Chapter Forty-Two: Remilia Scarlet

As soon as the master and servant entered the cathedral, all eyes turned toward them. Upon seeing the violet-haired girl, the congregation displayed expressions of astonishment no different from those outside. However, remembering that this was the solemn Cathedral of the Holy Light, under the gaze of the Father God Himself, they quickly averted their eyes after their brief amazement. Some devotees even closed their eyes in hasty repentance, while others chose to leave immediately, fearing their momentary lapse might offend the Father.

At this moment, Link had not yet left. Like the others, he had been briefly stunned upon first seeing the violet-haired girl, but he soon realized something was amiss. Although the girl was beautiful and her bearing was not as frivolous as Ling Meng’s, she did not possess overwhelming allure. No, this went beyond mere charm—it was more akin to enchantment.

Witnessing everyone’s reaction, Link could not help but think so. Considering this possibility, he quietly invoked the cathedral’s holy power. With its help, his sense of awe toward the girl waned considerably. Now, she seemed as beautiful as Elia, her presence no longer so overpowering or universally captivating.

“So it really is the power of enchantment. Who is this girl? Why does she possess such a potent allure, able to ensnare so many without their knowledge?” Link’s vigilance toward the violet-haired girl increased greatly.

Just as this wariness took root in Link’s heart, the girl seemed to sense something and turned her head to look at him, a mysterious, knowing smile gracing her lips.

Then, the violet-haired girl said to her servant, Starry Night, “Starry Night, take off your cloak. This is their place—wearing a cloak here is quite rude. As my maid, you mustn’t show poor manners before others.”

Upon hearing this, Starry Night immediately bowed respectfully. “Forgive me, My Lady, I was remiss.” With a swift, elegant motion, she removed her black cloak and, as if by magic, made it vanish.

At once, another wave of exclamations swept through the crowd, for Starry Night was also a great beauty—a slender, graceful girl of no more than seventeen. Her skin was delicate, her features sculpted and striking, as if she had stepped out of a digital painting. Like her mistress, her hair was not long, falling just to her shoulders, but it shone with a silvery brilliance. Two small braids dangled between her ears. Though her attire was less ornate than her mistress’s, it was distinctive: a sharp black butler’s jacket on top, a short skirt below, leaving her pale thighs exposed and inviting countless flights of imagination. She also wore striking black stockings, which for many men would be fatally alluring.

Her clothing, looks, and figure were flawless. The only shortcoming was her demeanor—cold as ice, with piercing silver-gray eyes that few dared meet for long.

She was so cold that it was difficult to look at her directly.

After removing her cloak, Starry Night stood silently by the violet-haired girl’s side, eyes fixed straight ahead. The girl, unconcerned, stepped forward with her maid, elegantly lifting her skirt in a curtsy. “Greetings. You must be Archbishop Neal Night of the Father God’s Church? I have heard of your deeds and am quite intrigued by the miracles you have displayed, so I have come to see for myself.” She paused, then placed her right hand gracefully over her heart, continuing with poise, “It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Remilia Scarlet, and this is my personal maid and the head housekeeper of the Scarlet family, Starry Night. Starry Night, greet Archbishop Neal properly.”

Starry Night understood and, with the etiquette of a servant, offered a slight bow. “Archbishop Neal, greetings.” With that, she returned to Remilia’s side, motionless as a cold statue.

“Scarlet? Which noble family is that?” Link wondered. “From the look of this pair, they are not ordinary aristocrats. Are there any prominent Scarlets in the Starfall Kingdom, or have they come from another land?” He glanced at Starry Night, his mind racing, then smiled politely. “In the name of the Father, Miss Scarlet, you have an excellent maid—she has remarkable presence.”

Starry Night showed no response to the compliment, but Remilia smiled with pride. “Indeed, Starry Night is the pride of our Scarlet family.” She added, “Also, Archbishop, you may call me Remilia. There’s no need for formality.”

“Well, very well, Miss Remilia,” Link nodded, though he still added the formal address—an etiquette detail valued among the nobility.

Remilia smiled approvingly and glanced around. “Archbishop Neal, I am very interested in the Father God’s Church. Would you be so kind as to show me around?”

Knowing full well that Remilia was no ordinary guest, Link was reluctant to leave the sanctuary’s protection, which shielded him from negative influences. But this was hardly the place for conversation. After a brief consideration, he agreed, subtly signaling his subordinates to summon the church’s experts and mentally summoning White Spirit.

The entire church was immediately mobilized. Everyone prepared for battle as if facing a great enemy. The stealthy Altair had already taken up a concealed position some distance away, ready to launch a lethal ambush if Remilia and her servant became hostile.

Once White Spirit informed him of the congregation’s readiness, Link felt reassured and turned his attention back to hosting Remilia and Starry Night. With cordial enthusiasm, he introduced them to the church and the customs of Qinco Town, though he disclosed nothing critical, only trivial matters.

Soon, Link had shown the pair everything worth seeing. At last, they stopped before the grove behind the monastery. Remilia smiled. “Archbishop Neal, you have truly chosen a fine place—beautiful mountains and clear waters, a delightful landscape. Even I am tempted to settle down here.”

Link smiled in return. “In the name of the Father, Miss Remilia, if you wish to live here, you can speak with Mayor Tony about purchasing some land. I’m sure he would welcome your presence in Qinco Town.”

“Is that so? But I much prefer your place. Would you be willing, Archbishop Neal, to part with the monastery and let me have it?” Remilia fixed her eyes on Link, her smile narrowing.

Link’s eye twitched at her words, though his expression did not change. “Miss Remilia, you must be joking. This is a place of spiritual cultivation for our church—it would not be appropriate to transfer it. I hope you will not take offense.”

“Hehe, but what if I insist?” Remilia’s smile grew brighter, her small canine teeth exposed. Link noticed that her fangs seemed longer than ordinary, though he could not be certain.

Gazing at Remilia’s radiant smile, Link’s thoughts raced as he weighed his options. Judging by her attitude, she seemed ready to seize the place by force. He did not doubt she had the power to do so; White Spirit had warned him repeatedly since meeting the pair that they were by far the most dangerous people he had ever faced.

For this reason, Link believed that provoking a conflict with them would be most unwise. Yet the situation was clearly being forced, and he had to decide quickly what to do next.

Just as Link was about to speak and probe further, the sound of rustling came from the woods. A moment later, Ling Meng darted out from among the trees.

Seeing her, both Link and the others were momentarily stunned. Ling Meng herself had not expected to encounter Link here either and looked uneasy, her eyes shifting guiltily. “W-What are you doing here?”

“I’m showing our two distinguished guests around the monastery,” Link replied, having no time to question Ling Meng’s suspicious behavior. With the dangerous pair so close, he was anxious; if they acted now, even if he escaped, Ling Meng would be in peril. He glanced at Remilia and her maid, then said to Ling Meng, “I still need to accompany our guests. Ling Meng, you go about your business.”

A flash of delight passed over Ling Meng’s face, but she quickly composed herself and nodded, preparing to leave. Just then, Remilia, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “Hey, what’s your name?”

The question made Link’s heart lurch, worried that Remilia meant trouble. Ling Meng looked back, puzzled. “Are you asking me?”

“Yes, you. Can you tell me your name?” Remilia’s smile remained, but her eyes showed a deeper intent, as though wary of Ling Meng.

Wary of Ling Meng? A careless, uncouth, ignorant, and unreliable high priestess? How strange, thought Link, glancing at Ling Meng but seeing nothing in her worthy of such caution.

Ling Meng herself had far less on her mind. Clearly nervous and eager to leave, she replied impatiently, “My name is Ling Meng. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”

With that, she turned and ran, as if afraid Link would call her back.

Once Ling Meng had gone, Link returned his gaze to Remilia. The latter stared after Ling Meng’s retreating figure until it vanished, then turned to Link with a meaningful look. “Archbishop Neal, is she also a member of the Father God’s Church?”

“More or less,” Link replied, careful not to reveal Ling Meng’s sensitive identity.

Remilia was silent for a moment, then gave a significant smile. “I see. I seem to have underestimated the Father God’s Church. Archbishop Neal, forget what I said earlier—I will look for a residence elsewhere. For now, I’ll take my leave. Starry Night, let’s go.”

With that, Remilia and her maid turned and departed.

――――――――

With the groundwork laid, the recruitment of extras, supporting characters, and villains officially begins. I’ve pinned a recruitment post in the book review section; any readers who wish to have their characters appear can reply there, and I will consider including them as appropriate.