Chapter 3: A Plea for Work and a Saintess’s Arrival

The first thing Wang Xiaole saw upon looking up was the Grand Cathedral of Orlan.

The entire edifice before her was constructed from white marble, an irreplaceable treasure in the realm of art.

This was the largest cathedral within the Debilitus Empire, serving simultaneously as the central hub for the Papal State’s numerous branches across the Western Continent.

As it turned out, Wang Xiaole had not arrived too late.

The cleric in charge of recruitment had not yet finished their shift.

As Wang Xiaole approached, the cleric rested their right hand against their cheek, idly tapping the table before them with their left index finger.

“Are you still hiring here?”

The moment her gaze lifted to behold the newcomer, the cleric gasped, awestruck by the beauty that met her eyes.

While personal sentiment was one thing, she was hardly one to forget her duties. Having performed similar tasks countless times, her movements were seamless as she subsequently slid a form across the table to Wang Xiaole.

“We’re currently in need of general laborers and cooks. Which position interests you?”

“Cook, I suppose.”

Wang Xiaole settled onto the stool provided for visitors, her three-word reply the result of careful consideration.

“Hmm, do you possess sufficient work experience?”

“I cook for myself at home, so I have some experience in that regard.”

Speaking and writing weren’t mutually exclusive, and Wang Xiaole hastened to complete the form, all the while consciously avoiding the expression on the woman’s face before her.

She knew perfectly well that such an answer was inadequate; yet, it was the truth, and any fabrication now risked being exposed later.

“Cooking at home… that’s hardly what one would consider work experience.”

As her words faded, a silence descended upon them both, persisting until the scratching of the pen ceased.

“I’m finished.”

“Let me see.”

Wang Xiaole averted her gaze, thus remaining oblivious to the gradual tightening of the woman’s brows opposite her, which occurred shortly thereafter.

“No prior work experience, and the school you attended… Forgive my ignorance, but I’ve never heard of a school by that name.”

This was truly unfortunate.

While Wang Xiaole’s face had left a profound impression on the cleric, appealing to her personal preferences, the Church, after all, was not a place that thrived on appearances. Moreover, the black-haired girl’s resume was, frankly, rather dismal.

“Let me confirm something.”

The cleric straightened her posture, turning a serious countenance toward the applicant.

“What is your current situation?”

“I’m broke.”

“To what extent?”

“If my luck doesn’t turn, I’ll have to find a cardboard box to sleep in tonight.”

“In that case…”

From that moment on, the cleric began to offer advice, genuinely considering Wang Xiaole’s predicament.

“If you merely wish to get by, the relief funds provided by the Church would suffice.”

By regulation, any individual facing hardship, provided they were without sin, could receive financial assistance from the Church.

The Church’s funds originated from the Papal State, with its administrators receiving a fixed annual budget allocated for charitable endeavors.

But from where did the Papal State acquire its wealth?

In truth, the Papal State commanded a territory exceeding 14 million square kilometers, the vast majority of which comprised fertile lands.

Furthermore, its populace boasted the highest quality among all nations in the current era.

These myriad advantageous conditions rendered the Papal State the wealthiest and most prosperous nation in the entire world.

The nation’s prosperity, in turn, fostered high-welfare policies, the benefits of which extended beyond just its own citizens.

As some likened it, the Papal State was a ‘relief station disguised as a nation,’ bestowing its benevolence upon countless individuals across various countries.

Being a ‘relief station,’ assisting one more person was naturally no issue.

The cleric hoped Wang Xiaole would abandon the notion of working and simply live off the system.

“For those in poverty, we continuously provide lodging, and three daily meals that prioritize nutrition…”

A thousand words condensed into one message:

“Don’t bother working; just embrace a life of leisure!”

The cleric didn’t voice these exact words, trusting Wang Xiaole to make a wise decision.

However, Wang Xiaole’s choice was precisely in line with her own will.

Wang Xiaole gently shook her head, her meaning unmistakably clear.

‘Work is precious, leisure more so;

But for dignity’s sake, both one can forgo.’

Indeed, Wang Xiaole was now utterly destitute, making her a candidate for state aid in any country.

What’s more, since arriving in this world, she hadn’t had a single bite to eat, her hunger so profound that even tree bark seemed succulent.

Yet, she was the type who would sooner starve than beg!

The stubbornness embedded in her very bones compelled her to refuse charity; come what may, she was determined to survive by her own strength.

“I apologize for the disturbance.”

Understanding that the Church accepting her would be exceedingly difficult, Wang Xiaole rose, preparing to depart.

The cleric wished to call out to her, but for a moment, words eluded her.

Just then, ‘she’ emerged from the main doors of the cathedral!

“Disturbance? Hehe, I rather hope you *will* continue to disturb…”

In that instant, Wang Xiaole turned at the sound, her gaze falling upon a young woman gracefully stepping forth.

She was adorned in resplendent vestments primarily of gold, blue, and white, with a white veil crowning her head as part of the ensemble.

As for her countenance, a single glance was enough to inspire admiration.

Her cheeks were like fresh lychees, her nose as smooth as goose fat; her jade-like face resembled a flower, her delicate skin as pure as frost.

An iris pendant adorned her fair, slender neck; her bright eyes, the same color as her beautiful hair, gleamed like jewels, while her delicate lips resembled rose petals.

Wang Xiaole’s gaze settled on the young woman, whose golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, a few strands playfully stirred by the evening breeze, together forming a picturesque scene with the high-hanging, luminous moon.

The exquisitely beautiful young woman approached with a radiant smile, stopping just an arm’s length from Wang Xiaole.

“Don’t be so quick to leave. Perhaps we can have a proper discussion.”

As the young woman before her raised an eyebrow, a thought blossomed in her mind:

‘Finally, I’ve found her!’

As Wang Xiaole’s confusion mounted, the young woman introduced herself:

“I am Cai, the current Saintess of the Main God Church. Perhaps I can be of assistance to you…”