Holy Throne.
Bianca placed her hand over her chest and knelt on one knee before Sylvia, her head bowed in respect.
How did the handling go?
Sylvia clasped her hands behind her back and asked softly.
I dealt with twenty-five people based on my own judgment.
They were all those who showed unusual reactions when I mentioned Lord Roman.
I see.
Sylvia’s tone was indifferent, as if slightly dissatisfied.
There must still be some fish that slipped through the net.
Bianca didn’t know how to respond for a moment.
Did the Holy Throne mean she wanted everyone there killed?
Even someone as resolute as her hesitated at the thought.
Fortunately, Sylvia seemed to just be complaining casually and did not pursue the matter further.
As for The Auction House, several other Apostles have already gone there.
I believe by tomorrow you’ll have a satisfactory answer.
Mm.
Sylvia nodded.
In truth, she had long wanted to rectify some of the continent’s unsavory practices, but without a justifiable reason, she could never find a good opportunity.
She was merely the Goddess’s spokesperson, not Goddess Fara incarnate, and had no right to change the world at will.
This wasn’t a problem that could be solved by strength alone.
Breaking rules established over so many years at random would endanger the stability of the continent.
However, if Lord Roman, the future Holy Child of the Cathedral, suffered such injustice before his status was revealed, then she had every reason to escalate things into a major purge.
You’ve worked hard.
Sylvia encouraged her.
You did well this time.
After you return, you’ll become one of the Twelve Apostles.
At this, even the usually cool Bianca couldn’t hide her joy.
She bowed deeply in gratitude to Sylvia.
It was also her good fortune.
The positions of the Twelve Apostles had always been full, but recently, one member resigned and no replacement had been found yet.
Have you decided on your Apostle codename?
Sylvia suddenly asked Bianca with interest.
Reporting to Your Eminence, I’ve already decided.
Oh?
Let’s hear it.
Night Owl.
Bianca replied seriously.
Night Owl?
Sylvia studied the woman beside her.
She had to admit, Bianca was an exceptional cold beauty — long pale gold hair, cool emerald eyes, well-proportioned and delicate features, flawless by any standard.
Her figure went without saying.
Sylvia’s gaze swept wordlessly over Bianca’s full chest, so prominent that her nun’s habit was stretched into a mass of wrinkles.
Personally, I think a name like Nightingale suits you even better.
Sylvia said.
This time, even facing the Holy Throne herself, Bianca showed no signs of flattery.
She firmly refused.
A name like Nightingale isn’t fitting for a member of the Twelve Apostles.
I still prefer Night Owl as my codename.
Nightingale and Night Owl.
Just a single character apart on the surface, but the meanings and significance they represented were worlds apart.
Sylvia studied Bianca’s face.
Her looks certainly warranted the title of Nightingale, but she believed Night Owl suited her more — it matched her decisiveness and ability to take action.
Then it’s decided.
Sylvia didn’t intend to interfere further.
The two stood under the night sky, with the scenery of Lily Manor spread out before them.
How do you plan to receive His Highness?
That’s not something you should concern yourself with.
Go back and rest.
Sylvia said calmly.
Bianca hesitated, but she wasn’t a fool.
She knew that words from the Holy Throne could not be defied, so she bowed and departed.
After Bianca left, Sylvia’s gaze shifted toward the distant forest, her brows knitting slightly.
How long have those two been over there?
Should she go take a look?
She wondered.
***
By the hot spring.
A voluptuous noble lady was pressing down on a petite boy, both of them unclothed and entwined together.
Is everything you said… really true?
Roman’s hands were crossed over his face, hiding it completely.
His slightly parted lips trembled with a soft whimper as he spoke.
Of course it’s true…
Lady Catherine answered in a muffled tone.
After tonight, no one else will ever know what happened between us.
Our relationship remains as normal as that of elder and child.
Good child, think of this as a beautiful, unreal dream.
I promise you, once this is over, my curse will vanish completely.
So, we aren’t doing anything wrong.
Is that so?
Just moments ago, Roman had been resisting in every way, but now he could no longer harden his heart.
Of course.
Lady Catherine soothed Roman gently as she moved awkwardly.
So there’s no need for you to feel guilty — at least, not for your own sake.
With Lady Catherine’s persistent reassurance, Roman’s resistance faded, and his body’s reaction only grew stronger.
Good child, I’ll make sure you enjoy a blissful night.
At this moment, Lady Catherine was like a Siren from myth, luring the beloved before her onto a path of no return with her enchanting voice.
Roman sensed Lady Catherine’s abnormality, but it was already too late.
After Lady Catherine’s careful foreplay, he could no longer speak words of refusal.
The warm sense of being enveloped suddenly disappeared.
Roman nervously parted his arms, peeking out at the scene beyond.
He saw Lady Catherine lifting her body, her two white rabbits bouncing along with her bold movements.
The alluring woman leaned down again.
Because of their height difference, Lady Catherine, to play the role of a proper sword sheath, could only rest her chest against Roman’s face.
At last, Roman lay flat, closing his eyes to quietly enjoy the moment.
Suddenly, a tremor ran through his body.
Because he felt the black forest pressed tightly against him.
If she sat down just a little further, he’d never be able to turn back.
Such a forbidden act would forever pull him into the abyss.
It was as if she were both giving him courage and dragging him down at the same time.
Raising her upper body slightly, Lady Catherine lowered her head to kiss Roman’s lips.
Soon after, deep sighs echoed in the cave.
The two of them had stepped into the realm of ecstasy.
From the cave entrance, their silhouettes could be clearly seen — the mature beauty riding her disobedient little colt like a skilled rider.