Because Saintess Leah spoke with such undeniable conviction, the atmosphere instantly stilled.
No one dared to speak; they simply watched her in silence, waiting for her to continue.
Even Ella remained quiet.
With such an imposing presence, she must have an irrefutable reason, right?
Fortunately, Leah had already prepared an excuse in advance.
“The Harbor City Church Branch is still being established. We agreed to appoint Ella as the Honorary Chief of the Harbor City Branch, to commemorate and recognize her contributions to promoting Light there. As everyone knows, every senior clergy appointment requires staying at the Chapel for at least one night.”
“As everyone knows?”
Vina was the first to voice her doubts.
“I never knew that.”
“That’s because everyone else already lives in the Chapel. Ella is the first who has stayed outside continuously,” Leah said with a dignified expression.
“It’s to let the other believers get to know each other, and also to familiarize the Goddess of Light.”
To uphold this lie, she even invoked the Goddess herself.
Once back, she would need to confess a few extra prayers.
The effect was obvious—at least Celes believed it, since she trusted her comrades’ sincerity towards the Goddess.
Vina looked at them both suspiciously.
“Is that for real? I think you two…”
“Really.”
The two-word interruption came not from Leah or Ella, but from Zero.
Since there was no action today, the assassin girl left her hair down—black, straight, and pure as it draped over her shoulders.
“During our time in Harbor City, Ella worked tirelessly to promote the Church of Light. She led by example, and the residents once thought she was the person in charge. So, I think it’s very reasonable for Ella to be Honorary Chief.”
Hearing this, Vina blinked her peach blossom eyes.
Wait, being Honorary Chief is reasonable, but what does staying one night have to do with it?
Why did she suddenly start believing them?
With the two main supporters, Celes and Zero, choosing to trust, the little witch had nothing left to say.
She was even pulled away by the former to go shopping, since they would be visiting the Elves soon and needed to prepare their luggage properly.
The latter said she was going upstairs to rest first.
Ella glanced at the slender figure of the girl and felt a warm surge in her heart—a simple pride in herself.
I told you the tea worked!
“Let’s go.”
Leah came over and grabbed her hand.
“We’re heading back to the Chapel.”
Overnight stay!
Feeling proud and confident, Leah’s steps were quick but not fast enough to satisfy her own impatience on the way back to the Chapel.
“Maybe once we bring in the flute deer, going from the Camp to the Chapel will only take a few minutes,” she said excitedly.
Ella hummed in agreement but thought to herself, You’ll get back fast, sure—but that means if anyone comes running to catch you in the act, they’ll be fast too. No more distance between you all.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Bonfire Camp, Zero dragged a bag of salt back to her room and poured it all into a water jar.
The saline solution prepared, under the clear blue sky and broad daylight, was the perfect time to do some ghostly work.
As for the Royal Palace direction, after sending off the two girls, Maken first went to the Sanctuary Hall to chat briefly with the Great Hero, hoping to probe for news about the Holy Spring Seal and see if they really understood the matter.
“No need to ask anymore. I understand what you mean,” Rolls said coolly from his rattan chair without even pouring tea for him. “That girl’s wisdom and judgment are truly astonishing.”
Meaning: they do know about it; it was Liraleah who discovered it—but the specifics wouldn’t be shared.
Maken was turned away and had no choice but to return the same way.
He then headed to the Guest House to relay the girls’ reply.
Tereka was furious: “Asking for an extra Dragon Hawk? How dare she!”
Several other Elves chimed in: “So arrogant!”
“A lion asking for too much.”
Maken’s expression didn’t change.
His square face said simply, “Maybe it’s because they already know what needs to be done.”
That light comment shut Tereka up instantly, leaving her face red with embarrassment.
“Even so, she can’t just take advantage and ask for everything she wants.”
“That has nothing to do with me, nor with you, Miss Tereka,” Maken told her.
“After all, we’re just messengers.”
Ella is negotiating with your Elven elders—what’s the use of you getting worked up?
“…!”
For the first time, the Elves remembered Ella’s name—it was her demands.
A mere big-breasted vase dare act so arrogantly?
Just wait!
***
Once again arriving at the Church of Light headquarters in the Royal Capital, the Great Cathedral, Ella couldn’t help but feel moved.
A truly united organization, almost impossible to have internal traitors—every believer united as one under divine authority.
There was only one reason such cohesion was possible—the real presence of the Goddess of Light.
As a pragmatist, the Demon King had never rejected such things.
As long as it was useful and effective, it could be adopted.
Next time she returned to Harbor City, she wanted to arrange for her army brothers to have one too.
No more talk about dark bloodlines and whether they could believe in Light—why not serve Light while tilling the darkness?
“Ella, don’t zone out.”
Leah tugged her hand.
“Come on, let’s go inside.”
She was eager to bring the girl back to her home.
A month ago, Ella had stayed here for half a month and mingled enough with the clergy to become familiar faces, receiving various greetings along the way.
At a corner, a few little heads peeked out quietly, observing them.
“Look, that pink-haired big-breasted lady is back.”
“Wow, she’s even bigger than the Saintess.”
“She’s here; Saintess Leah will stay out all night again.”
Among the children, some strange rumors seemed to be spreading.
Leah was in a hurry on the road but relaxed once back at the Chapel.
She first showed Ella the small room they would be staying in tonight—still the same tiny compartment, tidied up again, with a pink-and-white rug on the floor and a miniature Solar Disk hanging on the wall.
A Solar Disk?
Seeing Ella’s gaze fixed on the small device, Leah’s cheeks flushed. She said awkwardly, “It’s just a decoration, no real effect. I just hang it there to… feel more at ease.”
Why would a little decoration bring peace of mind?
Because if she did something wrong, she could confess to the Goddess of Light anytime, anywhere, with zero delay.
After that, Leah went to the kitchen to specially order the Holy Communion they wanted to eat tonight.
After eating their fill, they went together to pray beneath the statue of the Goddess in the Sanctuary.
“Respected Goddess of Light, we are all on the same side.”
Then, unable to wait, Leah dragged Ella back to the small room to get ready for bed!
At the Bonfire Camp, in a hidden spot where no one could notice, a tiny undead emerged.
Following the River of the Yellow Springs, it passed through the bustling Market Avenue and arrived at the Great Cathedral of Light’s entrance.
The sun had set, and the last rays of twilight faded away.
The natural Light Barrier around the Cathedral weakened, allowing the petite undead to slip inside lightly and silently.