Rucadan was in an uproar. The Empire's young heroes had seized the Dark Lord's crown. Laura and the others instantly became the hottest rising stars of their generation. Well-wishers flooded in from all sides. The tranquil church buzzed with noise.
But the Bishop wasn't bothered. He threw a grand celebration instead. Noble guests were welcomed, but commoners got tasty food from the nuns too. Limited holy water gifts were handed out. The church area exploded with joy. Yet the faithful didn't mind the clamor. Seeing crowds outside praying sincerely to the Norna Faith and praising Nona, they felt genuine happiness.
No one knew how Laura, Lilia, or Emily celebrated. But it was surely just as lively here~
"Golago, look at the fuss your crown caused..." Rebecca said with a wry smile, watching the joyful celebration crowds.
"..." Golago fell silent.
"Alright, forget this. Let's go to the library. I've got money now~" Rebecca pulled out Lilia's wallet, shook it, and strode out of the church.
Golago glanced helplessly at the merry crowd. He shook his head and followed Rebecca.
This time, Rebecca paid the fee easily. She got her library pass and headed straight upstairs. She dove into a sea of books. To her delight, many Alchemy Codices here were missing from the Dark Lord's palace.
Rebecca devoured the pages. She jotted down every formula. Her plan to team up with Golago for a big score solidified. Demon Potions were an expensive craft. Though niche and frowned upon—many saw it as low-class—it cost a fortune! Back in the Dark Lord's palace, the entire dark world backed her financially. She hadn't noticed. Now in the human world, she didn't know material prices yet. But the quantities needed were huge. Clearly, it required serious money!
Rebecca was completely absorbed. Golago diligently hunted Alchemy Codices, piling them beside her. Time slipped away unnoticed. Evening fell, but Rebecca showed no sign of leaving.
"How rare. A nun so interested in Demon Potions?" A raspy voice whispered in Rebecca's ear. It sounded like sand had been mixed in—truly unpleasant.
Rebecca looked up. She'd removed her hood indoors, but still pulled her collar up to cover her face.
"Child, tell me, do you love Demon Potions?"
Rebecca didn't reply. She sized up the figure before her: gray robes, a veiled headscarf, and a hunched frame.
"I have many Demon Potion formulas~ Just come with me~ I'll tell you all~ Heh heh heh heh~~" The figure spoke eerily, letting out a grating laugh.
But Rebecca wasn't scared. She stared back with amusement. Yes, it was a woman—an old one. Familiar with Demon Potions? This must be a Witch Maiden.
"Give me... the formulas..." Rebecca held out her hand matter-of-factly.
"Uh..." The Witch Maiden hadn't expected this young nun to be unafraid. Her appearance had made girls cry before. Yet this kid showed no reaction? And she had a Goblin with her? Many despised such creatures. Let alone a Norna Faith nun, the light's representative? Interesting!
"The formulas." Rebecca said flatly, ignoring the Witch Maiden completely.
"Come with me, and I'll give them. I have many Alchemy Codices at home. I'll teach you potion-making~" The Witch Maiden reached out to grab Rebecca.
Suddenly, someone rushed over. They slapped away her hand and stood between them.
"Leave now!" It was Kami.
The Witch Maiden narrowed her eyes. Wrinkles around them squirmed, looking disgusting.
"Little one, I'll find you again~" She tossed out the words and hobbled away, limping.
Kami watched warily until the figure vanished. She turned back. "Remember: next time you see someone like that, leave immediately. Find the street guards! Wearing a nun's habit, people will help you!"
"Oh..." Rebecca replied vaguely.
"You! Left a note saying you're at the library, then vanished! I didn't know you were such a restless kid!" Kami pinched Rebecca's cheek. She took her hand. "Put the books back. Let's go home. Uh... why are you reading these?"
Kami noticed the books were all about Demon Potions.
"Hmm..." Rebecca responded flatly.
"Don't read these next time. Tedious to learn, not useful, and cost a fortune! Lilia arranged Hobi Academy for you. You'll train there and get talent-tested. If you can learn magic, that'd be best~ Oh right, hurry up and pack. Let's go. Blame that Witch Maiden—I forgot something super important! Hey, Golago, help clean up!"
"Huh?" Rebecca looked puzzled. What important thing?
"Laura found your family. They're waiting at the church now. Go see—they might be your long-lost relatives~" Kami smiled.
"Wha...?" Rebecca froze.
Family? Don't joke. Could it be Father and Mother, knowing she'd run away, indulging their twisted humor to claim their runaway daughter?
Kami thought Rebecca was stunned with joy. But she stayed rational. "Though it might hurt to say, don't get your hopes up too high. I truly hope you find your family. But if not, don't be too disappointed~ Even if you have no family, I'll be your family. Your family for life!" Kami said earnestly, gripping Rebecca's hand tightly.
Rebecca stared blankly at Kami. Inwardly, she hoped her overbearing, absurd father wouldn't show up to cause trouble.