"Elizabeth Báthory was a legend. Compared to her, I feel fortunate." After finishing the notebook, Jeanne d'Arc sighed.
Unlike Elizabeth, who was stigmatized for centuries after her death, Jeanne's unjust verdict was overturned shortly after her demise. Her reputation among the people gradually improved, eventually becoming a symbol of the French spirit.
In comparison, Elizabeth Báthory's situation was far worse. In the eyes of ordinary people, she was the evil figure who bathed in human blood to preserve her youth.
Through reading the notebook, Liang En and his companions confirmed their suspicions: Elizabeth Báthory's trial was part of the power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor and the local lords.
For the Holy Roman Emperor, it was necessary to weaken the powerful regional factions to maintain control over the Holy Roman Empire.
Moreover, the Holy Roman Emperor, who was also the King of Hungary, Matthias, was a staunch opponent of the Reformation, while Elizabeth Báthory was a Protestant.
These two factors combined made conflict inevitable. The clash resulted in Elizabeth Báthory dying with a notorious reputation, while the Habsburg Emperor reaped benefits from Hungary.
In essence, Elizabeth Báthory was merely a scapegoat. For Liang En and his companions, their next task was to reveal this truth to others.
Preserving paper documents for 400 years is indeed challenging, but not impossible. One only needs to consider the Ming dynasty books preserved in China.
However, not every piece of paper can withstand 400 years. Preserving such fragile organic materials requires specific techniques. Fortunately, they had gathered enough supplies and tools before leaving the castle.
Soon, a small furnace was set up to melt the silver coins. The melted silver was cast into a block and then, using a card's power, transformed into a box just big enough to hold the notebook.
"That should do it." Jeanne nodded as she placed the wax-sealed book into the box and closed the lid. "Now we just need to wrap it up and bury it."
The box was wrapped in cloth, and Liang En used a card to cover it with pitch, sealing the entire book. "Where do you think we should place this?"
Weighing the black, stone-like solid in her hand, Jeanne wondered aloud. "Finding a place undisturbed for 400 years isn't easy."
"I know just the place. It's nearby." Liang En smiled. "Think about where we dug up that treasure at Eagle's Beak Rock."
"Right, that place." Jeanne clapped her hands. "Since those treasures remained undisturbed there, it must be safe."
"Exactly." Liang En extinguished the furnace's fire and wagged his finger. "From our previous excavation, it seems our level of protection should last 400 years."
Liang En still didn't understand how events in these historical projections affected the real world, but he knew there was a connection.
So, taking advantage of the current situation, he wanted to test his theories to make appropriate adjustments for future encounters.
As they finished their preparations, dawn broke. Just as they were about to head to Eagle's Beak Rock, the castle behind them rang with a series of bells.
"Elizabeth Báthory must have passed away." Jeanne sighed as she saw the family flag being replaced by a black one.
"I believe we've given her hope, which is better than her actual history. For someone who valued honor above life, preserving her honor is the greatest help."
"Indeed, let's ensure this book survives." Liang En nodded. "Hopefully, it will reach the other side of history."
With that, he glanced at the distant castle, adjusted the pack containing the book, and headed towards Eagle's Beak Rock. Following the ravens, they easily found the path.
At this time, Eagle's Beak Rock still had an intact watchtower, though abandoned. The tower was empty, with doors and windows missing.
This made their work easier. The place was so remote that without the watchtower, no one would come, allowing them to dig undisturbed.
"As expected, these are the treasures buried by Báthory during this period." Digging where they previously found the treasure, they soon uncovered the items.
Their goal, however, wasn't the treasure. Moving the new wooden box aside, they dug a space to place the book and buried it.
In addition to the book, Liang En retrieved two pure gold brooches from the card space, placing one in the pit and the other in the pitch used to wrap the box.
As they completed their task, Liang En's mind was prompted with the option to return, which he selected. Instantly, the sounds of wind and birds disappeared, leaving the world in silence.
Everything around Liang En froze—the lush trees, the flying birds, and the swaying flowers, as if the world had paused.
Only Jeanne and the three ravens could move, their soul connection granting them some of Liang En's unique abilities.
They curiously observed their surroundings, intrigued by the unprecedented situation.
Then, Liang En felt himself slowly rising as the world receded, leaving only a bright white light, identical to his arrival.
It felt like a slow-motion somersault as his feet suddenly touched the ground, darkness enveloping him. When his vision cleared, he found himself back at the clearing near the ruins.
In front of him, the glowing area from which he had entered rapidly shrank, eventually disappearing, dimming the surroundings.
"What a magical journey." After confirming their successful return, Liang En found a spot to sit and began reviewing their gains.
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