Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 95 - 91: Target: Naranya

Mr. Raymond ultimately did not entertain his malevolent thoughts, under the guise of saying, "The Holy Light shall not compel anyone, even if they remain lost in confusion."

Lyle still remembered the last Purifier that gentleman had mentioned, the unlucky soul who was forced into the fiery ordeal.

It wasn’t that Raymond had learned humility, but rather, in his view, seeing Lyle in the Sea of Holy Light during a revelation, the certainty of his eventual return to the Holy Light was a foregone conclusion. With the assurance that the objective would ultimately be achieved, Raymond did not mind putting on a perfect display of the gentlemanly grace he did not possess.

He chanted a blessing for Lyle, politely escorting him out of the chapel.

Watching Lyle with a look of seeing a ghost, mechanically walking away with three steps and a turn back, the doors of the Church of Holy Light finally closed.

The luminescence on Raymond’s body suddenly became obscured and dim, which seemed to correlate closely with his mood.

"Aryan, you’ve seen it too; our cherished Purifier has shown his potential, and I won’t allow him to be coveted by dark forces. Have you completed your task, Dissenter, Lady Aryan Pengbai?"

The silver armor immediately performed a kneeling salute, "By your will, Your Highness Raymond, I have expelled the church forces heading to Lafillin for the third time. They won’t cause significant casualties before they have time to reassess the situation."

"As for the real identity of Purifier His Excellency, based on the investigation in Lafillin, I have an initial estimation, but further confirmation is needed."

"So, what is your estimation?"

"His Excellency the Purifier may come from... Cassandra."

"A familiar name, isn’t it? Once a nun serving at Dawnlight Cathedral."

"Yes, my well-known homeland, Cassandra." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"In these unpredictable times, every seed is precious. Andrey’s Holy Light forces must rise to balance the uncontrollable powers and protect him, Aryan. When necessary, you are permitted to use special methods."

"The Holy Light be with you."

......

The new and improved Shuishui had become much more sensible, at least when it was hidden in clothing while traveling, it no longer secreted mucus to moisten its own back. Lyle quickly grew fond of this dryness. Mr. Garrett had specially approved a delicate silk shirt for Lyle, so as to not appear too shabbily dressed for his trip to the neighboring province’s security district.

Even Ralph had to adorn himself more delicately, as Mr. Garrett splashed a bottle of luxurious cologne on his face, "This will be deducted from your bonus."

Karen donned the nun’s robe she had first appeared in, a long staff with an ivory cross, and her golden hair was neatly wound up under the black nun’s hat. Seemingly uncomfortable in the altered garment, Karen’s pace had slowed considerably, her modest stature revealing the demeanor of a demure woman, but Lyle believed she just felt constrained, finding it too tight.

"Your Highness Lyle, the Holy Light be with you!" Karen greeted him warmly, as radiant as the rising morning sun.

"Karen, didn’t you say the nun’s habit didn’t suit you?"

"Yes, Your Highness Lyle, but if we’re up against vampires, the dark magic resistance of the church garment is much more effective than the crisp security officer uniform," she waved a small fist, "it’s all for justice!"

Looking at Karen’s adorable form, Lyle nodded to himself, yes, for justice, cuteness, too, is justice.

"Your staff, Karen, are you starting to work like a nun? Spreading blessings, prayers, and the like."

Karen’s face wore a smile as she leaned close to Lyle, one hand shielding her mouth as she stood on tiptoe to whisper by his ear— a feat normally out of reach for her undeveloped body of around one meter sixty, had Lyle not been a gentleman.

"This is a disguise, a special holy light-imbued staff provided by Monk Salian. Your Highness Lyle, you will soon see the greater Hammer of Holy Light I can summon with this secret weapon, as well as my striking figure brandishing this formidable tool on the battlefield!"

Karen even took the opportunity to swing the staff around a few times, sweeping down Mr. Garrett’s coat rack, the chandelier hanging on the wall, and Mr. Garrett’s glossy toupee in the process.

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Ralph grabbed Karen and Lyle by the collars and dragged them out the door, leaving behind a comment, "We’re leaving now, any damages will be deducted from Karen’s salary."

Mr. Garrett reattached the fallen toupee to his head, his large face twisted with anger. His small monocle was deeply embedded in his flesh. He opened the door to his office and bellowed outside.

"Church personnel are here to aid, not earn regular wages! I’ll deduct it from your salary, damn it, they’re your people!"

When the three squeezed into the brownish-green carriage parked outside the security station, Ralph gave Karen a thumbs up as she sat down, "Well done, Mr. Garrett’s bald head could provide my entertainment for the second half of the year."

The coachman cracked his whip and the sound of horse hooves and rolling wheels became the main melody for the time being.

Tree shadows filtered through the carriage curtains as Karen was providing her two companions with some professional knowledge and tools.

A bottle of liquid glowing faintly inside a beautiful glass container caught Lyle’s eye; he thought the bottle was worth more.

"Holy Water, smear it on yourself, it can make vampires and other dark creatures detest your scent. When they bite, they might hesitate for a few seconds. A more effective method is to splash it directly on them, they will burn as if exposed to the harsh sunlight. This method could be difficult for you, as even the lowest-ranking blood servant is much swifter than you."

"I suggest smearing it on yourself. I guarantee within those few seconds of hesitation, I will smash their heads."

Lyle voiced his doubt, "I’ve heard garlic is remarkably effective against vampires."

"Foods with strong odors like garlic are effective against all creatures with sensitive smell, but you can’t expect vampires to be afraid of garlic."

Ralph moved his lips, "If garlic is useful, you dim-witted nephew, why don’t you carry some with you?"

"If I carried that stuff, would you even let me in the carriage? Even if it really worked, once we get there, can’t we just find any household with a kitchen?"

Lyle took Karen’s Holy Water and passed it to Ralph, "Take more, uncle. They say Holy Water can drive away darkness, for you, it’s just what the doctor ordered."

Ralph didn’t accept it. Instead, he pulled out a stick-like object and tapped Lyle’s head with it.

"You keep it for yourself, I have this, that’s enough."

In his hand, naturally, was the alchemical fire gun, Dragon’s Kiss, procured from Old Barkin.

Karen frowned, "Nonsense and superstition."

"If it works, it works."