Chapter 112: The Archmage’s Dilemma and Lucia’s Realization

“I see.”

Upon hearing Lovelenica’s explanation, the Archmage’s expression immediately darkened.

In his view, a major assessment like the Monster Hunt Exercise, jointly organized by three factions, served as a sacred and solemn confirmation of the younger generation’s abilities before they came of age.

How could the scores from such a test ever be used as bargaining chips?

Moreover, both parties involved in this transaction were significant figures within the Church.

One was the third daughter of a prominent noble family, and the other, the Church Saintess herself.

If even these two disregarded the sacred nature of the Monster Hunt Exercise, how could anyone else be expected to abide by the rules?

Naturally, as a mere Archmage with no significant background or high standing within the Mage Association, his role as leader of this Monster Hunt Exercise was simply due to his turn in the rotation.

Unlike Lovelenica, who was both Lucia’s mentor and a member of the formidable Crimson Family, he could not possibly adopt such an uncompromising stance toward both Lucia and Julie.

Therefore, he decided to first hear their reasons for the transaction.

If their explanation proved satisfactory, he would report it to the Church for their decision.

Conversely, if the reasons were insufficient, he could conveniently use that as grounds for refusal.

“Hmph, if my memory serves me right, you are both seventeen this year,” he began.

“This marks your final Monster Hunt Exercise. Do you truly hold no regard for this assessment?”

“Not only did you fail to communicate with the Church in advance, but you also arbitrarily signed a contract. What is this? Are you intending to act first and report later?”

“Lucia, as the Church Saintess, you dared to lead such an act and even enter a contract. What if your strength is compromised as a result? This is utter nonsense!”

“And Julie, you too. Do you believe your noble lineage grants you the right to act with such impunity?”

“Do you think you can simply disregard all rules and do as you please?”

The Archmage paced in place, pointing an accusing finger at each of them as he thoroughly chastised them.

After his outburst, he demanded an explanation for their trade and the process behind it.

“Now, explain to me clearly why you decided to exchange scores. I will then consider whether or not to report this to the Church.”

“There’s no need,” Lovelenica interrupted.

Lovelenica shook her head, her patience for explanations clearly exhausted.

Even if the Archmage refused, she possessed the means to ensure the transaction was completed.

“Lucia has already signed the contract. Failure to uphold it will inevitably result in a backlash.”

“It matters little whether you report it or not. I will personally negotiate with the Church.”

“If you find it troublesome, simply step aside and allow me to explain the situation to the Church using the Holy Edict.”

This was the true reason Lovelenica had brought the two girls to the great hall.

Her purpose was not to confront the Archmage, but to utilize the Holy Edict within the hall.

This sacred artifact, positioned on the altar in the great hall, was the sole means of communication between the outpost and the Royal City.

Upon hearing this, the Archmage’s face darkened even further.

Lovelenica’s words clearly indicated she held him in utter contempt, offering him no respect whatsoever.

Only moments ago, the Archmage had been commending Lovelenica’s contributions and humility.

Now, however, he felt nothing but her disdain and arrogance.

He yearned to reject Lovelenica sharply, yet the standing of the three individuals before him was utterly beyond his reach.

Especially Lovelenica; his own strength and status were vastly inferior to hers.

Crucially, Lovelenica was speaking the truth.

Lucia, as the Church Saintess, was an exceptionally important figure within the Church.

Should Lucia suffer a backlash due to the contract, the ultimate blame would undoubtedly fall upon him, the leader of this Monster Hunt Exercise.

With both Lovelenica and Julie under the protection of the Crimson Family, he alone would be left to bear the responsibility.

Yet, after Lovelenica’s blunt declaration, if he were to simply tuck his tail and flee, allowing her to make the report, he would be left with no dignity whatsoever.

His reputation would be utterly trampled, as if Lovelenica had deliberately cast it to the ground and crushed it beneath her heel!

“Archmage, please, hear me out first.”

Just as the Archmage hesitated, Lucia suddenly stepped forward, speaking with utmost deference.

“Sir, the reason I wished to exchange scores with Julie is because—”

Lucia proceeded to recount the entire sequence of events to the Archmage.

Of course, it was the sequence of events as seen through Lucia’s own eyes.

In truth, after Lovelenica’s earlier slap, Lucia had been utterly shocked and disbelieving.

She could hardly fathom that Lovelenica would actually side with Julie, let alone treat her in such a manner.

She had, after all, stepped forward to defend Lovelenica, provoked to action only by hearing insults directed at her teacher.

Even when Julie had personally hurled insults at her, Lucia had never once considered resorting to violence.

To be treated this way by Lovelenica genuinely pained Lucia, even causing her a moment of doubt.

‘Could it be… that Lovelenica hadn’t truly changed, and everything before had merely been an act?’

However, when Lovelenica retaliated with an even harsher slap to Julie, Lucia instantly understood.

Lovelenica had merely been protecting her, trying to make her calm down.

Lucia’s physical prowess far exceeded that of an ordinary person.

Had her punch truly landed on Julie, Julie would undoubtedly have suffered severe injuries, and the situation would have become irreversible.

And then, the slap to Julie.

This, too, served as a form of protection for Lucia. Neither side truly came to blows, and both received punishment from Lovelenica, their guardian.

Within this outpost, as their guardian, Lovelenica possessed the authority to discipline them. A simple thirty lashes each would settle the matter.

Even if Lovelenica’s slap to Julie was indeed harder than the one she gave Lucia, no one could truly object.

Given the significant disparity in their physical constitutions, their reactions to the blows were hardly indicative of anything.

Upon realizing the depth of Lovelenica’s thoughtful effort, Lucia was overcome with profound shame.

Recently, her own impulsiveness and recklessness had repeatedly plunged her companions and teacher into difficult situations.

While each predicament had, against all odds, resolved itself acceptably, it was unrealistic to expect someone to always bail them out.

This time, her own rashness had nearly ignited an even greater problem.

If only her mindset had been calmer, her foresight sharper, she wouldn’t have instinctively reached for violence as a solution.

Indeed, brute force offered the quickest and most direct path to resolution, but such a method relied on absolute power.

If her strength truly surpassed that of the Crimson Family and the Church, she could naturally disregard all rules and directly confront Julie.

However, at present, she was merely a low-ranking professional, burdened with the title of Saintess.

In this world, many matters simply could not be resolved through force.

If she truly possessed skill and wisdom, she would have simply used words to dismantle Julie’s composure, provoking Julie to strike first.

In such a scenario, Lucia’s side would then be the justified party.

In summary, having regained her composure, Lucia realized she still had much to learn.

She vowed never again to act with such impulsiveness.