Watching the twitching fat on Chauvin's face, Charles suddenly understood.
Oh, I see now—this isn't just a list of all the black market powers in South Harbor District; it's also a roster of all the lawless elements who have ever paid him a bribe!
As for those who haven't greased his palms, Chauvin uses the guise of stamping out evil—dragging his subordinates to make life hell for them in South Harbor until they either cough up a "gift," or get run out for good.
Damn…
Looking at the documents in his hand, Charles wore an expression of disbelief, shooting Chauvin a rather peculiar look.
So it's true—behind every villainous power there's always a corrupt bureaucrat acting as their shield. In South Harbor, it goes a step further: the so-called shield is none other than Chauvin himself, the very man who's supposed to stamp out crime!
No wonder law and order's a disaster here.
Tsk…
His mind spun with a hundred thoughts. Noting the change in Charles's face, Chauvin hurried to explain, his face embarrassed: "It's not like I wanted this, Priest. South Harbor's always been broke, and the higher-ups never send us funding. With what little we have, there's no way I can keep enough guards on staff."
"So, even though we know who's breaking the law, sometimes there's just nothing we can do—there are too many, and too few of us. But now that you're here, with your strength, you'll be able to uproot them all!"
He laughed weakly, realizing halfway in that there was no way to justify himself—and so tried shifting gears, flattering Charles.
Charles just smiled, already done with this dirty cop. He glanced through a few more pages and said, "Alright then. We will start our investigation of cultists using this list as our focus."
As he spoke, his eyes flashed. Picking up a pen from Chauvin's desk, he drew a circle around a few names: "First… let's start with the remnants of the Xanathar's Guild!"
Chauvin slapped his thigh. "Priest, you've got a sharp eye. Those guys are the worst!"
"What's more, they took a hard hit half a year ago. Now that they're desperate, they're the most likely to seek help from devils! I've suspected them for ages. Just wait here, I'll start drawing up plans right away—we'll rip them out, root and stem!"
Charles nodded slightly, smiling back at him.
After hashing out a few more details, Charles stood and took his leave, making his way back toward the monastery.
Upon arrival, he immediately took out his Sending Stones, infused them with magical energy, and notified the nuns still at the mountain branch to bring their team home.
He was planning to wipe out the criminal element in the slums with thunderous force. For that, he'd need a well-trained unit—namely, the battle nuns!
...
That night, deep in the mountains, in Willo's private tent at the monastery branch—
"Oh…"
Sweet, melodic sounds echoed in the room. Willo lay naked on her soft, oversized bed, her eyes glassy, her face flushed with heat.
Beside her, Theresa was still clad in her creamy, gold-trimmed opulent nun's robe, her expression at once astonished and severe. One arm curled beneath Willo's neck, her hand kneading the satyr's ample chest. Her other hand was down between Willo's thighs, wrist pressed to the satyr's delicate curls, middle finger sliding deep into her secret garden.
"Oh…"
Willo moaned softly, her plump thighs squeezing tight, making Theresa's finger sink even deeper into her soft flesh. Her whole body trembled, waves of indescribable pleasure rolling over her—so intense, she was on the edge of crying out.
Her body was floating in bliss, teetering on the brink. She was just a touch away, just a spark from that wild, ultimate peak…
Willo responded eagerly to Theresa's skillful touch, but for some reason—though she'd easily have reached climax by now, tonight just wouldn't let her over the edge. She was growing desperate, her eyes wet, but—no matter what—they just couldn't get there.
"Sigh…"
Theresa finally let out a weary sigh, stopping abruptly and withdrawing her now-soaked fingertip.
Drenched in pleasure and aching for more, Willo came back to her senses with a start, her voice confused: "What's wrong, Miss Theresa?"
"Why did you stop…"
Her body was still burning up with need, craving even more that hadn't been sated. This sudden halt left her completely lost.
"Ah…" Theresa sighed again, her tone apologetic. "Sorry, Matriarch Willo."
"Desire grows with age and experience, but there's only so much a finger can do…"
She shaded her own responsibility—though really, she knew plenty of techniques that could have sent Willo soaring to cloud nine tonight.
She just hadn't used them.
And that was on purpose.
Disappointment immediately swept over Willo. Her longing was as yet unspent—she ached to be filled, to satisfy the emptiness still gnawing within her.
But she didn't want to seem like some insatiable wanton, so in the end, the satyr matriarch forced a smile. "It's fine, Miss Theresa, truly—I'm satisfied already. Thank you for your effort."
She, too, let out a quiet sigh. The mood grew briefly awkward, and Theresa considered saying something—maybe gently steering Willo's thoughts toward "enjoying the rain with Charles."
But Willo broke the silence herself: "Theresa, there's something I wanted to ask you."
"If I wanted to take refuge in your Church of the Goddess of Life… what should I prepare for?"
She hesitated over her words, but Theresa's eyes lit up at once. "You don't need to prepare much at all—as long as you understand the goddess's creed and live by her teachings, that's enough."
Her eyes glinted as she instantly made a plan. "In fact, Priest Charles summoned all of us back to South Harbor District to take on a cult purge—I'll be leading the main unit there."
"Why not come with us? It's safe with the whole group. And at the main monastery, Priest Charles can personally lead you through the baptism and bring you into the church."
Willo looked surprised. "Already? That soon? I…"
She felt a bit nervous; she'd never done anything like this before, and it was impossible not to feel anxious.
Theresa smiled warmly. "Don't be scared, Willo. The ceremony is short, and it won't restrict your life in any way."
"After all, you've always acted in ways the goddess values—protecting nature, healing the wounded, fighting demons. If the goddess saw you, she'd be overjoyed. You've been walking her path all along, better than most believers ever do!"
Theresa did her best to comfort the satyr, gently easing her doubts. "The one thing missing is just this little ritual. Come home with us—once you've done it, you'll truly be one of us."
Softly persuaded, Willo made up her mind.
"Alright!" She took a deep breath. "I'll go with you!"
Having settled the decision, she finally felt at peace. With her heart's question resolved, the anticipation for tomorrow snuffed out her restless longing; her eyes closed, and she soon drifted into deep sleep.
Theresa, meanwhile, smiled slyly, and then vanished into streams of light.
The next morning, outside on the clearing beside the tent—
"What?!"
Adele stared at her mother, who was already fully prepared for departure, disbelief etched across her face. "You're going to Liberl Port, and want to be baptized at Priest Charles's monastery?!"
Willo returned her daughter's look with a warm smile. "That's right. I'll be traveling with Miss Theresa's group, for the safety and company."
"Adele, while I'm away, I'm leaving the tribe to you. Ah, don't worry—most matters should resolve themselves, and anything truly tricky will only need higher-circle magic."
She clenched her fist in a supportive gesture.
She had no idea Adele was fuming inside.
Charles!
That scheming playboy was luring her pure-hearted mother right into his lair!
Baptism, really? Once she's inside his den, won't mother be his for the taking?!
No way—I won't let it happen!
Adele nearly ground her teeth to dust, but then forced an angelic smile. She dashed forward and grabbed her mother's arm. "Mom, I want to go too!"
"I've never seen the big city—I don't want to stay behind! Please, let me come with you. Miss Theresa, can you take me along too?"
Willo hesitated, worried. "But I have official business this time, and if we both leave, who'll handle things for the tribe…"
"Leave it to Miss Nidalee!" Adele jumped in. Charles's plan only called for the witches and battle nuns to return—Nidalee the druid would stay with the mountain folk as their leader.
Though she'd always considered Nidalee a bit underwhelming for a druid, Adele was now singing her praises: "She's seasoned and powerful, and as you said, most issues the kin can solve alone."
"Please, Mom—let me come too. I don't want to be separated from you again…"
She pouted, clinging tightly to Willo's arm.
Willo could only sigh, "What nonsense, Adele? Sooner or later, you'll get married and have to leave your mom anyway."
Adele giggled, "We'll see about that. As far as I'm concerned, my only plan is to stick by your side for the rest of my life!"
That was exactly how she felt. After considering finding her mother a new husband, she discovered that none of the supposedly excellent men could pass her standards.
So, abandoning the idea, she settled on her new plan:
If I can't find a worthy partner for Mom, I'll just walk this road with her myself!
It's not like I'd ever fall for one of those arrogant, boring guys my age anyway… she thought, hugging Willo's arm with no intention of letting go.
Faced with her daughter's stubbornness, Willo could only weigh the situation. At that moment, a flash of light heralded Theresa's arrival. "If Miss Adele wants to see the city, let her. Our work is finished here, and Nidalee can handle things."
"Besides, there's so much to learn outside—this is a good chance."
Willo relented, stroking Adele's hair with a gentle smile. "Alright, you can come."
Adele relaxed, and even found herself feeling grateful to Theresa: Even if she does shamelessly flatter that playboy, at least she has some sense!
This trip to Liberl Port—if I'm here, I'll make sure Mom never gets hurt!
Bright with resolution, she gazed toward the southeastern reaches of camp, as if her sight pierced to distant Liberl Port.
Just you wait, Charles—I won't let Mom fall into your clutches!
...
The news of Willo wanting sanctuary and baptism with the Goddess of Life had already reached Charles's ears. Naturally, he was delighted; hearing that Theresa had talked her into coming to South Harbor made him even happier.
As for Adele tagging along—he didn't pay it much mind. Please, even if you're here, do you really think you can stop your mother from getting what she wants?
He felt perfectly at ease.
Two days later, at noon, at the South Harbor District tram stop.
Charles, with Andny beside him, stood quietly in the cold wind, waiting for the approaching tram.
Trams running late were pretty common with the city's messy roads, but Theresa had just messaged via Sending Stones: "Almost there." He and Andny came early and waited patiently at the stop.
Before long, a lumbering tram rattled into view, screeching to a noisy halt at the platform.
After the workers checked everything was clear, the doors finally opened and passengers streamed out.
At a glance, Charles spotted Theresa's tall silhouette among them, with Sophia and Ekta right behind.
Following them was his team of fourteen battle nuns, now in the city and out of heavy armor. Their maces and ion blasters were all tucked away in their Bag of Holding.
And finally, the special guests for today's baptism in South Harbor District—Willo and her daughter, Adele.
Oddly enough, despite Willo being in her thirties and Adele barely out of her teens, it was the mother who peered around with a child's curiosity—eyes wide, awed by every city sight.
Adele, by contrast, looked mature and seasoned—expression calm, unmoved by the city bustle, her eyes locked unwaveringly on Charles.
Her face radiated wariness, as if daring him to try and steal away what was most precious to her.
Charles, for his part, took it in stride, greeting the arrivals with a sincere smile as he stepped forward: "Welcome home, eldest sister. And welcome to our family, Matriarch Willo!"
Willo smiled, about to reply graciously—when her daughter cut in with an unhappy snort. "Mother's just here for a baptism, not to join your monastery as a nun!"
"We'll be leaving together as soon as it's done!"
She said this as she stepped in front of Willo, arms protectively circling her mother, guarding her with all her might.
Willo was painfully embarrassed, bowing her head and scolding in a whisper: "Adele!"
Adele pouted. "Well, it's true—the tribe still needs your leadership, Mother!"
Charles merely smiled, unfazed. "It's a term of our faith," he explained gently. "Anyone who shares our belief is a brother or sister. It's fine that you didn't know, Miss Adele."
He paid no mind to the little mother-complex, and continued. "Let's not stay out in the cold—let's get back to the monastery where it's warm."
The group had no objections. Following Charles's lead, they headed toward the monastery. Along the way, Charles turned to the nuns and laid out the task: "In short, we suspect that devil-worshiping cults are active somewhere in Liberl Port. I've reported this; the higher-ups are taking it very seriously, and ordered me to team up with the South Harbor Guard for a full investigation of suspicious elements."
"After discussing with Captain Chauvin, we've agreed to focus on the slums and their criminal element first…"
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