Chapter 256

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Chapter 256: Innocent Singer

Annottales.

The First City District.

The oldest district of Annottales, where the city was first established, has been renovated numerous times throughout the ages. Known as the Land of Dark Light, it is a place where only the clergy and nobility of the Dark Light Church, along with their servants, are permitted to reside. Without question, the Land of Dark Light is the heart of this city of hope.

Most cities within the Kingdom of Dark Light feature buildings designed in a style reminiscent of modern Europe. However, in the Land of Dark Light, within the first city district of Annottales, luxurious Western-style villas and mansions abound. The air here is fresh, the streets clean, and the absence of the usual street stalls that fill other districts is notable. Moreover, the presence of patrolling enforcers and knights is more prominent.

In one of the magnificent, dazzling mansions in the Land of Dark Light, a grand banquet was being held. The mansion’s interior exuded an air of grandeur, with classical music filling the air. Elegantly dressed servants, trays in hand, served fresh beverages, desserts, and fruits. On the stage, a waiter performed a magic trick with playing cards, earning occasional applause and nods of admiration from the young people below.

The Kingdom of Dark Light is undeniably a religious nation. As the adopted daughter of the Incarnation of Dark Light, Her Highness Evie is essentially a princess, even if not officially titled as such. Her birthday celebration was naturally a grand affair, attracting almost every important figure from across the Kingdom of Dark Light.

Hundreds of people gathered for this extravagant event, and those fortunate enough to attend were all of high rank, holding positions within the top four sequences of the kingdom.

In the Kingdom of Dark Light, a high-level priest, such as a “Pastor,” holds the rank of Sequence Three, while “Saints” hold the highest rank, Sequence One. The knights known as “Divine Blades” occupy a position between the two, in Sequence Two.

The difference between the high and low ranks in the Kingdom of Dark Light is evident in every facet of life. Many places of luxury are off-limits to those of lower ranks, and divine laws offer special treatment to those of higher ranks.

There are three ways to change one’s rank in the Kingdom of Dark Light: by altering one’s natural race, being promoted within the Dark Light Church, or becoming a noble.

At the banquet, people gathered in small groups, sipping red wine and exchanging smiles as they engaged in polite conversation.

“So, it turns out that the priest actually cared about this matter. I didn’t expect it to become such a big deal.”

“He was very concerned, to the point that he was losing his hair.”

The important figures engaged in various discussions, even if the topics were not particularly amusing. They plastered on fake smiles, following the social etiquette.

Surrounded by the most people stood Archbishop Hulse, also known as “The Pupil of Dark Light.”

His image was entirely different from that of the Left Hand of Dark Light. He was an overweight old man dressed in a loose black suit, his thick beard adding to his unkempt appearance. His eyes were cloudy, and he didn’t appear to be a saint of the religious realm at all.

Among the many saints of the Dark Light Church, most either ruled over provinces or secluded themselves for spiritual practices, rarely attending worldly affairs. Hulse, however, was an exception. As the current “Pupil of Dark Light,” his special role was to facilitate communication between the church and the ordinary people. Every Pupil of Dark Light had fulfilled this role in the past.

At that moment, Archbishop Hulse was happily chatting with those around him, discussing trivial matters and occasionally making humorous remarks that caused the group to laugh. Despite being over seventy years old, the Pupil of Dark Light was still quite talkative.

“Chris of the Divine Blade has returned, hasn’t he? Why can’t we see him here?”

Chris, the leader of the Knights of the Divine Blade, was referred to as a “creature created by the gods.” His relationship with the saints, particularly Hulse, was strained. They had become bitter enemies, often mocking each other in public.

“Hahaha! Even though he came back, he couldn’t attend the celebration. Maybe he didn’t receive Her Highness Evie’s invitation.”

“Ah, I see. So, the leader of the Divine Blade knights only ranks fifth, right?”

Amid the group of men and women, everyone was trying to please Archbishop Hulse, flattering him in hopes of gaining his approval. It was well-known that Hulse was immensely wealthy, the richest person in the entire country. A small investment from him could change the future of an entire family.

“Archbishop Hulse, long time no see.”

“You are still the same as always—full of energy and talkative.”

Several dukes from various races approached, respectfully greeting Archbishop Hulse. The dukes and high priests were on the same hierarchical level, both belonging to the third tier of the social order, outside the structure of the Dark Light Church, which was the highest rank a person could achieve.

Among them was one individual who caught Hulse’s special attention—a middle-aged man with a calm expression and ordinary features: Duke Murray. Duke Murray played a crucial role in the church’s international business dealings, making him Hulse’s most important ally.

Hulse handed his wine glass to a waiter, smiled, and opened his arms to embrace Duke Murray. Among the crowd, he embraced only this man, patting his shoulder like a friend.

“Duke Murray, it’s truly a joy to see you again. The church has recently discovered a brand-new world, and we may consider sending people to spread the teachings of Dark Light. I’m sure you’d be interested.”

Turning to the others, he exclaimed:

“After all, when someone hears about the teachings and starts believing in Dark Light, they might be curious to try local specialties. And people from our side might also be curious about the specialties from their world. Duke Murray can help both sides fulfill their wishes!”

Everyone present envied Duke Murray’s position, knowing how lucky he was to hold such a vital role.

Duke Murray, with a calm demeanor, responded earnestly:

“Archbishop Hulse, are you referring to the world of Aliin? The Air Alliance discovered them first, and those naïve folks must have already sent people to seize the resources. The Night Union’s companies won’t be far behind either… Our actions have been too slow.”

Hulse sighed.

“After all, ‘that person’ is not interested in such matters. Oh dear, he only worries about the world’s fate. He probably doesn’t even know about our trivial issues. But for a country to function properly, resources are needed everywhere.”

He gently shook his head. When he mentioned “that person,” he was referring to the spiritual leader of the church, the Incarnation of Dark Light.

Duke Murray, still calm, remarked:

“It’s true. Without ‘that person,’ everyone would feel a lack of faith in their hearts. But without you, all the people in the country would go hungry.”

Hulse burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahaha! That’s too much! That’s too much! I’m not that amazing!”

Duke Murray smiled, then asked:

“By the way, why hasn’t Her Highness Evie come out yet?”

“She?” Archbishop Hulse pondered for a moment, then sighed. His impression of Evie was not favorable. She was well-known for her mood swings and arrogance, often embarrassing those around her with her words.

Just then, someone exclaimed in surprise. Duke Murray paused, then calmly remarked:

“Look, it seems that Her Highness Evie has come out.”

Both men turned their attention to the shimmering lights, where a woman in a light-colored evening gown with golden trim stood at the center of everyone’s attention.

She looked like an angel that had descended to earth—fair, delicate skin as white as jade, a sweet smile that could captivate anyone, and short pink hair that gleamed in the light. Her sparkling eyes were lively and bright.

“God, oh, how beautiful she is!”

“It’s truly a masterpiece of the God!”

“It is our honor to meet Her Highness Evie!”

The people gathered around were not just flattered but genuinely in awe of her beauty.

At the edge of the banquet, a man in a fitted black suit stood quietly, observing the scene. He was patiently waiting to get his meal.

“The aroma of foie gras is so strong, no matter how many times you smell it…”

Bai Yan, quietly eating the foie gras, felt saddened that he couldn’t indulge himself as his character might have. He had to savor each bite slowly. His eyes wandered to the “Innocent Singer,” who had captured everyone’s attention. As expected, the real person was even more beautiful than her pixelated depiction.

And indeed, they were sisters, their faces identical.

Though the “Innocent Singer” was the only healer among the original characters of the Babel Tower, her chest was surprisingly smaller than that of her twin sister. Bai Yan couldn’t fathom why he was so concerned with such a detail.

Beside him stood his “old friend,” Baroque, a senior priest of the Dark Light Church. Baroque, with gray hair at his temples and a flat nose, had undergone memory alterations. He raised his glass with a smile:

“Viscount Edmond, my dear friend, how are you? After laying eyes on her, do you think our Her Highness Evie is a perfect girl?”

Bai Yan paused, unsure how to respond. The Innocent Singer was indeed beautiful, undoubtedly the most stunning among thousands. But he had seen others who were no less remarkable. If he were to call her perfect, it would be insincere.

“She is indeed very perfect.”

And so, Bai Yan lied, but it cost him nothing.

“Being able to see Her Highness Evie today is truly an honor. I’m grateful to you, Baroque,” he said with a smile, trying to mask his true feelings.

Baroque chuckled, “We’ve been friends for a long time, please don’t say such things.”

Though both Baroque and Pastor held the rank of senior priests, Baroque’s actual power was that of a Potential Crown, within the material world. Little did he know, he was being toyed with by Bai Yan, who had altered his memories.

Bai Yan continued, “I’m just not sure if I’ll have a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with Her Highness Evie.”

Baroque’s expression shifted to one of concern. “This may not be easy for you, considering our backgrounds.”

He had almost said “your status,” but quickly corrected himself to avoid offending the Viscount.

“Her Highness Evie is the most beautiful gem of this city. Her position is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Some even wonder if she’ll become the youngest saint. That’s why it’s rare for ordinary people to meet her in private.”

Baroque paused, offering a knowing smile.

“Edmond, I advise you to forget about her. Soon enough, she’ll officially join the church, and relationships like that won’t be possible for Her Highness Evie.”

Bai Yan smiled slightly. He did have a way to have a private conversation with the esteemed Her Highness Evie—even to the point where she would seek him out.

For Bai Yan, his path to finding the “key” to the Ultimate Ritual required for becoming a god lay through Evie. If he remembered correctly, the “key” was hidden underground in the Temple of Dark Light.

That massive palace, the “Temple of Dark Light,” where the Incarnation of Dark Light and divine servants resided, was nearly impossible to infiltrate. Only Evie, the adopted daughter of the Incarnation, had the chance to help him secretly retrieve the “key.”

The feast came to an end.

Back in the temporary room of the grand mansion, Evie sat in front of the dressing table. Her once radiant smile was gone, replaced with an expression of arrogance and impatience. The maids were afraid of her and carefully removed her makeup, fearing the princess’s notorious temper.

Evie was known for her

unpredictable moods, lashing

out at her servants for no

reason, sometimes even

violently. Her indulgence in the

pleasures of life was starkly

different from the austere

devotion of the saints in the

Dark Light Church.

Her reputation had never been

stellar.

Looking at her reflection in the

mirror, Evie muttered, “It’s

strange… why do I always feel

like someone is touching my

head lately…”

Kaluoer. Is that what’s

happening over there?

Taking a deep breath, Evie

said, “Did you bring all the

delicious food?”

The maids nodded and quickly

brought her a variety of

dishes. Evie ate without

showing much expression,

savoring each bite. At the

banquet, she had smiled and

conversed the entire time, but

not a single bite had passed

her lips. Her stomach growled

in hunger.

Just then, her loyal maid

entered with a message.

“Your Highness, someone just

delivered a message for you.

They say there is something

very important they wish to

discuss with you and would

like a private meeting.”

Evie asked casually, “Who is

it?”

“A young nobleman, just

arrived from a faraway place.

His name is Edmond.”

Evie froze, then smirked.

“Really? A countryside

nobleman? Now every Tom,

Dick, and Harry thinks they can

have a private audience with

me?”

“Let him go!”

Her sudden shout startled the

maids, and they trembled in

fear.

But her personal maid,

accustomed to her moods,

nodded and turned to leave.

Just before leaving, she added:

“By the way, he mentioned

something about ‘Kaluoer.'”

Evie stopped, her eyes

widening in astonishment.

Kaluoer! It’s her! Is it really her?