"I've known Imet since we were kids. He's always been lost in wild fantasies—dreaming of treasure hunts for Pirate Kings, slaying legendary dragons, that sort of thing."

Liyue’s face flushed slightly as she complained.

"If I didn’t push him to train every day, he wouldn’t just fail to get into the Imperial Kingdom Academy—he couldn’t even beat a farmer in a fight. Yet he keeps chasing these impossible dreams. I worry he’ll wander into dangerous places someday and get targeted by some powerful monster. Honestly, I just want him to have a proper, safe job."

"I see. You do have a point." *Though her motives probably run deeper*, I thought. Liyue clearly had feelings for Imet and wanted him to stay at the Church with her—that’s why she came to me.

To be honest, he *was* worth recruiting. So young, yet already dual-classed as a Ranger and Bard—both versatile, promising paths. Our last chat left me impressed; he’s sharp. But I couldn’t agree outright. I needed to play my role carefully, letting Liyue grow accustomed to my position.

"Alright. I can’t recommend him immediately. I’ll need to observe him first—to confirm he’s trustworthy."

"Thank you so much, Lady Lerfu! I’ll make sure he behaves. How will you assess him? Are there specific criteria?"

"That’s confidential—and not set in stone. I’ll judge for myself. To evaluate someone, you spend time with them. Conveniently, I already know him. I’ll start building rapport tomorrow in class." *Of course, I couldn’t reveal my actual standards—even I didn’t have clear ones.*

After Liyue left, overflowing with gratitude, I dropped by Mistflower’s place. I filled her in on Liyue’s request and warned her not to slip up around Liyue—especially about us being recent Rebirth Angels.

By the time everything wrapped up, it was late. Back when I was human, I’d stay out till dawn at bars. But as an Angel, Lord Deseri’s Divine Power drained me after sunset. The darker it got, the heavier my exhaustion. Yet sunrise? One ray of sunlight, and I’d snap wide awake—no chance of oversleeping.

Lazily soaking in the bathtub, I fell into my new habit: reviewing the day’s events. Even if I refused Liyue, she wouldn’t give up. She might turn to Mistflower or Anan next—risking our exposure. Since avoiding her was impossible, I’d focus on what I *could* control. Mistflower’s path was already set; I’d call it the "Mistflower Guidance Plan."

After my bath, I changed into the formal outfit I’d bought last time. Dressed impeccably, I activated my comm-disk to contact Senior Featherwing.

If I was going to recommend candidates, I needed clarity on the criteria. Sister Farina was my teacher, but it was too late to bother her. Anan was… difficult. That left Featherwing.

I activated the projection mode to show respect—not just in attire, but in demeanor. I’d checked myself in the mirror for ages, ensuring I looked ready to stride into the grandest noble banquet without hesitation.

A hazy glow emanated from the comm-disk on my desk. The image flickered before stabilizing, carrying Featherwing’s crisp, melodic voice.

"Lerfu? Already contacting me after just days at the Academy?"

"Yes, Senior Featherwing. I apologize for the intrusion, but I have an urgent matter." I bowed my head immediately.

"Hmm. Poor timing." The image settled: a sea of white mist, Featherwing standing at its center. The backdrop? A bathroom. Her skin glowed like an Arctic snowfield, valleys of ice carved across luminous flesh—utterly mesmerizing.

"W-wha—I didn’t know you were bathing! I’m sorry, I saw nothing! I’ll call back later!" Fresh out of my own bath, I hadn’t expected hers to overlap. I moved to cut the connection, but Featherwing spoke.

"No need. Ask now. I’m busy—if you call again later, it’ll waste precious time. Bathing’s the perfect moment." She smirked, eyes glinting. "What’s wrong? Already lost in class? Come to big sister for help?"

"I’m not lost! It’s something else." My serious focus shattered under the hypnotic sight. "Senior Featherwing… you know I was reborn, right? As a boy? At least wrap yourself in a towel!"

"Right. Male. Hehe. Is my little brother flustered? Heart pounding?" Her teasing made me want to bolt. "But even if you *were* tempted—you couldn’t do anything. You can’t teleport from the Academy to my bath. And even if you could…" Her grin widened. "You lack the *equipment*, little sister~."

*Damn it. I can’t win. Just endure.* I forced my gaze to her eyes, avoiding the curves below.

"I wanted to ask—when the Church sends us to recruit at the Academy, how do we choose worthy candidates? What makes someone qualified?"

"Not bad. You kept focus despite my charms—most junior Angels can’t." Featherwing folded her wings over her chest, hiding most of her body. A shame—but even half-covered, the shadowed valley between her wings sparked dangerous thoughts. "You found someone already?"

"Yes. I need to know the standards. And the process."

"There are no fixed standards. It’s subjective. Anyone at the Imperial Kingdom Academy already exceeds our baseline talent. If they’re willing to join, we welcome them. Their future rank depends on their abilities." Her playful tone vanished, replaced by the solemnity of our first meeting.

"I can share *my* criteria from my Academy days: ambition and perseverance. Among the gifted, those with clear goals push harder. Those with grit never slack. They go the farthest."

"Thank you, Senior Featherwing." *So I just trust my instincts. Ambition and grit… Does Imet have them?*

"Once you recruit someone, report directly to me. I’ll handle the rest." Her voice turned mischievous again. "One warning: while we accept all professions, a certain airheaded Angel once tried recruiting a Necromancer. The look on that Undead’s face—priceless. Ha!"

*Right. Sunlight and Divine Power annihilate Undead. If a Necromancer joined the Breath of the Sun Church, their magic and Divine Power would clash—turning them to ash instantly. Like inviting a fire mage to join the Sea God’s clergy. Recruiting a Necromancer? It’s a suicide mission.*