Breakfast ended quickly. Freya headed to her room for a shower while Karl went to the study and began browsing the bookshelf.

He hadn’t been searching long when his vision suddenly darkened—a pair of soft, small hands covered his eyes.

“Darling, what are you looking for?”

The voice sounded cool yet flirtatious, almost like Freya’s.

But Karl was certain—this was *definitely* not Freya!!

“Stop imitating your sister!”

He gently moved the delicate hands from his eyes, turned with clear annoyance, and tapped the person behind him lightly on the head with his book.

Sure enough, Mia stood there with a mischievous grin.

“Brother-in-law, you’re amazing! You figured out it wasn’t Sister right away.”

Karl shot her a look. “Your sister isn’t that childish—covering my eyes and making me guess who it is.”

“Ugh… You’re right. That’s not something Sister would do. I miscalculated.”

Mia furrowed her tiny brows, clearly displeased. *I should’ve come up with a better prank!*

Ignoring her, Karl kept searching the shelves.

“Brother-in-law, why’re you digging through books so early? Scared you’ll fail the Imperial Grand Arcane Academy entrance exam?”

Karl and Freya had decided to apply to the Imperial Grand Arcane Academy. The exam in Sowani Territory was just around the corner. Mia, a straight-A student, wasn’t worried. Karl and Freya, however, had been cramming hard lately.

But today wasn’t about studying.

“I’m looking for exorcism books. Lately, I feel like something unclean’s been clinging to me.”

As he spoke, he pulled down a book titled *Tales of the Supernatural*.

Mia’s face paled slightly. “D-Does that mean… there’s something unclean *in our house*???”

Karl nodded. “I keep having nightmares—shadowy figures standing by my bed. I need ways to deal with spirits.”

*(He didn’t say who the figures were. Obviously, those four people… taking turns.)*

Mia shivered. “B-Brother-in-law, let’s go to the Church of the Goddess of Light! Get blessed plaques or charms—they’ll definitely ward off spirits!!”

Karl froze, then snapped the book shut. “Right! Why didn’t I think of the Church of the Goddess of Light sooner?!”

Since he believed in spirits, he believed in gods too. And the Goddess of Light was the bane of all evil. A blessed plaque would bring peace.

He grabbed his coat from the chair. “Tell Freya I’m heading to the church. I’ll be back soon.”

“No! I’m coming too! I need a plaque to protect *me*!” Mia trailed right behind him, refusing to leave.

Karl sighed. “Fine. Wait for your sister. We’ll go together.”

“Deal!!”

While waiting, Karl pulled out the *Ode to Joy* sheet music he’d promised Father Delor. He’d finished it long ago—but never delivered it. *Why give it away for free?* Now? Perfect trade: music for plaques.

After Freya showered, Karl explained. She chuckled. “Karl, you actually believe in this?”

“*Zi bu yu, guai li luan shen*,” Karl replied solemnly.

“???????”

“What weird ancient saying is that? Are you okay?”

Karl smiled. “It means: hold the supernatural in reverence.”

Mia chimed in, “Brother-in-law knows *so* much~~”

Freya shrugged. “Alright, I’ll go. But I still think the church’s just a money scheme.”

They rode a carriage to the Church of the Goddess of Light in Ironward City. The local chapel stood majestic and ornate, radiating sacred beauty—a clear sign of the Church’s deep coffers.

Inside, Karl spotted the golden sun sculpture of the Goddess of Light towering above the altar, exuding solemn majesty. He approached a clergyman.

“Is Father Delor available?”

“I’m sorry, he isn’t receiving visitors.”

Karl produced the sheet music. “I’m here to deliver what was promised. He’ll see me.”

The clergyman’s eyes widened. *This is the composer of “Ode to the Light”?!* He bowed slightly. “Please wait. I’ll fetch him.”

Moments later, silver-haired Father Delor in white robes hurried over, touched his forehead in reverence, and beamed. “Mr. Karl! I’ve waited so long.”

Karl handed him the score. “Here’s your music.”

Father Delor accepted it with trembling hands, then smiled warmly. “Your contribution to the Church of the Goddess of Light is immeasurable. The Goddess will reward you!”

“Skip the future rewards,” Karl said. “I need two blessed divine plaques. Now.”

Father Delor blinked. “Of course! Normally ten thousand gold each—but for you? Free.”

Karl’s eye twitched. *He named the price on purpose.* So: music for plaques. Fair trade.

“Thank you, Father.”

“C-Could we have *three*?” Mia piped up. “I want one for the living room too!”

Karl inwardly cheered. *Smart girl—just scored ten thousand gold free!*

Father Delor’s eye twitched too. *My heart… bleeding…* But he smiled. “No problem. I have exactly three left.”

Soon, he returned with three palm-sized plaques. The moment Karl held them, warm, sacred magic radiated from the 24-karat gold surfaces. *No fakes here.*

*Pure gold + genuine magic artifact = ten thousand gold? Actually reasonable.*

*One sheet music = thirty thousand gold? SCORE!*

Back home, Mia gave her plaque to Ling to hang on the living room chandelier. She kept hers tightly around her neck. Karl felt lighter too—like the spirits had finally retreated.

Then—*ding-dong*.

The doorbell rang.

A voice called through the door:

“Hello. We’re from the Royal Investigation Unit. Is Mr. Karl at home?”