Lin Shu felt her ears burning. Whether it was the lingering heat from her bath or Hati’s bold actions and gaze, she wasn’t sure.
“I saw the people in the succubus nest doing that to serve their masters too…” Hati made a “V” sign under her chin, looking thoughtful.
So that was it. The concern Hati had shown when Sophia was mentioned earlier had stuck with Hati.
She thought Lin Shu liked that type, so she changed into a skirt to test her feelings.
“So, Lin Shu, did your heart race? Do you like me better like this?”
Hati’s eyes sparkled, eagerly awaiting Lin Shu’s answer.
Lin Shu raised a hand to cover her mouth, chewing on the cherry tomato. The sweet and sour juice burst inside her mouth.
After swallowing, Lin Shu opened her mouth and said:
“I… I mean, it’s not because I like that type or anything.”
As soon as she said that, Hati’s tail behind her stopped wagging.
“I said Hati is special because only Hati can pull off wearing a skirt like this.”
“That sounds weird.” Hati looked down and tugged at the hem of her skirt. “Does it look bad on me?”
“Um… it’s not the skirt’s problem.”
“It’s that Hati herself is one of a kind, not some fixed type.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Shu paused.
“Huh? That sounds familiar.” Hati also caught on. “I think that’s what I said to you back then.”
She gave a bright smile.
“Anyway, I still really like Lin Shu.”
“Angela advised me back then, saying that your status in the Holy Church might become very special in the future.”
“But no matter how special your identity becomes, my feelings for you will never change.”
“So, Lin Shu, will you give me an answer?”
Lin Shu fell silent.
She couldn’t deny that Hati’s unreserved affection and trust had helped her during her confusion. But she still had the mission given by the Creator God, and there were many unknowns ahead. Hati was also under the Holy Church’s Hunter Corps. Would she one day have to oppose the Pope, and end up standing against Hati?
Seeing Lin Shu’s silence, Hati maintained her smile, but her eyes dimmed slightly.
“Sorry, I said I wouldn’t rush you for an answer.”
“It’s just that I got too impatient. I thought I wouldn’t have much time left to be with you.”
“Tomorrow I have to leave for the mission to hunt those crawling monsters.”
“Tomorrow?” Lin Shu hadn’t expected it to be so soon.
Hunting crawling monsters. She suddenly remembered the white lizard she had seen in the past. Wait, Hati might have a chance to encounter that strange monster again. Maybe she could trace the source?
But Hati’s organization was under the Holy Church. What would she think?
Hati continued, “Yeah, after I come back, I’ll have to be called in for questioning.”
“Questioning? Why?”
“Because earlier… I led a squad into the demon territory to search for you, and the entire squad was wiped out except for me.”
“So for a long time after that, I won’t be able to see Lin Shu.”
The smile faded from Hati’s face, her tone growing heavy.
“Oh, right.” As if remembering something, she leaned down and got closer to Lin Shu.
“I have to fulfill my promise. I said that once we reached the royal capital, I would dissolve the contract with you.” She was about to cup Lin Shu’s face.
“Hati!”
Lin Shu hurriedly grabbed her hand.
“What’s wrong?”
“Wait, I have a question for you.”
“Hm?”
Lin Shu organized her thoughts.
“That… Hati once said that you stayed in the Hunter Corps because you liked hunting?”
“Yeah.” She blinked.
“At first it was because I liked hunting, but later it was more about protecting everyone’s safety. Anyway, I have the ability, and it’s my responsibility in the Hunter Corps. Why?”
Lin Shu weighed her options. This was the Holy Church headquarters, full of Fiona’s people. Walls had ears. She used magic to create a barrier around the two of them, then leaned close to Hati’s ear and told her about her suspicions.
“I have a suspicion, but I haven’t confirmed it yet.”
“Why are those monsters only sensitive to magical fluctuations? And why do they look so strange?”
Lin Shu recounted the events from before the Hunter Corps was established, including her encounter with Bishop Fiona.
“Back then?! I wasn’t even born!”
“That’s not the point.”
Hati composed herself, her expression turning serious.
“Actually, Angela and I have privately discussed this before.”
“They’re too targeted, and the patterns on the monster eggs are strange too. But at the time, Angela didn’t want to look into it deeply and focused only on the mission to bring you back.”
Lin Shu watched Hati’s expression and said, “Right now it’s just a suspicion. If you’re willing, can you look into it along those lines?”
“Okay. We brought back a complete monster egg before. I’ll try to find it and examine it.”
“The traces of the monsters’ appearances must have a pattern.”
“But after I leave, will Lin Shu be okay on your own…”
“Do you still need me to dissolve the contract? Or should we keep it for now?” Hati looked at Lin Shu nervously, testing the waters.
“Keep it. I’ll wait for you to come back and tell me the results.” Lin Shu said with a smile.
“And don’t worry about me. Besides my familiar skills, I also have magic.”
Speaking of magic, Lin Shu froze. That book… she left it with Furina. But since it had become a magic textbook, it should be circulating in the Spirit Tower. Maybe it’s in the royal capital too?
Hati suddenly remembered something. “Oh, by the way, at the Holy Temple today, Bishop Fiona specifically asked about your contract. I made up an excuse to brush it off.”
“Lin Shu, you’d better not mention your close relationship with the demons and the blood clan.”
“I’m worried they might hurt you if they find out.”
“I understand.”
Lin Shu dismissed the barrier. Hati was about to open the door to let the nuns in.
Lin Shu called out to her. “Hati.”
Hati turned back, puzzled.
“Thank you for trusting me. Good luck on your mission.” Hati’s eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth curved into a gentle arc.
The nuns waiting outside entered the room and took Lin Shu’s measurements. Lin Shu was told that in the following days, she would need to stay at the Holy Church headquarters to learn the procedures and etiquette for the pilgrimage ceremony. After that, Bishop Fiona would arrange an audience with the Pope.
The next morning, Hati came to find Lin Shu early to say goodbye. She was already dressed in a brand-new black battle uniform, a stark contrast from yesterday’s white spaghetti-strap dress.
“I’m off now, Lin Shu.” She smiled and waved at Lin Shu, then showed the back of her hand, shaking it proudly.
“I’ll remember our promise.”
The black strand of hair was still tied around her ring finger. She pulled on her gloves, gave Lin Shu one last look, then turned and left.
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