Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 282

[Vol. 5] Chapter 282: The Hidden Message

Within the Cecilia Merchant Guild, the ratio between direct family affiliates and allied partners is about 3:7. Roughly 30% of these allies are steadfast supporters, predominantly religious families, each holding between 5% and 15% shares and loyal to the Cecilia family. The remaining share is distributed among numerous global commerce guilds from across the world.

This distribution is also reflected clearly throughout the association’s main building, where each shop or storefront falls under these same categories.

Meanwhile, the “White Fox Saintess Premium Goods Store” sign that Violet is currently facing displays a badge of a pure white flower, a symbol representing a direct affiliate of the Cecilia family. In other words, this merchandise store was set up specifically by Edwina and Frederica’s own family…

“What on earth are they doing?!”

“Ah!”

The sudden outburst from Miss White Fox startled the young attendant, who looked inexperienced and a bit naive. Though uncertain what had gone wrong, she began bowing apologetically with practiced fervor.

“I’m so, so sorry! Did I do something wrong, or say something that upset you?”

Then, noticing the shrine maiden robe on Miss White Fox, a look of realization dawned on her.

“Oh! I get it now! As a dedicated fan of the White Fox Saintess, you must find the mass-produced merchandise unacceptable, right? Don’t worry! Our store offers exclusive custom merchandise of the Saintess, crafted by artisans directly affiliated with the association to ensure top quality!”

“Please… please, please, don’t file a complaint against me, please!”

“…?”

Putting aside the strangely excessive sensitivity of the attendant’s behavior, the association has actually advanced to the point where a complaint mechanism has already been established?

How much has Loknisa copied from those travellers, anyway…

Of course, Violet had no intention of filing a complaint. She wasn’t about to further reduce the poor girl’s already meager bonus. In fact, from the beginning, the white fox girl hadn’t been paying attention to what the attendant was saying. She had been entirely absorbed in her own unrelated thoughts.

But the association’s affiliated artisans…

With such a high-profile location and the store situated right near some of the most prominent spots on the first floor…

It really is closely tied to the Cecilia family’s main branch, isn’t it?

The masked girl looked around.

Though it was already nighttime, the association’s building was still brightly lit. The hundreds of stores inside remained crowded with visitors. The scale of the foot traffic was likely comparable to that of the Adventurers’ Guild in the Human United Kingdom.

Finding something specific in such a crowd wouldn’t be easy.

Thinking this, Violet refocused her gaze on the still somewhat nervous attendant.

“Please go get the manager of your store. I’d like to have a word with him.”

“What! Oh no… do you really need to file a complaint?”

“What exactly have you been through…”

After a moment of thought, Violet decided to take the simplest and most direct approach.

She pulled out a Sacred Light Coin from her pocket and discreetly placed it in the girl’s hand. Before the attendant could react in surprise, Violet quietly spoke.

“Shh, let’s keep the money hidden. This should show my intentions. I’m not here to cause trouble or file a complaint. I just want to speak with your boss. I’m sure you understand business cooperation, right? Think of this as a tip for relaying a message.”

“Ah, uh…?”

The attendant, dressed in the same style of shrine maiden outfit, instinctively looked down and immediately widened her beautiful eyes in surprise.

Violet wasn’t sure how much the receptionists here made, but considering the average cost of living in the Angel City, a Sacred Light Coin as a tip should be enough to convey the message, “This is an important person.”

After all, Sacred Light Coins were rarely used for transactions in this city. More commonly, the “Six-Winged Sacred Light Coin,” “Four-Winged Sacred Light Coin,” and “Two-Winged Sacred Light Coin”, which were associated with the Goddess Church’s Holy Emblem, circulated as currency.

Sure enough, after a brief moment of shock, the receptionist, trained in the manners expected of a Cecilia family-affiliated store employee, immediately understood what had happened. With only a quick “Please wait a moment!” she rushed into the inner hall, leaving her colleagues staring in surprise.

Violet observed her reaction with a silent nod, then entered the store herself. She found a conspicuous spot near the entrance to sit down and quietly waited.

Hmm… Although, surrounded by so many items related to the “White Fox Saintess,” with attendants and customers wearing highly realistic fox masks or shrine maiden outfits, it was undoubtedly a mentally taxing experience for her. There were even several moments when Violet thought, “Maybe I should just go somewhere else?”

Fortunately, the attendant girl who had left earlier didn’t make her wait too long. She soon came out from the inner room with a young, mature woman dressed in a manager’s uniform, and found the white fox girl who was particularly eye-catching due to her extremely accurate cosplay.

“Sorry to keep you waiting! This is Miss Sera, the manager. Miss Sera, this is our guest.”

By the way, although the attendant likely thought she was being discreet, she whispered to the manager after the introduction, saying, “This customer seems very wealthy, maybe she’s here to place a big custom order!” In fact, it was heard clearly by Violet.

It seemed that the manager, understanding the personality of the attendant, couldn’t help but shake her head. Dressed in a black-and-white uniform, with her short hair neatly styled in the back and an aura of maturity and intellect, she turned her attention to Violet. She gave Violet a subtle up-and-down look before her lips parted.

“Hello, I’m Sera Cecilia. I’ve heard you wish to discuss something important with me. May I ask what it is?”

“Cecilia… Are you from the branch of the family? For such a small shop to be managed by a divine descendant, it seems quite impressive.”

“…?”

Hearing the underlying meaning in Miss White Fox’s words, Manager Sera furrowed her brows and gave Violet a few more scrutinizing glances. The easy-going attitude she had when greeting a customer gradually faded, and she waved her hand toward the slightly overly sensitive young attendant.

“Xiao Mo, please go outside and attend to the other customers.”

“Ah… But that coin…”

Sera shook her head.

“Since the guest has said it’s a tip, you should accept it without hesitation. Besides, weren’t you worried about the treatment fees for your sister? Use the guest’s kindness for something truly valuable.”

“Okay… I understand…”

Seeing that her superior had spoken, the White Fox girl didn’t object. The young attendant nodded in agreement, bowing repeatedly with gratitude before quickly heading outside to return to her usual post.

Once the girl was far enough away, Sera turned back to Violet with a smile.

“That child isn’t greedy. She’s just under pressure from life. If she’s caused any offense, I hope you’ll forgive her.”

Violet, having shifted her gaze from the now-empty spot where the young attendant had been standing, spoke with a calm tone.

“Mm… She and her sister aren’t followers of the Goddess Church, are they? Otherwise, the church should be providing subsidies for treatment fees.”

“Ah?”

Seemingly surprised by the sudden change in topic, Manager Sera was momentarily taken aback, but after a brief pause, she nodded again.

“Yes, that’s right. Actually, if they were willing to join the Church with her sister, she wouldn’t need to drop out of school and work to save up for the treatment fees. But everyone has their own path, and this child made her own decision. We, as outsiders, cannot interfere.”

“Well, please follow me. Let’s move to a more suitable place for a longer conversation.”