Chapter 347: Confirmation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 347: Confirmation
As the choir’s performance concluded, the most solemn phase of the service drew to a close, and the atmosphere began to shift toward that of a conventional banquet...
However, the invisible undercurrents rippling through the hall only grew more turbulent.
Though they were on Church grounds and under the watchful gaze of the Goddess—where no one dared harbor untoward thoughts or commit any transgressions—those qualified to attend this ceremony were, without exception, the geniuses and elites of various factions and nations.
The fame of many present was no longer confined to a single region or country; they were rising stars of the continent, household names burdened with heavy expectations.
And elites naturally had their own way of doing things.
They wouldn't waste such a golden opportunity just to listen to hymns, eat free Church crackers and wine, or stare at the nuns' legs.
This was a rare—perhaps even unique—occasion where every major player was present. Naturally, the event had to be seasoned with tests of strength, intelligence gathering, political maneuvering, double-dealing, and even long-planned conspiracies.
To put it simply, everyone was "grinding" their hearts out.
Of course, none of this had anything to do with Muen anymore.
Ever since he resolved to stay out of this mess, Muen’s position had happily shifted from the center of the confrontational stage to the spectator seats. In fact, since he’d likely be staying at the Church for a while waiting for his Holy Light Baptism, he even managed to snag a free VIP seat.
As long as I lie flat enough, the grind can't touch me.jpg.
Consequently, Muen wasn't just unbothered by the scene before him; he was actually a bit hungry. He wished he could buy the best melon in the Holy City right now and become a happy member of the peanut gallery.
Fight! Go on, fight! It’s only fun if you beat each other’s brains out.
Ordinary scenes could no longer pique his interest; he only wanted to see blood flow like a river!
As for the potential pit the Pope might be digging...
Heh, I know there’s a pit. Only an idiot would jump in.
Never mind the trials everyone was clamoring for or the lavish rewards that followed—even if you put a hundred pairs of long legs in black stockings in that pit to tempt me... well, okay, that might actually be tempting.
But other than that, there was no way he was stepping foot in it.
Even if I, Muen Campbell, starve to death today, jump off this balcony, or get stabbed to death by a cleaver in the future, it is absolutely impossible!
"Ugh, how disgusting."
Beside him, Pink Bear watched the wicked smile suddenly spreading across Muen’s face and rubbed his chin.
"Kid, you aren't actually planning to raid the nuns' dormitory for the sake of your beloved black stockings, are you? I’m telling you, that’s a crime! If that girl Celicia finds out, she’ll definitely shove her high heels down your throat! ...Wait, no, for you, that’s probably a reward."
"Do you think I'm a pervert like you?"
Muen rolled his eyes. "I only like Celicia’s long, stocking-clad legs, okay?"
And the Senior Sister’s.
An’s were also quite magnificent.
Muen indulged in a pleasant stroll down memory lane, recalling those heart-stirring scenes, while simultaneously using a fork to pop a cracker into his mouth.
Mmm. Now that I’m in a good mood, even this free Church communion bread tastes better.
"But speaking of which, why did the Church gather all these people? Surely they aren't just here to enjoy the drama like us?" Muen asked casually, taking a sip of red wine.
"Wait, Junior Muen, you really don't know?"
Fanny’s expression was as if she were looking at a caveman who had just wandered out of a museum.
"Tonight is the big moment when the Church reveals the identities of the five Saintess candidates! Even if the Church hadn't invited us, we would have found a way to attend!"
"Reveal... their identities?"
Muen blinked, stunned.
Then it clicked.
Right, how could he have forgotten?
Although this had turned into a gathering for young elites, no matter how outstanding those elites were, they weren't the protagonists.
Whether it was tonight or the ceremony to follow, the true protagonists were the five Saintess candidates who had finished their "Mortal World Trials," returned to the Church, and were about to face their final test!
"But, if this is the reveal..."
"Muen!"
Suddenly, the noisy environment fell silent for a fraction of a second.
A familiar voice drifted over, like fireworks blooming in a summer night, diffusing a hazy, radiant glow.
Muen could feel numerous gazes instinctively converging on a single point.
And at the center of that convergence, amidst the shimmering light, a figure in a pale ceremonial dress ran toward them with light, quick steps, like a dancing butterfly.
Passing the edge of the crowd, the butterfly came to a graceful halt in front of him.
It was Liya.
Her skirt swayed gently. The dress was cinched tight at her waist, which he could likely wrap his hands around, further accentuating her stunning curves. Above that, her porcelain neck and shoulders were like polished jade, dazzling to the point of being disorienting.
Her long hair was neatly pinned back, and her cute face bore no makeup. Yet, perhaps because of the lighting, her smiling radiance was far more moving than it had been just a few days ago.
"You look exceptionally beautiful tonight, Miss Liya," Muen said, taking a deep breath to steady the ripples in his heart as he offered a smiling compliment.
"Really? Thank you for the praise. You look very handsome tonight too, Mr. Muen, though you don't seem to have changed much."
Liya blinked her large eyes, a small spark of joy dancing at the corners of her mouth. But the smile quickly faded, replaced by a sudden look of tension as her eyes swept over Muen repeatedly.
"By the way, about before... are you alright?"
Even though the Saintess Teacher had personally told her Muen was fine, Liya couldn't help but worry.
After all, the last thing she remembered was the sight of Muen charging recklessly toward the Calamity, and then...
"Of course I'm fine."
Muen flexed his arm with exaggerated strength and laughed. "As you can see, I’m eating well, sleeping soundly, and I could probably take on ten of my past selves at once. On the other hand, Liya, you..."
"I'm fine too, naturally. While I can't beat ten of my past selves, I could probably handle one and a half."
Liya mimicked Muen’s pose, flexing her arm, but even as her face turned red from the effort, she could only manage a tiny curve in her bicep. Muen couldn't help but chuckle.
For some reason, Liya was exceptionally cute tonight.
"Senior Fanny, Teacher Pink Bear, and everyone else—it’s been a long time."
Liya tucked her hands behind her back and tilted her head to greet the others.
"It’s so good to see that you all made it to the Holy City safely."
"Um... L-Liya, long time no see. We’re very happy to see you too."
For some reason, the group—who had become close enough to joke around on the journey here—seemed a bit constrained now that they were facing Liya.
Liya didn't seem to mind. Her gaze quickly returned to Muen, and she spoke with a hint of apology:
"I'm sorry, I still have things to do for the Church, so I just came over to say hello."
"I know," Muen said.
Since the Saintess candidates were about to be officially announced, Liya could no longer stay with them as a student of St. Maria Academy.
She was about to step onto her own battlefield.
Thinking of this, Muen pumped his fist at Liya in encouragement. "Good luck!"
A light bloomed deep within Liya’s eyes before vanishing in an instant, so fast it seemed like a trick of the light.
The corners of her lips lifted as she nodded firmly. "I will."
Liya turned to leave.
But before she could take a single full step, she seemed to remember something and turned back again.
Her skirt flared out instantly, like a lily blooming in the morning mist.
"Oh, one more thing."
The girl took a deep breath, as if drawing enough courage and determination from the very air.
Then, she took a step forward.
Toward Muen.
Suddenly, she stepped into his arms.
Her head rested gently against his chest.
"Huh?"
Muen’s eyes widened.
The girl’s faint fragrance drifted into his nose, making his heart skip a beat.
Though they had been in close proximity before due to various crises, this was the first time she had initiated such an intimate move.
But before Muen could react, she merely leaned against his chest for a brief moment, as if confirming something, and then quickly pulled away.
"That’s a relief."
Liya patted her chest and whispered words that Muen didn't understand at all:
"There was no thump."