I Don't Agree to the Terms-Chapter 1069 - 562: As for the expedition, whoever doesn’t go will die!

"The Pope's illness has us directing the Expeditionary Army to the Thorny Lion domain to purge the devil's envoys and curses? Something seems off!" The Judgement Archbishop's expression carried a weight of seriousness.

"Since the day before yesterday, the Pope has not appeared." The Discipline Archbishop also recalled.

The two suspected there was a trap within, otherwise, it would be impossible to so easily delegate power to just the two of them.

In the past, the Pope had even resorted to physical destruction to seize the power of the Expeditionary Army from them.

How could it be possible to give up now, and so decisively at that?

To say there is no conspiracy here, who would believe it?

"Could there be a problem with this expedition?" The Judgement Archbishop's expression was grim.

Although there was rivalry between the two, more often than not, they cooperated. Otherwise, with only one person, it was impossible to resist the Pope's grand power.

"You want to give up?" The Discipline Archbishop raised an eyebrow, unsure of what the other was thinking.

"If you were to lead the Expeditionary Army, do you have confidence?" The Judgement Archbishop was thinking of giving up, sensing that something was amiss.

In this regard, he was extremely astute. Otherwise, he wouldn't have handed over the Church Protection Knights in time. Facts proved that his decision back then was very right. If he hadn't handed it over in time, the grass on his grave might have grown several times by now.

In terms of self-preservation, he did exceptionally well.

Hearing these words, the Discipline Archbishop's expression also became complicated. He never expected the other to have such an idea. His original assumption was that there would be a fierce battle between the two, filled with conspiracies and calculations, to eventually divide the Expeditionary Army's power.

He didn't expect the other to simply give up.

"I certainly have confidence, but are you sure you want to let me single-handedly lead the Expeditionary Army?" The Discipline Archbishop asked trying to sound out his counterpart.

He was still skeptical of the other's words. After all, giving up such authority required immense resolve. If he guessed right, the other might survive, but if he guessed wrong, his future as the Discipline Archbishop would be as a mere puppet.

At least, the Pope still had the Church Protection Knights in hand. Even if he couldn't resist the Expeditionary Army, within the Dawn Holy City, he would still have to give face to the other.

A Discipline Archbishop with nothing would have no chance.

"Yes, I even plan to resign from my position as the Discipline Archbishop, withdraw from the Discipline Office, and return to my hometown to become an ordinary Priest." The Discipline Archbishop suddenly said. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"What?!" The Judgement Archbishop was shocked, truly at a loss for words. Simply giving up power and returning did not fit the other's character at all. Suppressing his emotions, he then asked, "What did you discover?"

"I discovered nothing, just found it a little strange." The Discipline Archbishop indeed found nothing but was feeling increasingly uneasy.

He managed to climb to his current position partly due to his noble heritage and abilities, and partly due to his extraordinary intuition. Since the arrival of the magic power tide, this intuition had grown stronger.

He found the reason; it was because of the wizard bloodline from his ancestors that carried with it an exceptional sense of perception, even able to discern fortune and misfortune. Though he hadn't fully awakened it to play its full role, even just a hint was enough for him to feel an unknown crisis approaching.

"Just because you find it strange, you plan to retire?" The Judgement Bishop could have pretended to console him, but was too shocked at the moment to think about consolation.

The two had been at odds and cooperating over power and profit for many years.

"That's right, I'll even gift you the Discipline Office. I'm leaving today, taking only my years of savings and my guards." The more the Discipline Archbishop spoke, the more he felt a storm brewing in his heart.

Something seemed amiss.

"I need to consider it, after all..." The Judgement Archbishop tactfully suggested waiting a little longer.

But before he could finish, he was interrupted: "I'm informing you, not discussing with you. The power stays here, whether you accept it or not is your own concern."

Having decided to leave, the Discipline Archbishop laid everything bare.

"Wait, are you sure you found nothing because your decision is so firm?" The Judgement Archbishop had a peculiar look, even suspecting it to be a retreat in order to advance — otherwise, why start a conversation only to run away a few sentences later?

"I found nothing." The Discipline Archbishop finished his words and then got up to leave, this decision was indeed made on a whim, not thought out thoroughly.

He actually knew that he had aged and was no longer suited to the cutthroat environment of the Dawn Holy City.

Especially since his offspring did not amount to much.

They frequently got him into trouble, which gave him a headache. Given the circumstances, it seemed better to take them back to the countryside.

Being a noble, he naturally had a fief and could live peacefully there. Even though the fief was far from bustling centers, it was well-suited for retirement.

This time, the Judgement Archbishop did not try to persuade further. He too was puzzled by the other's unusual behavior.

"Since you don't want it, I won't be polite about taking it." The Judgement Archbishop had a glint of excitement in his eyes.