The next day.

Hale washed up and dressed as usual with Lofu’s help.

The maid wore a new outfit today: a black-and-white nun’s habit.

Compared to the one Maria had worn visiting Hale yesterday, this version’s hem was noticeably shorter—cut high enough to nearly reveal her knees.

Her white stockings were sheer, so thin they seemed tearable with just a light scratch of a fingertip.

Well…

If she walked the streets like this in the Papal Dominion—a nation founded on church doctrine—she’d surely be branded a heretic.

But Hale recalled that in the game’s lore, many Saint Louis nobles dressed exactly like this.

Hidden notes scattered across the map even hinted that every Friday night, District Three hosted a masquerade ball.

Attendees wore masks, indulging in music and revelry to decadent extremes.

Honestly, pretty wild.

Naturally, some players screenshot that text, captioned it *“So you’re throwing a party without inviting me?”* and posted it online.

Hale sometimes wondered: should he anonymously report them? It felt like a solid move to clear himself of the “Western spy” suspicion.

But he didn’t know the nobles’ true identities. Making too many enemies might trigger a premature BE.

“Master… why have you barely looked at me all morning?”

The carefully dressed maid frowned at Hale’s distracted expression.

“Not at all. I was just… thinking about classes. Isn’t today Theology Day?”

Hale offered a smooth excuse.

Theology Day meant special lectures by high-ranking church officials.

Since most held dual roles in church and state, only one gave a single grand lecture per session.

Seats were limited.

At Sanctum University, attendance wasn’t guaranteed—even theology majors needed reservations.

“I see. Theology Day *is* important, Master Hale.”

Lofu had been so worried about Hale’s investigation lately, she’d forgotten he used to rise early for this.

“Seats are scarce. You should hurry.”

“Mm.”

“See you tonight, Master Hale. What would you like to read?”

“Anything.”

“Oh…”

Lofu paused. “The sky’s gloomy—looks like rain. I’ll fetch your umbrella.”

“Alright.”

Hale found the little maid genuinely endearing. Earlier, while adjusting his suit, the mere brush of their fingertips had brought a faint blush to her cheeks. *What expression would she show if I traced a finger across her skin?*

He spoke softly.

“Lofu. I’ll be leaving Saint Louis soon.”

“?”

Lofu froze at the door, umbrella forgotten, and turned back with wide, confused eyes.

*Why leave Saint Louis?* Villagers back home used to sigh wistfully: *“To visit Saint Louis just once in my life…”*

Even trafficked here as a child, the city’s grandeur had left her breathless.

“Have you decided, Master?”

“Yes.”

Hale didn’t hesitate.

Danger was closing in. Christine. Letitia. Heroines who shouldn’t have appeared this early were already near him.

Add the “Western spy” label—survival came first.

“Then Lofu will follow you.”

She meant it.

…

“Heard? A new church VIP’s coming for Theology Day today.”

“Big deal. Only twice a month. With breaks and cancellations, maybe fifteen sessions a year. Even with different guests, sixty max over four years.”

“No—*not* an archbishop. A *Vestal Candidate*.”

“Ugh, raining again. Lecture’ll be in the grand auditorium.”

“Annoying. So few seats… I just wanted to pad my resume for House Childe.”

“Dream on. Their hiring bar? Go home and find a local job.”

“I don’t care! I’m competing right here in Saint Louis!”

The classroom buzzed—typical for Theology Day.

Yet the tall blonde in the red-black plaid skirt remained perfectly calm.

For Siman, a duke’s daughter, such worries didn’t exist.

Staff always reserved her a front-row seat, guaranteeing direct access to guests.

But she glanced at the clock, then frowned at the empty seat beside her.

“Someone’s still absent. They’ll miss the lecture start.”

Another pair of eyes watched that empty seat too.

Lenny.

Ever since Hale was dramatically whisked away by Christine’s maid yesterday—stealing all the attention—resentment simmered anew.

*Why Hale? Why always Hale?*

Today’s absence suited him perfectly, especially with the Inquisition Bureau investigating.

Detained for disrespecting Vestal Candidate Christine? Or… is *she* the guest today? Too scared to show?

*Heh. Bold move, Hale. Duke’s son or not, you don’t touch certain women.*

*Good riddance. Lets me pop champagne Friday at the East District masquerade.*

He caught Siman’s souring expression and smirked.

“Teacher, since Hale won’t attend… why let other classes claim the seat? Give it to our class.”

Murmurs rippled through the room.

Students without connections seized the chance, nodding eagerly.

*Boosting my rep at Hale’s expense? Feels good.*

Lenny soaked in the attention.

“Put it to a vote.”

The Papal Dominion prided itself on democracy—the instructor agreed after a pause.

*Perfect. Even if Hale rushes in last minute, it’s too late.*

Lenny turned to Siman with a smile.

“How about our class monitor, Siman, casts the first vote? Everyone agree?”

To his shock—her face flickered with hesitation.