2-74 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

## Volume 2 Chapter 74 - To Catch, One Must Let Go ### How Could the Villainous Young Lord Be a Saintess? *Content by: Han Tang Returns. Last updated: 2025/6/21 20:30:01. Word count: 4419.* --- "What's the alternative? Are you suggesting that Wenny would want to stay here tonight and keep company with these demon snakes?" Aesphyra teased. "So, we've been here all this time just to make my legs numb, is that it?" Wenny complained. "I thought you were here all afternoon because you had something important to do. But nothing happens, and now we're just leaving?" "Huh? Didn't we do everything we needed to?" Aesphyra gave him a curious look. “What did you do??” Wenny was full of questions. He hadn't relaxed a bit since they arrived. All he saw was Aesphyra conjuring a magical bench and sitting elegantly all afternoon, almost as if she were about to set up a tea party with herself. Honestly, the variety of magic that the white-haired little nut learns is quite eclectic. She even learned the magical bench conjuring spell—a miscellaneous shaping spell that serves no real purpose other than to provide seating. The version she learned seemed to be the most luxurious one, which simulates the texture of a high-class cushion, a skill that requires extensive learning effort. Well, for a protagonist with a destiny like hers, these are probably not problems. Other people can't afford such an extensive learning curve on miscellaneous magic, but it's easy for someone of Aesphyra's talent to learn a few showy tricks. Couldn't she have conjured several and let him sit as well? Instead, she sat there comfortably while leaving him standing awkwardly till his legs went numb, just to be told nothing happened and it's time to leave. For a while, Wenny even suspected Aesphyra might have been toying with him deliberately. Speechless, Wenny could only follow the departing Aesphyra, who had just dismissed the magical bench, out of the cave and back to the village. "What are we supposed to do next?" Wenny asked after they returned to their room. "Next? What else? When you put on a show, you must see it through to the end." Aesphyra explained casually. "Uh? Put on a show? See it through?" Wenny was baffled by Aesphyra's cryptic words. He thought they had a significant mission at the demon snakes' lair today, but it turned out they merely took a walk and sat idly before returning. "Mm-hmm." Aesphyra didn't mean to offer further explanation; she simply left Wenny's room, leaving him alone in confusion. This little white-haired nut seems to be addicted, doesn't she? Is she so engrossed in playing riddles that he can't fathom her intentions?? Wenny sighed, resigning himself to letting Aesphyra handle everything alone. In the following days, Aesphyra knocked on Wenny's door each morning, inviting him to accompany her on 'investigation' trips to the demon snake lair. Once there, Aesphyra would just conjure a magical bench and sit idly, doing nothing until late afternoon before leaving. What on earth are they doing?? Wenny lived those days in a fog, feeling busy yet unsure what he was busy with. He wanted to bring a stool and some snacks but was refused by Aesphyra. "Wenny, do you think we're just playing house?" Aesphyra asked with a playful smile. Aren't they just playing house?? Wenny was speechless. He had no idea what he had been doing these days. Days flew by, and considering the timeline, they were close to needing to report on their practical assessment, and in his view, there had been zero progress in their task. They still hadn’t figured out what was lurking in the village! During these days, Wenny remained vigilant in the village, worried that whatever was lurking would attack if they overstayed. Yet nothing happened; the village was eerily quiet, whether day or night. It was so calm that his previous encounter with illusion almost seemed like a figment of his imagination. After a few more days, Aesphyra's behavior finally changed. Just as Wenny thought they might finally take action, Aesphyra emerged with her luggage. "Why are you carrying your luggage?" "What else? It's time to leave. Let's bid farewell to the village elder and the priest, then head back." “We’re leaving already?” Wenny was dumbstruck. "Didn't you realize? All we've found these past days are remnants of a snake, not a live threat. If there were really a demon snake issue, wouldn't Lake Village have been more troubled?" "So it seems the snake menace has been cleared. We arrived too late. What's left for us to do here? There are no more demon snakes needing our attention." "..." Wenny stared at Aesphyra, perplexed. "Let's go. Let's inform Priest Forkas that we're leaving, so he can file a report on our behalf." Seeing Aesphyra lead the way, Wenny could only pack up his belongings and bid the elder goodbye. "Are you two leaving?" The elder asked, noticing the baggage. "Yes, sir. We've investigated for days, but beyond the initial day, we’ve uncovered little. So, it seems it's time for us to depart." Aesphyra replied regrettably. "You were right; it looks like the demon snakes have indeed been eradicated." "I see. Are you two heading back to Karryriman Academy?" The elder continued, leaning on his cane. "Yes, we need to report back. Thank you for your hospitality, sir. Take care." Aesphyra said before moving to leave. "Please, wait, young ones." The elder suddenly spoke. "Do you have something else, sir?" "It's... As I'm nearing my twilight years, my only concern is my young grandson. After my passing, I worry he'll have no one to care for him. Could you perhaps take him away from this backward village, so he could see more of the world?" Wenny found the elder's words hinted at something more, signaling trouble. "Sir, we are merely students of Karryriman Academy. We have no authority to enroll others or have them stay beyond their welcome." Aesphyra rejected without hesitation. Wenny glanced at Aesphyra, lost in thought. "I apologize for asking such a presumptuous favor," the elder said, with a sigh tinged with regret and a hint of resignation. Aesphyra shook her head, indicating no offense was taken, and led Wenny out of the elder's yard. Watching them leave, the elder sighed heavily. The two made their way to the village church, knocking on the door. As was routine, Priest Forkas soon appeared. "Leaving, are you?" Priest Forkas quickly noted their travel items, feigning ignorance of their intentions. "Yes, Priest Forkas, we're here to say goodbye. Thank you for your care during our stay," Aesphyra said. "Oh? Heading back to the academy?" Forkas inquired. "I've contacted the church about your findings. However, as you know, the church has numerous affairs to handle, and this matter requires due process." "I don't think it's necessary anymore," Aesphyra sighed. "Beyond the initial clues, we've found no tangible evidence. Days have passed without sighting a single demon snake. It seems we were indeed overcautious." "But if we return empty-handed, our practical assessment score might be worrying. So, we would like to ask for a favor, Priest Forkas." "Oh? What kind of favor?" Forkas maintained a neutral expression, though a hint of excitement flickered in his eyes. "We would like to ask if you, Priest Forkas, could assist us with our report. As a church priest, could you clarify that we've done everything possible, investigated every lead, and reached the conclusion that the snake menace in Lake Village has been thoroughly resolved?" "So, you want me to testify on your report? I'll be more than happy to help," Forkas agreed readily. "Thank you." Aesphyra expressed her gratitude, handing the report over to Forkas. Forkas took the report and sat down at his desk, pulling out a quill. He carefully wrote a few lines detailing the situation's history and the church's involvement before handing the report back to Aesphyra. "Young student, how does this look?" Forkas smiled warmly. "Perfect, thank you very much for your help." Aesphyra scanned the report before nodding appreciatively to Forkas. "No problem at all. If there's anything else you need, feel free to ask," Forkas waved his hand dismissively, indicating it was no trouble. Wenny couldn't help but feel uneasy, sensing the priest's gaze seemed to linger on Aesphyra every time they met, as if he were invisible. "Well then, Priest Forkas, we’ll take our leave." Both stood up and approached the door. "May the Goddess bless you both," Forkas held the cross to his chest, offering a devoted blessing. After seeing them leave and confirming their departure from the village, Forkas exhaled and closed the church doors, a peculiar smile playing on his lips. He returned to the inner room, hastily removing a floor tile to reveal a hidden scroll. Inscribed in cryptic blue text, it was both mysterious and foreboding. Closing his eyes, Forkas held the scroll, which began to ignite with a flame devoid of warmth, dissipating into nothingness in his grasp. "Good thing that silver-haired girl didn't mess up the plan. Tsk, if she weren't a Karryriman Academy student, I wouldn't let her leave so easily," Forkas chuckled. "Soon, the mission will be accomplished." As night enveloped the unassuming border village, the streets, already sparsely populated, became desolate in the dark. Amidst the darkness, sharp wings akin to black clouds appeared above the village church. Inside, Forkas sat steadily, a cup of hot water before him, indicating he was waiting for someone. A sudden gust of wind flickered the candlelight, casting a shadowy outline on the dim walls. With a creak, the door was flung open by the fierce wind, then promptly shut again. "My esteemed lady, I've finally awaited your arrival," Forkas addressed the striking, tall woman with curly red hair who had appeared opposite him at the table, a fervent gleam in his eyes. The woman, clad in black tight-fitting attire, bore distinctive features: black horns on her head, dark wings at her back, and a heart-shaped tail. These traits clearly marked her as non-human. "Our plan is nearing success, my esteemed lady." Forkas rose, intending to approach her, but was stopped by her raised foot. "Stay your hands, human, and recognize your place. You're but livestock beneath me," the red-haired woman sneered at him. "You called me here in such haste; have you completed the task I assigned?" "Not yet, but soon. If you wish, tonight I can turn Lake Village into a breeding ground for your kin," Forkas vowed confidently. "Tonight? So soon? If memory serves, two troublesome outsiders recently arrived in the village," the red-haired woman frowned. "Why not just eliminate them or keep them as food? You better have a good reason for halting my actions." "They are students of Karryriman Academy. Should anything happen to them, the academy would undoubtedly investigate, risking exposure. Isn't secrecy crucial for your operations now?" Forkas queried. "Besides, as per your instructions, I've had all evidence erased. They found nothing to go on, and are now returning to their school." "Are you certain?" "I'm very certain. Though perhaps exceptional among their peers, they are ultimately naive students, sheltered in an ivory tower, lacking worldly experience. Such self-assured geniuses, brimming with reckless justice, are easily misguided and swayed," Forkas affirmed his judgment. "So, they left," the red-haired woman inquired, eyebrows raised. "They did. They bid farewell this morning, seemingly dejected by their lack of findings," Forkas smirked. "My esteemed lady, with such impeccable task execution, don’t you think it warrants some recognition?" "Humph, human, what’s the rush? Now, strike while the iron is hot and finish off the remaining villagers," the red-haired woman commanded with a cold snort.