Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 172

[Vol. 5] Chapter 172: Before the Storm

Everything was progressing in an orderly fashion. In the blink of an eye, Violet and her companions had already been in the Angel City for over three days.

The Western Expeditionary Army, led by the Bright Light Saintess, Yuna, had fully arrived in the Angel City. They had stationed themselves in the military camps on the outskirts and were now rigorously coordinating and training with the Angel City’s knights, led by Edwina and the other divine descendants.

As expected, however, the Redemption Saintess’s unit, coming from the Flower City, had been delayed.

The battle in the St. Bergen Mountains had caused severe damage to the surrounding residents, and due to certain related reasons, they were forced to slow their advance to aid the local population. It would likely take more time before they could reach the Angel City.

Though Edwina had spent time with them on the first day, she soon became too busy with training and commanding troops to stay by the priestess’s side. Still, as the host, she had already arranged a suitable place for them to stay in advance.

The residence was located in a quiet area of the inner city, yet it was conveniently connected to the rest of the city. It was a property that Edwina had personally purchased with her own funds, and after Violet and her group arrived, she transferred ownership of it to Violet, allowing her to use it as she pleased.

In this way, the priestess unexpectedly acquired her first property in this world. Although, for a traveler like Violet, staying in a house or a hotel made little difference, as she would not be staying in Angel City forever…

Still, out of respect for Edwina’s kind gesture, Violet accepted the offer with a nod, unwilling to reject it outright.

The residence had been carefully selected by Edwina, the Holy Knight, as the best option available. Located in the highly coveted inner city, it had been purchased and then renovated by the Cecilia family, who spared no expense in upgrading the decor to the highest standards.

Though Edwina hadn’t mentioned the costs involved, from Violet’s own observations, the multi-story mansion, which could comfortably house twenty to thirty people, likely had a market value comparable to the ?Ten Thousand Mile River and Mountain Painting? she got from Spirit Veil Merchant Guild. Even in the capital of this wealthy and powerful Holy Empire, the residence could be considered among the most expensive properties.

But that’s beside the point for now.

During the three days of leisure, Violet, unlike the important figures who were busy preparing for the upcoming Holy War, took the opportunity to tour many of the famous landmarks in the Angel City with her companions.

However, the city was vast, and in just three days, she had only managed to explore the major sites in the outer city. She had yet to visit the inner city and the more central ?Holy Court?.

With time running out and knowing that once the Redemption Saintess’s main force arrived, the army would likely march to the military stronghold of Angel City in Fulan Province, bordering the Sarnos province, for the Holy War against the demons, Violet had to prioritize which important places to visit.

Thus, on the morning of the fourth day after their arrival, she made her way to the ?Holy Empire’s First Comprehensive Research and Education Academy?, also known simply as the ?Holy Academy?. This academy was renowned across the land, with a deep heritage that dated back to nearly the same period as the founding of the Holy Empire itself.

However, due to recent disturbances within the Holy Empire and a series of inexplicable phenomena and suspected divine miracles, the academy had closed its doors to the public about half a month ago. This was done to maintain stability for research and the students’ learning environment, allowing only internal personnel to enter.

If not for a certain Holy Knight and the considerable influence of the Cecilia family behind her, Violet likely wouldn’t have been able to secure permission to visit the academy.

Even so, Edwina had only managed to obtain two visitor passes. After careful consideration, Violet decided to take Eudora along with her.

Early in the morning, Violet held the young girl’s hand as they arrived near the main gate of the Holy Academy, waiting for Edwina, who had promised to personally escort them from outside the city.

“Sister Fox, can a bad child like me really enter such an important place? Won’t there be…”

Hearing the timid question once again, Violet, whose hand had been tightly held by the little girl ever since they got out of the carriage, couldn’t help but smile softly. She crouched down and gently pinched Eudora’s soft, chubby cheeks.

“Eudora isn’t a bad child at all… But even if you were, so what? Good and bad are just labels others put on us. As long as we stay true to our hearts, isn’t that enough? Don’t worry, your big sister Fox is here to handle everything~”

“Mm… okay…”

Though she nodded with some hesitation, Eudora’s grip on Violet’s hand tightened even more. While it didn’t hurt Violet, she could still sense the little girl’s confusion and nervousness.

After all, as the premier educational institution in all the nations, the Holy Academy’s reputation was well-known. For children and young people in the Holy Empire still of school age, it was almost revered as a sacred place. Even an orphan like Eudora, who had only received basic education, must have heard of its name.

If even Violet had pulled some strings to visit out of curiosity, it would be dishonest to say that Eudora didn’t also feel a sense of yearning and anticipation.

That’s why, as they were about to enter the academy, Eudora grew more nervous, especially knowing that she, as a demon fundamentally out of place in such a setting, would be hunted down immediately if discovered. This uncertainty only deepened her unease.

But this was exactly why Violet wanted to bring her here.

The priestess wanted Eudora to understand that even the so-called sacred places were simply made up of groups of people, each with their strengths. While the academy might possess some extraordinary qualities, to call it an inviolable holy ground would be an exaggeration.

It was about… gaining experience and perspective.

After waiting for a short while at the busy entrance to the Holy Academy, another carriage bearing the Cecilia family crest soon pulled up in front of them. The curtain was drawn back, and a hurried-looking Edwina jumped out immediately.

“Sorry, sorry! Something came up at the camp this morning and took a lot of time to deal with. I’m so sorry to keep you both waiting!”

Violet raised an eyebrow beneath her mask. “It’s fine, but… did you say something came up?”

“Ah, it’s just some updates about the demon movements near the frontline at ?Holy Court?. They’ve been hiding in Sarnos and Keller provinces for a while now. To figure out their intentions, ?Holy Court? has launched over ten probing attacks, all without success. But this morning’s reports seem to say… Ah, enough! This isn’t a military briefing. If I keep going, we’ll never stop. Let’s not talk about that today!”

Waving her hand to signal the departure of her family’s carriage, Edwina, who had arrived late, looked quite embarrassed as she apologized.

“I’m really sorry. I was supposed to be here first, but I ended up making you wait for so long…”

Eudora, being a well-mannered child, naturally didn’t interrupt the adults’ conversation. Violet, on the other hand, just shook her head casually.

“I said it’s fine. Honestly, it feels worse for me to bother you to be our guide during such a critical time. But since we don’t really know our way around the Angel City, I couldn’t think of a better option than you. Haha…”

Not wanting to waste more time on pointless apologies, the white-fox shrine maiden quickly changed the subject.

“But Edwina, to be honest, this is the first time I’ve seen you dressed like this. It’s pretty cute, you know? You’re such a beauty, yet you always cover yourself in armor. Isn’t that a bit of a waste?”

“Huh?”

Just as she was about to say more, the Holy Knight was caught off guard by Violet’ sudden comment. Her face flushed, and she fidgeted with the hem of her dress, which had been disheveled by her earlier leaps, while turning her gaze away in embarrassment.

“Wh-why would even you say that, Miss Violet… I feel like this artsy outfit doesn’t suit a Holy Knight at all! If it weren’t for the academy’s strict dress code…”

“Pfft…”

“Wha!! Miss Violet, you just laughed, didn’t you! You’re making fun of me! That’s so mean!”

“No, you misheard~”