"Tsk... that Holy Maiden actually didn't play by the rules!"

Belle was fuming.

To buy Xila more time and ensure the Calamity Witch was fully subdued, she'd mobilized everyone she could—nearly emptying the entire prison staff.

All to delay the Holy Maiden riding in on horseback by any means possible.

But shortly after leaving the Empire of Enpearl, news came that the Holy Maiden had gone missing.

Belle was overjoyed—if the Holy Maiden had been dragged off and eaten by a passing beast, that would've been perfect.

Still, considering how terrifyingly strong that Holy Maiden was physically, the chance of that happening was practically zero.

After about ten minutes, bad news reached Belle's ears.

Saint Lemil had already met the Calamity Witch, fresh out of solitary confinement.

And the two seemed to be getting along quite well.

"Damn that Holy Maiden, butting in out of nowhere!" Belle cursed inwardly.

As a long-term undercover agent here, she knew exactly what the Church was capable of—using any dirty trick to expand its influence among humans.

That Holy Maiden must be trying to recruit the Calamity Witch for her own schemes!

The more Belle thought about it, the heavier her unease grew. Suddenly, her face paled as a chill ran down her spine.

She'd figured it all out!

Beyond the Calamity Witch's power, Saint Lemil wanted something else from her: her influence!

Yes, though the Calamity Witch was a notorious scum Sorceress—despised by both Demonfolk and humans—she was an idol to many villains.

As a lone wolf, she'd trampled the Demon King and crushed the Hero underfoot, wielding charm far stronger than any Holy Maiden's. With a flick of her wrist, she could unleash bloody chaos.

How powerful she was!

A savior to evildoers!

Even lonely, wealthy young ladies and widows were fascinated by her, eager to witness her terrifying allure.

If the Calamity Witch joined the Church under Saint Lemil, the Church's influence would skyrocket in the underworld it normally ignored—dominating both light and shadow!

As for ordinary believers? This would only boost their faith. After all, "Even the Calamity Witch reformed and embraced our god" would make them worship all the more fervently.

Bad fame was still fame, after all.

Belle was certain—this was Saint Lemil's goal!

She had to stop her at all costs! The Calamity Witch must never fall into the Church's hands!

...

...

"So, Saint Lemil..." Xila gazed at Remiel. "What exactly do you need our help with?"

Remiel crossed her legs, settling into a comfortable pose that also gave Xia Xin an eyeful. "I heard you encountered some unusual demons on your way here. True?"

"Unusual demons..." Xila recalled instantly—the horde she'd summoned with magic. Damn it, just thinking about it made her heart ache.

That was a Forbidden Spell-level scroll! Wasted by the Calamity Witch!

"Tia mentioned those demons had a nasty trait," Remiel said. "They seem partially immune to Holy Light. Their appearance is terrible news for humanity."

"So on my way here, I tracked down their source," Remiel added with a smile. "But since there might be more like them, and I'd be in danger alone... I brought you along."

"Danger? You?" Xia Xin snorted. "If I were those demons, I'd run for my life the moment I saw you."

Remiel shrugged. "If they're immune to Holy Light, this 'weak' Holy Maiden loses most of her power. Better safe than sorry, right?"

Xia Xin felt she was redefining "weak."

Besides—even without Holy Light, swinging that several-ton Crucifix could smash hundreds of demons!

"There's another reason," Remiel continued. "Remember your identities: Calamity Witch and Demon Spy. Even as a Holy Maiden, I need a solid excuse to bail you out of prison."

"And that is?"

"Eliminating a future threat that could destroy humanity..." Remiel grinned. "Sounds perfect. So consider this your chance to redeem yourselves. Do your best!"

What kind of answer was that?!

Xia Xin froze.

Was it because he was too handsome? Did Saint Lemil have a crush on him? Why else go to such lengths to free him—a Calamity Witch—from jail? She had no reason to!

"This woman is dangerous!" Xila tensed immediately.

From Remiel's words, Xila saw her true intent—there was only one answer!

"Shameless Holy Maiden! Trying to steal Witch Miss from me!" Xila clenched her fists.

She absolutely wouldn't tolerate this!

She'd spent days and nights—nearly sacrificing her own body—without fully winning Witch Miss's heart. How could she let someone else take the lead?!

Saint Lemil... she must be using this to win Witch Miss's affection!

Naturally competitive, Xila had to be first in everything—whether conquering Witch Miss or being conquered, she'd claim that spot!

"So why are you really doing this?" Xia Xin pressed.

"Well~" Remiel smiled coyly, as if it were obvious. "Such a simple question needs answering? Of course it's because..."

"Because..." Both Xia Xin and Xila leaned in, waiting.

"No one can resist an adorable white-haired girl!" Remiel declared earnestly. "Especially with red eyes—I just... can't hold back!"

So... so reasonable.

Xia Xin found no words to argue.