NOVEL WEB Chapter 452
The cult that proposed cooperation with Al-Yabd sent reinforcements.
The Inquisition Officers, exorcists, scholars managing and researching ancient texts in the archives, along with a battalion-level force from the Order of the Holy Knights.
I questioned whether it was really necessary to dispatch so many personnel just to deal with a single vampire… but seeing that Al-Yabd had also deployed a similar scale of manpower, it seemed they had their own reasoning for such preparations.
If two religious groups that looked at each other like cattle, pigs, and chickens managed to team up, there must be a good reason behind it. At least, that was how it seemed – I didn’t know, but the religious folks might have some kind of rationale.
Just as information warfare fell under the expertise of Information Agency Agents, dealing with issues like the undead or demons should surely be the domain of the priests, right? Perhaps the Inquisition and the Penance Committee could handle the vampire problem.
Alright then. I’ll leave the resolution of this situation to them for now. First things first, I’ll make sure Camila, Lucia, and Francesca are looked after, and then drop by the scene occasionally to gather information.
Specialization and division of labor. It was nothing short of a perfect plan.
So the plan was perfect.
Only the plan.
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Episode 17 – The Blood-Drinking Tree
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“My sister~”
If there were anyone who could casually treat the only two saints of the cult, they would either be a high-ranking priest or a close acquaintance with a personal bond.
In that sense, there was only one person who could refer to Saint Lucia as “my sister.”
“Big sister…?”
“Luciaaa~!”
Veronica threw her arms around Lucia. Just after finishing her rounds and packing her medical bag, Lucia blinked her rabbit-like eyes with surprise as she sank into Veronica’s embrace.
“How did you get here?”
“I came to see my sister~ Didn’t you miss me?”
“Of course I missed you. It’s nice to see you.”
“Really, really? You’re glad to see your lovely sister?”
As Veronica petted Lucia’s head and added playful remarks, Lucia began to smile awkwardly, clearly blushing.
It was a reunion between the two after quite some time.
“Um… um…”
To my eyes, which knew better than anyone else the relationship between Veronica and Lucia, this scene didn’t seem particularly awkward. However, witnessing Lucia’s embarrassed smile and the way Veronica fussed over her like a baby stirred something peculiar within me.
It felt akin to watching a middle-aged woman act childish…
“Colonel?”
“Ah, um, yes.”
“Why are you looking at this so disrespectfully? Do you have some strange thoughts?”
“Strange thoughts? Not at all…”
“What do you mean by ‘not at all’?”
Her narrowed eyes cast a dubious glance my way. While I thought I’d given a natural response, it seemed I couldn’t fully deceive the saint’s perceptiveness.
Anyway, just being quick-witted.
I did my best to shake my head and avert my gaze. Veronica, who had been scrutinizing me with suspicion, huffed and turned away with a playful air.
“How was life in Mauritania? Was there anything uncomfortable?”
“Not at all, sister. There was no discomfort. The charity organization that has been caring for patients for a long time helped me, and the monastery also provided support. Of course, I received a lot of assistance from the coalition and the government as well.”
“Oh, how commendable! It seems like just yesterday you used to cling to me for snacks, and now look at how much you’ve grown!”
“…Um, sister…!”
“Ahaha! You’ve been through a lot, Lucia!”
Though she had become a proper lady and an adult, to Veronica, Lucia still appeared just like a child, and she looked at her sister with such affection.
“Ah, um…”
With her face flushed from embarrassment, Lucia bowed her head. It seemed this reaction greatly entertained Veronica, who playfully waved at Lucia.
“Ah, I’ve detained a busy person just because of my happiness. Alright, take care! See you later~!”
Lucia, taken aback by the voice that seemed to vanish, could barely wave her goodbye.
Waving her hand in a swift farewell, Veronica quickly exited and closed the door.
I watched this scene with discontented eyes directed at the saint. Veronica, brushing her hair beneath her ear, began to grin mischievously.
“What’s with that stare? It’s not like you’re seeing this for the first time.”
“…Don’t you get tired of it? After all, you’ve teased her more than just once.”
“Tired of it? Not in the slightest! It’s always fun. Each time feels like something new.”
“…Ridiculous.”
Anyway, as expected of a weirdo.
With a tired expression, I rubbed my forehead, and Veronica, filled with mischief, chimed in.
“Now then, let’s set aside the fun with my little sister and get back to work, shall we?”