“There were some, but the stock was very limited and couldn’t possibly meet your needs. Furthermore, because of the plague, no one dared to trade with us anymore. Gathering everything we need has become extremely difficult. Right now, the guild leader is still trying to think of a solution,” Angelica said.

“This is easy. Just have Micha accompany him to collect supplies from the surrounding towns,” Yae-hime immediately proposed a solution. At this moment, Micha was simply too useful.

“Mm, with Priest Micha helping, that would naturally be excellent,” Angelica nodded. Micha’s reputation now was anything but ordinary. Every village and town that had benefited from the holy water held him in the highest regard.

Handling matters in this region with his help would undoubtedly achieve twice the result with half the effort.

“While Micha hasn’t left Aoma Village yet, go and inform him about this,” Yae-hime instructed.

“Yes, Princess.” Angelica gave a slight bow, then swiftly turned and left.

“Has something changed on the Apostles’ side? Or are they gathering all their forces to launch a full-scale assault?” Watching Angelica’s figure gradually shrink into the distance, Yae-hime murmured to herself.

She actually hoped it was the latter. If the enemy came at them all at once, they could eliminate the threat entirely while also collecting all the fragments of the Sacred Artifact. That was precisely what she had felt regretful about earlier.

“With Lili, Zerene, and myself, if they dare to come, none of them will be leaving alive.” This lineup was undoubtedly luxurious, yet unfortunately, the Apostles had already departed for the Sky Empire. There was simply no opportunity for them to showcase their strength.

Meanwhile, just as Micha was about to leave the village with the middle-aged man, he was stopped by Angelica. After hearing her explanation, Micha was so moved he nearly burst into tears. The Lord Angel valued him this much!

“I will not fail your expectations!” Looking toward the direction of the village chief’s house, Micha declared with utmost devotion. Having witnessed a series of miracles, his admiration for Yae-hime surged like an endless river, ceaseless and overwhelming. Being able to serve her was an honor beyond compare.

After finishing her tasks, Angelica stayed busy in the village for a while longer before finally returning home.

At that moment, Yae-hime and the others, including Layna, sat together, drinking tea and chatting happily. Angelica joined them, but after less than half an hour, she began preparing lunch.

Layna and Aurora also went to the kitchen to help. With nothing to do, Fiat went outside to get some fresh air. As for Lili and Zerene, they sat on either side of Yae-hime, unwilling to go anywhere else.

“Little Hime, with your reputation growing so high in this region, it might attract trouble,” Lili said, taking a sip of tea as she looked at Yae-hime.

“Trouble? You mean the church of Jade City?” Yae-hime blinked her beautiful eyes, puzzled.

“Mm. The more outstanding your performance during this outbreak, the more trouble it will bring,” Lili nodded gently.

In this era where gods no longer walked the world, those who benefited from the Church’s authority would never allow anyone to challenge their dominance. Even if that person acted under the banner of the Goddess of Light.

“They probably don’t have time to deal with me right now, do they?” Yae-hime said. At present, those foreign clerics were working closely with Richard. Logically speaking, they shouldn’t be seeking trouble with her.

“Hard to say,” Lili replied thoughtfully.

At that very moment, beneath the same sky, within the Church of Jade City—

“An angel… Heh, how interesting. To think someone would dare impersonate an angel of our Church of Light and deceive others.” Bishop Gurant had just finished listening to his subordinate’s report. The content, without question, concerned Yae-hime.

“Indeed, truly audacious!” the subordinate exclaimed fervently. He then added, “However, I’ve heard that this fake angel seems to possess some remarkable medical skills. The plague in the surrounding areas has already been brought under control.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Gurant raised a brow and asked.

“Yes, Your Excellency. There’s quite a bit of discussion about it outside.”

“It seems this impostor has some ability. Send someone to Aoma Village and summon him here,” Gurant said flatly. To him, this so-called angel was nothing more than a pawn with potential value. If he could be recruited, then he would be. If he couldn’t, then eliminate him with a clean snap.

‘Alive, he must serve me. Dead, he will still serve me.’ He tapped the armrest of his chair with his hand, thinking to himself.

The subordinate accepted the order and withdrew. The luxuriously decorated room gradually fell into silence.

Time passed until noon.

After finishing their meal, Yae-hime and the others continued chatting to pass the time. After hesitating for a while, Layna finally made up her mind to ask Yae-hime to perform a beauty treatment for her.

The latter agreed without hesitation. After all, the afternoon had originally been reserved for Lili’s treatment. Since Lili had already undergone it in the morning, there was naturally no need to do it again in the afternoon.

With nothing better to do, giving Layna a full-body treatment would at least help pass the time. Zerene and Lili followed them back into the room. Despite Layna’s repeated hints and even direct suggestions, the two girls showed no intention of leaving.

Zerene stayed because she found it entertaining. Lili stayed because she was worried Zerene might interfere with Yae-hime’s work. Poor Layna could only let out a heavy sigh before slowly removing her clothes piece by piece under everyone’s watchful eyes.

The strange mix of exhilaration and embarrassment was something only she herself could truly understand. Having just been stripped down to her birthday suit, Yae-hime instructed her to lie down. She then began the treatment.

Before long, wave after wave of soaring bliss washed over Layna, pulling her completely under.

Time flew by.

Half an hour later, Yae-hime finally withdrew her hands and softly said, “All done.” Looking at the newly finished masterpiece before her, she nodded in satisfaction.

When Layna regained her senses and saw the changes in herself, she was so excited she nearly fainted. She could never have imagined that Yae-hime could transform her into someone so beautiful. It was nothing short of a complete rebirth.

Of course, that was also because her natural foundation was already good. Otherwise, even Yae-hime would have found it difficult to refine her to such perfection. Once Layna had calmed down, everyone went downstairs together and continued to pass the time in the living room.

‘It’s been fourteen hours since the Apostles last showed up. I miss them.’ Even while chatting, Yae-hime was still waiting for the Apostles’ *delivery.* ‘Just three more Holy Spirit Shards, and I’ll be able to obtain a Sacred Artifact!’

She had no idea that those Apostles were heading in the exact opposite direction.

***

At the same time, in the outside world, inside a hidden underground basement within Roc City—

**Rustle, rustle!**

**Rustle, rustle!**

Strange noises echoed continuously throughout the space. Under the dim orange lighting, countless insects could be seen crawling and writhing. These insects were abnormally large, each exuding a menacing aura.

**Tap, tap, tap!**

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairwell. The newcomer had delicate features, a tall figure, and wore a flowing red dress. Her skin was as pale and smooth as jade. Who else could it be but Sister Red?

“Moyra,” she said softly as she approached the swarm of insects. In the next instant, the insects scattered, revealing a massive black sphere.

**Crack!**

The sphere trembled, letting out a crisp, splitting sound. It then rapidly split open, and from within emerged a muscular Antman.

“Sss… sss…” he spoke in strange, hissing tones, his demeanor carrying a hint of respect.

“Forgeblade may already be dead,” Sister Red said calmly.

At those words, the Antman’s entire body trembled, and more of those incomprehensible sounds escaped his mouth. Yet Sister Red understood them.

“I’m still investigating the exact situation. Moyra, the current circumstances feel off. We must not act rashly.”

“Sss… ssssss!” the Antman called Moyra responded.

“Very well. Use your army of ants to search for Forgeblade and that human with special abilities. But this operation must remain completely concealed,” Sister Red instructed.

“Sss!” Moyra bent slightly, a faint blue light flashing in his eyes.