A saintess? She's just a bad woman.

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She had just been deceived by someone she also thought was nice, a petite, cute, and ball-shaped Asian cat girl, who had swindled her out of all her valuables, including the hero's sword her mother had given her.

At that moment, watching Phoebe take away her mother's sword, she even felt as if her Dao heart had shattered and everything was over.

However, she didn't know why, but she just felt that Saint Karina was more trustworthy than Phoebe.

Even if she was deceived to this extent by a stranger, Saint Karina might actually be using her.

However… in fact, Saint Karina was right. This forest was dangerous. She was only attacked by a relatively weak creature in the forest, a slime, and she almost lost her virginity. Let alone other monsters. Perhaps… her life would be in danger.

If she wanted to leave the forest safely without taking any major risks, she could only rely on Saint Karina. She was so beautiful, even more beautiful than Phoebe, and she had saved her several times, not considering her a burden, and had unhesitatingly promised to take her out of the forest.

By capturing Saint Karina… perhaps it was Violet who captured the future…

“Okay, Lina, I mean, if you really don’t mind that I’m a burden, I’ll go with you.”

Of course, Saint Karina showed no sign of displeasure; she seemed extremely happy.

"I don't mind at all! Look at my face, I'm so happy, Violet! Thank you for trusting me!"

And so, Violet went with Saint Karina.

"Hum hum."

She saw that Saint Karina was in a state of "it is my honor to help beautiful girls," and was humming a tune with great enthusiasm as she led Vera through the forest.

Branches and fallen leaves rustled under their feet. After walking for about thirty minutes, the two returned to the main road.

This road was built by the Central Kingdom to facilitate trade between cities and promote economic activity.

In fact, once back on the main road, Violet suggested to Saint Karina that she could travel alone. However, Saint Karina refused, saying that even on the main road, it was very dangerous for a weak, unarmed woman to be alone. If she encountered bandits or other malicious people, Violet would be in danger.

In this world, it's not just monsters that are dangerous; the human heart is dangerous as well.

Moreover, Saint Karina's pitiful expression, like a wounded little animal about to be abandoned by its master, immediately shook the resolve that Vera had finally mustered.

She truly is a bad woman; she understands women perfectly.

There was still a long way to go to the city, and the silence would make the atmosphere a bit awkward. Violet, who had gradually recovered from her emotional low, also began to be curious about her new companion and wanted to get to know her better.

For example… why was she wandering in the forest? That place was extremely remote, far from the main road, so even if she shouted for help, no one would hear her. That's why that cat-like conman lured Violet there and swindled her.

“Um… Lina, you said before that you were a saintess, right? You mean that one named Lorian?”

"Yes, I am the Holy Maiden. Compared to the Central Kingdom, my country is just a small country among the many human nations, numbering over a hundred."

The Central Kingdom has the largest land area of ​​any country in human history. Sometimes, a single city there is equivalent to the entire territory of some smaller countries.

Of course, Lorian is relatively better than those small countries; it is at least several cities larger than the Central Kingdom.

If we're talking about the Church of Order, Violet might know a bit more about it, since the number of orthodox churches is limited.

Saint Karina didn't mention her church affiliation, only emphasizing the country. To Vera, who was naive, knew little about current affairs and politics, and had only recently left home with her mother, she would undoubtedly assume she was a saint from a small, unknown church in some country.

Anyway, it can't compare to the renowned title of "Number One Hero".

Regardless, Saint Karina was indeed a saint. She initially thought she had misheard.

303. Approval

If Saint Karina is truly a saint, it's not hard to explain her elegant and proper way of speaking, as gentle as a warm breeze.

Vera thought, “Saint Karina must be very rich, right?” Because the sword at her waist, her armor, and even the fabric of it all looked very expensive.

"By the way, Lina, why are you there alone, wandering around in the forest? I thought someone of your status would have someone protecting you."

"Haha, I don't need anyone to protect me. On the contrary, I should be the one protecting the people."

Saint Karina said it without the slightest embarrassment.

That's what she used to think as the Holy Maiden of the State. Now she doesn't think that way anymore.

"I believe that to protect the people, one should take personal risks. Take a sword, some equipment, and wisdom. Then hike through the forests and travel to many places."

Only by interacting with as many different kinds of people as possible and understanding the hardships of the lower classes and other social strata can one act with integrity and fairness when making decisions.

"I understand. But it's very dangerous for an individual. Aren't you afraid of getting hurt or even losing your life?"

“Oh, my dear. Just like you, you’re out here on an adventure, there’s no difference between us. Didn’t you also take risks to come out here? For your dreams and pursuits.”

"Indeed. Me too."

Vera nodded.

"So, this is yet another mission we've been assigned. Only by putting ourselves in danger can we hone our combat skills and survive against all odds."

We need hard power to protect our people. A good leader must understand how to guide the nation and its people… and the military. If we are hurt and stalled along the way, others will not trust us. After all, who would trust someone who can't even take care of themselves?

"You sound very confident."

"Of course, if I don't have confidence in myself, then no one else can believe in me. Besides, I have my own goals. In addition to this, I've also found a guy who's been playing hide-and-seek. I won't fail, and I won't allow myself to fail. That's an indisputable fact."

"You're amazing, Lina."

Vera looked at Saint Karina with admiration.

Compared to myself, the other person seemed to bear a greater responsibility, a small figure carrying a mountain on their back and moving forward with heavy burdens.

Her face was bright and resolute, her eyes gleaming. Her determination was so strong that it greatly inspired Violet.

She thought... if she were with Saint Karina, and became companions with this white-haired lady, there surely wouldn't be anything she couldn't handle.

"Lina, sometimes I really wish I could be as confident as you."

"You will, Violet."

"Thank you. But our goals are a little different. I don't need to become a ruler; I just want to make a name for myself. Actually, as for the people... before I met you, I hadn't even thought about it. I just thought heroes were cool, and I wanted to be like my mother. About heroes."

Violet briefly spoke about her dreams and her story from the beginning to the present.

Although not all, it accounts for a considerable portion.

Before Violet embarked on her journey alone, her life was quite monotonous, with hardly any significant battles. She spent her days in the countryside, training and going about her daily routine.

By this time, the two had reached the edge of the forest.

Saint Karina's white hair fluttered in the wind, making her so captivating and beautiful. She wore beautiful armor, though not full armor, but rather an outer layer of armor covering her clothes to protect her joints and vital areas.

However, Vera knew that this path was different from the one Phoebe had deliberately led her down.

This is the edge of a cliff, and Santa Karina herself is standing not far from the cliff.

Looking down from above, you can see an endless expanse of green. They've left one forest, only to find themselves in another. It's a continuous, endless stretch of green.

Saint Karina stopped at the edge of the cliff and looked back at Violet.

The wind blew not only her snow-white hair, but also the hem of her light skirt.

Sunlight shimmered on the silvery-white armor. At that moment, Vera felt that Saint Karina truly was like those in storybooks—majestic and dignified, yet incredibly approachable. Just like the saints she had heard of. She meant the good ones.

Saint Karina turned around and gave Vera a smile, a smile that was sweeter to Vera than a piece of honey.

"I'm just like you, I want a proper adventure. I want to do something big."

Since we're on the same path, there's no need to part ways. I really want to take care of you, Violet. You know I already consider you a friend.

I think if we get together, I might still be able to find your sword. What do you say? For the rest of the journey, could I stay by your side and protect you for a few more days?

"I……"

Vera finds it hard to refuse people, especially those who seem so sincere from her perspective.

She longed to tell Santa Karina that not only did Santa Karina consider her important, but she felt the same way. She also regarded Santa Karina as a friend, and a companion who had saved her from the abyss.

Without Saint Karina, her virginity would be in danger. Violet had never considered the possibility that her virginity might be targeted by a wicked woman.

If Phoebe were here, she might say that her lesson wasn't profound enough, and that she should teach Violet a lesson she shouldn't learn.

However, is it better to give one's virginity to a monster girl or a bad woman?

Only Violet herself can judge this conclusion in the future; no one else can provide an answer.

You are not a fish, how can you know the joy of a fish? This book contains a thousand Hamlets.

As for Violet's affairs, only Violet herself can decide.

At least for now, Vera absolutely believes in Saint Karina. Or rather, she is willing to believe.

“I want you to stay by my side, Lina. I want you to be my companion. I’ve long considered you a friend, Lina. So, let’s walk this path together.”

Violet finally spoke her mind.

"Oh well."

Saint Karina giggled; she was delighted that Violet had chosen her.

Or rather, she had always known that Vera would choose her, and was just waiting for the other to make the choice. Now that her thoughts had been confirmed, she felt genuinely happy.

"Well then, Violet, please take my hand now. And if you feel scared, you can close your eyes afterwards. I won't blame you."

304. Lanos

So, Saint Karina grabbed Vil and jumped down.

Yes, she jumped off the cliff, but because of wind magic, she rode the wind.

"This is... a flight spell?"

"Yes, that's faster."

Although there are some magical creatures in the forest that are good at flying, Saint Karina doesn't take them seriously with her strength.

In fact, flying is indeed very fast, faster than any means of transportation on the ground. Vera's initial walking was far inferior to flying.

Before dusk, around four in the afternoon, the two had already spotted a city. It was a trading city.

The city wasn't as bustling as the capital, nor as awe-inspiring or grand as a border fortress. This was the city Santa Karina described as the most likely place for thieves to sell their stolen goods.

"Please pay the city entry fee before entering the city."

Saint Karina did not make things difficult for the guards' dedication to their duties, but readily took out two silver coins.

A silver coin served as an entry permit for an individual to stay in the city indefinitely. The guards would conduct a basic registration to prove that the two individuals had entered the city legally and were not undocumented. This was the usual practice for outsiders.

After the guards returned the passes to the two of them, Saint Karina led Vera inside.

Violet must have rarely been to the city; her eyes were filled with curiosity.

Trading cities should be considered peaceful cities. Compared to the Lorian Empire, which is dominated by humans, the Central Kingdom has many races to see, except for demons.

For example, Saint Karina and Violet saw many people with animal ears, such as cat ears, dog ears, wolf ears, rabbit ears, as well as centaurs, elves with long, pointed ears, and so on.

Tiny goblins, about the size of a human's palm, flew around. Besides humans, the blacksmith shops were also run by red-nosed dwarves with thick arms.

Violet had heard her mother say that humans and many other races lived in harmony, fighting together against the demons. This place truly was incredibly inclusive and magical.

Also, there are quite a few shops here. Many of the shops are located on residential floors above, about three or four stories high, with the ground floor used as shops. This saves a lot of money compared to paying rent, because it's their own property.

Most shops were brightly lit, with large, beautiful windows displaying their wares. These included books, candy jars, pastries and bread, fresh fruit, fabrics, and various kinds of jewelry. Even armor and weapons were for sale.

The buildings had signs hanging on the floors, displaying the names of the shops. For example, there was a general store, a fish shop, a tailor shop, an arms shop, an antique shop, a jewelry shop, and so on. The names easily conveyed what the shops mainly sold.

The large flow of people made the road somewhat congested. Although it wasn't to the point of being shoulder to shoulder, it wasn't exactly unobstructed either. There was also the lively atmosphere of shop owners and their employees calling out their wares.

"Come and see! Look at these fresh, top-quality fish! They're so lively and energetic. You definitely won't regret buying them!"

"Come and see the fabrics in my shop. They are all made of the finest cotton and silk, much better than the linen in other stores. They are all top-quality!"

"Try our fruit! Look how juicy it looks! One bite and it's bursting with juice. It's so sweet and delicious! You won't find anything better in all of Lanos!"

Lanos is the name of this trading city.

"If you love her, give her hardware and jewelry. Exquisite craftsmanship is essential for a beautiful love story. If you love her, you should give her the best!"

A cacophony of noises assaulted the senses, an attempt to grab the guests' attention.

Or rather, every potential customer.

Saint Karina had seen this kind of scene many times and didn't find it unusual. But for Violet, who had always lived in the countryside, this scene was something she had never seen before, and it was truly wonderful.

"Lina, what's wrong? You don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"

"I don't mean to be a spoilsport, but it's really noisy for me. It's giving me a bit of a headache."

"Really? I think this place is wonderful! It's so much better than the countryside! Really. I'm overwhelmed by all the beauty!"