Chapter 19: The Next Holy Maiden
Loseweisse wasn’t usually an impulsive woman, but her hatred for Angelica had consumed her, twisting her thoughts, fueling her darkest desires.
In the past, she had treated Angelica like a plaything, a source of amusement and sadistic pleasure. It had been enjoyable, watching her once-formidable rival reduced to a broken, subservient shadow.
But she had never imagined that Angelica would have the audacity to rise again, to steal her spotlight, her glory.
The thought filled her with a venomous rage. She regretted sparing Angelica’s life. Such a creature should have been eliminated, her existence erased.
If Angelica had been dead, she wouldn’t have been at the banquet.
Loseweisse was certain that Qin Chu had only chosen Angelica because of his maid fetish. Without the maid, he would have chosen her, the Holy Maiden, the most desirable woman in the land.
Her regret, her hatred, twisted her thoughts, pushing her towards the brink of madness.
If only Angelica had never existed…
The thought took root in her mind, blossoming into a dark obsession.
Kill her.
The urge to eliminate her rival grew stronger with each passing moment.
Angelica, though possessing some magical talent, was powerless, her strength sealed by the collar she wore. Killing her would be effortless.
And afterwards, she could simply blame it on the Demons.
After all, if they could infiltrate the banquet and attack the Hero, surely they could kill the woman he had chosen?
There might be some suspicion, but it wouldn’t matter. The Church would handle everything, ensuring that all evidence pointed to the Demons. And Qin Chu, a newcomer to their world, would have no choice but to accept their version of events.
Besides, Loseweisse doubted he would care that much. He was infatuated with maids, not with Angelica specifically. They had only met a few hours ago. How much could he possibly care? She could easily replace her with a dozen other maids, soothing his bruised ego.
She smiled, her expression a mask of gentle concern, as she approached Angelica.
Angelica, sensing the murderous intent hidden beneath that saccharine smile, backed away, her throat tightening, her body trembling. “Mistress, what are you doing?” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
“You can’t kill me…”
“The Hero won’t allow it.”
She didn’t want to die, not now, not after finally finding a glimmer of hope, a chance at a new life.
Loseweisse laughed, her voice cold and mocking. “Still clinging to the Hero, are we?”
“Don’t be delusional, Angelica. He doesn’t care for you.”
“He likes maids. That’s all. He likes the uniform, the subservience. He doesn’t care about you as a person. Don’t worry, once you’re gone, I’ll wear a maid outfit for him. I’ll make him forget you ever existed.”
“Imagine that, Angelica. The Holy Maiden, dressed as a maid, just for him. He’ll be thrilled.”
Angelica’s face paled, her mind rebelling against Loseweisse’s cruel words.
No, she thought, her heart clenching. Qin Chu wasn’t like that. He was kind, compassionate.
She backed away, but there was nowhere to run.
Just as Loseweisse was about to close the distance, a figure stepped between them.
“Loseweisse, what are you doing?”
Loseweisse turned, her gaze falling upon Pope Augustus. He had just concluded his meeting with the Emperor and the High Priestess.
“Nothing, Your Holiness,” she replied, her smile returning, all traces of malice vanished. “Just saying goodbye to my little maid. I’ve grown rather fond of her, you see. It’s hard to let her go.”
She had effortlessly resumed her Holy Maiden persona, her voice soft and sweet, her expression serene.
“I see,” the Pope said, his gaze fixed on Angelica. “I need to speak with her.”
“Of course, Your Holiness,” Loseweisse replied, bowing her head respectfully. “I’ll take my leave.”
She turned, her smile widening.
The moment she was out of sight, her expression twisted into a grotesque mask of hatred.
The Pope turned to Angelica, his gaze stern yet reassuring. “Angelica,” he said, his voice calm and measured. “Congratulations. The Hero has chosen you. It is a great honor.”
“Serve him well, and do not disappoint him. Understand?”
He hadn’t needed to speak to her personally. As the Pope, he could have easily summoned her or sent a messenger. But he wanted to demonstrate his… concern.
Even if it meant compromising his dignity, he would personally oversee this matter. After all, sometimes, condescension was the most effective form of manipulation.
He had saved her, she realized, a flicker of gratitude warming her heart. But it was a fleeting emotion, quickly replaced by a cynical awareness of his true intentions.
He saw her as a tool, nothing more.
“The Hero is crucial to the Heavenly Continent’s survival,” the Pope continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “We cannot afford any mistakes. You must fulfill his every desire, no matter how… unconventional.”
There it was. Angelica sighed inwardly. The Holy See, encouraging her to… compromise her morals?
She wasn’t surprised. She had known, the moment she accepted Qin Chu’s proposal, that she would likely be forced to make… sacrifices.
“You will be his constant companion,” the Pope said, his gaze piercing hers. “Observe his actions, his interactions, his words. Report everything to me.”
“This is not to spy on him, Angelica. It is for his own good. He might possess two Super-tier Abilities, but he is still a newcomer to our world, easily manipulated. There are those who would exploit him, twist his power to their own ends. I will not allow that to happen.”
Angelica remained silent, her expression unreadable.
The Pope, unfazed by her lack of response, continued. “And one more thing.”
“I will reopen the investigation into the Holy Maiden selection incident.”
Angelica’s head snapped up, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“The previous Pope had just stepped down. My authority was still tenuous. I wanted to investigate, but… there were… obstacles.”
“This time, I will get to the bottom of this. I will clear your name.”
“And then…”
“I will appoint you as the next Holy Maiden.”
“Serve the Hero well, Angelica. I have great faith in you. Once you become the Holy Maiden, you will be a worthy match for him. You can finally marry him, without shame.”
…
“Achoo!”
Qin Chu rubbed his nose, a shiver running down his spine.
Someone was talking about him, he thought.
He dismissed the feeling, his focus on Candice and her impending… demonstration of loyalty.
The bar was empty, Candice nowhere in sight. The Succubus Princess had transformed into a hunter, her prey a fellow Demon.
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