Volume 1 Chapter 544

Chapter 544: The Gap Between Me and My Mentor!

Lolth could tell that Dorothy was definitely not having a pleasant dream.

Although she couldn’t enter Dorothy’s dream this time, by observing Dorothy’s expression—her tightly furrowed brow and the faint beads of sweat on her forehead—Lolth could make an educated guess…

Dorothy was likely "recalling" fragments of her past.

During moments of unconsciousness, when her soul teetered on the edge of "chaos" and "loss of control," some of the memories that had been locked away or lost would resurface.

Considering that Dorothy had just endured a particularly unsettling nightmare, and though Lolth wasn’t entirely sure what had triggered it, she decided it would be best to take Dorothy for a stroll around New Dawn City to help clear her mind.

As a mentor, Lolth felt it was her responsibility to ensure her student remained in good spirits.

Even though they were now within the jurisdiction of the Holy Lieto Empire, and their primary objective was to "heal" Dorothy, it was wise to proceed with caution.

However, Lolth believed that excessive caution was not only unnecessary but also counterproductive.

Ensuring Dorothy’s happiness was the most beneficial thing for her recovery. Keeping her confined within the church, relying on the Holy Spring of The Church of Light—which might not be particularly effective—seemed less than ideal to Lolth. She thought it would be better not to have come at all if that were the case.

Adopting a tourist’s mindset and exploring New Dawn City seemed like a far better approach—especially since they had the confidence and capability to remain undetected. There was no reason to stay hidden.

After making sure Dorothy was fully rested, Lolth began to use Magic Perception to discreetly map out New Dawn City.

It didn’t take long for Lolth to find a "perfect spot."

It was a "park" located in the heart of the city, near the New Dawn City Cathedral.

Across the entire continent, aside from the Republic of Seychelles, only within the Holy Empire could one find a public park akin to the gardens Lolth had seen in another world.

In other human kingdoms, and even in ancient civilizations, such spaces were typically private estates reserved for individuals or families.

Of course, in the Holy Lieto Empire, this park was technically owned by the church and not a true "public space."

However, it was open to all believers.

Belief in the God of Light and adherence to the Holy Light were enshrined in the laws of the Holy Lieto Empire, so the park was effectively open to everyone.

"Devout Outdoor Activity Area."

The park was primarily centered around an "open square," with several gardens surrounding it. Its purpose was to showcase the church’s generosity, allowing ordinary citizens to partake in activities like "strolling and enjoying flowers," which were typically reserved for nobility in other nations.

Occasionally, a stage would be erected in the open square for performances of "free plays" that celebrated the lives of devout individuals.

Of course, compared to the entertainment options in Hillenbrand Town, this still felt somewhat lacking.

In Hillenbrand, there were similar laws and performances that promoted the values of hard work and equality for all, though they weren’t as frequent as here.

After all, there were so many things one could do in Hillenbrand!

Lolth had even invented playing cards and developed two sets of board games.

However, as a teacher, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to lead her amnesiac student into playing cards while they were out and about…

They would have to settle for visiting the "Activity Area" in New Dawn City, which would at least allow them to experience the unique customs of the Holy Lieto Empire.

At that moment, a large crowd had gathered there, and Lolth surmised that a "free play" was likely underway.

After leaving Giloviev Church with Dorothy, Lolth opted not to ride a horse this time. Instead, she walked with Dorothy to the "Devout Outdoor Activity Area" in the center of New Dawn City.

The distance wasn’t far; they arrived in just over ten minutes.

Upon reaching the venue, Lolth initially planned to have Dorothy stand at the edge of the crowd and simply observe. However, they were suddenly noticed by some of the worshippers.

"It’s Your Excellency the Bishop!"

A voice from a follower rang out, and instantly, the crowd surrounding the temporary stage in the central square shifted their gaze to Lolth at the edge of the gathering.

Everyone displayed expressions of reverence and astonishment, with some even appearing slightly apprehensive.

The crowd swiftly parted, creating a clear path between Lolth and the temporary performance stage, with no one daring to step forward.

Lolth glanced around, suddenly aware of the weight her bishop’s robe carried.

Perhaps, within the vast Holy Empire, a bishop of a small church might merely be an honorary figure, not particularly significant.

It’s akin to the court, where a seventh rank official is only slightly above a minor functionary.

But…

To the common folk, even a ninth rank official is a revered authority.

Now, the citizens of New Dawn City, upon seeing a young woman in a bishop’s robe, naturally stirred up quite a commotion.

Even the church personnel on stage, who were preparing for the performance, halted their tasks, ceasing the arrangement of the stage and the rehearsals, and dispatched the highest-ranking individual among them, dressed in a simple priest’s robe, to approach Lolth.

"Respected Your Excellency the Bishop, do you have any commands or guidance for us?"

He inquired with deference.

Though he too was a priest of The Church of Light, his rank was evidently far below that of a bishop.

Whether Lolth was a powerful regional bishop or merely an honorary bishop of a small chapel, as long as she donned the white robe adorned with dark golden patterns, she was his "superior."

After all, those responsible for such routine performances and those involved were predominantly grassroots members of The Church of Light or the Holy Lieto Empire.

Even in smaller towns, it was common to enlist local townsfolk as actors.

In the Holy Empire, this "Devout Outdoor Activity Area" served not only for daily activities but also as a venue for many bishops to deliver their "sermons."

If Lolth were to suddenly decide to give a "sermon," their performance would naturally have to be postponed or canceled to accommodate her.

Lolth heard the question and smiled, shaking her head.

"There’s no need to be nervous or concerned about me… I’m merely observing."

As Lolth spoke, she truly exuded the aura of a "leader on an inspection."

She gestured with her hand, indicating that everything should proceed as usual, and then turned her attention to the surrounding crowd.

"Everyone, just pretend I’m not here!"

Despite Lolth’s words, the people around still hesitated to stand before her and block that invisible path again.

Lolth had no choice but to proceed to the front of the stage with Dorothy, and only then did the crowd on either side gradually close in.

However, a small buffer of space remained around the two of them.

Dorothy observed Lolth, who appeared somewhat resigned, and then glanced at the crowd, whispering softly:

"Teacher, they all hold you in high regard."

"It’s awe, and what inspires that awe is this robe."

Lolth tugged at her bishop’s robe and shook her head.

"This is not a good thing…"

Dorothy listened to Lolth’s words, her expression tinged with confusion.

"Oh, why is that?"

"Because of ‘distance,’ of course. Having distance isn’t a problem," Lolth said, her gaze lingering on the empty space between herself and the surrounding followers. "If I were someone who complacently believed that this distance should exist, then that would be the real issue."

At this point, Dorothy nodded slowly, as if she somewhat understood.

"I see…"

Observing Dorothy’s reaction, Lolth paused to reflect…

Her disciple was, after all, the princess of the Golden Peacock.

Considering that the targets of Dorothy’s vengeance likely extended beyond the "evil ones from hell" to include her aunt from the Golden Peacock and those aristocrats who were the "direct cause"…

In time, Dorothy might inherit that country.

If she so desired.

After all, Dorothy seemed to hold a deep affection for her mother, and she would likely feel a sense of responsibility toward the nation her mother had poured her heart into.

Legally speaking, Dorothy was the first-in-line heir to the Golden Peacock Kingdom.

In fact, it seemed she might be the only heir… There had been no mention of siblings, and her aunt, who effectively controlled the entire country, appeared to have no children or descendants.

Thus, Lolth considered that perhaps it was time to teach Dorothy more than just cooking—perhaps some knowledge about governing a "nation" or how to be a competent "ruler."

Though Lolth had managed Hillenbrand Town quite well without relying on any specialized "ruler knowledge," she believed that, as someone from a time with a far more advanced social structure, she could help Dorothy become at least a capable queen.

Of course, she would need to gauge Dorothy’s thoughts—after she had fully recovered.

If Dorothy had no desire to rule, Lolth would find a way for her to escape the burden of inheritance.

Before Lolth could dwell on this further, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the stage.

Though the sudden arrival of the "bishop" had slightly disrupted their plans and added an undercurrent of pressure, the free performance proceeded as scheduled.

The man in the priest’s robe surveyed the congregation below, his eyes briefly flickering toward Lolth before he cleared his throat.

"All who believe in the brilliance of the Lord are His followers, His people. We should treat one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of the divisions of earthly kingdoms."

"Those who dedicate themselves to spreading the Lord’s brilliance are worthy saints, and we must honor their deeds."

"Thus, today, I bring to you the tale of the ‘Holy, Noble, and Protector Saintess’!"

At the mention of that name, Lolth’s eyebrow arched slightly.

She was familiar with this Holy Maiden—one of the most formidable in history.

To be both a Holy Maiden and the Pope… that alone was unprecedented.

Moreover, she had emerged victorious from the few internal conflicts that had erupted within the Church of Light.

No…

"Calmed" might be a more fitting term.

Not only had she quelled the infighting among the church’s factions, but she had also single-handedly expanded the territory of the Holy Empire by a significant margin.

The divine spells she had devised could fill two entire pages!

And, notably, she was the first to make the Holy Communion truly delicious.

This is also an important reason why Lolth remembers her.

"Self-discipline is an extreme virtue, but if everyone is forced to practice it, then this virtue loses its meaning."

To make the Holy Communion delicious, she even seriously used her authority as a pope to add a few limited quotes to the teachings, thereby endorsing her invention of a tasty Holy Communion!

This is also why many generations of Holy Maidens later would make changes to the Holy Communion, including the current seventy-seventh Holy Maiden, who was influenced by her to improve it.

Just this made Lolth feel very fond of her.

So if it were any other pope or sage, Lolth might not be interested in looking.

However, this "Holy, Noble and Protector Saintess," Lolth is very willing to learn about her achievements.

Of course, Lolth does not know… that in a certain sense she is looking at her own "achievements."

After all, the seventy-seventh Lady of Light in the torture tower sees her as this one!

At this moment, the current Lady of Light was indeed looking at the books collected by Lolth.

"Another cooking book… It seems that the senior does not support forcefully promoting ‘self-discipline’."

Closing the "Basic Cooking of the Eastern Seven Kingdoms" in her hands, the Lady of Light sighed.

Janine Irene, who was eating a fruit platter nearby, heard her Holy Maiden’s sigh and struggled to swallow, letting out a dissatisfied grunt.

"She says, ‘Feeling your own emotions and desires is also a form of sincere practice’… In simpler terms, she just doesn’t want to follow the ‘self-restraint’!"

She said with a lot of hostility.

Even though she couldn’t directly criticize Lolth because of her Holy Maiden’s stance, Janine Irene still didn’t feel good about Lolth.

Of course, whether it was because Lolth was a "betrayer" working for the demon race or some other unspeakable reason, even Janine Irene herself was unsure.

The Lady of Light understood Janine Irene’s feelings very well; she only shook her head slightly without correcting her guard and playmate too much.

"But it seems like I haven’t seen my senior in a while…"

"I heard that sprite say she seems to have left the town," Janine Irene said, then showed an eager expression, "Isn’t this our great opportunity, Your Holiness!"

The Lady of Light shook her head gently.

"No, Irene, I have said that I will not leave here until I get the ‘answer’ I want."

"Besides, the current Church of Light, Holy Capital, and Holy Empire probably aren’t the right time for me to go back."

The Lady of Light said as she gently rubbed her forehead.

Her own disappearance would likely become the turning point that brings the church’s faction struggles into the open.

Even if she went back now, she probably couldn’t stop all of this.

So… it might be better not to go back.

Just as this elder once wrote in the sacred texts…

"It is not necessary to be involved in everything to be faithful."

The difference between myself and the elder may be found in this "choice"!