Silphiel shot a meaningful glance at her best friend, who instantly caught on. Capturing those two scheming Heretics was also the Inquisitor General’s credit! Why refuse a freebie?

Grace flicked her short golden hair, stood up, and clapped her hands. The gesture stood out sharply in the banquet hall.

She cleared her throat and announced loudly, “My apologies for interrupting your feast, but I must share urgent news—”

Grace smiled warmly. As the trusted Inquisitor General, she had to remain courteous in public.

Her voice silenced the nobles. They paused their chatter, curious gazes fixed on the banquet’s security chief.

“Moments ago, our loyal knights captured two ‘Heretic’ assassins outside. When seized, they were plotting against the Hero! Worse, they claimed the Lindberg family betrayed the Holy Capital and the Light’s faith, becoming Heretic pawns!”

Whispers erupted. All eyes turned to Lelia beside the Hero. Her world seemed to collapse; dizziness washed over her. Only Gao Ying’s steadying hand kept her upright.

What? Her master and senior disciple caught red-handed?!

Grace’s distant voice cut through the noise, sounding terrifying to Lelia’s ears.

“Under your witness, I’ll now deliver justice to these two!”

Lelia snapped back, thanked Gao Ying, and faced the suspicious crowd. “Impossible! My butler and servant accompanied me—they’ve served me for years. They can’t be Heretic pawns!”

“The Lindbergs are saintly descendants in the Holy Capital. How could we side with Heretics?” Lelia forced calmness. “This must be a misunderstanding.”

Calmly, she pondered: How were they exposed? They’d planned to kill the Hero but hadn’t acted yet. There was still room to deny it.

Grace’s gaze shifted to her. “The Lindbergs are a noble house. I trust your piety, but we need interrogation to confirm—”

Gao Ying wore a gentle smile, gripping Lelia’s trembling hand. “Don’t worry, Lelia. The Inquisitor General and Holy Maiden will clear this. Heretics always get their due.”

“Perhaps Heretics killed your butler and servant, then disguised themselves?”

Lelia’s eyes flickered. She played along. “…The old butler was like a grandfather after my parents died. I never imagined Heretics would kill him.”

Saving them seemed hopeless. For her future, she’d claim her ‘butler’ and ‘servant’ were murdered imposters—just as the Hero hinted. Only a handful knew the assassination plot. Where did it leak?

Lelia glared at Silphiel’s smug face. How did the Holy Maiden know?

Silphiel sensed the hostility. So Lelia’s Heretic ties were confirmed!

As Holy Maiden, scheming against the Hero’s companion out of jealousy was unforgivable. But burning a few Heretics in her name? No one could question that.

Guard knights dragged forward two bloodied men. Nobles eager for spectacle crowded around, forming a tight circle.

Most noble ladies watched Lelia with glee, relishing her downfall.

Silphiel noted Lelia’s strained expression. *Hmph. Who let you touch the Hero’s hand? As the perfect Holy Maiden, I’d shrug off their envy. But you—a fallen noble? You’re begging for death.*

Grace pointed coldly at the captives. “Miss Lindberg, look closely. Are these your attendants?”

Silphiel narrowed her eyes, tracking Lelia’s every flinch. Shadow Sect Heretics prized loyalty above all. With comrades captured, Miss Lelia—what now?

Lelia sighed softly, panic fading. She glanced at her master and senior disciple. “They resemble my attendants, but their faces… aren’t quite right. I…”

Her own voice sounded icy. “I don’t know them.”

“Oh? So Heretics killed your staff and impersonated them?” Grace’s narrowed eyes locked onto the captives.

Silphiel shook her head sadly, playing along. She addressed the conscious blond senior disciple. “Young man, see this heartless woman? She sold you out for her bright future. Despicable, isn’t she?”

Bound in ropes, the blond disciple’s fury exploded at Lelia’s words. Silphiel’s taunt shattered his control!

She’d betrayed him and his master! Now denying them? That whore!

He roared, “Lelia, you bitch! You betrayed us to cling to the Hero and wash your Heretic stain!”

“I saw your suspicious looks days ago. Exactly as I thought!”

Doomed as a Heretic caught in the Holy Capital, he’d drag her down too. No escape for that traitor.

He yelled at Gao Ying, “Hero! Don’t trust her pretty face—she joined you to assassinate you! She betrays us today; she’ll betray you tomorrow!”

Then he faced Silphiel and Grace. “Holy Maiden! Inquisitor General! I confess: she’s our comrade—a Shadow Sect member!”

“We tried to kill the Hero on his return journey today!”