Vatican Secrets

“Who is it?” Tilis asked curiously.

Ophelia waved to the waiter and ordered another cup of coffee.

The new coffee exuded a rich aroma, and she sipped it leisurely, which only made Tilis grow more impatient.

“You woman, why do you always have to put on this annoying aristocratic air no matter the situation? Who is it? Just tell me already!”

Ophelia slightly raised the corner of her mouth, feeling that she had finally regained the upper hand after a long time, now that Tilis needed something from her.

“Don’t rush, let me explain slowly.”

Facing Tilis’ increasingly displeased gaze, Ophelia finally stopped beating around the bush.

She whispered, “Our eastern nemesis, Norsgul, recently had a major incident. The Holy Maiden of the Weston Papacy deposed the Pope. It’s said that the Pope was imprisoned in his room and starved to death...”

“The Pope is dead?” Tilis suddenly froze.

When it came to international affairs, Tilis was far less sensitive than Ophelia, but such shocking news still made her ponder for a moment.

“It is indeed a big deal, and a good one at that, but what does it have to do with what we’re talking about?”

“You really don’t know?” Ophelia lightly covered her mouth, feigning surprise. “It seems the intelligence of your Magical Hermitage isn’t all that impressive, huh?”

Tilis’ face darkened as she glared at Ophelia, who was mocking her.

“Cut the nonsense.”

Ophelia chuckled, “The current Holy Maiden of the Papacy, the shadow ruler of the Holy Light Church, is none other than that priestess from our past~”

This finally caused Tilis’ expression to change.

She frowned, “So it’s her. No wonder the actions of the eastern nations have become increasingly difficult. They’ve kept it so well hidden...”

Originally, there was only one church in the northern continent—the Holy Light Church, located in the central holy city of Weston. However, after the rise of Wegnar in the southwestern frontier, the church split, and the Wegnar diocese broke away from the Papacy’s jurisdiction, becoming an independent church that no longer obeyed the Pope’s orders.

This involved a very complex historical context, but regardless, for a mere priestess to rise to become the ruler of such a long-standing orthodox church was truly astonishing.

And more importantly...

“But I don’t really like her...”

The witch showed a troubled expression.

“That woman talks endlessly, always spouting grand principles, and constantly tries to get me to convert to the ‘righteous path’ and embrace the true gods...”

“And her smile is so fake, it makes me feel uncomfortable all over...”

Tilis shuddered, recalling that gentle, sunlit smile, and felt goosebumps rise all over her body.

Ophelia burst into laughter, “So there’s someone who actually scares you...”

She had thought this woman was fearless, someone who didn’t take anyone seriously.

“Who said I’m scared of her!” Tilis snorted coldly. “I just find her annoying, and besides, light and darkness are destined to never merge! I hate all the hypocrites in the church!”

“Yes, yes, yes...” Ophelia smiled. “But think about it, if your vision really comes true—”

“If you become the most powerful magical force on the continent, and I hold Wegnar, the strongest secular power...”

“What are we still missing?”

“Of course, spiritual power! The church!”

Ophelia looked at Tilis, who wore a bitter expression, and patted her shoulder earnestly.

“For Luo Wei, for the world, you go and deal with her first. I won’t keep you company anymore. See you later.”

Tilis stood there, frowning and pondering for a long time. By the time she came to her senses...

The coffee on the table had gone cold, and Ophelia was nowhere to be seen.

“What she said does make some sense, but why did she leave?”

The witch rested her chin on her hand and began to seriously contemplate.

Gradually, she felt something was off.

“The Papacy is so far from here, and the church hates us to the core...”

“Why does it feel like she’s deliberately sending me away, so she can have Luo Wei all to herself...”

The witch felt she had uncovered the truth.

...

Meanwhile, when Ophelia returned to the luxurious hotel...

She immediately spotted Luo Wei sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a book.

“You’re quite the studious one, aren’t you?” Ophelia walked over with a teasing smile, noticing how seriously he was studying the thick magic tome.

“Huh? Ophelia!” Luo Wei glanced up at her, but his eyes quickly returned to the book as if they couldn’t leave it.

“Wait a second, if it’s nothing urgent, let me finish analyzing this magical structure first.”

Ophelia’s rising anger was instantly stifled.

She suspiciously observed Luo Wei, who was deeply absorbed in the book, and realized he was genuinely studying. She quietly sat down beside him and joined him in reading.

Half an hour later.

“You must be done by now, right? I have something to tell you...”

“Wait! This ring magic structure is a bit tricky. Let me take one last look...”

Ophelia clenched her fists.

Another half hour passed.

“You must be done now, right? I...”

“Just a bit more! Just a bit more! The old headmaster’s notes here are incredibly insightful!”

Ophelia’s face darkened completely.

But she still held back from lashing out.

She didn’t want to be the kind of woman who disrupted a man’s work, so she forced herself to endure and continued to sit with him.

Another half hour later...

Ophelia’s anger had almost dissipated. She stared at Luo Wei in exasperation. “How much longer are you going to study? You’re so slow! I’ve almost memorized this entire spell by now!”

Luo Wei smiled helplessly, “I can’t help it. Beginners are like this. Let me take my time. Just stay quiet, okay?”

But this time, Ophelia wasn’t going to let him off so easily. She suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door.

“Hey! My magic! I haven’t finished studying yet! What are you doing?!”

“No more studying today!” Ophelia glared at him fiercely. “Come with me!”

“Where are we going...” Luo Wei felt his stalling tactics had completely failed.

“Where else?” Ophelia flashed an evil smile. “You spent three days with Tilis without returning, and now you don’t even greet me or pay me any attention! You’re done for today, Luo Wei! I’m going to punish you! Punish you severely!!”

With a loud *bang*, Luo Wei’s vision went dark as Ophelia dragged him into a secluded... little black room.

Then, the lights came on.

A slender, long leg clad in black stockings was already right in front of Luo Wei’s face.

“Take them off!”

She stood tall, looking down at him with an expressionless face.