Chapter 48: Elena’s Fury and a Secret Alliance

Lovelenica only reacted after hearing Elena’s words, realizing that Imeline’s prolonged absence meant she had gone outside. No wonder she hadn’t seen or heard Imeline in the room earlier.

Imeline wasn’t in the room at all, nor was she in the bathroom; she had already slipped out wearing her invisibility cloak.

‘My student isn’t exactly well-behaved, helping Imeline hide her activities,’ Lovelenica thought to herself. Yet, it seemed Imeline hadn’t discovered anything amiss, so Lovelenica decided it didn’t matter.

“By the way, who are these two?”

Just then, Elena spoke again, her gaze falling upon the two individuals beside Lovelenica. As a fellow member of the Mage Association, she naturally recognized Imeline. Her question wasn’t about their identities, but rather why they were present here.

“This is my student and her friend. You’re all from the Mage Association; I presume you’ve met before?”

“Yes, a few times.”

“I haven’t been feeling well today, so they came specifically to visit me.”

“I see…”

Elena cast a thoughtful glance at Lucia and Imeline.

“Are you leaving already? This staircase is temporarily unusable, so you’ll have to take the one on the other side. Speaking of which, Miss Lovelenica, you’re unwell. Shouldn’t you be resting in bed instead of seeing them out?”

Beneath Elena’s words of concern, a subtle hint of reproach lingered.

“It’s fine. Having them here to chat with me, I feel much better now.”

Lovelenica explained casually. Indeed, after Lucia had talked with her and helped her clean up, Lovelenica felt significantly more comfortable.

What Lovelenica failed to notice, however, was the fleeting shadow of gloom that crossed Elena’s eyes upon hearing her words.

“Is that so… Well then, Miss Lovelenica, you may go. Take care on your way.”

“Mm.”

With that, Lovelenica led the two women towards the staircase at the other end of the corridor.

****

After escaping Elena, Imeline’s pounding heart finally settled. It was fortunate that Elena hadn’t pressed her. There were only a handful of people capable of spatial magic, and she was one of them. Moreover, she had been conveniently located within the Crimson Family’s mansion. Who else could the recent intruder have been but her?

She could only credit Lovelenica’s timely intervention.

However, what truly surprised Imeline was the seemingly good relationship between Lovelenica and Elena. This completely defied Imeline’s expectations. Elena was known for her aloof demeanor within the Mage Association, constantly wearing a sour expression.

Despite her exceptional talent, her personality was notoriously unpleasant. Yet, when speaking with Lovelenica, she adopted the air of a sweet, innocent girl next door.

Imeline found this utterly perplexing.

It seemed the Crimson Family’s network of connections was indeed quite intricate.

****

Meanwhile, after Lovelenica had led the two away, Elena’s expression instantly darkened.

“Sis, Sister? You’re back?”

Julie, whose room was on the third floor, seemed to have been startled by the earlier loud noise. As she emerged from her room, intending to go downstairs, she spotted Elena standing at the top of the staircase.

“Julie.”

Elena cast a cold, sharp glance at Julie, questioning her in an accusatory tone.

“That nun, did you bring her here?”

Elena knew Lovelenica had a student at the church. Among those who were also nuns and of a similar age, only Julie fit the description. It could only have been Julie who brought them.

“…Yes, yes, Sister, I didn’t want to, but she said…”

Under Elena’s piercing gaze, Julie felt as if she had plunged into an ice abyss. She hastily began to explain, but Elena had no patience for her words.

“Julie, you know what our family’s secret is, don’t you?”

Elena cut off Julie’s defense, asking the question as she slowly ascended the stairs.

“…I-I know!”

Julie watched Elena approach, swallowing nervously before answering.

“Then how dare you bring them here?”

Elena reached the top of the stairs, stopping directly in front of Julie.

“I, I didn’t want to, but I already signed a contra—”

“Slap—”

A sharp slap once again cut off Julie’s explanation. Julie’s vision swam with black, her balance shifted precariously, and she nearly stumbled. Her face burned with stinging pain, and a constant ringing echoed in her ears.

“Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to bring them back here? No matter what benefits they offered you, you should never have brought them!”

“Ugh… I-I’m sorry, Sister, I know I was wrong…”

Julie covered her reddened cheek, instinctively taking half a step back. Facing the enraged Elena, Julie tearfully confessed her mistake, her voice thick with sobs.

In her heart, she seethed with resentment towards Lucia and Lovelenica. If not for them, she wouldn’t be subjected to such treatment by Elena.

Elena, it seemed, had descended into a complete rage. Though she didn’t physically strike Julie again, she continuously vented her fury with words.

“Idiot! Why would you let those two get close to Lovelenica at a time like this!?”

“It should have been *me* by her side at a time like this!”

“Heh… She even said she felt much better with them around… Hehehe, I bake her cakes every week and secretly send her food. Why doesn’t she ever thank me like that?”

“That nun… What right does she have!?”

It turned out that what truly enraged Elena wasn’t merely Julie bringing outsiders home, but the fact that these outsiders had come to visit Lovelenica.

This perfect opportunity to care for Lovelenica and deepen their bond had been snatched away by those two.

From the beginning, Elena had been deeply displeased by Lovelenica teaching Lucia. In her eyes, Lucia was utterly unworthy of Lovelenica’s guidance.

She had even felt a secret satisfaction upon learning that Lovelenica constantly tormented Lucia. But now, seeing Lovelenica visibly brighten because of Lucia, Elena felt a bitter resentment churning within her.

A precious, unique being like Lovelenica *must* become her personal collection!

Those people had no idea of Lovelenica’s true identity, nor did they understand the real Lovelenica. How could *they* possibly be worthy of any connection to her!

“Hmph—”

Elena let out a long breath after her outburst, her emotions seemingly stabilizing somewhat. Watching the somewhat unhinged Elena, Julie couldn’t help but feel a flicker of fear, her body still trembling slightly.

At least now, they could communicate normally.

“…So, what exactly did they give you?”

“Ugh… They exchanged two-fifths of their points from the Monster Hunt Exercise with me…”

“Two-fifths? That’s certainly not a small amount.”

Elena rested her chin in her hand, appearing to ponder something deeply.

“Julie, haven’t you always wanted to drag that girl down from her position as Saintess? Then make good use of this Monster Hunt Exercise. With two-fifths of their points, surpassing them won’t be difficult, but…”

Elena gave a chilling smile, then leaned in close to Julie’s ear.