Chapter 109: Unexpected Interventions and Lingering Doubts

“This time, we truly owe you, Lovelenica.”

The Archmage turned to Lovelenica, expressing his gratitude.

From the accounts of Imeline and Lucia, the Archmage understood that had Lovelenica not arrived in the nick of time, the situation could have escalated to an irreversible point.

Even with Lucia and her companions’ exceptional talent, they were still nascent. As mere Tier 3 professionals, how could they possibly have returned unscathed against a multitude of Tier 3 and 4 practitioners, not to mention a Profane-level Bloodkin?

Fortunately, the guardian of that area was Lovelenica, a Beheading Nun with formidable solo combat capabilities. Had it been a different type of nun, or a Mage whose physique wasn’t robust and who required protection, saving Lucia and her team would have been far from certain. Such a guardian might even have sacrificed their own life.

“There’s no need for thanks. As a guardian, ensuring Lucia and her companions’ safety is simply my duty.”

Lovelenica didn’t dwell on the Archmage’s gratitude, responding with a casual wave of her hand.

She neither sought undue credit nor blamed the Archmage for any prior shortcomings in his inspection duties.

Logically, she could have exaggerated the events to secure greater rewards later, yet she refrained. Instead, she merely stated her responsibilities and stance with quiet dignity.

In truth, Lovelenica cared little for the Church’s subsequent commendations or punishments. The rewards offered by the Church typically amounted to Seals of Purification, redeemable for Holy Artifacts of limited utility, or perhaps a bounty of gold coins, or even an exceptional promotion.

While such accolades were coveted by ordinary Nuns, for whom wealth and status were paramount, Lovelenica remained entirely indifferent.

The wealth she had accumulated over the years was already substantial. Her current standing was far from low; she was, after all, Lucia’s mentor. Given that Lucia was a Church Saintess personally designated by the Pope, Lovelenica’s own status was bound to rise significantly once Lucia fulfilled her potential.

Furthermore, as a collateral member of the Crimson Family, she never had to worry about sustenance and few outsiders dared to provoke her.

Yet, Lovelenica remained indifferent to all of it.

For all that she possessed was superficial. Her assets either belonged to others or were things she could easily lose.

The fundamental reason was her true identity as a Vampire. Should her identity ever be exposed, everything would vanish, her status and assets instantly frozen.

As long as Liliana held her in thrall, Lovelenica could never truly find peace or enjoy life. She constantly worried if Liliana would torment her, or send her on dangerous missions that might even expose her true nature.

In essence, Lovelenica’s aspirations were not materialistic; she yearned for an unfettered, tranquil life.

“These are Lucia’s squad’s crucifixes. After confronting the Black-robed Mage and the Vampire, they lacked the strength to continue the Monster Hunt Exercise, so I simply collected their crucifixes.”

Lovelenica retrieved the three crucifixes belonging to Lucia and her companions from her ring. She had told a small lie; in truth, after engaging the enemies and on their way back to the tower, Lucia had still managed to eliminate a few Specters. Lovelenica had deliberately omitted this minor detail.

“After all, regardless of the circumstances, I did intervene. By regulation, their assessment concluded at that point.”

“Hmm…”

The Archmage nodded, accepting the three crucifixes Lovelenica offered. Lucia hesitated slightly, then slowly began to speak.

“This situation was rather unique. Lucia’s potential points were undoubtedly affected. I’ll report it to the association; perhaps they’ll grant them some additional scores.”

“Eh? R-really!?”

Imeline, upon hearing this, instinctively leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she gazed at the Archmage.

After all, she desperately wanted to secure the top spot in this final Monster Hunt Exercise, both for Attestor and for her own sense of accomplishment.

“Haha.”

Seeing Imeline’s spirited reaction, the Archmage simply chuckled softly and replied.

“It’s merely a possibility, but I will do my best to intercede with the association on your behalf.”

“That’s wonderful!”

Hearing the Archmage’s promise, Imeline bounced with delight, as if the points had already been awarded. She then turned to Attestor.

“Attestor, did you hear that? We still have a chance to take first place!”

“Yes, I heard.”

Attestor offered a faint smile, a hint of genuine happiness stirring within her.

Guided by the Archmage, Lucia and her companions descended the city walls, proceeding outside the city gate to rejoin the other participants.

Thanks to the Priestess’s healing, Attestor was already feeling much better. The group first walked back to the outpost, where they rested while awaiting their final scores and rankings.

During the walk back, Julie Crimson furtively observed Lovelenica from within the crowd, noting that Lovelenica no longer cast glances her way.

Julie inwardly cursed the blood around Lovelenica.

It was clear that the Black-robed Mages, who had dissolved into blood, were connected to the Bloodkin. Within the Arcadia Kingdom, the only prominent family associated with Bloodkin was the Crimson Family. Lovelenica claimed she didn’t know if the family was responsible.

Even if she knew, Lovelenica likely couldn’t do much about it.

Liliana’s assigned mission was for Lovelenica to infiltrate the Arcadia Kingdom. While their precise objective remained unclear, Lovelenica absolutely could not expose herself.

Lovelenica and the Crimson Family were bound together, like grasshoppers on a single string. Even if Lovelenica discerned the truth, she couldn’t possibly reveal it to others; doing so would mean the failure of her mission.

Therefore, Julie believed that Lovelenica, at most, merely knew in her heart that the Crimson Family was involved, but she certainly wouldn’t speak of it.

Moreover, Lovelenica would undoubtedly be unable to confirm who exactly was behind it or what their true motives were.

Judging by Lucia and her companions’ demeanor, they seemed to harbor no suspicion towards her. Perhaps now was the opportune moment to gauge their attitudes, especially since the Monster Hunt Exercise scores were about to be tallied. According to their agreement, Lucia was obligated to hand over two-fifths of her score.

“Phew—we’re finally back! That Black-robed Mage almost scared me to death when he threw fireballs into our room earlier.”

Back at the outpost, Lucia’s squad finally relaxed completely. They settled into the facilities, with Imeline perched on a sofa, leaning against the backrest. She vividly recounted the previous battle to Lucia and Attestor, occasionally punctuating her story with gestures. It was clear just how thrilled Imeline was to have survived the ordeal.

“I was meditating to recover my magic at the time! If my meditation had been any deeper, being startled like that would have completely scrambled my brain.”

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