“What’s wrong?”
Aimoer’s tone softened slightly as she said it with the most sincere smile.
Senteli pinched her fingers, bit her lip, and hesitated for a long time before forcing out a sentence word by word.
“I’m going back to the City of Purification. Can you see me off?”
“Of course, let’s go.”
Aimoer had actually had some thoughts about Senteli’s low spirits.
Before coming to Glory City to receive the reward, she had told Senteli that she might not return to the City of Purification afterward.
Senteli was probably troubled by that.
Aimoer didn’t bring it up on her own.
Instead, she quietly accompanied her, walking all the way to the Adventurer’s Association.
“So, this is as far as you go?”
“Mm…”
Senteli nodded, looking dejected.
She pinched her fingers, pressed her lips together, and lightly stomped her feet.
After hesitating for a good while, she lifted her eyes to Aimoer, her reluctance spilling out like water.
“El, are you really not coming back to the City of Purification?”
“Well…”
Aimoer rubbed her nose.
If she had to say it, there would probably be plenty of opportunities to return to the City of Purification later.
After all, that was humanity’s border; crossing in and out of the country had to go through there.
But—
Whether she’d have time to chat with Senteli if she returned to the City of Purification was another question entirely.
Aimoer thought for a moment, then gave her a reassuring smile.
“I definitely will. I’ll come find you when I get the chance.”
‘Come on, Senteli’s affection is already this high. It’d be a waste not to keep pursuing her.’
She just needed to be fully prepared first.
Continuing the fate then would be the safest choice.
“Then next time you come, I’ll treat you to pudding.”
“Alright, I’m looking forward to your pudding.”
She stroked Senteli’s head.
It was as warm as ever.
Then she leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
“Safe travels.”
“Mm…”
Senteli was stunned for a moment.
She touched the spot where she had been kissed, nodded, and reached out as if to hug Aimoer, but quickly lowered her hands.
Seeing this, Aimoer didn’t hesitate.
She decisively hugged her, then waved her hand, watching Senteli turn and walk away until she gradually disappeared from sight.
After seeing Senteli off, Aimoer returned to the monastery and softly knocked on the door of Dean Sheng Yiwei’s office.
“Come in.”
Once she received permission, Aimoer pushed the door open and entered.
“It’s you. Have a seat. I really didn’t expect you to go out for just a few days and come back having done such a big thing.”
“It’s all thanks to Your Excellency the Bishop’s guidance. Otherwise, how would I have that ability?”
As soon as they met, Aimoer exchanged some mutual praise with the Bishop, which made him laugh heartily.
“Still as sharp-tongued as ever. Speak plainly—what does our great hero want from me this time?”
The Dean didn’t beat around the bush.
After a few casual remarks, he got straight to the point, which made Aimoer feel much more at ease.
“Mainly, the trouble in the City of Purification has been resolved. I mentioned before that I wanted to spread the Holy Light to other countries. I was wondering if you, Dean, might have some convenient transport lately that could let me travel smoothly to the Kingdom of Elven Torren Lance.”
The Dean thought for a moment, then took out a document and handed it to her.
“Well, I do have something. Recently, our kingdom is sending a diplomatic envoy to the elves for an exchange. If you need, I can have you accompany them as a religious representative, which will guarantee your freedom to the greatest extent. After the mission is complete, you can just submit an application. With your current status, staying there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Aimoer’s eyes lit up after hearing this, but she remained composed.
“Then I thank Your Excellency the Bishop.”
‘As expected, the identity of the hero nun who slew the Demon God is really too convenient. Even this old Dean speaks more pleasantly now. Looks like this trip will go smoothly.’
By the way…
Aimoer touched the silver inverted pentagram pendant she always carried in her pocket.
‘I hope I can find more information about Naya among the elves.’
“Alright, then go to the Adventurer’s Association tomorrow noon. Take this mission letter. If all goes well, you’ll be at the elves’ side by the afternoon.”
The Bishop finished speaking, scribbled something on the document, handed it to Aimoer, and gave her a “I have high hopes for you” expression.
‘This old man probably wishes I’d accomplish some great feat to help him climb up the ranks now.’
But that was fine.
A relationship bound by mutual interest was the most stable.
Aimoer wore a confident expression inwardly, then smiled as she accepted the document.
The next afternoon, Aimoer, who had successfully obtained the envoy qualification, followed the diplomatic delegation to the elven capital, the City of Vitaleti.
Compared to the hustle and bustle of human cities, the elf city had much more vitality.
White bricks covered in vines, green trees and flowers everywhere, and the fragrance of fruit and blossoms spreading throughout the city—all of it gave a more approachable, natural aura.
During the delegation’s tour, Aimoer casually picked a wild fruit from the roadside and took a bite.
Sweet.
Surprisingly good?!
Aimoer’s eyes lit up, and she started munching away loudly.
‘Looks like I’m in for a treat here. I can’t imagine how many delicious things I’ll get to eat in a country where even random roadside fruits yield such juicy, tasty results.’
Aimoer was full of anticipation.
She didn’t follow the delegation, since when she applied, she had only asked to travel with them.
Handling diplomatic affairs was not in her job description.
Aimoer wandered around the city and more or less figured out the layout.
Watching the long-eared elves walk past her one by one, she even started thinking about whether she should try to flirt with an elven beauty.
“In any case, I’ll take it one step at a time. Fate will come knocking on its own when the time is right.”
“Meow—”
Walking along the streets of the elven capital, Vitaleti, Aimoer looked around curiously.
With a completely new environment, there were so many things she wanted to see and do.
“It seems things have been pretty unstable on the human side lately.”
“Yeah, I heard there were explosions at their border last night. I wonder if they’re at war or something.”
“No wonder they sent a delegation. Are they asking for help?”
Aimoer gradually made her way to the plaza.
A statue of the Elf Queen stood in the center, and groups of elves were gathered around, seemingly discussing the latest hot topics of national affairs.
‘What nonsense are they talking about? It’s just a friendly diplomatic visit. How did it turn into a plea for help during a civil war?’
Aimoer frowned.
Ordinary residents had limited sources of information, so such exaggerated rumors were normal.
Just then, she heard a soft meow.
She looked over.
It was a pure white Maine Coon cat with golden eyes sparkling like gems, sitting on a bench, licking its paw.
“What a beautiful cat.”
Aimoer approached in amazement.
To her surprise, the Maine Coon was not afraid of people at all and even came over to rub against her palm.
“This cat is no ordinary one.”
Aimoer gently stroked the cat’s fur, sensing something unusual.
A solid-colored cat that wasn’t afraid of people—and most importantly, it had no strange smell or obvious dirt.
It was clearly being well cared for by someone.
“Oh, isn’t this fate knocking?”
Aimoer showed a smug smile.
No matter who the owner was, this would be a good opportunity for her to benefit.
Aimoer sat there until the cat got bored and was about to leave.
Then she followed it, carefully passing through several alleys, and finally stopped in front of a dead end.
“Dammit.”
Aimoer clicked her tongue.
The cat had just slipped through a small hole under the alley and gone to the other side, leaving her standing there stunned, staring at the dead end.
“Forget it. No one’s around anyway. I don’t care.”
Aimoer looked around, put away her cross, and nimbly climbed over the wall to jump down.
But she didn’t expect a girl to be crouching right behind the wall.
By the time Aimoer saw her, there wasn’t enough reaction time left to do anything.
“Thump—”
“Wah!”
The girl let out a cry, accompanied by a clattering sound, as Aimoer, in free fall, landed heavily on top of her.
“Oww… it hurts.”
Aimoer was also badly banged up.
She felt like she had hit a big rock, and her whole body ached as if it were about to fall apart.
When she came to her senses, she shook her head vigorously and finally got a clear look at the girl beneath her.
She was a green-haired elf with heterochromatic eyes of gray and gold, clad in steel armor.
Her face was a mix of wariness and terror as she stared at the uninvited guest on top of her.
Aimoer could vaguely feel her trembling.
“Boo hoo… w-who are you? What do you want?”
Tears gathered at the corners of the green-haired elf’s eyes.
Her pitiful appearance stirred up a feeling in Aimoer—
‘Makes me want to bully her even more?’
Aimoer didn’t know why that thought crossed her mind.
She looked down at the green-haired elf beneath her, suppressed the sharp pain as if her ribs were broken, and forced a strained smile—her trademark holy smile.
She decided to turn the tables and seize the initiative.
“I should be asking you that. Who are you, and why did you just happen to be on the path I was walking?”