But then Silphiel reconsidered—she was overthinking it.

This woman’s life was in her hands. Whatever Silphiel demanded, she’d obey without question.

What threat could she possibly pose?

Still, she’d need to ask later what exactly happened between them last night.

A smile returned to Silphiel’s lips.

As for Gao Ying, he was genuinely surprised. Bartley’s offer should’ve been irresistible to Rodrika.

He’d expected her to accept. After all, the Emperor’s solemn promise guaranteed a prominent position in the Empire for someone of her strength.

Yet she refused. Choosing an uncertain future with the Hero over the Empire’s patronage made no sense.

Gao Ying could only suspect Rodrika had ulterior motives for staying by his side.

Betrayed too deeply by Silphiel in his past life, he no longer trusted anyone completely.

Bartley chuckled, stroking his beard as he eyed Rodrika. "Excellent. A true knight’s spirit. I admire you more by the minute. Should you ever change your mind, the Empire’s gates remain open to you."

Rodrika bowed. "I’m honored by Your Majesty’s regard. Perhaps I’ll take you up on that offer someday."

Both knew the polite words were hollow. By rejecting the Emperor now, Rodrika had sealed her path away from Imperial service forever.

Silphiel’s gaze flickered between the Emperor, Gao Ying, and Rodrika. "Your Majesty, Hero-sama," she interjected smoothly, "we’ve paid our respects and exchanged words. Shouldn’t we proceed to meet His Holiness the Pope? He’s been waiting."

Bartley waved a hand and turned to leave. "Nah, nah. Nothing urgent to discuss with the Pope. We’ve traveled through the night—I’m exhausted. Let us rest first."

A guard captain outside the door ventured to speak up. "Your Majesty, it’s rather disrespectful to visit the Holy See without seeing the Pope…"

Bartley shrugged. "Disrespect? I’ve done it before. Met my Hero brother—that’s the main business done. Let’s go."

The captain could only bow deeply in apology before following the Emperor out.

After bidding farewell to the Imperial party, the trio finished breakfast and prepared to meet the Pope.

Led by Silphiel, Gao Ying walked down the Holy See’s corridors toward the Papal Hall.

Silphiel strolled ahead, chatting animatedly about amusing happenings in the Holy Capital.

Gao Ying listened with little interest, offering only sparse replies until Silphiel’s monologue trailed off.

Rodrika followed silently behind them.

Midway, Silphiel suggested Gao Ying change into more formal attire for the audience. Reluctantly, he agreed.

She snapped her fingers. Elise and Sophia—who’d been waiting nearby—flanked the Hero and ushered him into a side chamber.

Their overly sweet attentiveness made Gao Ying uneasy.

"Does the outfit fit well, Hero-sama?" Elise’s voice was soft and honeyed. Today was their first real chance to impress the Hero. If he was dissatisfied, they’d be stuck serving that temperamental mistress again.

Though the witch’s potion still bound them to Silphiel even near the Hero, his presence might curb her worst impulses.

Gao Ying studied his reflection.

His ordinary face—neither handsome nor ugly—was transformed. His messy black hair was neatly combed. The deep blue tunic, embroidered with gold thread, accentuated his straight posture. His build was balanced, neither thin nor heavy.

The plain-looking youth now radiated quiet dignity—a testament to the nuns’ masterful grooming.

*Well, perfectionism was beaten into them daily. One mistake meant Silphiel’s whip.*

The maids’ slender hands smoothed his clothes, their nearness and faint perfume stirring restless thoughts in Gao Ying.

He knew this was deliberate—a calculated tease during the dressing ritual. He’d seen this before.

In his past life, they’d tried similar tactics, even pleading with their eyes.

But he’d chosen to ignore them. He faintly recalled the cold flicker in Silphiel’s eyes that followed.

After that, he never saw those maids again. No one knew where they’d gone.

"...You two," Gao Ying said quietly, "do you wish to be my maids?"

Elise and Sophia froze, then nodded frantically, their eyes wide with desperate hope like drowning souls grasping at straws.

Gao Ying’s resolve softened. He took their wrists gently. "I can free you from your shackles. But I have one condition."

They exchanged glances, tears welling. "Hero-sama, command us as you will! Though she treats us like dogs, our bodies remain pure. If you require—"

Gao Ying raised a hand, silencing them with a finger to his lips.

Leaning close, he whispered: "From now on, treat me exactly as you treated Silphiel. And never speak of this conversation to anyone."

He’d seen through Silphiel’s scheme. With her charm offensive faltering, she was planting her own people around him—protectors who were also spies.

Rodrika was one. These maids were another. Their clean backgrounds and capable skills made them perfect for tending to the Hero’s daily needs and security. The Pope would approve.

Bound by her potion, they’d never dare betray her. Silphiel’s plan was flawless.

Except for one thing: she never imagined he came from a future where she’d betrayed him. His current strength was a fraction of what it would be in five years—but after defeating the Witches’ Matriarch, future Gao Ying had obtained the antidote to all witch potions.

Stealing them from Silphiel and molding them to his will—this was the first step in his revenge.

Given their years of resentment, they wouldn’t hesitate to stab Silphiel in the back.

Seeing their solemn nods, Gao Ying gave a barely perceptible signal of understanding.

Their hopeful eyes dimmed instantly, returning to their usual hollow emptiness—as if nothing had transpired.

"...By the way, Hero-sama," Elise added softly, "we have another companion."

While the Hero and maids shared their charged moment inside the dressing room, a different hushed exchange unfolded outside.

Silphiel pinned Rodrika against the wall, fingers lightly tracing the knight’s hair.

"Last night," she murmured, "did the Hero do anything to you?"