The Lady Nun Vows Revenge - Chapter 588: Chapter 588

Just as Eliza and Nolan spotted the outline of Malone City, a tiny black speck suddenly shot out from the shadows on their flank, streaking straight toward Eliza.
"Smack!"
"Clang!"
Vexara and Nolan reacted almost simultaneously. Vexara's wing lashed out, sending the black speck flying, while Nolan's dagger followed in a flash, pinning the speck to the cave wall.
The entire sequence unfolded in the blink of an eye, leaving Eliza momentarily stunned. By the time she realized what had happened, the black speck was already dead, pinned to the wall. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a parasite no larger than a fingernail.
"Stay alert! There's more than one," Nolan warned, his voice sharp as he instinctively moved to shield Eliza behind him.
Vexara let out a piercing screech, the sound cutting through the air like an angry roar.
Eliza's gaze sharpened as she fixed her eyes on the gates of Malone City. "Someone's coming," she said, her tone tense.
Soon, chaotic footsteps echoed from the gates. A group of armed men stormed out, their faces dark with murderous intent, each wielding swords and sabers.
"Who dares trespass into Malone City!" The man at the front shouted, his gaze sharp and menacing as he stared at the exit of the tunnel.
He shouted, "Stop hiding and show yourself! Or don't blame us for cutting you down without mercy!"
Eliza shot Nolan a glance, her thoughts clear. 'The parasite that attacked us earlier must have delivered the message to its master.'
Since that was the case, there was no need to stay hidden anymore.
Nolan gave a slight nod and stepped forward, his presence commanding.
Eliza and the others followed closely behind.
As they emerged, Eliza's gaze swept over the group led by the man, but the sorcerer was nowhere to be seen.
"Tell your leader to come out and answer me," Nolan said coldly, stopping just outside the stronghold of Malone City. His blade gleamed ominously, and his piercing gaze froze the guards in place.
Behind him, the Black Flag soldiers stood like predators, their sharp eyes brimming with lethal intent. Though outnumbered by the dozens of Vanstead guards, their aura was suffocating.
"So, you're Nolan, the Prince Regent?" The man eyed him warily, his tone laced with caution.
"You know who I am, yet you dare stand while speaking to me?" Nolan sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
The man immediately bristled, as if deeply insulted. "You!"
"Theo." At that moment, a raspy voice of an elderly lady echoed from behind them.
The dozens of guards of Malone City immediately parted to either side, clearing a path down the middle.
An elderly lady emerged, her golden cane striking the ground with deliberate authority. Supported by a middle-aged man with sinister air, she advanced with measured steps, her presence commanding attention.
Her murky gaze settled on Nolan. She bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness, what an unexpected honor. Forgive me for not welcoming you properly."
"Mother!"
"Grandmother!"
The man behind her stepped forward, but Sariyah Malone snapped, "You fools! Show some respect and bow to His Highness!"
Reluctantly, they exchanged glances and bowed, their movements stiff with resentment.
Nolan's cold gaze swept over them. "So, the Malone family doesn't care about the royal Sariyah Malonecourt, or me, huh? Lady Sariyah, you may be nearing the end of your days, so I'll let it slide. But is the entire Malone family ready to follow you to the grave? Such lack of decorum... If I'm not welcome, I'll leave right now."
They'd found the place. Whether they entered or not, it made no difference.
If necessary, they could leave and return later. Welcome or not, this city would be his.
Sariyah's expression shifted instantly, her tone dripping with feigned remorse. "Your Highness, please forgive me. I've clearly failed to teach the children proper manners."
She paused briefly before turning to scold them again, "You ignorant brats! Kneel and show respect immediately!"
The man and others' faces darkened further.
They glanced at Nolan, then at Sariyah, suppressing their frustration as they reluctantly knelt with visible displeasure.
"Your Highness, is this satisfactory?" Sariyah turned back to Nolan, her face adorned with a smile that might seem kind at first glance. But upon closer inspection, her murky eyes held a sharp glint.
"Satisfactory? Perhaps." Nolan replied indifferently, then stepped forward. "Now that you've paid your respects, you may all rise. I'm feeling a bit tired, and since I've arrived in Malone City, I trust you won't mind if I come in for a rest."
"Of course, Your Highness. Please come in." Sariyah kept her smile steady.
She certainly didn't mind. In fact, she feared Nolan might refuse to enter.
'If he leaves now, all my careful planning will go to waste.' As Sariyah entertained such thoughts, she remained unaware that anyone from Hasen City would likely advise her against this course of action.
After all, Nolan was sharper than a fox and deadlier than a wolf.
He came with a small group. But if he were easy to deal with, Bortenland wouldn't have a Prince Regent who stood above all but one.
As Nolan led his group past the Malone family and stepped into Malone City, the figure he had been shielding behind him finally came into view, catching the attention of the Malone family members on both sides.
"Is this... the Holy Lady?" Sariyah suddenly exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she fixed her gaze on Eliza. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees in reverence. "Your Grace, I pay my respects! What an honor to have you here!"
As soon as she knelt, the rest of the Malone family followed suit without delay.
"Welcome, Your Grace," they greeted Eliza with respectful bows.
Eliza's face froze for a moment, her expression tinged with confusion.
The scene itself wasn't entirely out of place.
Oddly, Sariyah hadn't knelt for Nolan earlier.
And with just one glance at Eliza, she was on her knees, offering the full ceremonial bow.
Eliza's gaze flickered slightly as she turned to meet Nolan's eyes.
The two seemed to have caught onto something, though neither revealed their thoughts.
"Please rise, Lady Sariyah," Eliza said with a faint smile, her tone probing. "I've only just arrived here and didn't expect anyone to recognize me. Yet, it seems you've identified me at first sight. Could it be that you've seen me somewhere before?"
Eliza's tone was light, but there was a subtle edge to her words.
Once Sariyah stood, she immediately displayed an exaggerated fondness for Eliza.
She stepped closer, her voice brimming with affection. "Your Grace, you once prayed for blessings across two provinces, saving countless lives. I've admired you for years and even sought out your portrait, leading my family to worship it day and night, praying for your protection over the Malone family."
Eliza's eyes narrowed, a cold edge slicing through her gaze.
She thought, 'The Malone family worships my portrait and prays for my protection over their family?
'What a cunning ploy! They're trying to drag me into their schemes.'
'That's crazy! I might become the mastermind of the Malone family!'