The voice was gentle and warm, like a soft spring breeze, making the newly arrived southern spring light seem even more radiant.

Moen turned his head to look.

Under the angel-carved gate, an opulent carriage approached slowly. White silk curtains swayed lightly, outlining a dim and ethereal silhouette.

The silhouette was stunningly beautiful, yet it did not inspire even a trace of wicked thoughts. Instead, with merely a glance, one felt a sense of purification in their soul, a hesitant unwillingness to desecrate such beauty.

“Ah, it’s Her Holiness, the Saintess…”

The devout worshippers lining the street for their morning prayers suddenly displayed fervent expressions and respectfully knelt down in reverence.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing Her Holiness, the Saintess…”

“Your Holiness, please bless me…”

“Please, rise.”

The same spring-like voice carried a soft power that gently swept over the fanatical worshippers, lifting them up one by one.

“You must not be distracted during your morning prayers, alright?”

“Yes… yes.”

The worshippers, who had been captivated by that figure, returned to their offerings to the Goddess under the purifying glow of the sacred light.

“Saintess?”

Moen hesitated, swallowed hard, and turned to Pink Bear beside him, asking softly,

“Why would the legendary Saintess herself personally appear here?”

Moen couldn’t believe she had come specifically for him.

Although he was the son of a duke, a prestigious title within the Leopard Empire, such status meant little beyond its borders. It certainly wasn’t enough to warrant the presence of a Saintess admired by countless devotees of the Goddess across the continent.

Unless…

“Hmph.”

Facing Moen’s astonishment, Pink Bear crossed his furry arms and stuck his nose so high it seemed it might touch the sky.

“Impressed, aren’t you? For your sake, I used my excellent connections and charisma—bright as the sun itself—to personally invite the current Saintess! This is an honor that people might not get to enjoy even in a lifetime! Only someone as amazing as I—”

“Oh? Excellent connections? Charisma bright as the sun?”

A smiling, gentle voice mercilessly interrupted Pink Bear’s boastful display.

“Pink Bear, you really know how to joke! Why do I distinctly remember someone kneeling in front of me for an entire day before I—”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait!”

Pink Bear immediately pulled a long face. “Give me some dignity in front of the kid, will you?”

“Dignity is something you earn for yourself, not something you ask for by performing one of your strange and embarrassing dramas in broad daylight, Mr. Pink... Bear.”

The Saintess’s tone carried a hint of playfulness. Even though the light, drifting veil obscured all vision and perception, one could almost see the youthful curve of a smile at her lips.

But Pink Bear shuddered, crouching on the ground in defeat while hugging his head—a rare moment of silence from him.

Wow—no wonder she’s the Saintess. Even Pink Bear, that shameless braggart, becomes completely subdued under her influence!

Moen blinked incredulously. His gaze swept upward, and just for a moment, his eyes met the ones watching from behind the veil.

Moen’s heart tightened. He straightened at once, adopting the most proper noble etiquette, and respectfully greeted her:

“My humble respects, Your Holiness the Saintess. It is an honor to meet you for the first time. My name is—”

“Moen Campbell—I know your name,” the Saintess replied with a voice as pure and pleasant as crystal-clear water.

“I’ve heard about you.”

“Eh?”

“You’re even more handsome than the rumors suggest.”

Moen could feel the sanctified gaze sweeping over him.

“Your Holiness flatters me,” Moen said with a modest smile, holding a hand to his chest. “My radiance doesn’t come close to a fraction of yours.”

“Such a sweet-talking young man,” she chuckled lightly.

A gentle glow suddenly enveloped Moen, instantly washing away the fatigue accumulated over the past two days of hurried travel. But before he could fully appreciate the sensation of this miraculous power, the Saintess spoke again:

“Alright, hand over the child to me.”

“The child…”

Moen froze for a moment before realizing.

She was referring to Lea.

The candidates for the next Saintess were always personally chosen by the current one, meaning that Lea and this Saintess were, in the strictest sense, teacher and student.

Understanding this, Moen quickly stepped aside.

“Lea is in the carriage.”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, nothing will go wrong,” she said with a comforting laugh.

A sacred radiance, far holier than any light Moen had ever seen, wrapped around the carriage. Lea’s body slowly floated out, drawn into the light-adorned veil.

“Yes, it’s the black fog left by that Disaster,” noted the Saintess calmly, though with a hint of surprise. “You’re incredibly lucky to have escaped from the Disaster’s clutches alive.”

“Then… will Lea be alright?” Moen asked, unable to shake his concern.

“You truly care about her, don’t you?”

The gaze from inside the carriage seemed suddenly more probing.

“Ahem.”

Moen awkwardly cleared his throat. “It’s just concern between friends. Besides, Lea ended up like this because of me. I need to make sure she's fine.”

“Is that so?”

The Saintess chuckled softly, then said, “I’ll take that at face value. As for Lea… rest assured. As I said, nothing will happen as long as I’m here.”

Her voice was as comforting as that of a kind elder sister from next door. Yet beneath it, Moen found an extraordinary calmness, one that inexplicably reassured him.

Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, Moen felt the tension draining from his body. With great respect, he bowed deeply and said,

“Then I leave her in your care.”

“Ha, you’re in no position to say that,” she teased gently before shifting her gaze beyond Moen.

“Lord Adolf, having come so far, won’t you enter the city for a visit?”

“No, thank you.”

Adolf stroked his beard and smiled.

“It’s embarrassing to admit, but my task here is fulfilled. I must return to my country swiftly. With the Disaster’s awakening, who knows the chaos it has already stirred? I need to prepare for contingencies.”

“That’s truly a pity. The spring tea in the Holy City is at its finest right now.”

“Indeed, a shame. I’ll make sure to savor it next time, given the chance.”

The veiled figure nodded ever so slightly.

“Safe travels, Lord Adolf.”

“Your Holiness’s kind words are much appreciated.”

With that, Adolf courteously finished his farewell. The convoy that had accompanied Moen promptly turned around and left.

Pink Bear, finally emerging from his sulking posture, gloomily watched the departing convoy, his expression sorrowful.

“It’s fine—it’s all fine,” Moen said, patting Pink Bear’s shoulder in consolation. “With Ariel’s capability, she’ll definitely make it out of the forest. Plus, I’ve already asked Count Eller to keep watch—there won’t be any problems.”

After all, Ariel was the destined protagonist of her own story. Moen felt not the slightest concern for her safety—it wasn’t necessary. Knowing her, entering a forest might not only leave her unscathed but could also lead to a rare opportunity for growth, leveling up right on the spot.

“...Who’s worried about that flat-chested little brat?”

Pink Bear turned away, his bearish features twisted in bitter indignation.

“I’m just contemplating how I can deliver a perfectly satisfying kick straight to Pulan’s butt if that old geezer really destroy the photo collection!”

“...”

...

“Shall we enter the city as well?”

The luxurious carriage, drawn by snow-white steeds, shifted its direction, heading toward the majestic city looming ahead.

“We?”

Moen blinked in surprise, pointing at himself.

“I’m coming with you?”

According to his original plan, Moen was supposed to meet up with the rest of his academy group now…

“Of course.”

The Saintess answered with a light smile.

“You, too, are one of the reasons I personally came to welcome you today.”

“Me?”

“The Sovereign wishes to see you.”

“…”

Moen felt his breath stop.

The Sovereign.

In this city, there was only one person referred to by that title.

The one who truly represented the Goddess in the mortal world, standing at the apex of humanity, the most exalted being on the continent—without equal.

The Pontifex of the Life Church.

“The Pontifex… personally wishes to meet me?”

“Yes.”

The Saintess nodded gently. “Though I don’t know the details, it seems to be related to your teacher.”

“My teacher… I see…”

Subconsciously, Moen touched the letter inside his chest pocket, his heart warming with emotion.

Initially, he thought he’d have to undergo numerous hurdles—apply for an audience, endure sneers and ridicule from dismissive clerics, pull out the letter to impress them all, and finally retrace the path most protagonists seemed destined to walk—just to meet the Pontifex.

But he hadn’t expected it to be this easy.

Could it be… that this time Teacher Mela wasn’t leading him astray? That her relationship with the Pontifex was genuinely good?

“Seems like I was overthinking after all.”

Feeling immensely relieved, Moen whispered to himself emotionally,

“I’ll buy Teacher Mela her favorite strawberry popsicles on the way back!”

...If strawberry was indeed her favorite, that is.

...

Accompanying the Saintess’s carriage, Moen walked toward the city.

However, unlike leaving the city, entering it proved somewhat complicated.

Following their morning prayers, the faithful—upon seeing the slender, veiled figure—immediately displayed fervent devotion and crowded around.

“Your Holiness, my child’s ailment…”

“Take alangium bark, viridian grass, and domo flowers, boil them into a broth, and serve it three times a day.”

“Your Holiness Saintess, my husband has committed a wrongdoing…”

“Take him to the Tribunal. The Goddess will render judgment.”

“Your Holiness Saintess, could you please tell me how to obtain wealth…”

“Diligence, frugality, wisdom.”

“Your Holiness Saintess, I…”

A slender, fair hand reached out from the softly swaying white veil, lightly touching the forehead of a thin and frail devotee clutching a statue of the Goddess.

Holy light flashed. The devotee, blind yet refusing the aid of a cane, who prayed continuously with the statue tightly held in hand and whose body was covered in bruises from frequent stumbles, suddenly regained their sight.

“The Goddess has blessed you with a sound body, not for the sole purpose of holding Her statue every day.”

The gaze from behind the veil fixed upon the devotee’s ecstatic eyes and declared in an indisputable tone:

“Tomorrow, find a job at the foundry and donate one-third of your monthly income to the church.”

“Yes, Your Holiness Saintess!”

The devotee’s expression grew even more fervent as they placed the Goddess statue gently before them and respectfully prostrated themselves.

As if ripples spreading across a tide, countless other followers knelt along with them, forming a dense, reverent sea of figures stretching into the distance.

…

“My apologies for taking a bit longer than planned.”

With the assistance of the temple knights, the carriage finally managed to break away from the crowd of worshippers and arrived before a towering hall with a roof of multicolored glass.

The veil was lifted, and a figure stepped out, one whose presence immediately dimmed even the spring light around them. Holy radiance followed softly, as if the very air acknowledged her sanctity.

The white gown she wore swayed gently; plain yet elegant, its simplicity accentuating her unearthly aura. Her light golden hair cascaded like satin, and intricate golden embroidery extended from the hair cascading down her back, tracing along her fair skin, and disappearing into the white silk gloves that delicately covered her slender hands.

Her flawless face bore no trace of time, and her every feature radiated gentle elegance.

“You must have grown impatient waiting.”

The Saintess offered a warm smile as she addressed Moen.

“No… no, not at all.”

Moen, feeling as though his very soul was almost lured away by her smile, quickly composed himself, waving his hands emphatically.

“It is my honor to witness such a magnificent scene.”

“What honor is there in it? Their veneration is for the Saintess, not for me.”

“The reason someone becomes the Saintess is because they are worthy of that title, not because they are inherently the Saintess. Otherwise, the upcoming ceremony wouldn’t be necessary, isn’t that so?” Moen replied with a polite smile.

“Heh, smooth talker.”

The Saintess narrowed her eyes. “With that silver tongue of yours, I wonder how many naive young ladies you’ve managed to charm.”

“Ahem.”

Moen straightened up, his expression serious. “Your Holiness Saintess, you misunderstand. There isn’t a single naive young lady around me.”

“Something tells me there’s a hidden meaning in your words,” she remarked casually before brushing it off. “Anyway, this isn’t the time for idle chat.”

With a graceful wave of her hand, a wave of holy light gently wrapped around Lea.

“I’ll take this child for treatment first. Please wait here patiently. The Emperor’s decree should be delivered shortly. In the meantime, feel free to take a look around, and if you have any requests, do let the clergy know. As long as it isn’t unreasonable, I’m sure they’ll accommodate you.”

“Thank you.”

“Then we’ll meet again later.”

The Saintess cast a brief glance at the pink bear who had followed them, offering no comment as she carried Lea through a nearby side door.

“Truly worthy of being the current Saintess…”

Watching her breathtaking figure gradually disappear and recalling the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of worshippers kneeling in unison earlier, Moen couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

“What extraordinary beauty and gentleness.”

“Heh, beauty I’ll concede, but where are you seeing gentleness?” Pink Bear sneered from the side.

“Hm?”

Moen turned to him in puzzlement.

“She’s so gracious to me and even takes the time to address those worshippers’ issues patiently. Isn’t that gentleness?”

“Tch.”

Pink Bear curled his lips. “Don’t forget. Not long ago, she casually insulted me. Would a gentle person ever do such a thing?”

“An insult? Oh… you mean when she called you non-combustible waste.”

“Exactly. That alone shou—”

“Uncle.”

Moen suddenly adopted a serious expression, rubbing his chin as he looked at Pink Bear.

“W-What?”

“I must say… her remarks about you being trash may have less to do with the Saintess herself…”

“Hmm?”

“And more to do with *you* being the issue.”

“Nonsense!” Pink Bear snapped, glaring at him.

“How could someone as dashing and charismatic as I am possibly—”

“Excuse me, over there! Yes, you, young lady. Could you please come here for a moment?”

Ignoring Pink Bear’s indignant protests, Moen called out to a passing nun, gesturing toward Pink Bear.

“What is this?”

“A cute pink stuffed bear?” the nun replied with a blink of confusion.

“See?” Pink Bear said gleefully. “She even called me cute.”

“Fantastic.”

Moen took a deep breath and then, without missing a beat, fired off at lightning speed:

“Pink Bear! Don’t think, just answer! What are this young lady’s measurements!”

“Ninety-one! Sixty! Eigh…”

Mid-sentence, Pink Bear suddenly clapped his hands over his mouth—but it was too late. The numbers had spilled out instantaneously.

“…”

For a brief moment, there was stunned silence. Then, the light in the nun’s eyes dimmed, and she delivered a sharp kick to Pink Bear’s leg, spitting furiously:

“Trash!”

With that, she stormed off in anger.

Moen, watching Pink Bear writhe on the ground clutching his leg, could only shrug and grin wickedly.

“See? Told you.”