2-43 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

**Volume Two, Chapter 43: The True Selina** Vanessa stood in stunned silence for quite some time, unable to process the situation. Before her stood a girl who bore a striking resemblance to herself, complete with cherry-colored hair and pink heart-shaped eyes. She had a hunch, but found it hard to be sure. The girl seemed younger, judged both by her smaller stature and the lighthearted vibrancy in her manner and style. She presented an image of a charming, lively young maiden. Despite being a bit shorter than Vanessa, the girl's impressive presence was undeniable. Vanessa mused that if they were to stroll the streets together, most would assume this girl was her younger sister. "Haven't figured it out yet? Haven't you seen the statue of me? Tsk, those sculptures depict me as much older, like some mature woman, when I'm eternally sixteen," the cherry-haired girl muttered disapprovingly. "Plus, they wouldn't let me wear this dress for the statue; it had to be the Saintess's robes—no creativity whatsoever." "So, could it be...?" Vanessa had her suspicions, but the truth still startled her. "Well, technically, young Vanessa, you should call me your... great-great-great-great-great-grandmother, but that’s so outdated. Being called 'grandmother' doesn't appeal to anyone, right? Calling me 'ancestor' isn't any better. Why don't you just call me Selina?" "You... You're Saintess Selina?!" Vanessa gasped as if her world had just been turned upside down. In historical texts, Saintess Selina was depicted as a serene, graceful woman with words as gentle as morning dew, soothing her followers like a pleasant breeze. "What, not how you imagined me based on history books? That's expected. During official saintly duties, I maintained decorum, but in private, this is the real me," Selina said with a mischievous grin. In a flurry of energy akin to a playful child, Selina dashed around Vanessa, playing with her hair, pinching the hem of her skirt, and admiring her wing-shaped hair accessories. "You’ve got such great hair, young Vanessa. Adorable! Ever thought about becoming a church idol with me?" "This outfit—is it one of your soul arts? Wow, I wish I had a second soul art like yours to change my attire instantly. Imagine attending a ceremony in full regalia and switching to battle wear in a blink when fighting the Demon Pillar cultists. It's such a thrill, don't you think?" "You understand, don’t you, young Vanessa? You picked this soul art for its convenience, right?" "Brilliant! Instant wardrobe change saves so much hassle and lets you alter your hairstyle. You have a real talent for becoming a church idol! Although, maybe with a little more refinement." Vanessa was at a loss. Could this exuberant, youthful girl really be her ancient ancestor? Though her thoughts felt inappropriate, the reality was fascinating—almost indescribable. She found it difficult to connect the spirited young girl before her with the selfless and revered Saintess Selina of legend, whose virtuous deeds earned her a place in history. This revelation was hard to believe. Was it a mere discrepancy between the historical record and the truth? Perhaps not entirely. After all, one's saintly duties and personal temperament could diverge. Selina's public persona might have been perfectly tailored for her role, but privately, her true nature was another story. Vanessa always believed that as long as Selina fulfilled her saintly duties, her personal style mattered little. Impact on the people and her capabilities were what truly counted. Regardless of her personality, Selina's saintly qualities and dedication were indisputable, promising a depiction worthy of focus in historical records. Another dimension of her was likely deemed unnecessary for posterity, possibly detracting from the revered aura of a saint. It wasn't likely Selina's wish to mask herself; she didn't seem concerned that her differing persona might come to light. Thus, the legacy of Saintess Selina emerged as singular yet not misrepresented—history only captured one facet, regarded by everyone as her entirety. This account wasn't right or wrong per se, but understanding an individual only from one perspective was simplistic. Characters in historical texts were once real people, all multifaceted and dynamic. "So, Selina—" Vanessa tentatively started. "I’ve said, don't call me ancestor. It makes me sound ancient! Do you think that kind of 'millennia-old matriarch' title suits a youthful beauty like me?" The cherry-haired girl pouted endearingly. "Youthful beauty??..." Vanessa fell silent. If age were the measure, Selina was over a thousand years old. Even considering only her lifetime, she had been considerable in age—being called 'grandmother' wasn't unjustified. If trying to sound youthful, perhaps 'auntie' might suffice. While the Fasyris lineage retained ageless looks, and appearances ceased changing at a certain point, it didn’t alter the fact that Selina could accurately be titled Grandma Selina. "My, young Vanessa, so uncharming," Selina remarked, gently poking Vanessa's cheek with her soft fingertips as she lost herself in thought. "You were pondering something quite irreverent, weren't you?" "That won't do. Harboring such thoughts toward your ancestor doesn't align with Fasyris's lady-like conduct." "You misunderstood; there's nothing like that," Vanessa replied with an effortlessly serene smile, devoid of any awkwardness as if her thoughts hadn't been exposed. "Really?" Selina maintained her kindly gaze, although Vanessa hadn’t betrayed any telltale sign. It was like every thought was visible to her attentive eyes. Vanessa's flawless performance was nowhere near enough to deceive another Fasyris like Selina—her mastery of both theatrics and subtleties were beyond misleading. Honestly, if you were neither skilled in performance nor subtlety, could you even call yourself a member of Fasyris? "Selina, was it you who saved me earlier?" Vanessa deftly shifted the conversation. “Who else could it be?” The cherry-haired, twin-tailed maiden chuckled. “Considering what young Vanessa has said, if I were to ignore it, wouldn't it dash the hopes of my descendants?” From her words, it was clear Selina was referring to what Vanessa had muttered during her tour of the cathedral. “Selina, this may be an unreasonable request, but could you help me once more?” Vanessa asked, feeling compelled. “The continent of Thayrelis needs you right now…” “I’m aware of the situation,” Selina sighed, visibly troubled as she massaged her temples. “Even during my lifetime, this kind of catastrophe would have been significant.” “It doesn't help that the Luminous Church recently ousted the Saintess, crippling its strength. Should a similar crisis arise, I genuinely doubt Thayrelis can withstand it with the current defenses.” “It's questionable if the church today can even unite all human factions against a common foe. Against the Demon Pillars? If the demonic forces attack, I wonder if humanity could endure.” “Could you aid us then, revered ancestor? Without your intervention, Thayrelis is in grave danger…” Vanessa pleaded. “I understand the gravity of the situation and earnestly wish to help you, young Vanessa. But as you see, I passed away over a thousand years ago. Even though I retain some of my powers, I am no longer a part of Thayrelis, akin to the Demon Pillars. Without specific means, I can't directly interfere,” Selina explained, a hint of reluctance in her demeanor. “Saving you was possible only because we are near my place of rest.” “As a Saintess, I had the privilege and obligation to guide humanity, but the current Saintess is not me.” Selina’s gaze shifted to Vanessa. “Is there truly nothing you can do?” Vanessa’s expression dropped, crestfallen. “However,” Selina continued, “You’re fortunate indeed, young Vanessa. You happened upon me when I have some residual strength to spare. While I can't openly engage in worldly affairs, my enduring followers' faith allows me to extend some assistance.” “How can you help me?” Vanessa eagerly asked, her eyes full of hope as she looked upon Selina, who had now reverted to her composed and sacred stance depicted in church history, that of an impeccable saintly maiden. “I can temporarily inhabit your body, using it to channel my powers. Although I cannot destroy Eurnes, I can force her to retreat.” “Truly? Thank you so much, could you do it quickly? Otherwise…” “Please let me finish, young Vanessa. This method involves risks. Our shared lineage and the continued faith in me on Thayrelis allows for the possession. But it doesn’t mean you’ll be completely protected from the angelic power I’ll channel,” Selina warned, her gentle eyes reflecting a benevolent concern. “I understand,” Vanessa nodded. “I was prepared for this from the beginning.” “Very well then.” Selina smiled, not the least bit surprised by Vanessa’s choice; after all, a Fasyris descendant would inevitably make such a decision. Having inherited divine favor, they also bore the accompanying responsibilities. “Close your eyes, young Vanessa~” Obediently, Vanessa closed her eyes, and a stream of pink light spiraled around her, seemingly carrying her away from the sacred chapel into an unknown divinity. –––– Back at Carryman Academy. All were awestruck by the sight unfolding before them. Many students affiliated with the church knelt in prayer, while even instructors skeptical of Luminous Goddess or Saintess's manifestations found themselves questioning their reality. “What now?” Milen gasped, wide-eyed from the shelter’s distance. “Is that the Fasyris my sister always mentioned? So, was it a manifestation of a Saintess or a Goddess?” “I’m not sure…” replied Shikondell beside her, who, for some reason, felt a sudden pang in her heart seeing the cherry-haired angelic maiden wounded. What was happening? Had she seen this cherry-haired angelic maiden before? The unfolding developments surpassed everyone’s expectations and understanding, leaving all uncertain of what would ensue. Even Eurnes, the Demon Pillar summoned forth by her followers, likely shared the same apprehensions. Just as the kaleidoscopic rays scattered, a pure white, monumental pair of wings unfurled in the heavens, a solitary purity in this tainted world. Blossoming like a snowy lotus, the wings opened revealing the unharmed cherry-haired maiden within. The wings weren’t merely two but six! “Six wings, it’s six wings! This time, the number is right!” “See? Didn’t I say so? How could Her Holiness be harmed or defeated? It had to be a ruse created by Her Holiness to deceive the Demon Pillar and its followers!” cried the excited church-affiliated students. “Indeed, Her Holiness is invincible! How could she be overpowered by that vile, unpardonable Demon Pillar, Eurnes?” “Her Holiness!” Like a lotus blooming in the snow, the maiden opened her brilliant heart-shaped eyes amidst her awakening. Six pristine wings unfolded like petals, as countless luminous particles cascaded down her wings, touching and instantly recuperating the wounded below. “My... my severed arm, it's grown back?!” a gravely injured instructor marveled. “Mine too! My scars have healed completely!” “My lung disease is gone as well!” “Praise the Saintess! Praise the Goddess!” “Vanessa…” Mirexia’s emotions were in sheer tumult, cycling between awe, relief, and gratitude. Yet, as Vanessa opened her eyes, there was a strange sense of unfamiliarity. What could this mean? Was it a mere trick of her mind? ‘Virtue +500.’ ‘Current Virtue: 2024.’ (The new cover features Mirexia holding a Vanessa doll. The main characters' illustrations will rotate. Can you guess who’s next~?) 2025/05/25/21/25