Hel felt pretty good about her date with Niv.
Even counting her previous life, this was the best date she had ever experienced.
Wherever Hel wanted to go, whatever she wanted to do, Niv silently accompanied her.
She didn't make Hel wait while shopping endlessly, nor did she carry heavy bags from buying too many things.
Niv's main goal was companionship—wherever Hel was, she was happy to be there.
The two of them spent the entire afternoon strolling. As night fell, they leisurely headed back toward Heim Castle.
At the inner city gate, they spotted Vivian approaching, carrying a stack of documents.
"Good evening, Lord. May I ask who this is…?"
Out of politeness, she greeted Hel from a distance.
However, upon seeing the mask on Niv's face, she immediately realized the situation and quickly apologized:
"Sorry, I was being forward."
"It's nothing. This is Niv, my—"
"Hello, I'm Niv, Master's newly recruited personal maid," Niv interrupted, giving Hel a wink. Knowing her own identity was sensitive, she had quickly fabricated a role for herself.
"Hello, Miss Niv. I'm Vivian, a nun of the Holy Judgment Church," Vivian greeted politely, wisely not pressing about Niv's identity. As a noble, it was normal for her to see an unfamiliar lady accompanying Hel.
"If nothing else, I won't disturb you two. I hope you have a wonderful evening," Vivian said, bowing gracefully before turning to leave.
Hel, noticing the increase in Vivian's loyalty attribute, hesitated briefly, then called out:
"Vivian, are you free tonight?"
"Ah? Tonight?"
Vivian was momentarily stunned, but her cheeks quickly flushed red as she stammered:
"Well… actually I—"
"If you're free, come to Heim Castle tonight. I have something I need to discuss with you."
Vivian's face turned even redder, wanting to refuse. But when she looked at Hel's innocent little face, she realized her misunderstanding and nodded confidently:
"No problem, Lord. I'll first deliver these documents back to the church, then come to see you."
With that, she ran off.
"Master, is this what Miss Lily meant by a 'cheating cat'?"
"What did I do? I'm a cheating cat now?"
Hel realized the invitation might have seemed slightly flirtatious, but she kept her composure:
"I just needed to speak with her about something."
"Is that so? But Miss Lily said cheating cats always find excuses to cover up their deeds. Unless… Master, do you agree that I warm your bed?"
Seeing Niv say such nonsense with a serious face, Hel knew she was being teased. She replied exasperatedly:
"Fine, whatever you want."
…
In the castle's second-floor conference room, Hel stood by the window, gazing at the distant night view.
A gentle knock came at the door.
"Come in."
The door slowly opened, and Vivian stepped inside.
"Lord."
She greeted obediently, then stood quietly nearby.
"Nun, regarding my previous suggestion for you to take over the church in Heim City—have you thought it over?"
Hel got straight to the point.
"Lord, I'm just an ordinary nun," Vivian tried to refuse. Even with Hel's power, she doubted her ability to control the Heim City church.
"Don't rush to refuse."
Hel gestured to the chair across the table, inviting her to sit. She herself sat down.
"What do you think of Heim City?"
"It's great!" Vivian said seriously.
"Especially after your arrival, Lord, the difference is enormous. Commoners can eat full meals, malicious behaviors have decreased, and the noble heirs have become more restrained."
"Do you think that's enough?"
"Not enough?"
"Yes."
Hel nodded seriously.
"Now, Heim City only ensures that people are fed. But the wealth gap remains huge. The rich control most of the wealth, spending in ways ordinary people can hardly imagine. Ordinary people, meanwhile, toil daily just for a bit of black bread. This society is unhealthy."
"Then, Lord, you mean…"
Vivian looked puzzled. This didn't seem directly related to managing the church.
"The nobles of Heim City annually donate a large sum to Father Gerhard, sourced from some shady businesses. They give the money to bind him to them."
"But why? Our church doesn't intervene in territorial affairs."
"Yet the church's position is above all; even the lord must show them respect."
Hel looked at Vivian's clear eyes with a serious tone:
"Therefore, I won't allow idle nobles or Father Gerhard to remain in my territory. Once they leave, I need someone to manage the Heim territory church—and I've chosen you."
"But…"
Vivian hesitated, asking the question in her heart:
"Lord, why choose me?"
"Because you are the only supernatural in the church willing to stay, and the only one willing to work for ordinary people. Vivian, I want my people cared for in old age, educated in youth, and assisted in poverty. I need someone to help me implement this policy. Will you be that person?"
Vivian, murmuring Hel's words, finally answered:
"Cared for in old age, educated in youth…
Lord, if this is your dream, please let me join."
Hel smiled and took Vivian's hand.
"Then, welcome aboard."
At the same time, Vivian's loyalty attribute quickly changed to a new one:
[Hel's Follower]: Loyalty +120. She acknowledged Hel's ideals and saw her as a spiritual guide.