Villainess X Villain: They are obsessed with each other!-Chapter 48 -: 47 The calm before the storm.[2]

Another month flew by like nothing.

Now, only 15 days were left until the Student Council President election.

Everyone was super busy. Candidates ran around giving speeches, making big promises:

"We will make sure everyone is equal!"

"All students will have the same rights!"

"No more unfair rules!"

Blah blah blah.

Most of them said the same sweet things to get votes.

But one candidate was completely different.

Rosalina Valentina kept saying the same thing over and over in every speech:

"You are inferior. I am superior. Don’t feel bad about it.

As the superior one, I will protect all you inferior ones."

She said it with her chin high, eyes half-closed, and that tiny proud smirk.

Because of her super arrogant words, almost nobody wanted to vote for her anymore.

When the final list of candidates came out, only two names really stood out:

Alia Ruth and Rosalina Valentina.

But after Rosalina’s speeches, people started turning away from her fast.

"She’s too full of herself."

"No way I’m voting for someone who calls us inferior!"

So Rosalina got pushed aside.

And right at that moment, Zenifar Rose stepped up.

She was kind, smart, always smiling, and said all the right things about equality and fairness.

Suddenly, it looked like only two real candidates were left: Alia Ruth and Zenifar Rose.

Rosalina? Most people had already written her off.

Meanwhile, far away in the Holy Empire...

The huge Church of Goddess Benigore was buzzing with excitement.

Just a few days ago, shocking news had spread like wildfire:

After 500 long years, someone was finally taking the Saint Trial again.

The person? Uriel.

The whole empire was in a festive mood.

Bells rang all day. People prayed in the streets. Flowers and lights decorated every corner of the grand cathedral.

Inside the Pope’s private meeting room, a round table was surrounded by important people.

Cardinal Raphael sat on one side. Bishops and archbishops filled the other chairs.

At the center sat the Pope herself.

She listened quietly, a small, worried smile on her gentle face.

"Your Holiness," Cardinal Raphael said in a calm but serious voice.

"I know exactly what you’re worried about.

It’s the Saint Trial, after all.

No matter what we do... there will be interference."

The Pope sighed and rubbed her temple slowly. Her gentle face looked tired.

’You are right, Cardinal Raphael."

"The problem is... during the Saint Trial, we aren’t allowed to fight. Only the paladins are allowed to fight."

She spoke softly, but everyone in the room felt the weight of her words.

"It was a rule set long ago, even before the first Saint Trial. Back then, the three floating continents were united."

"The ancient families, like Hayes, Thorne, and Valentina, helped guard against any attacks or interference. They stood together to protect the trial."

The Pope paused and looked around the table.

"But now... because of peace, those families stay in their own territories. They don’t come out anymore. So we can’t count on them."

The bishops and archbishops nodded quietly. The room felt heavy.

"Don’t worry, Your Holiness," Cardinal Raphael said in a calm, strong voice. He leaned forward a little.

"The paladins are strong. Our commander just passed his 4th Heavenly Trial.’

"He’s one of the best we’ve ever had. I’m sure we can protect the Saint Trial from any invasion."

He smiled to comfort her.

Archbishop Seren spoke next. She rested her chin on her hand, thinking.

"And the royal family said they would send the commander of the Holy Knights too."

Her voice was steady.

"So we will have the best paladins and the Holy Knights together. That should be enough."

The Pope looked at them both. Her worried smile softened just a tiny bit.

"...I hope so," she whispered. "Uriel must pass this trial. After 500 years... the Goddess has chosen again. We cannot fail her."

You are right. We must see this through," Cardinal Raphael agreed, his voice firm. "We can’t let any disturbance happen, no matter what."

He leaned forward, eyes serious.

"And what we must do is protect the Saint Trial. I’m sure the devil worshippers will definitely try to intervene. So we have to stop them at any cost."

"Indeed," Archbishop Aurin spoke up. He folded his hands calmly.

"As long as we pass the trial and Uriel becomes a saint... then we can find those hidden evil ones and take care of them without much effort."

"Yes, I agree."

One by one, the others nodded.

"Agreed."

"Same here."

The room filled with quiet agreement.

After a short silence, the Pope stood up slowly. Her gentle face turned serious.

"Alright, everyone. The meeting ends here."

She looked around the table.

"Now go prepare for the trial. We don’t have much time. It’s just 15 days away."

The bishops and archbishops rose from their seats at once.

They bowed deeply toward the Pope, then walked out one by one.

Their footsteps echoed softly in the grand room until the heavy doors closed behind the last one.

Cardinal Raphael was about to stand too when the Pope spoke.

"Cardinal Raphael... you may stay."

Cardinal Raphael stopped midway as he glanced at the Pope, then respectfully nodded,"Yes, Your Holiness."

He sat back down.

Once the room was completely empty, the Pope sank back into her chair. She rubbed her temple again, looking tired.

"Have you sent all the invitations?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, I have," Cardinal Raphael answered.

"I sent three to the Royal Arcane Academy... and two to each of the ancient clans across the three floating continents."

He let out a small sigh.

"I don’t know about the ancient families, they’ve been silent for so long. But the academy... they will surely come. After all, they still owe us for that day."

"Hmm..." The Pope hummed softly. She leaned back in her chair, eyes half-closed.

"I hope everything goes well..." she murmured.

Then her expression changed.

Her soft eyes slowly sharpened. A cold, dark light filled them, pure killing intent.

"And once Uriel becomes a saint..." she said, voice low and dangerous, "I promise... I will massacre all these evil ones hiding in the empire!!"

The golden light deep in the cathedral pulsed once, brighter and fiercer, like it answered her vow.

Cardinal Raphael didn’t flinch. He only bowed his head slightly.

"As you wish, Your Holiness."