IETSTSMLARA | The Ambitious Vampire Prince | 89
"Master, having traveled from afar, would you like a glass of fresh blood?" the butler respectfully asked.
Celtic slightly raised the corner of his eye and looked at him, saying, "You're capturing people in the Bird Empire, aren't you afraid of exposing your identity?"
Humans, though weak, reproduce rapidly. While vampires are powerful, they haven't planned to exterminate all humans, as that would be akin to seeking their own destruction.
Furthermore, the church possesses mithril capable of piercing a vampire's heart. If humans swarmed in, no one could withstand it. Both sides need to make concessions to survive in the long run.
At the very least, he had promised that no vampire would harm people in the cities of the Bird Empire.
It was the time when the church was about to present their Holy Son; any mistake at this moment would be problematic.
"Rest assured, Master. This is a private transaction from the so-called human black market. We are merely the buyers," the butler said. "Humans are the ones providing it."
In this era, there was already technology for blood transfusions to save lives. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it led to hemolysis. With the black market rampant, it was quite simple for vampires to obtain blood.
Humans have taste preferences, and so do vampires. The more noble the vampire, the more they prefer superior blood, and the Holy Son offered by the church is often of the highest quality.
"Well done." Celtic lazily leaned on the sofa. "Has anything new happened in the Bird Empire recently?"
"If you need, I can investigate for you tomorrow." The butler went to prepare the blood.
Fresh red blood was placed in a crystal glass, its swirling appearance reminiscent of red wine. Celtic brought the rim to his lips, taking a gentle sip. Some of the red liquid touched his lips, his slightly reddened pupils conveying his pleasure, making him look somewhat like a demon crawling out of hell.
Yet despite this enchanting pose, the butler didn't dare to look up. After all, there had been a vampire who, unaware of Celtic's identity, tried to act presumptuously and ended up having his head twisted off by Celtic.
...
The drunken soldiers did not enter the church but stayed at the inn rented by Lin Su. The oil lamp was pitch black, and the group slept with thunderous snores, so loud they wouldn't wake even in an earthquake. Only Joe was awake, covering them with blankets, alert with every move.
Today's drinking session was already a farewell. When they wake up tomorrow, they will leave this place. Men's farewells are different from women's, filled with boldness and ruggedness. But just as Lin Su was about to leave, Joe spoke from behind him, "Mr. Lin, although it may be presumptuous, may I stay by your side as your subordinate?"
"You are a soldier of Andra. If you stay in the Bird Empire without permission, it could cause disputes between the two countries," Lin Su replied calmly, stepping back down from the carriage.
Joe stood respectfully before him and said, "The soldiers of Andra are all mercenaries. The king pays our wages. I can simply resign from this job."
"And what about your family?" Lin Su asked.
Joe's expression momentarily fell. "I have no family left. You saved my life, and I want to repay you with all my ability."
His eyes were full of hope as he looked at Lin Su.
"Here, you will also be a mercenary. I will pay you accordingly for your work," Lin Su said, opening the carriage door. "Come on up."
Joe's eyes lit up, and he climbed into the carriage with a face full of joy. "Thank you, thank you very much, Sir Lin."
Albert, observing this scene, noted that although Lin Su had saved Joe's life, he did not use that favor to demand repayment. Instead, he offered to pay him wages.
It was unusual but made Lin Su seem like a person of great character.
The next day, the soldiers did not come to say goodbye again. Only Joe stayed behind, sending a letter with them and stayed to work for Lin Su.
The work of an alchemist might be an extremely difficult and mysterious profession for others, but for Lin Su, it was so easy that it couldn't be easier.
His fluid and seamless techniques left Joe in awe, watching the creation of mithril and aluminum artifacts in amazement, he was unable to regain his composure for a long time.
"Sir Lin is truly amazing," Joe said admiringly.
"Thank you. These materials need to be procured, but there is no rush," Lin Su said, handing Joe a list.
Joe took the list and the gold coins Lin Su handed him. "I will take care of it as soon as possible."
Hurrying away, Lin Su put down what he was holding and carefully polished the already-formed aluminum vessel with his tools. He said there was no rush, but there was always the possibility he might need them at any time. If Joe couldn't find the items in time, Lin Su wouldn't blame him, but having such a considerate subordinate was certainly more comfortable.
When Joe returned, the item in Lin Su's hands had already been polished and sculpted to perfection. Placed on a soft cushion, it almost made Joe drop what he was holding upon seeing it. "Is this the Holy Grail?!"
The Holy Grail was one of the three most valuable holy artifacts of the church, made of extremely precious mithril. Its craftsmanship and materials were not easily replicated, let alone something crafted from aluminum, which was even more precious. The intricate craftsmanship exceeded that of the Holy Grail placed by the altar.
Hearing the door open, Lin Su glanced over and smiled. "Yes, it's the Holy Grail. Be careful with those things, don't drop them."
"Understood." Joe carefully sorted and organized the various items, but his gaze never left the Holy Grail.
This holy artifact was undoubtedly more valuable than the two vessels previously given to the king, possibly worth a fortune.
Joe stared at the Holy Grail without touching it, occasionally glancing at Lin Su, who was sitting nearby reading a book. He couldn't help but marvel at how someone could be so outstanding.
Not only was Lin Su good-looking and tasteful, but he also understood alchemy, possessed incredible skills, and remained humble, never looking down on those of lower status.
Joe could clearly distinguish whether an upper-class person had contempt or indifference in their eyes.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of lady someone as remarkable as Mr. Lin would eventually marry.
"Sir, the nuns were asking about you today," Joe said.
Lin Su looked up from his book. "What were they asking?"
"They wanted to know what you do, what you like to eat, and what your hobbies are." Joe enjoyed this kind of genuine conversation, as it made him feel truly valued.
"And what did you tell them?" Lin Su asked with a smile.
"I said I didn't know," Joe replied.
As Lin Su's subordinate, Joe knew he shouldn't divulge unnecessary details, even about Lin Su's personal habits.
"Next time they ask, you can tell them I don't wash my hair for three days, don't bathe for seven, and am entirely absorbed in my research, wanting to spend my life with my equipment. As for hobbies? Praying," Lin Su said with a grin.
Joe found this amusing yet difficult to believe. Even though Lin Su was busy every day, he always kept himself very clean, not out of conscious effort but out of habit.
Joe had seen other alchemists and their chaotic labs, which resembled storage rooms more than places of research. However, Lin Su's workspace remained clean and tidy, as he always put everything back in place after finishing his research.
"Do you dislike the nuns?" Joe asked.
Lin Su's hand rested on the book. "Not at all. But they serve the Lord and must maintain purity of mind and body. I cannot be the devil that tempts them."
Being friendly was fine, but there were boundaries. Regardless of the reasons why someone became a nun, while in that role, they should not be subject to scandalous rumors.
"You are truly a kind person," Joe praised.
Lin Su: "..."
【Is he possessed by the main character, Ian?】System 06 asked.
【Maybe it's because I'm genuinely too kind,】 Lin Su replied.
"Thank you for the compliment," Lin Su said with a smile.
He truly looked angelic, with his soft golden hair and bright blue eyes, resembling the angels depicted in books.
"Recently, the church has been selecting Holy Sons to serve the Lord. Candidates from the city-states of Aurora and Andrest have already arrived, and they are all very handsome," Joe said.
Lin Su looked up with a serious expression. "Has the selection already begun?"
Seeing his interest, Joe continued, "Yes, nine candidates have come from the two city-states, and more are on their way from other regions. Even within the Bird Empire, the selection process is ongoing. Although they all look very good, I still think you, sir, are the most suitable to be a Holy Son."
Joe still remembered how the King of Andra had dismissed Lin Su. The king couldn't have known that Lin Su's previous appearance was due to his deep immersion in research. If the king saw Lin Su now, he would surely not recognize him.
However, Joe couldn't imagine what kind of research had caused such a meticulous person like Lin Su to end up looking the way he did when they first met.
"What do you think the role of a Holy Son is?" Lin Su knew Joe was unaware of the true purpose of the Holy Sons, so his words were a simple compliment.
"To serve the Lord," Joe replied.
"Every year, several Holy Sons are selected. Where do you think the previous Holy Sons go?" Lin Su asked.
He wasn't blaming Joe; he just wanted to highlight the façade that the church maintained over their actions.
Joe, slightly puzzled, still answered earnestly, "Naturally, they enter heaven and serve by the Lord's side."
"There is only one Lord. Why would He need so many Holy Sons every year?" Lin Su asked again.
Continuous selection can only mean dissatisfaction with the previous Holy Sons. Otherwise, after so many years, there would be hundreds of Holy Sons serving. Having so many people serve one person would be more of a nuisance than a convenience. But if the Lord is dissatisfied and doesn't send them back, where do those unwanted Holy Sons go?
Joe hadn't read many books, but the more he thought about it, the more terrifying the implications became. "What do you mean, sir?"
"There's no need to tell me what you're thinking. Before we leave, some things are better left unsaid," Lin Su said calmly.
Joe nodded. "I understand, sir. You can trust me."
As Lin Su's subordinate, Joe would follow him even if Lin Su sold his soul to the devil, let alone for such a small matter.
With the church starting the selection of Holy Sons, it meant the time to meet Celtic was drawing near. Lin Su didn't stay indoors but took the opportunity to present the Holy Grail he had crafted.
The exquisite aluminum vessel was even more dazzling than the one placed by the altar. When Bishop Bart saw the Holy Grail, he couldn't help but swallow hard. "Are you really going to offer this to the church?"
"Yes, my heart is devoted to the Lord. The church is the bridge between Him and the earthly realm, and the Pope is His most powerful representative," Lin Su said reverently.
He truly looked like a devout believer.
Bishop Bart nodded. "Indeed, the Lord needs faithful followers like you by His side. Please wait here."
The Holy Grail was carried inside. When the Pope opened the box, he set aside his staff and carefully lifted the Grail, as if afraid that too much force might damage it. "This is truly a treasure."
"The alchemist who made it wishes to present it to the church. His heart is devout; he believes in the Lord and in you," Bart said.
The ring Bart wore had made him the envy of other bishops, even among the nobles attending services. Being able to establish a good relationship with such a generous alchemist, Bart was not stingy with his praise.
"Then he is truly a believer worth meeting. Let me see what you envision as the ideal Holy Son," the Pope said, carefully placing the Holy Grail back into its box, clearly cherishing it.
"He will not disappoint you," Bart said with a bow.
The Pope had selected many Holy Sons and seen many beautiful and handsome youths. They often appeared either naïve or filled with hope, exuding youthful energy. But none possessed the calm and noble aura of the man now before him.
As Lin Su walked towards the Pope against the light, the Pope squinted, almost believing he saw a divine being from the legends.
He was not overwhelmingly striking but exuded a warmth that made one want to approach him, even though one instinctively knew they shouldn't.
"What a handsome young man," the Pope said kindly.
The Pope had seen many youths, but a young man with such calmness and grace would surely appeal to the devils. Bart was right.
"Thank you for your praise. Your devoted follower is deeply honored," Lin Su said naturally, taking the Pope's hand and kissing it in a sign of respect.
Feeling the warmth of Lin Su's human touch, the Pope was slightly relieved. To be honest, if it weren't for this human warmth, Lin Su's appearance would rival that of the devils.
"My child, you have given such a precious gift. Is there any reward you desire?" the Pope asked.
"May I compete for the position of Holy Son?" Lin Su asked with a hint of longing.
The Pope hesitated. "..."
Why would this child seek such a thing?
There were many beautiful and handsome youths, but very few alchemists who could refine aluminum and were as devout as Lin Su.
"My child, you are exceptional, but serving as a Holy Son by the Lord's side requires a comprehensive evaluation," the Pope said kindly. "Is the church's treatment unsatisfactory to you?"
"No, it's not that. I simply wish to be closer to the Lord," Lin Su said with a trace of regret.
【Because you are too excellent, they clearly don't want to let you go,】System 06 said.
Being too exceptional can be a burden, sometimes making the system feel quite useless.
Lin Su felt genuine regret, realizing that the path he had intended to take was blocked. The value of aluminum in this era seemed even higher than he had anticipated.
"I am very sorry, my child," the Pope said.
"Then may I interact with the Holy Sons?" Lin Su asked, trying a different approach. "It would be a pleasure to spend time with those who will serve the Lord in the future."
Ian would become a Holy Son, and it was because Ian unintentionally revealed Celtic's domain that led to Celtic's death. Celtic's initial interest in Ian was likely due to Yi Zhelai's presence, which meant he would want only Ian.
But Celtic hadn't seen Ian yet; otherwise, he would have taken him directly, rather than going through the church. The fact that he couldn't take Ian indicated that Yi Zhelai's presence was a significant threat, making it unwise to act rashly at this time.
"Oh, of course. You can even supervise and instruct them to help them become better Holy Sons," the Pope said, not refusing this small request.
"Instruct?" Lin Su asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Yes, those who serve the Lord must maintain both bodily and spiritual purity. They must eat only vegetarian food and avoid all meats," the Pope explained. "I hear you have very strict self-discipline. I trust you can teach them well. Can I count on you?"
【 Strict self-discipline? Isn’t it three days without washing hair and seven days without bathing?】 System 06 was quite puzzled.
Lin Su was also confused. Did Joe not convey his instructions as he said? However, he didn't show his confusion to the Pope. Instead, he bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your trust. I will always be your most devout follower."
As Lin Su left, he was still greeted by the fervent but restrained gazes of the nuns. He nodded and greeted each one.
One nun said, "Mr. Lin, your servant is truly out of line."
"Yes, he harbors ill intentions towards you," another nun agreed, and the others nodded in agreement.
Lin Su bid farewell to the nuns and then encountered Joe, who was squatting by the door, hugging his knees with a dejected look on his face. "What's wrong?" Lin Su asked.
Joe looked up at Lin Su, appearing somewhat lost. "Mr. Lin, you're back. I'll open the door for you right away."
"I asked what happened," Lin Su pressed, placing a hand on Joe's shoulder. "Can you tell me?"
Joe looked more dejected. "I messed up the task you gave me. You asked me to tell the nuns about your messy habits, but they didn't believe me. They thought I was slandering you."
Lin Su sighed inwardly. It seemed he had miscalculated. People are more likely to believe what they see with their own eyes. Lin Su always made sure to present himself neatly whenever he went out, conditions permitting. It's like telling fans their idol uses the bathroom; they know it logically but can't imagine it and instinctively refuse to believe it.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. In the future, just tell them the truth," Lin Su said.
Joe shook his head. "I'll just say I don't know."
"That works too," Lin Su said. Halfway through opening the door, he paused and asked, "Would you like to learn alchemy from me?"
Joe was taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Can I learn it?"
He wondered if someone like him could truly learn something so profound.
"Do you want to learn?" Lin Su asked again.
Joe sensed Lin Su's confidence that he could teach him if he wanted to learn. Taking a deep breath, Joe replied, "I want to."
"Then that's enough," Lin Su said with a smile.
He didn't intend to stay at the church for long. If circumstances forced them to flee or venture into vampire territory, he might not be able to take Joe with him. Teaching Joe alchemy would be a way to ensure he could support himself in the future.
Joe, overjoyed, bowed repeatedly. "You are truly a good person, a very kind person. I will study diligently."
Lin Su smiled and entered the room.
For Lin Su, alchemy was simple, but for a beginner like Joe, the theoretical knowledge alone was enough to make him pull his hair out in frustration. Joe found it particularly challenging at first, but he was willing to put in the hard work and repeatedly practice the basic operations. Seeing Joe's dedication, Lin Su was more than willing to teach him.
In addition to teaching Joe, Lin Su also took on the role of instructing the next batch of Holy Son candidates. He wasn't the only instructor, but compared to the older, less attractive bishops, Lin Su was clearly more popular among some of the candidates.
"Are you sure you're not a Holy Son candidate? You are very handsome," one of the candidates, a boy named Arno, remarked.
"Thank you for the compliment, but no, I'm not. I'm just here to supervise your diet," Lin Su replied warmly.
"Arno, why are you wasting words with him? We're destined to serve the Lord. No matter how handsome he is, he doesn't have the same qualifications," another boy, Beck, said, glancing at Lin Su with a hint of resentment.
"Beck, you shouldn't treat our supervisor like that. He is the church's most outstanding alchemist," Arno protested.
"But once we enter the Divine Palace, we won't see him again. How can an alchemist compare to those who serve the Lord?" another candidate added.
These boys were living a life of unprecedented comfort, no longer having to work day and night or worry about clothing. Their meals were simple but delicious. They believed they were chosen by the Lord, set apart from ordinary people.
People who are constantly praised and pampered are likely to become arrogant and forget their humility, reveling in their comfort. The church's pampering was a strategy to lower their guards and make them willing to enter the vampire territory. It was easy to imagine how a group of naive boys would react when faced with blood-sucking vampires.
"But the Lord loves everyone. He wouldn't want his servants to look down on his people," Arno argued.
The other boys' faces changed, and they awkwardly walked away. Arno and a few others stayed behind. "Please don't mind their words. They weren't always like this."
"It's alright," Lin Su said with a smile. "Do you like garlic?"
Arno looked puzzled. "Not really."
"Well, starting today, how about you try to like it?" Lin Su suggested with a smile.
He truly didn't mind the cold words from those young men, because life would always give some people lessons somewhere. He couldn't save everyone alone, but it was good to help some people escape from that situation.
Arnold and a few other young men didn't understand what he meant, but they all obediently nodded.
Naturally, the Holy church, which did not want vampires to enter at will, naturally had garlic. Several young men's meals were added with this thing. Human sense of smell is not too sensitive, but this taste is absolutely disgusting to vampires.
When new candidates for the saint entered the Holy Church, Albert returned from his mission and brought back candidates for the saint from the Bird Empire, a total of a dozen young men, including Ian's presence.
The young men were all handsome, and Ian got along well with them. But he obviously had some fear of Albert, and when he saw Lin Su, he exclaimed, "It's you."
The man whom Yi Zhelai regarded as an opponent, Ian remembered very clearly that he could stop Yi Zhelai and easily cut off one of his hands.
"Hello, we meet again," Lin Su greeted, "From today on, I will be your mentor."
Ian was much closer to him than Albert, perhaps because Lin Su's face was kind and his tone was gentle. He felt a bit like meeting an acquaintance in a strange place. "Please teach me a lot."
The new young men were still curious and even curious about Lin Su's presence.
A young man grabbed Ian's shoulder and said, "Do you know the mentor?"
"I've seen him before," Ian said softly.
Their room arrangements were not Lin Su's responsibility. When the young men walked away, Albert held his sword and said, "He never told me where the vampire is, and was abandoned by him at a critical moment. That vampire just treats him as food!"
"So you scolded him?" Lin Su raised an eyebrow.
Albert was a little frustrated. "I did it for his own good. What good can there be in long-term mixing with vampires? Do you really think a wolf would have any feelings for a rabbit?"
"The key is that the wolf looks good," Lin Su said softly.
"What?" Albert didn't hear clearly. He clicked his tongue and said, "He didn't have any defenses against you, the one who cut off a vampire's hand at the time, but he was very afraid of me."
Lin Su said, “Hmm, maybe you're too fierce. As you said, wolves and rabbits—rabbits may not have strong enemy recognition abilities, but they do form painful memories of fierce species.”
Albert remained silent.
In places where people are present, they unconsciously divide into groups. People with similar thoughts gather together. Ian also became friends with Arnold and others. However, compared to the joy of those boys, he seemed visibly troubled.
This led him to sneak out one night, only to run into Lin Su just around the corner.
He instinctively apologized, “Sorry, I'm really sorry.”
“Where do you want to go?' Lin Su asked.
His question made Ian's face stiffen for a moment. “I just... wanted to take a walk.”
“You're lying,” Lin Su said, looking at the boy with his head down.
If it weren't for the system's report, he really wouldn't have expected Ian to want to run away.
In the eyes of the Holy Church, a candidate running away is disrespectful to the Lord, showing no piety, a betrayal, a sign of selling one's soul to the devil.
Ian's face turned completely pale. “I'm not…”
“The entrance of the Holy Church is guarded. You can't get out,” Lin Su said, looking at him. “Once caught trying to escape, you'll be seen as a companion of the devil, sentenced to be burned at the stake at the Holy Church’s entrance, showing people the fate of associating with demons.”
Ian's body shrank slightly, clearly afraid. 'But I don't want to be a holy son candidate of the Holy Church.”
He didn't want to serve the Lord because the Lord hadn't ensured his parents didn't die, nor had He blessed him when he was alone. Only Yi Zhelai was willing to accompany him.
“I think…” Lin Su's ears twitched, hearing faint footsteps. He gestured for Ian to be silent and pulled him into a nearby dark alley.
After a while, several knights passed by. Ian widened his eyes and forcefully covered his mouth to prevent himself from making a sound.
“Weird, I clearly heard a sound here,” one knight said.
"I didn't see anyone. There wouldn't be any ghosts in the Holy Church," another knight said.
"Must be an illusion from the mission. Let's go," the other knight said.
They left together, and it wasn't until the sound of footsteps faded that Ian finally let out a heavy sigh, bowing repeatedly to Lin Su. "Thank you, thank you very much."
"No need," Lin Su said, placing his hand on Ian's shoulder.
Ian stopped, looking up at Lin Su. "What did you want to say before?"
"I want to become a candidate of the Holy Church to serve the Lord. Since you don't want to go, I will go in your place," Lin Su said.
Switching out the prince with a raccoon cat, as long as it's arranged properly, it won't be discovered for a long time.
"Really? How should we proceed?" Ian asked, his eyes shining brightly.
【 If it weren't for that glimpse under the moonlight, the little saintess would have been quite cute.】Lin Su said.
06 issued a warning sound: 【 Please don't play with the system.】
The host clearly ignores everyone else whenever they're fixated on a particular person, yet insists on teasing the system.
"I'll handle this. Just cooperate with me," Lin Su smiled. "Are you willing to lose the identity of serving the Lord?"
"I am willing!" Ian exclaimed excitedly. "Mr. Lin, you are truly a good person. I will be very grateful to you."
Tears welled up in his eyes, clearly filled with gratitude.
System 06 remarked: 【 He and Joe must have a lot in common.】
Lin Su agreed with this point.
The time to cultivate a Holy son of the Holy Church was only one month. The human metabolism of 28 days was enough to completely rejuvenate a person. However, during the selection process, several bishops frowned because half of the young men sent by the vampire clan to test their blood didn't pass, including some who had previously shown exceptional blood quality.
"Why test the blood?" someone questioned.
Bishop Bart was in a bad mood. “Because this is the will of God, he wants to test your loyalty to him through your blood.”
Lin Su remained calm beside him. “So what are the results of the tests now?”
“Some did not pass. You stay here and watch over them,” several bishops entered the room one after another.
Someone angrily asked, “What do we do now? There's no time to cultivate another month.”
“Half are left, we'll pick from them,” one bishop said.
“This one, this one, and this one,” Bishop Bart pointed to the names of several young men. “Their qualities are satisfactory, although their temperaments vary and will need different approaches.”
They settled on a few they were reasonably satisfied with, and sighed in relief. Only Bishop Bart pointed to a list of those screened out. “And this one.”
“This one's qualities didn't pass, and he's very thin,” another bishop frowned. “They'll blame us for this.”
“No, it was specifically requested from there,” Bart said quietly.
They all understood. One person went out to read aloud the list of those selected this time. The young men called out were overjoyed; they rejoiced and celebrated. Those not chosen showed disappointment until the last moment, when everyone tensed up.
Bart looked at Ian, who seemed to shrink into himself. “Ian, yes, it's you. Congratulations, my boy.”
Ian didn't rejoice like the other young men. He instinctively looked at Lin Su and relaxed when he received a nod from him.
The unselected young men would be sent back. For this reason, the people firmly believed that those chosen by the Holy Church were going to be by the Lord's side.
“Please follow me, those chosen by the Lord. First, you will bathe in the holy water and change into suitable clothes before meeting our Lord,” Lin Su led the way.
The chosen young men were as happy as birds, chirping and chattering behind Lin Su. Even as they entered the holy water, their anticipation for the future did not diminish.
They wouldn't be in mortal danger, because of the arrogance and preferences of the vampire clan. They might snap a companion's neck, but disdain slaughtering their food to show their power. Some Holy Children become perpetual blood sources, while others might be turned into vampires.
Lin Su observed their situation with detached interest, but regarding the Church's dealings with the vampires, failing to deliver what promised could bring greater calamity to humankind.
Revealing the Church's secrets would only cause social chaos, leading to large-scale dark wars, with few humans capable of defending themselves. At least for now, this status quo cannot be easily broken.
Ian was the last to enter, glancing at Lin Su as he emerged from the holy water after the other youths had dressed. Wrapped in a towel, he stood before Lin Su and asked, 'What now?'
The Holy Son’s attire was splendid, each like a finely wrapped ribbon, yet adorned with capes that obscured the wearers beneath their grand hats. This was Lin Su's suggestion, not directly stated but implied: “When everything is clear at a glance, it might seem mundane. But when you unveil it yourself, that's when surprises happen.”
For this surprise, everyone added a large, pure white cape. Lin Su changed into his attire. He had a good physique, not bulky, with the oversized garments and the snowy cape diminishing the noticeable height difference.
Already inclined toward warm colors, Lin Su in pure white made Ian cover his mouth in awe. “You truly resemble an angel descended to earth.”
“I'll do your makeup. You'll impersonate me. After we leave from here, all eyes will be on the Holy Son’s today. Joe will help you escape.” Lin Su instructed. “Got it?”
“Yes, I got it. Thank you very much.” Ian obediently sat down.
Lin Su applied makeup, a wig, colored contacts, elevated shoes, and thickened clothing. When Ian looked in the mirror again, he could hardly recognize himself.
"I can only help you up to this point. From here on, it's up to you," Lin Su put away his tools and donned his hood.
The large hood covered half of his face, revealing only his well-defined jawline.
This parting might be permanent. Ian grabbed Lin Su's hand and said, "If the Lord finds out you are impersonating me, it will be detrimental to you."
He regretted it somewhat, fearing he might harm this person.
"You've helped me achieve my wish. Even if it brings punishment, it's my choice. I don't blame you," Lin Su replied. "Of course, if you regret it now, we can still change back."
Ian hesitated for a moment, tightening his grip on Lin Su's hand. "I am a selfish person."
He didn't want to back out. He didn't want to serve any Master; he just wanted to stay by those who needed him.
"There’s mutual consent. Goodbye," Lin Su waved and turned away.
The huge hood shadowed his face as Lin Su boarded a carriage with a group of youths.
The chosen youth's relationship with Ian wasn't particularly good, so Lin Su enjoyed the peace.
As the carriage entered the jungle and human presence dwindled, conversations inside grew louder.
One youth asked, "Bishop, where are we going?"
This didn't seem like the path to the Bishop's residence.
The Bishop sitting ahead closed his eyes and said, "Don't worry. This is the road to the Sacred Place, hidden where few tread. Only from there can one reach the temple and meet our supreme Lord."
His words reassured the youths somewhat, but as they traveled deeper, the sound of wheels over leaves grew unnervingly clear, and the chatter inside the carriage instinctively ceased.
It wasn't that they enjoyed the silence, but the atmosphere felt ominously dark.
Until the carriage abruptly stopped, and the Bishop opened his eyes. "Get off. We're here."
The youths all donned their hoods. When they disembarked, they saw nothing resembling a Sacred Place. As they stood still, the carriage that had brought them sped away, making them realize the Bishop hadn't disembarked at all.
"What's going on?!"
"Why did they leave?"
"Are they just leaving us here like this?"
"..."
"Why would they just leave you here?" A soft laughter drifted from the woods, eerie and ethereal.
"Who's there?"
"Who is it?"
The youths looked up in panic, noticing several people had silently descended from the tall trees, all exceptionally well-formed. But the pointed teeth of the speaker made one youth cry out, "It's a demon!"
"A demon?" a mesmerizing voice rang out. The individuals who had been standing in the trees all turned towards the voice, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, why have you come in person?"
"To fetch a little darling." The silver-haired prince landed gracefully on the ground, his gaze scanning the bewildered youths. His expression seemed to smile, yet it carried arrogance and disdain. "Who among you is Ian?"
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Thanks for the update
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