"So this is a town from another world? It doesn't look all that different from the Middle Ages..."
"At least the environment is much better than the medieval era. The roads are paved with stone bricks, and there's no filth lying around."
"This architectural style... looks French, but the people's clothing isn't medieval at all. It has more of a Renaissance feel, even somewhat modern."
"The number of pedestrians on the streets and goods at the stalls—this is clearly a rather prosperous town..."
Teams from various nations diligently recorded their observations, looking this way and that as they walked.
If they hadn't been barred from stopping, they might have lingered to examine everything around them in detail.
Their curiosity wasn't one-sided. The local inhabitants were also watching this procession intently.
Compared to the locals' attire, modern clothing stood out conspicuously. The only figure who evoked any sense of familiarity was Theresa, walking at the forefront.
Though the style was unfamiliar, Theresa's garments faintly echoed religious vestments—though anything more specific eluded their perception.
The church was a prominent feature in this town, being the only tall, white structure.
From any corner of the settlement, one could look up and see its roof. In that regard, the Church's influence in this world seemed considerable.
"Lady Theresa... Shouldn't you change your attire?"
Lainer voiced his concern.
Religious conflicts in medieval times were fierce; clashes between different sects were commonplace.
What if the faith here had developed in a completely different direction from theirs...
"No need to worry. I don't sense any danger here. Besides... while caution is necessary, if we approach everything with a mindset of lowering ourselves first, we might as well raise our hands and surrender right now."
Theresa shot him a sharp glance.
"Ah..."
Lainer belatedly realized his offense.
After all, Theresa was a top figure in their own world. To retreat without even taking action here would be nothing short of an insult.
The Valkyries' expressions toward Lainer turned rather unpleasant.
With an awkward chuckle, Lainer retreated to the back, refraining from further comment.
A procession of nearly a hundred people arriving in town, heading straight for the church with clear purpose—this was no small matter.
Someone had already informed the church's priest, also mentioning that the leading white-haired girl's attire carried a distinct religious aura.
Thus, upon reaching the church's main entrance, they were greeted by a middle-aged man with graying hair and a kindly face, smiling as he approached.
"Welcome, travelers from afar. May the Lord watch over you."
"Greetings, Father."
As the person of highest status present, Theresa naturally took the lead.
Her phrasing and tone held no particular deference toward an elder.
The middle-aged man formed a guess but said nothing further, instead stating, "Greetings, madam. I am Cavendish. God welcomes all visitors unconditionally, but at the moment, the church lacks space to accommodate everyone. I must ask, madam, to seek other arrangements for your followers elsewhere."
The Valkyries' clustering and respectful demeanor seemed to have given the priest the wrong impression, but it was harmless enough.
"We are a merchant caravan from another land. We encountered some trouble along the way and lost many of our supplies, which is why we came to the church, hoping to find a place to rest."
Theresa's gaze swept past the priest, taking in the scene behind him.
As the priest had said, many people in ragged clothing were inside. Despite being the town's most imposing structure, it starkly contrasted with the prosperity outside.
To sell the story, most of them had smudged dirt and dust on their clothes. Coupled with the various packs and bundles carried for survival, the excuse was fitting.
"Just as I thought."
The priest's eyes dimmed slightly before he continued, "Your timing is unfortunate. Not long ago, two dragons fought in the vicinity."
"They not only destroyed a city, turning all its inhabitants into refugees, but also drove the nearby monsters into a frenzied state."
"Now, one of the dragons has perished, while the other circles the forest, nursing its wounds. The displaced monsters, their territories destroyed or seized, attack any living being on sight without hesitation. They've already assaulted numerous merchant caravans and travelers."
Glancing once more at Theresa's attire, the priest inquired curiously, "Madam, does your nation permit members of the Church to engage in trade?"
Asking such a question directly suggested the Church here was more lenient and tolerant than imagined—lacking the rigid strictness of a typical medieval setting.
Realizing this, Theresa grew bolder.
"While not explicitly forbidden by rule, almost no one does so."
"My companions and I are undergoing a trial; traveling with the caravan is merely a matter of shared path... By the way, I am Theresa Apocalypse."
"Theresa... Apocalypse..."
Hearing the name, the priest's eyes widened slightly. This was no ordinary name.
Theresa (God's gift) Apocalypse (Apocalypse)—though "Apocalypse" is precise, its truer meaning is Revelation, carrying connotations of world destruction and the end times.
In other words, this girl's name could be interpreted as "God-given destruction of the world."
Then, looking at the strikingly large cross she carried on her back, the priest felt his hands tremble. For a moment, he was at a loss for how to react.
Finally, he swallowed hard and managed to speak. "So it is Lady... Theresa."
The priest didn't even dare utter that surname aloud. He couldn't fathom her true identity.
Bearing such a massive cross alone proved she was no ordinary person.
Coupled with that name... I'm just a priest... Is this God's trial for me?
"Is there anything else you require?" he asked, barely suppressing the panic in his heart.
"I'd like to learn about this town, and this country. I hope you can share some insights with me and my... attendants."
Theresa had no idea of the whirlwind of thoughts that had just swept through his mind.
"The caravan also needs to understand the current situation, so I'd like to bring one of their members along. As for the others, I'll have them wait outside."
"Of course. If lodging isn't required, the church can accommodate many. Please, proceed inside first. I shall instruct the deacon to fetch some water."
The priest nodded. Only after watching Theresa's figure enter the church did he seek out the deacon distributing food not far away.
"Tyrone! Have the townsfolk prepare to flee at any moment! This town may not remain peaceful much longer!"
The priest, convinced he had received a divine revelation from Theresa, wore an anxious expression.
He had long harbored worries about the dragon recuperating nearby, but abandoning one's homeland was no small matter for the people. The priest had also trusted that God would protect this town.
Yet Theresa's arrival made it impossible for the priest to suppress his lingering fears any longer. They had to prepare for every possibility.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.