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

**Chapter 148: Everyone Harbors Their Own Thoughts** The Villainous Young Master Couldn't Possibly be the Saintess! By: Hantang Returns Updated: 2025/4/9 20:30:01 Word Count: 4228 "When you're hurt, have you forgotten the pain already? Just got back on your feet and you're ready to run around again? Where are you off to now?" Fei asked, glancing forward as he noticed the two Sunlit Cross Knights leading the way for Wenny. Wherever I go, isn't it obvious to you? Wenny felt an urge to roll his eyes at this. "Honored Champion Knight, our sub-bishop was shocked and outraged upon learning that students from Careliman Academy encountered an attack by Demon Pillar cultists in Resmir. By his order, we are here to escort this student, who experienced the attack firsthand, to see him and provide details about the incident," the two Sunlit Cross Knights stated respectfully. Champion Knight? Were they addressing Fei? Wenny looked at Fei incredulously. Were these Sunlit Cross Knights actually referring to him? Now that he thought about it, Champion Knight seemed to be a special title within the Church of the Sunlit Radiance, known as the "Goddess's Champion Knight." The Church of the Sunlit Radiance held a selection process for Champion Knights every twenty years. It was an internal affair, allowing anyone under the church's influence to participate, not limited to the Sunlit Cross Knights. Even though in most instances, the champion emerged from the Sunlit Cross Knights. The competition tested only one skill: pure combat ability. Consequently, it imposed no age or strength limits. Anyone within the church, from bishops and Sunlit Cross Knights to lay sisters and priests, could compete. The ultimate victor earned the title and lifelong honor of "Goddess's Champion Knight," raising their status and prestige dramatically. They also gained the authority to mobilize the Sunlit Cross Knights, bringing them on par with, or even closer to, the pope’s position. With the pope's permission, they could act as his representative. The information here was quite substantial. Was Fei once a member of the Church of the Sunlit Radiance before joining Careliman Academy later? The fact that even those tasked with protecting the sub-bishop recognized Fei spoke volumes about his past reputation. Did this man have such a storied history? "So, he wants details? If I remember correctly, your sub-bishop already inquired about the situation with Her Highness Milessia, right? Isn't one account enough for him? Or does your sub-bishop not trust the princess of Camilla Kingdom, who is also the president of our Careliman Academy's student council?" Fei raised an eyebrow. "Not at all, this is merely a precaution to ensure we've missed nothing," the Sunlit Cross Knight patiently explained, a stark contrast to their tone with Wenny. These armored cans sure are interesting. "Alright, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you. I understand the church's protocols. This young man is my student, so I have to inquire a bit," Fei glanced at Wenny. "Understood," the two knights nodded, grasping Fei's intent. The current Saintess's descendant is a counterfeit, not a true descendant of the Goddess of Sunlit Radiance, but rather a shameless fraud. This belief had already spread across human kingdoms and even to non-human territories. Within the Church of the Sunlit Radiance, this rumor was taken as truth, supported from the archbishops and Sunlit Cross Knights to the lay priests and sisters. If the archbishops hadn’t denied it, wasn't that almost an admission? The pope and archbishops had tacitly accepted it. When the royal families and nobility of various countries bore witness to Wenny's infamy, was there room for doubt? Knowing his identity, very few clergy members remained friendly toward Wenny. Most regarded him with disdain due to his supposed misdeeds and daring impersonation. Although Careliman Academy's grounds protected Wenny from harm by the church, Fei likely wished to prevent certain clergy members from troubling his student, hence his actions. Wenny understood Fei's intent, feeling somewhat touched. This seemingly unreliable teacher appeared to have a reliable side as well. After exchanging pleasantries with the knights, Fei departed. Following the knights, Wenny pondered Fei's background. Strange. If he was so capable, having even won the "Champion Knight" title, why didn't he stay with the Church of the Sunlit Radiance? Why did he leave for a teaching position at Careliman Academy, abandoning a bright future? The knights led Wenny through the fort's training grounds to the residential area at the back, designated for welcoming guests. There, they passed luxurious decor, vibrant with expensive red velvet carpets and crystal chandeliers. The trio walked in silence, the knights maintaining quiet dignity while Wenny followed at a respectful distance, careful not to lose his guide. If he lost them? Not a problem, they were the ones eager for a report, not him. And really, how to put it? This time, when he and Milessia encountered the Demon Pillar cultists, the Church of the Sunlit Radiance had been no help at all. No clergy were around when the cultists ambushed them. Then they had the audacity to inquire about any injuries and details afterward. If that wasn't being wise after the event, what was? The demon purges in Resmir were annual church-organized events. Ordinarily, one would expect to find clergy in student activity areas to prevent danger or serious harm. Offering no assistance but pretending to be proactive afterward, did that have any use? The knights escorted Wenny into a luxurious guest chamber, where a white-robed, middle-aged man with a staff awaited patiently. Wenny recognized him as the church elder who had earlier delivered speeches atop the fortress walls. "Thank you, gentlemen." Seeing the knights bring Wenny in, the white-robed sub-bishop wore a kindly smile, akin to a grandfather next door. "The task is done, Sub-Bishop," the knights saluted the elder, then positioned themselves on either side of the doorway. Wenny scrutinized the elder. Previously, on the fortress, he hadn't seen clearly, but now, the elder looked like a benign, kindly old church father. But Wenny knew better; these high-ranking individuals weren’t saints. Taking them for kindly souls could only spell trouble for oneself. "Pleasure to meet you, distinguished student of Careliman. Such heroics from the young in thwarting the 'Bronze Blood' plot—all thanks to you," the elder praised Wenny, stroking his white beard, admiration clear in his eyes. "You're too kind. In fact, Her Highness Milessia could have resolved 'Bronze Blood' alone. I happened upon the scene and offered trivial assistance." Wenny, wary of verbal traps, stuck to the plan he’d agreed upon with Milessia. "You show modesty, my young friend. If I'm not mistaken, you are named Wenny, correct?" "Yes." By omitting his surname, Wenny gauged the elder's attitude. Yet, he wasn't counting on a favorable view here. "It seems we have the gist of the situation, but fear overlooking details, so we invited you to fill any gaps." "When the followers of the Demon Pillar Eurnes, 'Bronze Blood,' infiltrated Resmir to harm Careliman Academy students, our defenses faltered. I extend our church's earnest apologies to you," the white-robed elder said, standing and bowing to Wenny as a gesture of contrition. Wenny was taken aback. A sub-bishop nearly represented the ceiling of authority within the Church of the Sunlit Radiance. Even kings showed humility in their presence. Such a figure bowing in apology to a young junior like him was quite remarkable. This white-robed elder was certainly no ordinary individual. "I suspect the 'Bronze Blood' were too cunning, using some method to slip past the church’s watchful eyes." "But seriously, cultists of the Demon Pillar operating unchecked right under the church's nose is quite puzzling." Wenny offered only a partial concession, following with candid words. What, is it forbidden to critique the church? This remark even caught the attention of the two knights at the door, who couldn’t help but glance over. It had an additional advantage: reinforcing the perception within the Church of the Sunlit Radiance that Wenny was an incorrigible fool, further encouraging their disdain. "Haha, young Wenny, you have a point. Rest assured, we'll provide you and your academy with an explanation," the white-robed elder humbly admitted, promising earnestly. "Thank you for your consideration, Sub-Bishop," Wenny chose not to press further on the matter. The elder then inquired about the specific details of the attack by the Demon Pillar cultists. Their conversation notably skirted around Fasyris or anything related, as if those matters were unrelated to them. Wenny presented the version he had rehearsed with Milessia. "So, you say the 'Bronze Blood' used some method to poison Her Highness Milessia, which weakened her combat ability?" The elder furrowed his brow. "Yes, fortunately, it seemed to be their first time using that poison, and it wasn't well-refined. As a result, the effects were weak, and after enduring the drug's half-life, Her Highness Milessia managed to defeat the transformed demon phantom," Wenny responded calmly. "I see. Their method of poisoning Her Highness Milessia warrants significant research," the elder mused, stroking his chin. "Well, take your time with your research. I'm still recovering and can't handle lengthy discussions," Wenny yawned dismissively, showing little regard for the elder. The two knights at the door frowned. The person in front of them was a highly respected sub-bishop, almost at the rank of bishop. Who wouldn't seize the chance to curry favor with someone of such stature? Yet, this young man showed no deference, lacking proper respect and humility, acting as if he were the church's Saintess. How could someone like that possibly be the descendant of the Goddess? They couldn’t comprehend how a brazen impostor dared speak this way to a sub-bishop. Being consulted by a sub-bishop should be considered an honor; yet here he was, showing impatience. "My apologies for disturbing your rest, Wenny. We deeply regret it," the white-robed elder said apologetically. "We’ve gathered enough information. Knights, please escort him back to rest." "No need, I'm not accustomed to having an escort," Wenny refused the elder's courtesy without thanks. With that, Wenny strolled out of the room without a second glance. "That boy certainly lacks respect for authority. Seems like the Capital’s rumors were true," one of the knights commented only after Wenny had left. "Haha, youths are naturally impulsive," the white-robed elder showed little concern. In truth, he had summoned Wenny for another reason entirely. From his observations, what the church suspected seemed unlikely. The attack by 'Bronze Blood' in Resmir had failed, and upon learning Wenny was among those attacked, the church sent him to investigate. Personally, he found it implausible. The bloodline had been sealed for three generations, an accumulation that couldn't be undone easily, unless by some divine intervention, which seemed far-fetched. The youthful, impetuous were the easiest to deal with; they didn’t understand how to disguise their intentions. "I have a general understanding of events. Increase security for Careliman Academy candidates and report any suspicious individuals to me. Understood?" "Understood." --- Yawning, Wenny exited the fort's residential area and returned to the monastery. With the monster purge ongoing, the fortress housed primarily Careliman Academy’s academic and combat instructors, not students. Due to recent events, Wenny was relieved from joining the main hunt for monsters to earn points. He only needed to stay in the fortress, awaiting the return of the main group. Wenny found contentment in this unplanned break, considering he might owe 'Bronze Blood' some gratitude. He glanced at the time. A few days remained until the monster purge concluded, allowing him some more days of rest. He began to wonder about Shikondell’s situation. That cross-dressing elven girl was now amidst the monster purge. Was she frightened stiff, unable to take a step?