Chapter 172

In "Orlando," despite facing obstacles from both families, she and her lover eventually got married.

But Morgan possessed the highest-ranking fairy eyes, so she could see that Bradamante was still in the process of "chasing and searching for her lover".

"Is it an extension of some possibility? Or is this exactly how she was in real history?"

On the other side, although he had already sensed Morgan's gaze, as a paladin, Bradamante was completely open and honest.

The knight's voice was powerful and infectious.

"Looking back to the past, this Burning Witch has always appeared alongside calamities of fires and volcanic eruptions; looking to the present... through our investigation, we have found the culprit behind the tragedy in the Gaul Parish, whose true form is none other than the Burning Witch!"

"The Gaul people call upon all nations to stand on the side of justice, on the side of basic morality, and on the side of universal morality!"

After finishing reading the manuscript in his hand, Bradamante took a deep breath.

Next, it was her turn to speak alone as "Twilight".

"Gentlemen, I will not conceal my intentions." The paladin's fist, which was resting on the table, was clenched. "I will personally lead the campaign against the Burning Witch."

Even if it means facing extermination.

"Thump."

Tesla banged his gavel. "Please calm down, Your Excellency Paladin, we are having a meeting!"

"I'm sorry, Secretary General," Bradamante shook her head, "I've finished speaking."

After Gaul came Albion.

Vina, without looking away, stated succinctly. "Any act that undermines the stability and rule of another country's territory will be met with the hostility of His Majesty the Eternal King of Albion."

"Albion condemned the Burning Woman's actions, but also called on all nations to remain calm and exercise restraint, and to develop an effective plan to prevent such practices of using 'excommunication' to destabilize the internal affairs of other countries..."

The representatives from various countries almost burst out laughing when they heard this.

Let's pull it down a bit.

Among all nations, wasn't Albion the most adept at interfering in the internal affairs of other countries? Going back several hundred years, he was a keen troublemaker in Europe and even the world.

As a result, the later United States Federation all followed suit and copied it.

But then again, the representatives from all nations are professionally trained, or at least they are twilight-like; in short, they won't laugh unless they can't help it.

After Vina finished speaking, she signaled that she had finished. She was not at dusk, so she did not have a space to speak alone.

After Albion's long string of nonsense, it was the United States Federation's turn.

Tesla first removed his secretary-general badge, then took the United States Federation of Nations representative plaque from behind him and placed it on the table, indicating that his identity had changed.

"As a representative of the United States Federation, I have a few words to say."

The great scientist, who once boasted that his lightning had surpassed that of Zeus, said in a deep voice.

"First of all, there is no doubt that the punishment comes from the judgment of the Celestial Flint. In other words, this is not a calamity, but a just and proper divine punishment."

"Secondly, the United States Federation expresses its concern for the people of Gaul who are suffering such hardship."

"Finally, the Federation calls on all nations to remain calm and refrain from using derogatory terms before the Burning Woman has been properly defined."

These three sentences seem unrelated, but their combined meaning is actually quite clear.

The United States Federation is supporting the Burning Witch!

Why would they do that?

Morgan gazed at Tesla, who was giving a passionate speech on stage, his thoughts wandering.

"Ah, I understand."

The reason is simple: it still stems from Celestial Flint, September Archon.

Most of the time, He and the Holy Grail are not on this planet.

The Orthodox Church Scriptures state. "Since ancient times, the Celestial Flint has forged stars in the dark night sky. And the Holy Grail has planted life in the barren stars."

This is not embellished language, but an objective and factual account.

The Celestial Flint and the Holy Grail thus gradually brought prosperity to the desolate universe.

Even on this planet, Celestial Flint does not always favor a fixed country.

In modern times, He descended upon the United States Federation many times, driving a surge in technological development and progress.

Therefore, the United States Federation was able to become a world-renowned beacon for a period of time.

They were indeed glorious in the past... but what about now?

Celestial Flint was forced to stay on this planet, and now, with its advanced technology and sophisticated industrial system, the country that has achieved a generational leap is not the United States Federation, but the Republic of Zhendan!

In other words, the United States Federation has fallen out of favor with Celestial Flint!

If they had never reached the pinnacle of the world, that would be one thing, but now they are truly falling.

According to the Pentagon's calculations, the United States Federation's flame still has enough to burn for another twenty years.

Once this generation is over, the outdated and fragmented industrial system will no longer be able to drive the United States Federation.

Even though they both received the blessings of the Celestial Flint, Cathay and the Federation were by no means as close as family.

But if Cathay knew the Federation's mindset, the latter would probably smile understandingly and pat the Federation on the shoulder: First time? Dude.

After falling from the top spot in the world a few times, you'll naturally get used to it.

"So the reason the United States Federation did this is quite clear," Morgan thought to himself. "No one has ever been able to withstand so many of Celestial Flint's punishments, unless the Burning Witch was originally closely related to Celestial Flint. If she could use this to regain Celestial Flint's favor..."

Sure enough, Bradamante spoke immediately after Tesla finished speaking.

"I would like to ask the United States Federation, are you trying to protect the Burning Witch?!"

Tesla glanced at her. "I'd also like to ask you, does this statement represent Gaul, or does it represent yourself?"

"If I am representing Gaul, then I am very sorry, but the Federation does not need to explain itself to other countries."

"What if I only represent myself?" Bradamante said coldly.

"That's even more regrettable." Tesla shook his head. "The Federation isn't even willing to explain to other countries, so why would it offer any sympathy to an individual?"

Even dusk won't do.

It has to be Crimson Dawn, right? Hmm, and it has to be under Celestial Flint's command.

The nations were abuzz with discussion, and representatives from various countries took turns speaking. Two of them criticized the United States Federation, but Tesla remained unmoved.

"Please keep quiet."

Tesla, who had somehow changed into the Secretary General's badge, calmly tapped his mallet.

"It is not yet time for free speech. Please respect the representatives of Cathay."

As for why not Caucasus?

Because they were the first representatives, after Gaul, to rush up and criticize the United States Federation.

Rasputin, that Demonic Monk, was so eloquent and his words were so subtle that it wasn't until he was halfway through his speech that the nations realized he was indirectly criticizing the Federation.

Normally, the Caucasus Union would directly point their fingers at the Federation and hurl insults.

The Demonic Monk cried out from below the stage, "It seems that you all had a preconceived notion that I was going to criticize the Federation, which is why you thought my remarks were offensive."

The attendant behind him asked in a low voice, "Sir, did you actually curse the Federation?"

"I did curse," Rasputin answered honestly.

The Grandmaster in the Cathay seat gave a regretful smile.

It was rare for the United States Federation to be attacked by a group of people. He originally wanted to watch the show and let the United States Federation absorb some of the fire for Cathay.

This is because this time, Cathay will stand on the same side as the United States Federation.

"Please read the first document on your right. This is an investigation report from Cathay," the Grandmaster said slowly.

As he spoke, a report written in various languages silently appeared on the tables of the representatives from different countries.

Tesla raised an eyebrow slightly as he turned to the first page.

The figure in the twilight cast a surprised and doubtful glance at the Grandmaster.

Faced with the incredulous, incomprehensible, or secretly angry gazes of various countries, the Grandmaster remained as calm as a gentle breeze.

Chongyue opened the first page of the document and read the text aloud.

"The real name of the Burning Woman is Jeanne Darc. She is Maid of Orléans who saved the nation in Gaul's history."

"Impossible, absolutely impossible...!"

"Please show the most basic respect, Gaul!" The Grandmaster cast a calm glance, and in an instant, the enraged paladin seemed to be crushed by a mountain, losing all his momentum.

Although Bradamante quickly shook off the influence and sat down, suppressing her anger.

However, all those present at dusk were aware of the situation.

—This twilight figure, who was removed from the Pantheon by Gaul, seems to be of a lower rank than the Grandmaster of Cathay.

"Grandmaster ..." Morgan cast a veiled and wary glance at Chongyue, who was giving a passionate speech.

During her search for the Heavenly Consort's Secret Treasure, she visited South Seas many times and once faced this Grandmaster across the sea, but they never actually fought.

It wasn't until she officially joined the Water Palace Immortal Class that she needed to go to Guangdong Province in Cathay to "fulfill her vow," and that's when she truly exchanged a move with the Grandmaster.

Naturally, neither side used their skills.

Morgan used imagery and symbolism, while the Grandmaster simply threw a punch, shattering the Fallen Empress's magic.

So far, the Fallen Empress has not been able to see through the Grandmaster's achievements and mark. It can't just be "martial arts", right?

"... As evidenced above, it is sufficient to prove the true identity of the Burning Woman." The Grandmaster picked up the second document. "Please open the second investigation report."

"The main reason for characterizing Joan of Arc as the Burning Witch is the belief that she caused many calamities, including but not limited to large-scale wildfires, urban fires, and volcanic eruptions... but the truth is not so."

"Before the Great Fire of Rome, the Burning Woman appeared, prophesying an impending fire..."

"Before Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash, some people dreamed of Burning Woman who told them to leave the city quickly..."

"Before the Wanggongchang explosion, a little girl with white hair and a gray dress was seen parading through the streets, chanting Nursery Rhyme..."

One by one, Chongyue evidence, some of which were paper records, some were electronic scans, and some were simply fragments of stone carvings.

But in any case, all the evidence found in the dust of history seems to prove the same point.

That is, Joan of Arc was not the culprit who caused the disaster, but rather a messenger who foretold the arrival of Catastrophe.

However, over a long period of time, she was like a crow, endowed with a nature akin to calamity.

As for why Joan of Arc, who was martyred in the 15th century, was able to predict the Wanggongchang Explosion in the 17th century... well, that's not a question for those who have ascended to higher positions.

In the eyes of the representatives of the various nations, Joan of Arc in history must have accumulated the merits of becoming Twilight through the actions of the Catastrophe Messenger.

The final step in her great undertaking was likely accomplished by saving Gaul.

When she saved Gaul, she was burned at the stake for betraying them—an act that, in a way, echoed the ancient Messiah ritual.

The so-called burning at the stake should be an allusion to how she sublimated her achievements into eternal Golden Truth through burning.

However, Joan of Arc was not canonized until the 20th century.

During this long period of time, she could only continue to carry on her past achievements to make up for the burning deficit... This explanation is not perfect, but it is the most acceptable explanation for the twilight.

Just when the representatives from various countries thought the Grandmaster was about to finish speaking, he tapped the table again.

"Please open the third document you have here."

Bradamante's expression was already quite unpleasant, while the Holy City representative, who had been interrupted by Tesla using his secretary-general authority while speaking, looked even colder.

—Why do you still have documents?

Are our intelligence systems really that different in quality?

However, as Chongyue opened the document and slowly read the words aloud, the representative of the Holy City was startled and horrified.

Federico had remained calm throughout, almost got up.

"A report on certain branches of the Orthodox Church attempting to sabotage the planet's environment." Chongyue's voice echoed in the silent hall.