Chapter 38: Obsessed with Golden Hair Memories

Non-adventurers might think defeating a rank-matching monster for promotion sounds harsh.

But veterans know it’s easy.

Pick a weak or familiar one.

“Lightning Spear!”

The device-simulated Venom Jellyfish didn’t even spit its poison before Meng Linna’s prayer hit, knocking it out.

“Congratulations, you’ve passed.”

“You’re now a proud C-rank adventurer.”

Miao Miao Niya rushed through the formalities.

“Too fast, I didn’t catch that. Say it again?”

Triumphant, Meng Linna teased Miao Miao Niya.

Her teammates approached, stealing her focus.

“Congrats, Teacher Big Dream!”

“Congrats.”

Meng Linna scratched her head shyly.

“Just my time to shine. Thanks to you two.”

Laughing, they left the testing room, planning a celebratory feast.

But an uninvited guest appeared.

“Meng Linna, nun, dropped out of Maple Monastery, right?”

Na Naya’s serious tone made Meng Linna frown.

“What’s your deal?”

Na Naya unfurled a parchment.

“This is the church’s investigation order. As a saintess candidate, I must escort you to Central Church for questioning. Please cooperate.”

“Hey, what’s this about?”

Stone Fang stepped between them.

“Why investigate someone as great as Teacher Big Dream?”

Na Naya sighed, her tone cold.

“The order cites selling items against nun regulations for improper gain. You must explain in person. I’m just the enforcer, don’t make this hard.”

“Selling stuff needs investigating? That’s against rules?”

Stone Fang shielded Meng Linna.

“Sorry, it’s protocol.”

Na Naya looked away.

“If you question church rules, contact a regional bishop at the nearest cathedral.”

“Stop with the official nonsense!”

Stone Fang nearly swung, but Meng Linna stopped her.

“It’s fine, I’ll go.”

She gave Stone Fang a calm, firm smile.

“…”

Na Naya said nothing, her eyes showing slight approval.

Following protocol was good.

But Meng Linna fired back.

“I cut ties with the monastery. I’m not a nun anymore. You’ve got no jurisdiction.”

“You did break ties, but unilaterally.”

Na Naya spoke slowly, unlike her usual self.

“The monastery only dismissed you, retaining your nun status. You never filed to renounce it. Your status stands.”

Meng Linna wasn’t fazed.

As a former regional bishop, she knew the church’s tricks.

This was just questioning.

Worst case, a reprimand.

She didn’t plan to stay with the church.

Even quitting was fine.

The real threat was the Tribunal.

They sent elite teams for serious crimes.

Na Naya, a saintess candidate, was likely the only nun nearby.

Realizing this, Meng Linna relaxed.

“Fine, I’ll go if you insist.”

“But…”

Stone Fang tried to protest, but Meng Linna shook her head.

“No big deal. Maybe half a month.”

Seeing her resolve, Stone Fang relented.

“Fine. We’ll keep your spot on the team.”

Meng Linna nodded.

“We’ll adventure again.”

She turned to Na Naya.

“Protocol says to cuff the escortee.”

Na Naya held up handcuffs, then hung them on her belt.

“But since you’re cooperating, we’ll skip it.”

Meng Linna nodded.

“Thanks. Let’s go?”

“Of course.”

They boarded a carriage, heading north from Yanan.

***

(Flashback)

“You’re Na Naya?”

“Nice to meet you!”

“I’m Meng Linna, your senior to guide you at the monastery!”

First meeting Meng Linna, Na Naya was captivated by her dazzling golden hair.

“Huh, not talking? Is Na Naya a bit shy?”

The young woman waved a hand in front of her.

“You okay?”

Na Naya snapped out of it, lowering her head in shame.

“Sorry, sister, I got lost staring.”

“Lost?”

Meng Linna sat beside her.

“What were you staring at?”

Swallowing her embarrassment, Na Naya spoke truthfully.

“Your hair… it’s beautiful.”

The girl didn’t notice her daze, giggling.

“Since I was little, people praised my golden hair. But, secret: it’s a pain to maintain…”

“Mhm.”

Meng Linna rambled about haircare.

Na Naya barely listened.

Such soft hair.

Touching it would be bliss, right?

“Wanna touch?”

Sensing her thoughts, the kind senior offered her hair.

Na Naya swallowed hard.

“Yes.”