Chapter 112 - 101: A Worker’s Career

Chapter 112: Chapter 101: A Worker’s Career

Although Father Simo and Sister Sally couldn’t attend the banquet at the Lord’s Mansion for personal reasons, Lian still sent them their rewards.

He couldn’t raise Father Simo and Sister Sally’s status in the Church, so all he could do was bestow some gold and jewels, along with a personal letter of appreciation.

Just as the young Priest was sighing that at least his work hadn’t been for nothing, the beautiful Nun opened the letter and read it aloud:

"Dear Father Simo, mere words cannot describe my admiration for you. Thank you for accompanying me on the expedition.

"We have been through life and death together and are partners who have fought side-by-side. I consider you a brother, and my trust in you is unshakable.

"Please take your beautiful nun, Miss Sally, along with my jewels—an entire chest of them—and go to the auction to bid on the Succubus for me.

"I will soon be heading to Blue Moon Territory, a journey from which I might not return. This task is so important that I can only entrust it to you, my most trusted partner.

"Oh, I will always trust you. You have earned my eternal friendship.

"You wouldn’t refuse, would you? And you wouldn’t want the Archbishop to find out that you’re a heretic, would you?

"Nor would you want people to find out that you deserted during the war and got lost, would you?

"Of course, as your friend, my lips are sealed.

"I also promise that when you finally confront the Archbishop, I will stand firmly by your side.

"To the future new Bishop of Raphael Church. May the Golden Goddess bear witness to our friendship."

The further Sally read, the stranger her expression became.

The young Priest looked as if he’d been constipated for three days. Finally unable to bear it any longer, he snatched the letter from the beautiful Nun’s hands and tore it to shreds in a rage.

’That despicable, shameless Lian Moria! He’s threatening me again!’

’When will this accursed life of servitude ever end?’

"Sally, pack your things."

The Priest rubbed the bridge of his nose and said with an air of utter resignation.

"Are we really going to the auction?"

Sally bit her lip lightly.

"Yes. We can’t give up now."

Sally nodded. She knew that once Simo had made up his mind, it was impossible to change it.

"At least we don’t have to follow him to Blue Moon Territory, right?"

Sally said optimistically.

"That’s right. Could Blue Moon Territory possibly be more dangerous than the auction?"

Simo retorted.

Sally was suddenly at a loss for words, the same three-day-constipation look appearing on her face.

Black market merchants were, after all, some of the most terrifying people in the world.

Of course, Lian hadn’t thought that far ahead. He had only entrusted the matter to the ever-so-trustworthy Father Simo because he felt he couldn’t spare the time to handle it himself.

At that moment, Lian was quietly leaving the banquet, holding Catherine’s hand, to go tumble around in her soft, large bed.

Compared to a tent in a military camp, a proper bedroom was certainly more comfortable.

’As for why he didn’t choose his own room... did that even need to be asked?’

’The Lord’s bedroom was being watched at all times by three pairs of eyes.’

’And three pairs of extremely beautiful eyes, at that.’

’Lian didn’t want to end up with any psychological scars.’

Catherine’s bedroom, on the other hand, had only one maid—Miss Mina—who had been trained to be perfectly docile.

Ever since the "offering" incident in the Golden Forest, Miss Mina would consciously keep her distance whenever she saw Catherine and Lian together, which helped avoid any awkwardness. One could even say she was repaying a debt of gratitude.

Mina stood guard at the door, her heart filled with despair.

’Her beloved Miss Catherine was in that room, yet all she could do was stand guard outside.’

"Catherine, what’s this?"

"A map of Blue Moon Territory."

Catherine handed Lian a complete map of Blue Moon Territory.

Every Lord possessed a complete and detailed map of their own territory. This one included not only fortresses, mountains, rivers, and the general topography, but also markings for ore veins. In other words, a single glance at the map revealed the full extent of Blue Moon Territory’s wealth.

The copy Catherine had given Lian was one of a kind.

Having just concluded an exhilarating round with Catherine, Lian found himself in a moment of post-coital clarity.

It was the perfect time to look at a map.

He leaned down to kiss the beauty in his arms and began to study the map by the dim light of the room.

Blue Moon Territory truly lived up to its reputation as one of the top territories in the Empire. Not only did it possess rich veins of Blue Moonstone, but it was also three times the size of Green Shade Territory.

Even with Green Shade Territory now possessing the Golden Forest, Blue Moon Territory was still twice its size.

"Catherine, just how rich was your family?"

Lian asked suddenly.

’He had been a poor kid in his last life. In this one, he’d inherited the debt-ridden Green Shade Territory. After a great deal of struggle, he was finally starting to see some results. Unfortunately, he was still a long way from financial freedom.’

’Catherine, on the other hand, was truly born with a silver spoon in her mouth, even if her path through life had been a difficult one.’

Catherine shook her head. "I don’t know, either. I never actually lived with my family."

Lian wrapped his arms around Catherine and promised, "From now on, I’m your family. You’ll always be with me."

"Mm."

Catherine nodded in contentment, resting her head against Lian’s chest.

Lian whispered more sweet nothings, deepening the bond between them.

Although Catherine constantly reminded herself not to fall in love with the man before her, the young woman’s icy heart was nonetheless set ablaze by his sweetness.

Having tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time, the young woman found herself sinking, unable to escape.

In her later autobiography, Catherine would write that love was a poison, and Lian Moria was the most brilliant of apothecaries.

The night passed peacefully.

As dawn broke, the hazy horizon was gradually tinged with a faint crimson.