Faust was naturally unaware that Azure Maiden had set a trap for him, but even if he knew, he would have felt it didn't matter, perhaps even laughing aloud.
How did you know Brother Faust was destined to visit the 【Sleeping Beauty】 script sooner or later? Truly, I thank you.
When the time comes, Brother Faust will be sure to be gentle when he uses Great Thunder to excavate it.
After a period of preparation, Faust officially set out to participate in the trials prepared by the Sanctuary.
Because this was not a military operation of the 【Sacred Alliance】, but merely an invited adventure trial, there was no need to bring an army along.
Yusewood and Lola did not intend to accompany him; neither had the time, nor did they have the desire or necessity to undergo such trials.
Thus, Faust set off with only three witches and a small squad of wolf-kin acting as guards.
Utilizing the advanced transportation network within the 【Sacred Alliance】, Faust and his group quickly arrived at the Sanctuary branch.
Though called the Sanctuary's largest branch in the southern empire, it was in reality the capital of the southern territory, Saint-Vevia.
After all, aside from the Deep Blue Sea where the Sanctuary headquarters resided, the Sanctuary monastic order held no territory of its own, merely renting land from local lords to establish parishes.
Due to the Sanctuary's advantages in technology, trade, and education, most local lords were more than happy to provide them with grounds; it was, as they say, all benefit and no harm.
Aside from the imperial capital, the cities where the Four Guardians resided were the most prosperous in the empire. When Faust arrived in Saint-Vevia by train, he was stunned by the magnificent city.
From the moment its outline first emerged on the horizon, from hills to mountains, from plains to great rivers, every inch was covered in flourishing, spectacular architecture.
"Oh, this city, it looks quite good."
Irithea leaned out of the train window, gazing into the distance as the night fell and the city illuminated with brilliant light. Though it had once existed as a military fortress, after years of development and governance, its military function was no longer visible.
"We are not here for a tour, though there is indeed a banquet at the Sanctuary parish to attend tonight. I hear it is being hosted by the local master, that imperial princess."
Faust felt only a brief moment of awe at the spectacle of Saint-Vevia; after all, this city was not his domain, and he was confident that he could build the capital of Qingxi to be just like this, or even better.
Rather than focusing on the city, Faust was more concerned with another, more important matter.
【Writing a sequel for the witches' feast for the first time, I feel a bit nervous just thinking about it】
"Mephisto, can you stop pretending to speak in my voice? I almost thought I said that out loud."
Faust rested his cheek on his hand, looking out the window:
"But you are indeed correct. Whether or not we succeed depends on this experiment. We might have results as early as tonight. Heh, I am truly looking forward to it."
.......
The Sanctuary parish estate was situated on the highest gentle slope on the north side of Saint-Vevia, occupying an entire city block. This estate was a "permanent church property" leased by the Sanctuary from the Governor's Mansion.
The outer courtyard of the estate had been transformed into a grand reception area. From the main gate to the main building, a deep red velvet carpet was laid out. On both sides, a carved lamp post stood every ten paces, with a fist-sized fluorescent stone floating at the top of each, illuminating the entire corridor as if it were daylight.
All sorts of carriages formed a long line in the outer courtyard. Some were magnificent and exquisite, others low-key and restrained. Attendants moved between them, guiding the guests dressed in their finest attire into the brightly lit emerald mansion.
The imperial architectural style was mostly Baroque, with complex exterior carvings and vibrant colors, while the interiors were decorated with the utmost luxury. The Sanctuary, having no dogma of restraint or poverty, had added a sense of sacred solemnity to the original decor.
When Faust entered the estate with his companions, he attracted many side-glances.
It was not because he was particularly conspicuous—in fact, having switched to a carriage, the night was already deep upon his arrival, and the main banquet had long since begun. The issue lay in the appearance of himself and his companions.
At such an appropriate banquet, Viviana did not take the form of 【Cinderella】; she remained in her perfectly tailored royal guard knight uniform. Her long, pale golden hair draped over her neck, making that face, forever exquisite as a painting, appear even more cold and otherworldly.
The young maiden held one of Faust's arms, her magnificent dark purple eyes scanning the surroundings calmly, silently taking in every glance and every whisper. This was the instinct of a royal guard knight. No matter how the occasion changed, her duty never shifted.
Selena held the prince's other arm, her posture elegant and natural. Her silver eyes swept over those admiring or scrutinizing gazes with just the right amount of haughtiness, a smile lingering on her lips.
Irithea, on the other hand, had expressed her impatience to join the festivities the moment she entered the estate, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Even in this fairy tale world where average attractiveness was extremely high and physical capabilities were akin to manga characters, the 【witches】 were absolutely at the peak of beauty. It wouldn't make everyone intoxicated like in a Mary Sue novel, but at least, heartfelt exclamations of wonder were guaranteed.
The other guests present whispered to one another:
"Who are those people... I have not seen them before."
"It seems they were invited by Lady Helen some time ago."
"The monarchs of Qingxi Kingdom and Midwinter Kingdom, places somewhat far from the empire. I heard they were recently unified by a prince who has achieved repeated merit. That must be him, right?"
"Also a brave one candidate? Looking at his achievements, that would appear to be the case."
"................"
There was no face-slapping scene, nor did anyone come up to strike up a conversation. Everyone simply kept their distance.
Do you have to be so pure and cautious?
This isn't right, the prince frowned. This was not at all what he had envisioned. If there were no face-slapping, how was he to put the results of the 【witches' feast】 sequel into practice?!
"Prince Faust! Welcome!"
In the end, the first person to approach Faust was an acquaintance. Sister Helen came before the prince, patting her chest to calm her nerves, and then whispered:
"May I ask, do you have a moment now?"
"Of course."
Seeing this, Faust briefly parted from his lovers and came to an empty room within the mansion with Helen.
As soon as they entered, Helen said eagerly:
"I have done everything you requested, working within the Sanctuary as much as possible, and have obtained positive results. So... forgive me, it has been too long since I was last scourged, and my pilgrim's heart for the path is beginning to gather dust."
Good grief, so urgent? And we are still in the middle of a banquet.
However, meeting Helen's expectant eyes, Faust could only place his hand on his belt and sigh:
"I really don't know what to do with you."
Helen had indeed done everything she promised, and Faust had to fulfill his reward as well.
"Yes!"
The golden-haired, golden-eyed nun, who appeared holy and alluring to outsiders, immediately knelt on the floor. Her back was straight, and her hands, encased in pure white gloves, were crossed tightly, pressing against her chin.
Then, she lifted her delicate and beautiful face and closed her eyes, her slightly curved eyelashes fluttering.
That posture was absolutely identical to prayer.
Rate on N.U.
