Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1640 - 567: The Queen's Knight

"Are you certain, Archbishop Mills?" Rein whipped his head around, equally stunned, and questioned.

He knew the legendary story of the Goddess employing a divine artifact to vanquish a Fiend Demon, yet he'd never imagined that her weapon doubled as a secondary key to the Time Key.

Besides, if that proved true... it spelled excellent news.

Goblin Princess Amora's records stated that gathering two secondary keys to the Time Key would reveal the true Divine Artifact Time Key's hiding spot through a special technique.

"I'm certain—I can vouch for it!" Archbishop Mills affirmed gravely after double-checking his memory.

"So, where's this artifact located now? Inside Cologne Cathedral?" Rein pressed on.

"Isn't it the one you're holding...?" Archbishop Mills eyed Rein oddly at the question, venturing carefully.

He obviously believed Rein's artifact was the identical one the Goddess wielded ages ago.

Given Lord Rein's overwhelming might, it made sense he'd unearthed the long-lost relic from some forgotten temple ruins.

"No, mine hails from the Ancient Goblin Floating City, predating the Goddess and Church by eons." Rein quickly dispelled the misconception with a shake of his head.

"Ah?"

The response stunned everyone present.

"Two identical artifacts truly exist?" Archbishop Mills gaped in disbelief.

Rein parted his lips, tempted to reveal more than two secondary keys existed, but wisely held back.

Truth be told, even he lacked full knowledge of the secondary keys, and blurting it out risked unknown fallout.

"Did the Church ever search for it?" Rein inquired.

"Of course we did—we chased countless leads, though that domain falls outside my authority." Mills replied, composure restored.

"Any concrete details?"

"Sadly, no specifics remain. The data was kept in Cologne Cathedral's subterranean ultra-secret vault, sealed in a silver iron chest with all artifact hints."

Disappointment etched Archbishop Mills's face as he stared at the distant spire thickest with Evil Qi.

"Oh?" Rein fixed his gaze on Cologne Cathedral, eyes glinting thoughtfully.

He assessed the situation.

This Fiend Demon outbreak in Imperial City Tamriel outstripped the Floating City Ruins in ferocity.

No wonder Imperial City Tamriel's over a dozen Imperial Guardians yielded ground steadily, thanks to the Fiend Demon's insidious corruption.

Moreover, the Fiend Demon's might here was immense—fresh from seal-break, it wielded near late-demigod power and kept surging.

Yet his own prowess had soared since entering the Floating City.

Charge in for the search immediately, or bide his time?

After swift deliberation, Rein chose to act at once.

Delaying might let the Fiend Demon grow too formidable, squandering the chance.

For now, his 'Shadow Shifting' ability guaranteed safety.

"I'll return shortly."

In an instant, Rein's form blinked out of existence.

The assembled Imperial elites stared in mutual bewilderment.

"Lord Rein... charged inside?" Archbishop Mills blurted, stupefied.

"Looks like it." Sword Saint Lambert confirmed with a nod, well-acquainted with Rein's bold approach.

"Far too rash."

"Absolutely!"

Lagaray and Jennifer traded worried looks.

Yet Red Queen Menia's eyes sparkled with insight, harboring private thoughts.

Abruptly, a female attendant rushed up, bowing to Menia. "Your Highness Menia, urgent dispatch from the Federation."

"Out with it!" Menia commanded without glancing back.

Her focus lingered on Rein, her stunning gaze locked on the Evil Qi-veiled Cologne Cathedral, brushing off mere formalities.

"The Federation, learning of the Fiend Demon assault on the Empire, has dispatched two cargo airship fleets loaded with vast supplies....."

Hmm?

Menia's lovely eyes widened faintly in astonishment as she pivoted toward the attendant.

"They actually said that?"

"Yes, Your Highness Menia." The female attendant nodded gravely, adding, "They've also declared their readiness to jointly launch the restoration of the Floating City, offering technical expertise and resource backing."

"Hmm? When did the Federation grow so cooperative?"

"Normally, holding back from kicking someone while they're down counts as generous enough!"

The other Imperial powerhouses revealed looks of shock as well.

"Any additional conditions?" Elder Ivan couldn't resist inquiring.

"Er... regarding conditions, it appears there's only one: they desire Lord Rein of the Steel Throne to take the lead for the Empire in the Floating City's restoration project..."

"Hold on! Steel Throne?" Elder Ivan questioned, wearing a baffled look.

"Unless I'm wrong, the 'Throne' title honors only Full Moon Wizards, correct?" Reginald at the side caught the strange phrasing too, voicing his bewilderment.

Elder Ivan nodded in agreement, "That confuses me too. The Federation's official diplomatic language wouldn't feature such basic slip-ups."

"Elder Ivan, suppose this... isn't actually a mistake?" In that moment, 'Red Queen' Menia mused aloud.