“I’ve realized my mistake, so I want to take this chance to make amends and get to know the future Holy Maiden properly!”
Rachel said this with a smile, and Kavel hoped she genuinely wanted to reconcile with Truth instead of scheming revenge.
But after some thought, Kavel figured his student was just a little arrogant and not the type to plot revenge, so he left two trusted men behind to wait for Rachel’s orders and keep an eye on her.
After handling that, Kavel led others to support the Enforcement Bureau and Adventurers’ Association inside Watchtower Fortress.
The rebellion had already spread through the entire city, and those underground forces were crazily turning on each other.
On top of that, a few low-rank Dark Demons were taking advantage of the chaos, preying on the souls and flesh of the dying.
They must have absorbed so much they were close to advancing to mid-rank demons. They had to be dealt with swiftly.
“Thirsty? Want me to pour you some tea?”
“Sweet tea, please.”
After sending two third-rank Demon Hunters to guard the entrance, Rachel fawned over Truth, though the latter paid little attention, merely sipping her tea and then zoning out.
This time, the message came from Authority—it was Tia, calling on the Hermit for help.
Was she worried that I wouldn’t pass the Divine Selection Ceremony three days from now?
Well, I haven’t even learned the Holy Maiden Ritual yet… but it doesn’t really matter. As long as I’m useful, the Goddess of Fate will make sure I pass.
Thinking from another angle, if Truth were the Goddess of Life, she would certainly choose those useful to her. The Holy Maiden Ritual was just the church’s way of creating a sense of sanctity for the Holy Maiden—it was just a performance.
Meanwhile, in the basement of Deya Magic Academy, Tia received the Hermit’s reply with a solemn expression:
“No need to worry.”
No need to worry? So the Hermit had already prepared for the Divine Selection Ceremony? Tia wondered if he wanted Truth to pass by performing the Holy Maiden Ritual or by some other means.
Well, why think so much? The Hermit said no need to worry, so why should I be so anxious? Tia exhaled deeply, feeling oddly pleased by the Hermit’s curt reply…
Huh? Why am I spacing out now?
Inside the military camp’s tent, Rachel noticed Truth holding her sweet tea with both hands, lost in thought like a delicate doll. Rachel almost wanted to touch her cheek to see how it felt, but she didn’t have the courage yet.
Damn it, this girl actually looks pretty good.
“Truth?” Rachel tried calling her name. Truth responded simply and, after cutting off contact with Tia, glanced toward the Dragon Egg of the Illusory Realm deep within the Mist.
Reg and the others hadn’t placed it very well. This spot was easy for adventurers to discover, so Truth summoned a Stump Spider to carry the egg deeper into the church.
The silver-white shell faintly revealed pale golden patterns—an effect of Anderson always keeping it atop piles of gold coins. Now it was beginning to absorb the Mist’s color. This Dragon Egg was likely the first to obtain the power of the Mist of Calamity.
It would hatch soon.
Suddenly, Truth felt something lightly poke her cheek. Looking up, she saw Rachel’s index finger.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Ah… I just saw you spacing out, so…” Rachel quickly withdrew her hand behind her back but couldn’t help lightly touching Truth’s cheek. After all, Truth looked so harmless right now.
Interesting… Truth curiously examined Rachel in return. Despite having scared her off with her demon form, Rachel still dared to touch her. Could this be the courage of a Demon Hunter?
“Aren’t you afraid of me?” Truth asked.
“A little. Although I still don’t understand why my eyes see such terrifying scenes when I look at you, since the Goddess herself vouches for you, I’ve decided to trust you.”
“Um, sorry about that.”
Rachel bowed seriously to Truth, then secretly activated the Eye of Absolution, peeking at her through strands of hair.
Though apologizing, Rachel was still somewhat defiant. Soon, scenes of two burly men having their necks twisted 180 degrees and dying horribly in an alley flashed through her mind.
This time it was a different terrifying image… Could it be that Truth possessed some tool or skill that countered the Eye of Absolution?
Not bad, it didn’t activate this time. Sensing someone’s suspicion, Truth suddenly felt interested. If she specifically used Sin-Concealment against Rachel, she could even implant a GV in her mind.
Truth would only need to hide her misdeeds beforehand and then cover them up with GV from memory. Though GV might be a bit too harsh for a young girl.
Better to try a different method then. Truth leaned back in her chair, crossed her legs, and curled her lips into a “ω” shape:
“Just bowing? That’s hardly sincere enough.”
“What?” Rachel looked up in disbelief.
“So you want me to…”
“In my hometown, apologizing is a very sacred act. The apologizer must take off all their clothes, fold them neatly to the side, and then kneel down and kowtow.”
“Uh…”
Rachel froze. Take off all her clothes… fold them neatly… then kowtow?! Just imagining that scene made her shiver, looking at Truth in shock.
How could she say something so terrifying with such a gentle tone?!
And where on earth did she come from to have such a bizarre, outdated custom? That’s an outdated ritual!
“Don’t even think about it!”
Rachel clutched her chest and stepped back, feeling Truth’s expression growing more and more chilling.
“Looks like everything you told your teacher earlier was a lie. You really do hate me. So sad, I was ready to be your friend.”
With the upper hand, Truth casually twirled a silver lock near her ear.
“No way, I absolutely won’t accept kneeling down for this!”
“So aside from that, you’re willing to accept everything else?”
“That depends!” Rachel turned away with a pout.
Hmph, don’t think I haven’t studied the Bait Effect!
“Sigh… so unromantic? Then I’ll try a way you’ll find easier to accept.”
Truth hesitated a little, then propped herself on the chair. With a “clack,” she slipped off the small black shoe on her right foot. Her fair, slightly pink foot swayed.
“So… how about you lick my foot?”
“You!”
“Don’t be so quick to react. Wait, I’m not done. What if I said… if you kneel and lick my foot, I’ll make sure to favor you after I become Holy Maiden?”
Truth offered Rachel a reason no Demon Hunter could refuse: the favor of a Holy Maiden.
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