Chapter 56: An Unexpected Ally and a Hidden Agenda

Lucia felt a surge of secret relief upon seeing a female mage step in to help her. Neither she nor Lovelenica had revealed their aura, ensuring they remained hidden for now.

However, she hadn’t anticipated a mage appearing here. What if the Bloodkin had already targeted her, and seeing a mage, decided to abandon their attack?

“Miss, why are you drinking alone here?” the mage asked. “At your young age, being in a place like this by yourself makes you an easy target for undesirable characters.”

Although the female mage had taken a seat uninvited, much like the greasy man before her, Lucia didn’t feel the same immediate aversion.

For one, the mage maintained a respectful distance. She hadn’t brazenly plopped down next to Lucia, but rather settled into a chair directly opposite her.

Secondly, the mage seemed to lack any ulterior motives. The greasy man had clearly harbored ill intentions towards Lucia, but this mage not only appeared harmless but had also come to Lucia’s aid. Naturally, Lucia felt no animosity towards her.

Lastly, there was the mage’s identity itself. The Mage Association and the Knights’ Order worked alongside the Church to protect humanity and purge evil. Lucia inherently held a greater affinity for mages and knights.

“Uh… I’m just in a bad mood, drowning my sorrows here…”

The female mage frowned upon hearing Lucia’s words.

“You look underage, don’t you?” she observed. “Girls your age should be home sleeping by now.”

With that, the mage made to stand and head towards the bar.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lucia quickly grabbed the mage’s robe, stopping her from approaching the bar.

“Sis, Sister! What are you doing?”

“I’m going to tell the bartender you’re underage so they can kick you out. Let go.”

“No, please, Sister… it’s so late outside, it’s not safe for me to go back alone.”

The mage raised a delicate eyebrow, then settled back into her seat, her tone tinged with slight reproach.

“So you *do* know it’s dangerous outside at night?”

“Recently, there have been several murders in Cariso City,” she continued. “All the targets were girls like you, out past midnight.”

At this, the mage lowered her voice.

“You probably don’t know this, do you? The one committing these murders is a Bloodkin. They especially crave the pure blood of maidens like yourself.”

“If you understand, then go home immediately.”

Lucia’s pupils flickered slightly at this, as if she were deep in thought. Then, she too lowered her voice and spoke.

“Mage Sister, since you know these deeds are the work of a Bloodkin, I won’t hide it any longer. I am actually a nun. Knowing that particular Bloodkin preys on girls like me, I specifically dressed this way, hoping to lure them out.”

“Oh?”

This time, it was the mage’s turn to be surprised. She eyed Lucia with a mixture of belief and doubt, questioning,

“So the Church intends to send you as bait? If that’s the case, do you have others in the tavern?”

“Yes, my teacher is watching from somewhere in the tavern.”

“Is she also a nun?”

“Mm.”

“Wait, aren’t nuns generally quite weak in direct combat?” the mage pressed. “The Church actually sent only two of you for this mission?”

As she voiced her doubts, the mage subtly observed the people around them from the corner of her eye. However, after a quick scan, she found no suspicious figures. It seemed Lucia’s teacher was exceptionally well-hidden.

“My teacher possesses Fourth-tier strength. She’s a Guardian Nun specializing in defense, capable of ensuring my safety and holding off the Bloodkin until the Night Watch arrives.”

“I see… Do you have anything to prove your identity?”

“Yes.”

Lucia quickly summoned a crucifix from her Holy Ring, allowing the mage a brief glance before swiftly retracting it.

“Heh heh.”

The mage let out a soft chuckle. After learning Lucia’s true identity, she no longer regarded her as a mere underage girl.

“So that’s it… No wonder you seemed so uncomfortable. The Church wouldn’t permit such attire, I imagine.”

“By the way… do you really think this outfit will lure out a Bloodkin?” she mused. “It feels more likely to attract greasy men like the one from earlier. Though, I must admit, it is quite eye-catching; even I’m a little tempted.”

“Hey!”

“Haha, just a joke.”

With Lucia’s identity and purpose now clear, the mage even found herself in the mood to joke around.

“So, what’s your next move?”

“There isn’t really a concrete plan,” Lucia admitted. “Just wandering around the city’s weakly guarded areas in the middle of the night. Today, I’ll wait in the tavern until three, then head back to the Church.”

“Alright. Did me chasing that fat man away disrupt your plans?” the mage asked. “How about I join you for the rest of your operation?”

“Eh? Won’t that be too much trouble for you?”

“Not at all. In fact, I’m out here tonight precisely because I’m hoping to find that Bloodkin myself.”

As she spoke, the mage removed her robe and her mage’s insignia, tucking them into a black Spatial Ring.

Lucia could tell this was not the Holy Ring issued uniformly by the three major organizations, but a storage ring crafted from a different material.

Beneath the mage’s robe was merely a set of ordinary casual clothes, not as provocative as what Lucia wore that day, yet still hinting at a certain charm.

“There, now no one will recognize me as a mage,” she declared. “Let’s stick to your original plan.”

The two chatted idly at their table. At the mage’s enthusiastic urging, Lucia had several more glasses of fruit wine. As the alcohol took effect, a faint blush spread across Lucia’s cheeks. Soon, it was three o’clock, and time for them to return.

“Are you alright, Lucia?”

The mage, having chatted extensively with Lucia, naturally knew her name. Of course, she had also introduced herself: Rachel, a Fourth-tier Mage.

Watching Lucia’s unsteady gait, Rachel appeared somewhat concerned.

“N-no, I’m fine…” Lucia hiccupped. “I definitely had a bit too much to drink, but… with you and my teacher here, even if that Bloodkin really shows up, we can handle it…”

Hiccupping, Lucia led Rachel out of the tavern.

“Honestly, you’re supposed to be the bait,” Rachel sighed. “How can you be so careless?”

Rachel followed behind Lucia, watching the slightly tipsy girl ahead with a helpless expression. However, as Lucia turned, her back to Rachel, a strange smile flickered across Rachel’s face.