What’s worse, love was far from perfect, as lifeless as a graveyard.
After the marriage, Hefei discovered that her husband was a faithless man. He was indifferent to her devotion to the Nature Goddess, and he restricted her behavior rigorously, demanding she be an elegant lady rather than burying herself in work every day.
Why didn’t you say anything before we got married? Were you mute when we dated?
Who are you grinning at like that? If you had told me earlier, would I have married you?
The couple fought frequently, and as the arguments escalated, Hefei began to experience domestic violence, which only subsided after the birth of the ’fruit of their love.’
Hefei thought this was a good sign, believing the bastard was finally coming around. Little did she know, it was the beginning of his intensified control. With a daughter now, her husband tightened his grip even more, even demanding she resign from her church position, eventually leading to an acrimonious separation and a protracted standoff.
Hefei’s husband, Austin Lando, had some influence in Lundan, and he pressured the Naturalism Church Windsor Branch through the Windsor Royal Family. Hefei, having given up her Holy Maiden status, had a nearly invisible position in the church. The Windsor Branch was happy to accommodate Austin, in exchange for political and economic Continue reading more chapters on NovelHub for the best experience.
Infuriated, the overlooked one headed straight for Paris, starting from the grassroots level.
The friendship between Hefei and Flora blossomed during this period, going from rivals to sisters-in-arms, envied by many for their seemingly splendid alliance.
Later, Flora was recalled to the Naturalism Church headquarters to serve the Goddess as a Holy Maiden, enjoying an immensely elevated status as the spokesperson for the Nature Goddess.
Hefei, however, had to rely on herself, fighting her way up to become the leader of the Scalpel Organization and carving out her place as a District Priest.
Twenty years later, the higher echelons stopped sidelining this outstanding Naturalism Disciple, and Hefei, on her own merit, secured the position of Windsor District High Priest, returning to Lundan in glory.
They talked about a lot, reminiscing about the past and the present, and before they knew it, two hours had passed.
"Flora, you’ve come from afar, and it must have been tiring. I’ve already arranged a place for you to stay. Let’s not talk about official matters today, rest well for the day."
"Thank you, High Priest..."
"Just call me Hefei, I’ve told you, I do not regard you as a subordinate."
"Okay, Hefei, see you tomorrow."
The two embraced briefly, and Flora left the meeting room with a smile, followed by the still smiling Hefei.
The moment the office door closed, Hefei’s expression turned cold. She wiped her hands in disgust and muttered under her breath, "Ugh, how repulsive. Why did it have to be her? That little bitch is no easy target, filled with scheming and plotting. I don’t believe for a second she’ll just meekly assist me."
Back in her office, standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains and plains, Hefei thought about Flora’s formidable strength. As a former Holy Maiden who had received many teachings from the Nature Goddess, Flora was definitely a powerful ally.
With her Continue reading more chapters on NovelHub for the best experience.
However, Flora was ambitious and extremely competitive. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than being the top dog. She would never be content with being just a District Priest.
While a District Priest might seem on par with a Priest from the headquarters, the disparity in status was vast. Flora traveling all the way to Lundan was definitely not for retirement.
"She wants to be the High Priest..."
Hefei murmured to herself. Flora had already reached the peak at the Church headquarters. To climb any higher, she needed to accrue seniority and time, which didn’t align with her expectations. A person unwilling to settle for mediocrity would not endure obscurity, hence she volunteered to gain political capital through external placements.
Conveniently, her relationship with Flora was superficial, and her own recent succession as High Priest was not yet secure.
After piecing together the potential motives and consequences, Hefei silently closed her eyes. Flora had brought her trusted subordinates, all well-trained elites, while Hefei’s loyal followers were in Paris, leaving her without capable right-hand men; power would slowly be siphoned away from her.
"All the better, I’ll let you have a share of the power. From now on, you’ll be wholly responsible for the two knights."
In the West District of Lundan, on Manor Avenue.
Wayne gazed at the mansion before him, almost as large as the villas in Enrold Town, and was impressed by his teacher’s wealth. She worked so hard every night; was this what successful people did?
He thought again about his teacher, who was not only wealthy but also a powerful Mage. Wayne clenched his fists in envy.
Oh, it’s the teacher’s own house, never mind then.
With one phone call, Hefei had all the manor’s servants, including the Butler, take a paid leave of absence.
The mansion was deserted, eerily quiet, meeting Wayne’s requirement for no disturbances. He wandered around, familiarizing himself with the place in case he needed to navigate it during emergencies.
In the basement, Wayne discovered a tunnel resembling a bomb shelter, stocked with essential supplies for living.
The design and supplies reminded him strongly of the Lando Family’s underground tunnel in Enrold Town. Turning on the wall lights, Wayne thought that the wealthy truly cherished their lives; if he wasn’t wrong, the tunnel must connect to the city’s sewer system.
The rich did not disappoint him; within two minutes of walking and opening a sluice gate, he had entered the sprawling underground network.
"Fellow countrymen, what a coincidence to find you here!"
Wayne was overjoyed, spreading his arms wide, and he enveloped his countrymen with his copious tentacles, drawing them close.
As the saying goes, to meet is fate, and countrymen should look after and understand each other when in a foreign land.