120 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

120~Visit from the Church In the evening, as usual, Shikondell knocked on Wenni's door, calling out, "Wenni, it's time for dinner." However, today was peculiar as there was no response from Wenni. Worried, Shikondell leaned in to listen and found the room silent, with no audible movement at all. Did Wenni fall asleep? Why isn't there a single sound? Confused and uncertain, Shikondell debated peeking through the door crack to check if Wenni was asleep. If he was, she would leave him be. Just as she was considering this, she noticed a slip of paper under her white bunny slippers. "Huh?" Tilting her head in curiosity, Shikondell picked up the paper and read the words written on it. "I'm too tired today, going to sleep early. Don't call me for dinner, you eat by yourself," Wenni wrote. Shikondell furrowed her brows slightly, reading the note again. Wenni says he's too tired? But it's the weekend. There isn't any schoolwork today; how could he be so exhausted that he skips dinner to sleep? What on earth did Wenni do to tire himself out to the point of skipping meals and sleeping until now? Did he stay up all last night? Perplexed, Shikondell couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and a small part of her felt troubled. But it's not her business if Wenni was up all night doing something; they're just roommates, right? Contemplating this, Shikondell couldn't quite understand the small sense of disappointment she felt inside. Yes, she and Wenni can only be roommates, maybe friends at most. Beyond that, there is nothing—and there can't be anything else. What right does she have to meddle in his affairs, about staying up all night? She has never even dared to reveal her true identity; he still believes they're the same gender. In Wenni's eyes, she's probably just a foreign roommate with an unfortunate and difficult background. And for her, perhaps Wenni is just a passerby. Her father had warned her against forming bonds with humans or non-elf species, as it would only bring unnecessary trouble, even misfortune. Her mother once explained why. Firstly, there are cultural differences and conflicting values between races. Secondly, not all species, like elves, prioritize emotions; any unbalanced emotional investment will lead to the eventual breakdown of that relationship. Lastly, the most crucial point, is lifespan disparity. Centuries later, a human not strong enough will return to dust, whereas for an elf, this is just a phase in their long life. If an elf falls in love with a human, it's painful because they'll spend the rest of their life mourning the loss. And Shikondell was always an obedient child, listening to her parents. Resolute, she returned to the dining table, looking at the dishes she'd meticulously prepared all afternoon. With no one to share them with, she didn't feel hungry either. That night, she went to bed early. As for Vannesa, she had no plans of not returning for the night. If she didn't go back to the dormitory, where would she stay? Spending the night outdoors was unbearable for her, but she couldn't let Shikondell see her current state, so she waited until the wee hours before coming home. After confirming Shikondell was asleep, she snuck back into her room, brought her skincare and bath products from home into the bathroom, and had a proper bath. She'd had a long day and though she hadn't sweated much, she was covered in dust and would feel uncomfortable sleeping in bed like that. A good bath was essential before bed! After running around the lobby all day, a head-to-toe wash was needed. By the time she finished, it was well past midnight. Vannesa tiptoed back to her room, locked the door, and used the "Divine Flame of Blessing" to dry her damp hair. She tied her hair, placed her pajamas under her, and quietly fell asleep. Vannesa had this quirk—she couldn't sleep on her stomach, it was just too uncomfortable. The next day, at noon, she woke up, and the first thing she did was revert to Wenni. "Ah...!" Wenni stretched expansively, loosened his muscles a bit, threw on some clothes, and sprayed himself with some cheap cologne he bought to mask any lingering scents. Yawning, he went downstairs. "Morning, Del," Wenni greeted Shikondell. To his surprise, however, Shikondell seemed a bit off; her mood wasn't great, and her responses were somewhat listless. Wenni was puzzled but chalked it up to the inscrutable nature of women. "Wenni, last night you seemed out of sorts. Were you worrying about something all night long?" Shikondell couldn't help but ask. "Worrying? Ah, yes, a bit, but it's less urgent now. There's no need for you to worry about it," Wenni replied, between bites of Shikondell's lunch. "Huh? Could you tell me what it is? Maybe I can help?" Shikondell suggested tentatively. "You? Come on, you're so poor you need my help; how can you help me? You must be joking, Del," Wenni scoffed, glancing at her disdainfully. "Uh..." Shikondell lowered her head awkwardly. "So, is it financial worries?" "I said don't worry about it. Do I look like someone short of cash?" Wenni declared proudly. "Look at me! Every pore on my body oozes prosperity. Anyone can tell at a glance that I’m certainly not lacking money." "You better worry about your own issues," Wenni advised, focusing on his meal. "Well, I did have a suggestion if you're strapped for cash," Shikondell pondered, extending a cute little finger. "You have a suggestion?" Wenni was doubtful. How could Del come up with anything when even he, Camilla the idea king, couldn't? If she did, he might as well quit being an idea king. "What kind of suggestion? It better not be a useless one," Wenni agreed to listen. "Well, I noticed on the student council bulletin that a first-year position opened because the previous secretary got promoted; they are recruiting now, with slots available for five candidates," Shikondell explained. "Del, you could've kept that to yourself," Wenni rolled his eyes. "I shouldn't have expected anything smart from you. What does a student council recruitment have to do with us? Do you think any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get in?" "Student council members undergo rigorous selection. Do you understand? It's not a role you can just casually obtain." "But, I saw the opening is only for first-years, requiring top fifty entry scores. You're qualified, and since you're so capable, you might pass the exams, right?" Shikondell added innocently. "Student council members get a salary from the academy, and if you meet the requirements and join, it might alleviate some financial pressure." "Ah yes, indeed, I am talented, erudite, and the creme de la creme of Cariliman College. Such exams are mere child's play for me," Wenni responded, unable to dismantle the compliments she gave him. He continued boasting without reservation. "Even so, it's just a small student council position. I, as the great Wenni, have no interest in that. If they want me to join, they should at least offer me the vice president position," Wenni said, running a hand through his hair. Of course, he knew he was just bluffing. Wenni was well aware that, given his lack of academic prowess, he stood no chance of securing such a prestigious position in the student council. However, student council positions for first-year students...? Wenni furrowed his brow, as a plotline from the story flickered through his mind. He had heard this keyword somewhere before. The election for first-year council members? Did he read this in the original work? If he remembered correctly, there was mention of who won those positions in the original story. But who were they...? The reason this storyline stuck out to him was that Aesphyra and Ishtiya were two of those winners. Someone like Aesphyra would never miss such an opportunity for growth, especially since it meant more time with her beloved Mirexia. That marine empress was notorious for her antics. In contrast, Ishtiya was simply seeking experience, her natural leadership aura demanding she always take the helm. Regardless, Wenni couldn't recall who took the other positions. Oh well, if even he couldn't remember, those positions must have been obtained by unimportant characters. Otherwise, they would have left an impression on him. Furthermore, if he remembered correctly, a midterm exam was imminent. The test involved hunting monsters, overseen and led by the Fanhui Church. This was part of an effort to help address the beast hordes ravaging the southern continent. Normally, wherever the protagonist Aesphyra was, problems and chaos would follow. Yet, his recollection of the original story suggested this particular exam proceeded smoothly without significant incidents, and his previous life’s research on it turned up nothing alarming. So everything should be fine. "Aren't you even going to try, Wenni? Think about it. Only the top fifty entrance examination scorers qualify to compete for the position. Even if everyone is interested, that's still only fifty people vying for five spots—one-in-ten odds!" Shikondell's eyes sparkled, convinced her idea was brilliant. "Try for what? I told you, insignificant positions like student council members don't interest me," Wenni pouted. "But don't you have to start from the bottom to reach higher positions?" Shikondell puzzled, not understanding. Wasn't this being awfully tough on someone lacking education? If he truly had the capability to compete, he wouldn't be wasting his breath here. Speaking of which, who exactly were the small-time characters that nabbed those first-year student council positions in the original story? Probably just extras, for if they were of importance, they'd have been memorable. It's not that he wasn't interested; he simply couldn't participate. He knew his starting point was too low, lacking the cultural knowledge necessary to join the hustle. Otherwise, why wouldn't he pursue a decent job? ...Wait, maybe it wasn’t completely impossible? Wenni, being the 'Idea King' Camilla, thought of a plan. Back when he was just a villainous young master lacking noble education, it would've been a pipe dream. But now, maybe there was a sliver of possibility. He might just need to ask the ever-capable Vannesa for assistance again. —————————— Far away in the Camilla Kingdom, the resplendent palace was hosting a distinguished visitor. Seated on the throne was a robust, golden-haired middle-aged man, whose lion-like eyes commanded respect. Despite the deep lines of time and toil etched on his face, traces of his youthful handsomeness were still evident. Given the esteemed nature of today's guest, even the King of Camilla had to conduct a formal reception in the palace. "Your Majesty, Archbishop Singer from the Church is waiting outside," reported a fully armored Angry Dragon Knight, kneeling before the king. "Hmm, allow the Archbishop to enter," the man on the throne nodded, his profound gaze directed beyond the hall. "As you command." The knight retreated. Soon after, guided by two Angry Dragon Knights, a slender man in a dignified red robe, holding a gold and silver Holy Cross, strode into the hall. His demeanor was upright and austere. "The envoy of the Radiant Empress, a humble servant of the goddess, Archbishop Singer Hendel, greets Your Majesty," said Singer, holding the Holy Cross as he bowed without kneeling—an ecclesiastical rule for clergy of his rank or higher. As confidants of the goddess, they were forbidden from kneeling to mortal rulers. The Church believed that earthly kings and emperors rule by divine permission. They could express due respect and admiration, but kneeling was reserved only for the divine. This protocol and the Radiant Empress, whom they represented, as well as the Church's unique healing art, the [Santo’s Gift], upheld the Church's lofty and superlative stance.