But after thinking it through, York decided it wasn't that troublesome.
After all, the other party was only a Novice Nun; a single chop to the neck would knock her out... "Are you absolutely certain, York?" Bishop Rolfshang still sounded uneasy.
"Certain." Thinking of Hili, York smiled. This concerned him personally—how could he be careless? Yet what came out of his mouth was something else.
"Bishop Rolfshang, you know my character. I prepare for everything in advance, so I've already made thorough preparations."
Bishop Rolfshang, however, stared at him seriously and calmly delivered a jab.
"It's precisely because I know your character that I'm a little worried."
York's calm, confident expression froze for a moment. Fortunately, the old man added a line that let him save face.
"Still, Father Yorkes, it's fortunate you took this task upon yourself."
York's expression settled; he looked at the old man.
Sensing his gaze, Bishop Rolfshang continued.
"If Headquarters had sent someone else, I'd still feel uneasy. Now I'm much more at ease."
York's face softened. "So, can you arrange it for me?"
"Of course." Bishop Rolfshang clasped his hands behind his back and smiled lightly.
"Mm." York thought of something and pressed his advantage.
"Bishop Rolfshang, I may need one more favor from you."
"Oh?"
York probed with a smile. "Could you let Novice Sister Irene stay here for now?"
Bishop Rolfshang refused outright. "That won't do, Father Yorkes. His Eminence Gregory has told me this is the Lord's arrangement.
As he spoke, Bishop Rolfshang glanced at York, as if he'd been waiting for those very words.
He also said that if you refuse Sister Eileen's company, the map marked with Saint Kata Monastery will end up in someone else's hands.
The moment those words landed, York pictured the old man's all-knowing smirk; his cheek twitched.
Fine—his old man's move was ruthless. Without the map, York had no idea where Saint Kata Monastery lay.
No one could simply hear the name of an unfamiliar place and know its location, let alone Saint Kata Monastery, hidden deep in the mountains; that would be even harder to find.
If he could, he'd slam the door and go home without another word—but for the sake of forty reward points, he endured it.
\"She's here.\
Just then Bishop Rolfshang spotted something ahead and spoke.
Instinctively York followed the old man's gaze.
Two figures appeared in a side passage.
An Old Nun in black habit led a young Novice Nun in white; they stepped in cautiously.
York narrowed his eyes, ignoring the elderly guide, and focused on the young Novice behind her.
By his own standards, the Novice Nun who would accompany him to Saint Kata Monastery—and likely be assigned to Pluto Church—was rather pretty.
She had a classic oval face, sweet and cute, yet exuded a gentle, homely air.
The immediate impression suggested to him that this Novice might possess a tender heart.
"Go and meet them, York." Watching the two nuns enter the building, Bishop Rolfshang crossed himself.
\"This is the Lord's arrangement.\
"Fine!"
By now York accepted the fact of the nun's company; refusal wasn't an option if he wanted the map and the big commission.
"Mother Superior." Ailin followed cautiously, still troubled by the matter.
"I'm only a Novice Nun, not yet a real member of the clergy."
"I know, Ailin," replied Old Nun Tracy, leading her to the appointed place. Something crossed her mind, disturbing her usual calm.
"I'm surprised myself, but I also know this is your best chance. If you can learn at Father Yorkes's side, you'll gain invaluable experience."
Hearing this, Ailin recalled the rumors about Father Yorkes.
He hated demons with a vengeance, had exorcised countless spirits, and once executed an archbishop declared a heretic in open court... She had never met him and could not verify the tales, yet even the stories alone carried a scent of blood and iron.
"So have you ever met Father Yorkes, Mother Superior?" Curiosity about the priest she would soon follow welled inside her.
Tracy drew a deep breath and shook her head. "Not yet."
Ailin was about to ask more—
"Well—"
But the Old Nun, seeing they had reached a great hall, stopped at the sight of the Jesus Statue at its center and cut her off.
\"We've arrived, Ailin.\
Saying this, Old Nun Tracy turned to her and spoke gently.
"Child, I know you're uneasy, but trust in the Church's arrangement."
Ailin bit her lip, gazing at the woman who had raised and guided her for so long, reluctant to part.
\"Mother Superior...\
Tracy smiled, reached out, and straightened Ailin's coif.
"Child, believe in yourself. You're the finest student Montla Monastery has ever had; I'm certain you'll find your path."
Ailin said nothing, drew a steadying breath, and nodded firmly.
The Old Nun's smile lingered as she finished adjusting Ailin's attire, then withdrew her hands.
\"All right, I must go.\
Ailin watched her and gave a quiet nod.
\"Yes, Mother Superior.\
Tracy nodded in return, walked past her, and left the hall.
Only the young nun remained, awaiting the turn of fate.
Ailin looked around the silent sanctuary lit only by candles, exhaled softly, and tried to calm her racing heart.
Yet with the Mother Superior gone, her nerves only tightened; her heart beat faster.
She knew her life's crossroads stood before her, for good or ill, all unknown.
Just then heavy, measured footsteps approached, and a calm, steady voice sounded behind her.
"Novice Sister Irene?"
Her heart leapt to her throat; she turned stiffly.
A priest in a simple cassock filled her vision.
Ailin's eyes widened.
Unlike any priest she had seen before
this one stood taller and more powerfully built, his frame perfectly proportioned.
His hair was clipped short and neat; his strong, angular features radiated firm resolve, and deep eyes gleamed with steadfast courage.
"F-Father Yorkes?"
The priest smiled warmly.
"Yes, that's me. From today on, I'll be your guiding priest. Let's do our best together."]