Gerhard blinked. "What were they here for?"
"Assassination, naturally," Hel said, her expression solemn. "They were sent to kill me. And now that you've returned, Father, you must also be careful. As the head of Heim's Church, your death would be a heavy blow to our city's morale."
At those words, Gerhard's composure began to crumble. He immediately wanted to leave and go straight back to Mandrake City.
But after a moment of thought, he decided he should at least visit the Church first.
Hel, of course, followed him there. She had no intention of letting him go just yet.
"Count Hel," Gerhard asked nervously as they entered the Church building, "those spies you mentioned—were they captured?"
Hel's purpose today was simple: scare this priest away.
So she shook her head and sighed heavily, pretending to sound disappointed.
"If only. Unfortunately, their strength was too great. Even when we attacked together, we barely managed to drive them off—they escaped into the city."
"You all fought together and they still escaped? Then… they must be second-tier peak level?"
Hearing that, Gerhard's heart sank even further. But Hel just shook her head again, eyes serious.
"At least third-tier. Otherwise, how could a mere second-tier peak withstand my knights' combined assault?"
"Th-third-tier…" Gerhard shuddered violently.
He looked down at his soft, pudgy frame, then at the few Church knights behind him.
They only had three second-tier transcendents, and the rest were all first-tier. How could they possibly deal with a third-tier assassin?
"Um… Count Hel," Gerhard said with a nervous laugh, rubbing his hands together awkwardly, "could I… perhaps ask a favor? Maybe you could lend me a few of your men? With my forces alone, I can't possibly fight an assassin like that."
Hel appeared to hesitate for a while, then finally shook her head apologetically.
"I'm afraid not, Father Gerhard. My knights must remain stationed along the walls in case more assassins attempt to enter the city. I can't spare them."
Gerhard's face fell, but before he could protest, Hel added with a smile,
"However, don't worry—I do have another idea. Would you like to hear it?"
"What idea?" Gerhard asked quickly, gripping her hand, his round face full of desperate hope.
He was terrified of staying in Heim City any longer. If Hel wouldn't lend him troops, he'd rather return to Mandrake City immediately.
Hel's smile widened slightly. The fish had taken the bait.
And so, she spoke her true purpose at last.
"Father Gerhard," she said smoothly, "you could always appoint an acting representative for the Church here in Heim."