Chapter 54: Visselia’s Invitation

Li Ang slowly opened his eyes, withdrawing from the Simulation.

Sunlight slanted in from the window, making him feel a little dazed, as if he still hadn’t quite returned from the Simulation.

He reached out and turned off the alarm clock that had been ringing non-stop beside him—a precaution he’d set to prevent himself from getting too absorbed in the Simulation.

After all, today he needed to visit Sylph.

That girl would probably be anxious if she woke up and found out he’d been taken away.

He quickly washed up and headed straight out the door.

But he soon noticed that, not far away, a few people’s gazes were constantly fixed on him—they all seemed to be knights.

Were they sent by Gaharad?

Looks like he hadn’t let down his guard at all, still hoping to catch him making a mistake?

Tsk, a bit troublesome.

Li Ang pretended not to notice anything, bought some bread from a vendor by the roadside, and munched as he walked toward the church.

As long as they didn’t interfere with his daily life, he couldn’t be bothered to care.

He greeted the priest at the entrance and walked right in, heading straight for Sylph’s room with practiced ease.

Knock, knock, knock.

He knocked on the door.

Very quickly, a lively girl’s voice rang out from within.

“Come in.”

Li Ang frowned slightly and pushed the door open to enter.

A pure white room came into view, and his gaze fell on the girl sitting up from the bed.

Sylph looked in good spirits.

Noticing Li Ang’s gaze, her face first showed a delighted smile, then quickly turned worried.

“Brother, I heard you were taken away by the Knights?”

“It was nothing, just a little misunderstanding. See, I’m already back.”

Li Ang didn’t want his little sister to worry, so he told a small lie, then asked, “How do you feel? Is there anywhere that feels uncomfortable?”

This was the first time he’d used that ritual in reality, so he was somewhat uneasy, worried about unknown side effects.

“Absolutely none!”

Sylph raised both fists energetically, striking a Hercules pose.

Her sleeves slid down her small forearms, revealing tender, soft, white arms with not a hint of muscle—nothing but pure baby fat.

Li Ang shot a questioning look to Catherine beside him.

The priestess shook her head slightly.

He let out a sigh of relief.

So Sylph wasn’t just pretending to be strong—there had truly been a change.

“Brother, did you try to hook up with Miss Catherine while I was unconscious?”

Sylph, keenly aware of their eye contact, eyed him warily.

The priestess blushed, scolding, “Don’t talk nonsense. There’s nothing between your brother and me.”

Although, this guy really was rather good-looking, but she was several years older than Li Ang…

Seeing her reaction, Sylph’s suspicion only deepened.

Seeing this, Li Ang stepped forward to mediate, “By the way, there’s something I have to tell you. You’ll have to stay here a bit longer for now—I have some things to deal with…”

“You’re not bringing some other woman home, are you?”

Sylph’s guard went up.

“What are you thinking?”

Li Ang poked her nose, feigning exasperation.

He was just worried Sylph might be targeted by Gaharad, so keeping her in the church would be safer, at least with Catherine to look after her.

Sylph pouted her lips.

“All right, just be good and listen to your Sister Catherine here.”

Li Ang rubbed Sylph’s head until she calmed down.

“I need to ask your Sister Catherine something.”

With that, he glanced at the priestess.

She understood immediately and left the room, with Li Ang following close behind.

The two of them found a quiet corner before Li Ang finally spoke, “Miss Catherine, do you know if the Church has an artifact?”

“Judgement Eye?”

Catherine hesitated for a moment, then said the name.

“What’s that?”

Li Ang hadn’t expected her to really know. He immediately pressed for details.

Catherine frowned.

“They plan to use that on you? That’s bad.”

“The Judgement Eye has only one function—it can see through the essence of all things and pass down judgment. If they actually use it, you’ll be in danger.”

Her expression grew grave, and Li Ang could hear the dread in her voice.

Sounds just like some mechanical monstrosity—truly worthy of being called an artifact.

Li Ang couldn’t think of a good solution for now, and could only hope for a useful reward from the Simulation.

“All right. Thank you, Miss Catherine. I’ll leave my sister in your care.”

Li Ang bowed deeply to the priestess.

“No need for that,” Catherine said helplessly, glancing toward Sylph’s room.

“I really like that child, too. She’s so young—she shouldn’t have to lie in bed all day.”

“If there’s nothing else, I need to get back to work.”

With a wave, she turned and left.

Li Ang was about to head back to Sylph’s room to keep her company, but just as he turned a corner, someone grabbed his wrist and yanked him back.

He didn’t have time to react. In the next moment, he was pinned against the wall, and a faint scent of roses tickled his nose.

When he saw who had pulled him back, Li Ang froze, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he looked on in confusion.

“La… Lady?”

“What were you talking to her about just now?”

Visselia looked down, fixing Li Ang with a slightly annoyed gaze.

Her stare made him uncomfortable.

Today, Visselia wore a black cinched-waist chiffon dress, high heels beneath sheer black stockings, which made her much taller than Li Ang.

From his angle, his eyes landed right on Visselia’s snow-white chest, the black fabric clinging to her creamy skin in an especially alluring way.

With her pressing his hand against the wall, it felt like a soft cloud was squashed against his chest.

He spoke quietly, helplessly, “My lady, I don’t think I need to answer that question right now.”

Visselia’s body stiffened at his words.

Her pale golden eyes darkened, then grew cold and forceful.

“Bad dog. Not listening anymore, are you.”

Her icy fingers lifted Li Ang’s chin, forcing him to meet her gaze—their faces were so close, they were nearly touching.

Li Ang was helpless.

He knew just how forceful Visselia could be—she hardly ever considered others’ feelings.

To her, it seemed as if the whole world ought to revolve around her.

“I asked Father to plead with His Majesty on your behalf.”

Visselia spoke suddenly.

Li Ang blinked.

He hadn’t expected the lady to ask the Duke to intercede for him—he knew their relationship was far from close.

So… what did she want to say?

Li Ang waited quietly for her next words.

Seeing his lack of reaction, Visselia felt a strange sense of disappointment.

Her tone grew calm.

“My father… wants to invite you to dinner.”

Duke Howard wants to invite him?