Atester had influenced many existences, but it was becoming increasingly prosperous.
Every day, a large number of caravans arrived, and a vast amount of goods were transported across the wasteland plains.
People did not know whether what the Saintess was doing was ultimately right or wrong, but there was no doubt that every single order from that Lady Saintess was affecting everything for the people of Atester.
Some believed it was a heavy tax, yet the collected taxes were used to refurbish the Great City Walls of Atester, making the city increasingly solid.
Some complained that food was being given to the demi-humans, questioning what humans would eat. Humans themselves didn’t have enough to eat, so why give it to those pathetic merchants?
But in reality, the foreign merchants brought a massive amount of grain. Just a small portion of what leaked out greatly suppressed the grain prices within the city, allowing more people living difficult lives to barely manage a full meal.
In the poets’ tavern.
Whether talented or mediocre, everyone was talking about that Saintess.
“Oh, Saintess, are you stepping into a bottomless abyss, or are you leading us toward a bright future?” an old, wandering poet said.
“Shut up, Old Melk. The Saintess’s decrees have made the people wealthy and brought many travelers. More people can watch our poetic performances. Every poet in Atester City is a beneficiary. Do you want to go back to being that destitute, wandering vagabond from before?”
“But I…”
“Relax, gentlemen and ladies.” A beautiful wandering poet gently plucked the harp in her hand and chanted softly, “Everything is getting better, isn’t it? In my eyes, that Saintess is like a grand epic chapter that is slowly unfolding.”
Those who felt the greatest impact were still those at the bottom.
Prices had become cheaper.
Job opportunities had increased.
Especially for the families of the poor, it seemed that as long as they were willing to exert effort and endure hardship, they would no longer suffer from the bitterness of hunger.
Whether it was constructing Atester or working as laborers for the merchants, every person who went out to provide labor could always bring back money and food.
They didn’t know exactly when this had all begun. It probably started after that Saintess came to Atester, right? No one was willing to return to the days of the past.
***
Yitlan Street.
Aililan was currently inspecting the work.
This place was originally a breeding farm that occupied a large plot of land in the city, and it had caused significant pollution to the urban environment.
Aililan had the finance department buy the land of the breeding farm to carry out housing planning and construction to settle the people from the slums.
“Saintess, you are far too benevolent.”
Finance Chief Grace watched as a large amount of money was being thrown out, saying with some heartache.
“Lady Grace, you must take a long-term view. We cannot demolish and rebuild Atester City entirely, but now is a good opportunity. Many foreign merchants want warehouses and shops, so arrange for them to go over to the slums. The land can be given to them for free, as long as they fund the construction themselves.”
“But be sure to do a good job of screening the slum residents. We must never use force to demolish, but we also cannot let them raise prices on the spot. If anyone wants to rot in the slums, let them. The finance department’s money didn’t blow in with the wind.”
“Finally, this is clearly a very good thing. I do not wish for it to turn into a bad thing later. If there is a problem with the implementation, I will not care whose fault it is below; I will only hold you high-level administrators accountable.”
Grace responded with a bitter smile, “Yes, yes, yes, my Lady Saintess.”
As the two were speaking, Betiliana from the Inspection Office suddenly rushed over in a hurry.
“Lady Saintess, this is bad!”
Aililan could not help but frown. “Hmm? Betiliana, you are also the head of the security system. What kind of behavior is this, acting all flustered? Has some major security incident occurred?”
Betiliana shook her head, then looked at Grace with some hesitation.
Aililan understood instantly and instructed Grace, “Grace, you go inspect the work here.”
Grace bowed and took her leave. “Yes, Saintess.”
After the person had left, Aililan asked, “Speak, what is the matter?”
“Lady Saintess, it’s like this. According to the report from the spy we planted among the demons, those detestable demons seem to be planning to do something against you. They are attempting to send a Succubus to seduce and corrupt you.”
“A Succubus?” Aililan could not help but chuckle.
‘Having seen the beauty of the Saint of Temperance, how could I be seduced by such things as a Succubus?’
“Saintess, I am serious.”
“Heh, I know your intentions are good, but you should also firmly believe in your Saintess. I have a heart that yearns for the light. The Saint of Chastity whom you serve will never fall so easily.”
She paused for a moment.
“Additionally, being a spy is very hard work. You must treat them well.”
“Go tell that spy that he has done very well. The Church will not forget every person who has made a contribution.”
“I, Aililan, will not forget either.”
“I am proud of him.”
No matter where, those at the bottom were never well-off!
Especially those doing undercover work; they were making contributions while putting their lives on the line. Aililan did not withhold her praise, as well as some insignificant assistance.
But what she did not know was that the “insignificant” help of a Saintess was like a mountain to those at the bottom.
***
In the deep of night, when ghosts and charms emerged, the Half-Demon Andogor received the condolences from the Saintess. He could not help but have tears streaming down his face.
“Saintess…”
Before he could regain his composure, a high-level Succubus appeared beside him, asking suspiciously, “Andogor, what are you crying about?”
“I… I am naturally crying for that pathetic Saintess, who has caused us demons to suffer such heavy losses.”
“Fine, fine. The Succubus side has already sent someone to seduce that Saintess. It is said to be an existence from the Succubus Lord’s lineage who has taken action.”
Andogor felt that something was wrong.
But he had no way to help now.
He could only pray that the great Saint of Chastity could see through the Succubus’s disguise and the temptation!
***
Inside Freya Manor.
Aililan was evaluating her recent achievements. Was she qualified to report to her Temperance Sister yet? She felt it was enough, but also not quite enough.
“I should wait a bit longer.”
“I don’t want Temperance Sister to think I’m someone who craves greatness and success.”
Aililan sighed.
*Knock, knock.*
The room door was knocked upon.
“Come in.”
A maid walked in from outside. “Saintess, the Head Maid specially prepared desserts for you,” the maid said softly. Her voice was unexpectedly pleasant to the ear!
Aililan glanced at the little maid. Not to mention… her appearance was quite good. If she were placed outside, she would surely fascinate a great many people.
“Saintess, I shall take my leave.”
“If you need anything, you can call for me at any time.”
The little maid gave a respectful bow and then walked out of Aililan’s office.
Aililan could not help but take another look, particularly as her gaze fell upon the little maid’s figure. The view from behind looked extremely seductive, and that swaying gait was like a flickering flame.
“Not bad…”
“Hmm?”
Aililan frowned slightly.
She felt that her state of mind just now was a bit off.
Her eyes had actually been drawn in by a maid. Aililan took a deep breath and then said, ‘Temperance Sister is the best in the world.’
Little did she know, as soon as that maid left, she revealed a playful smile. Ginea, as a member of the high-level Succubus Lord lineage, was born with the ability to bewitch hearts and lure people into corruption. Many people would not even know they were being influenced. They were often called demons who could make one’s home life restless.
Ginea chuckled softly.
She wanted to make this Saintess… home… life… restless.