The Devoted Priestess

After the three of them settled in this small northern city, with a few days left before their next departure, Luo Wei took Helena and Evelyn around town to eat and drink.

In the tavern, Helena clutched her slightly rounded belly and closed her eyes in satisfaction.

"I'm full! That was so good~"

Only stacks of empty plates remained on the table—the massive, thick cuts of roasted meat had all been devoured by her.

"Even after spending so much time with you..." Evelyn gazed at her with envy, "I'm still amazed by your appetite."

Helena opened her eyes and noticed both Luo Wei and Evelyn staring at her intently, causing her face to flush instantly.

"Not really... I just didn’t want to waste food..."

Perhaps realizing she had indeed eaten a lot, she stole a glance at Luo Wei. "You won’t dislike me for this, will you, Brother...?"

Luo Wei shook his head with a smile. "Of course not. I’d only worry if you weren’t eating enough."

He signaled to the tavern keeper and ordered another plate.

The keeper walked over, looking astonished.

"Who would’ve thought such a petite girl could eat so much!"

Sidelong glances from around the tavern drifted their way, making Helena’s face turn even redder.

"Brother, I really am full now..."

"No, you’re not," Luo Wei insisted.

Soon, another large plate of roasted meat arrived, lightly seasoned and exuding an irresistible aroma.

Given the city’s proximity to the northern tribes of the Frostwinter, the local cuisine carried a rugged, frontier-style influence—generous portions of meat, simply prepared. Luo Wei was quite pleased with this; at least it wasn’t potatoes...

Helena’s eyes sparkled faintly, but she didn’t reach for the food.

"Brother, you eat!" she pushed the plate toward him.

Evelyn caught the eager glint in her eyes and chuckled. "Helena really loves meat, doesn’t she?"

"Mhm!" Helena nodded earnestly, then explained in a serious tone.

"When I was always on the run before, there were times I had nothing to eat. When I was starving, I’d have to steal food. Back then, meat was my favorite—it kept me full and gave me strength to keep escaping!"

"I see..." Evelyn rarely heard about Helena’s life before Luo Wei took her in. She hadn’t expected it to be so harsh.

Her gaze shifted to Luo Wei, her expression complicated. Even at her lowest, she’d always had her butler, Annie, discreetly arranging things, never worrying about basic needs. But for Helena back then, such a life must have seemed like heaven...

Luo Wei cut a piece of meat and held it to Helena’s lips. "I’ll never let you go hungry again."

Helena happily took the bite, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "Brother is the best!"

Luo Wei smiled fondly and cut her another piece.

Watching their heartwarming exchange, Evelyn suddenly felt a pang of envy.

"I wish my siblings were more like you..."

"Your siblings aren’t good to you?" Luo Wei asked.

"It’s not about whether they’re good or not... It’s complicated," Evelyn sighed. "You’ll understand when you meet them."

Luo Wei nodded silently. Truthfully, he could imagine Evelyn’s family situation. If even one of her relatives had been decent, she wouldn’t have left home without a second thought...

As the three enjoyed their meal, a pair of watchful eyes lingered on them from the shadows.

Evelyn shot an annoyed glance in that direction and nudged Luo Wei lightly.

"That woman from the Church has been following you for days."

Luo Wei turned his gaze to the corner where the priestess Feilin sat, staring intently at him.

From the day they’d met until now—three full days—Luo Wei kept spotting her in the most unexpected places.

If not for the small size of the town, he might not have noticed. Honestly, she’d make a better assassin than a priestess...

Feilin offered him a gentle smile and gracefully approached. Every time she did this, she’d try to persuade him to join the Church, painting grand visions of his future within its ranks...

"Miss Feilin, if you’re here to recruit me again, save your breath." Luo Wei shrugged. "The positions you’ve promised hold no appeal to me."

Everyone knew the Weignar Church held little real power—it had long been a vassal of the monarchy. A high-ranking title like Archbishop might carry weight in Norsgul, but here, Charlton II could execute one on a whim, fabricating a reason if needed...

This was the Empire’s goal in instigating the Church’s schism. The nobles of Weignar refused to tolerate a distant papacy dictating their interests, and the Emperor wouldn’t endure an organization whose spiritual authority overshadowed the Weignar name.

Thus, it made sense that such a massive institution now stood on equal footing with the tiny Special Affairs Department as one of the two major official supernatural organizations. In the Church’s heyday, the agents under Sir Fred wouldn’t even have been allowed at the table...

Luo Wei had hoped to deter her, but Feilin’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you feel my offers lack sincerity?"

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You are blessed by the divine! Such a gift is rare in this world—it would be a shame not to serve the gods!"

"Very well! Since you seek greater ambitions, I can provide you with certain... channels. A chosen one like you would undoubtedly receive the recognition you deserve in Norsgul."

"Norsgul?" Luo Wei frowned. "You mean... the Papacy?"

Feilin’s smile deepened. "Precisely."

"But the Eastern and Western Churches have been split for centuries," Luo Wei narrowed his eyes. "They’re sworn enemies. Yet you claim to have connections to recommend me there? Are you implying..."

"You overthink things, Mr. Luo Wei. All faithful are one family," Feilin dismissed.

"If you knew even a little about the Weignar Church, you’d understand that many of our bishops and clergy yearn for the sacred orthodox teachings. It’s only because of that traitorous apostate from the Weignar Diocese and the Emperor’s greed that our Church was dragged astray from the divine guidance..."

"In Saint Callen, the two Churches have already begun reestablishing ties. This is a heaven-sent opportunity, Mr. Luo Wei! Come with me—embrace the true faith! Your future knows no bounds!"

As she spoke, Feilin’s expression grew increasingly fervent, her eyes locked onto Luo Wei’s face.

Helena and Evelyn, however, had had enough. This priestess could preach all she wanted, but why did she have to get so close? In just moments, she was practically pressing against him.

"Back off! Brother said he doesn’t want to!" Helena huffed, dragging a stool between them to force some distance.

"He is mine! You must know the Abraham family is of the Otherkind, right?" Evelyn sneered, gripping Feilin's clothes with disdain, her expression making it clear she would throw her out if she didn’t leave soon.

"What does it matter if they're Otherkind?" Feilin frowned at her. "The Holy Maiden of the Church has already reformed the doctrine. As long as one repents, the Church no longer despises the Otherkind as it once did. Even those born tainted can still be redeemed."

"Am I supposed to thank her for that?" Evelyn couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh before issuing her ultimatum:

"Leave now! And don’t let me catch you near Luo Wei again! Otherwise, I’ll make sure you understand the consequences of opposing the Abraham family in this territory!"

Feilin met her dangerous gaze without a trace of fear. "What consequences? Being drained dry by you vampires?"

"You already know, so why ask?" Evelyn scoffed.

Feilin suddenly turned to Luo Wei. "But you’re not a vampire."

Luo Wei continued eating the grilled meat on his plate. "I’m of the Bloodkin."

"No! I never misjudge people. You’re definitely not a vampire—nor any filthy Otherkind! Only we humans are blessed by the gods!" Feilin declared with certainty.

"Are you sure about that?" Luo Wei turned to her with an ambiguous smile.