Aelea

After the Mass concluded, the congregation finally dispersed, leaving only her and the Holy Maiden in the vast cathedral.

As light footsteps approached, Feilin dared to lift her head once more.

Silky pink hair cascaded like a waterfall down to her waist, while golden eyes, soft as sunlight, exuded tranquility and peace. Her milk-white skin seemed to radiate a holy, pearlescent glow. The Holy Maiden's face was ethereal, breathtakingly beautiful—like a goddess.

No, she was a goddess. Deep in Feilin's memories, she recalled how the Holy Maiden would unfurl pure white, angelic wings when performing divine miracles. People said she was the voice of the gods walking among mortals, the true Child of Divinity.

"Holy Maiden..." Feilin spoke nervously, "The mission at Thornbloom Castle... the failure is entirely my responsibility. We encountered unforeseen difficulties..."

"I know," Eleya replied softly. "The Calamity Witch, Tilis."

"I deeply apologize, Holy Maiden..." Feilin's expression grew even more remorseful. "I never expected such a powerful sorceress to be involved, nor that she would stand so firmly on Thornbloom's side..."

Not only that, but the deceitful Duke had also frustrated her—that old vampire had used death itself as a ploy, outmaneuvering them all.

Somewhere along the way, the plan had spiraled out of control. Now, the Thornbloom family had regained Emperor Wegener's trust. Even if they exposed the secret pact, it would be useless—no ripple of consequence would follow.

And as she had said, the consequences of failure fell entirely on her. Not only had the covert envoy been wiped out, but even Bishop Lawrence, the spy they had painstakingly cultivated, had been reduced to ashes by that witch.

Feilin lowered her head, prepared to accept punishment—even death.

Yet, to her surprise, the Holy Maiden smiled gently.

She tenderly stroked Feilin's hair. "You said it yourself—these were unforeseen difficulties. You pushed yourself to the limit. So, I cannot place all the blame on you."

Feilin looked up in shock, meeting Eleya's warm yet slightly worried gaze.

"Overusing divine arts, especially the highest-tier Descending Divinity... Can your body still endure it?"

"When I borrowed your body to fight that witch, you sustained many injuries. Have they all healed?"

Her golden eyes were like warm sunlight, her soft voice soothing Feilin's heart. A lump formed in Feilin's throat, and she couldn't hold back any longer—her shoulders trembled slightly, like a lost child.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Holy Maiden... I failed your trust..."

"There, there." Eleya chuckled, wiping away her tears. "Lift your spirits. Our grand cause still needs your efforts—how can you falter now?"

Feilin stiffened. Right. The Holy Maiden had once vowed to spread the Holy Light to every corner of the dark world, to bring order and happiness to this chaotic realm. She couldn't afford to wallow in despair—she had to steel herself and continue clearing the path for the Holy Maiden!

She gazed into Eleya's clear eyes. The Holy Maiden was always so gentle, always so kind.

She had walked this path, saving the suffering, bringing hope to the people.

She performed miracles, becoming their faith.

And she had illuminated the way for Feilin, who had once been lost.

So.

With solemn resolve, Feilin spoke, "Holy Maiden, I am ready for the next mission. Please give me your orders."

Eleya exhaled in relief at her determination. "Our next focus is Saint Callen, the capital of Wegener. You’ll need to alter your appearance—seek out Priest Lance. This time, proceed with utmost caution. Await further instructions."

Feilin nodded firmly. But the thought of heading to Saint Callen reminded her of someone, and her brow furrowed slightly.

"Though the Calamity Witch Tilis was the main reason for our failure at Thornbloom Castle, I believe Luo Wei played a significant role as well."

"And when you fought that witch in the mountains, Holy Maiden, he somehow suppressed the Vampire Ancestor... It’s baffling..."

After the mission’s failure, Feilin had been quietly investigating Luo Wei. Through Norsgul’s intelligence network, the more she uncovered, the stranger he seemed.

Because she couldn’t find any trace of his past. That was nearly impossible—how could someone have no history? It was as if he had appeared out of thin air four years ago!

Even more bizarre, his parents were listed in the household registry, yet no one had ever seen them. Who had registered him? Who enrolled him in school? How had the property by Riverside Road been acquired? It was as if an invisible hand in the shadows had orchestrated it all—even the Church’s covert operatives paled in comparison.

At first, Feilin assumed he was a Chosen One like herself. But then she made a chilling discovery: Luo Wei seemed to be involved in numerous pivotal events, making his motives impossible to discern.

And his relationships with several women were... unusual, to say the least. From Feilin’s perspective, the next Duchess of Thornbloom, the Empire’s Fifth Princess, and even the sudden appearance of the Calamity Witch—all had deep ties to him.

But.

If she assumed he was a core member of some shadowy organization, everything suddenly made sense.

It sounded absurd, yet the evidence was undeniable...

"He resides in Saint Callen. He will interfere with our plans..." Feilin’s voice was laced with concern. "Holy Maiden, perhaps we should eliminate him first? To prevent complications?"

Initially, she had thought such a Chosen One ought to be recruited into the Holy Light Church—after all, even the Holy Maiden had inquired about him. But now, she was certain: he could not be left alive.

Feilin waited silently for Eleya’s response.

Yet, strangely, the Holy Maiden fell into an unusually long silence.

Puzzled, Feilin looked up—only to freeze in shock.

Eleya’s gaze was hollow. Those golden eyes, usually so warm, now stared at her with unsettling stillness.

It was... terrifying.

Feilin’s heart churned with turmoil.

Terrifying? No matter what, she could never associate that word with the Holy Maiden.

And yet, here it was—Eleya’s indifferent stare, as if she were looking through her, lost in some distant thought...

"H-Holy Maiden?"

"Hm?" Eleya seemed to catch herself, her lips curving into that familiar gentle smile.

"Do not worry about him. Luo Wei... I will deal with him personally."

Feilin let out a sigh of relief. She never expected the Holy Maiden herself to step in. With this, Luo Wei surely wouldn’t be able to stir up any trouble.

After Feilin withdrew, the vast cathedral hall was left with only Eleya standing alone.

Silent and still, she remained in place as the surroundings plunged into a deathly quiet.

A long time passed.

Then, a bitter laugh echoed through the hall.

"If only you had returned sooner... how different things could have been."

"My light."

"This time... can you still stop it? I’m eager to see..."