The Defeated Saintess Is On A Journey To Tame The Evil God Book 01 Chapter 07.07.1 - Red Epiphyllum

The Western District, in front of the gate of the Church of Tides.

Vivian stood on the cliff by the church, gazing at the sea shimmering faintly under the night sky.

The Middle Sea, as its name implied, was a sea in the middle of the continent, a guidepost of civilization. To the north was the Machiavellian Empire, to the south, the Citadel and the Autonomous Academia Territory. To the west, it bordered the Fallouan Republic and several small principalities, while to the east, it led to the Ocean of Storms, beyond which lay the Yanxian Empire on the distant Yanxian Continent.

This sea had nurtured early human civilization, from ancient kingdoms lost to time to the thriving Citadel of Academia. Undoubtedly, the Middle Sea was the mother of Vestan Continent’s civilization.

"But now, Mother's blood is sullied." Vivian muttered as a gust of wind swept past, accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps.

She turned to see the Priest of Tides walking toward her, hands behind his back, his weathered face like chiseled marble.

"Humpback Whale set sail three days ago, bound for the empire across the sea." He murmured, standing beside her, looking out at the sea with her, "But the storms favor us. As we speak, the whaler is caught in the waves of the Middle Sea, unable to make any headway. Pale Angel Saint Kamaraste has unleashed their might to stop those blasphemers."

Aren't those waves caused by Storm Narwhals? What’s that got to do with Angel? Vivian wondered silently but said instead, "That was fast. Tell me, how does Prince Austin always stay one step ahead of us?"

"He's a Saint; he has his ways. Besides..." The Priest of Tides glanced at her, "Your actions were too reckless, Dragon Girl."

"Hey! Stop belittling me all the time!" Vivian pouted, "Or I'll ask Alice to beat you up!"

"Heh, childish." The Priest of Tides scoffed.

They stood in silence at the edge of the cliff for a while, the wind from the Middle Sea the only sound.

After a moment, Vivian spoke, "This feels like a trap. Prince Austin knows we're closing in, yet he hasn't fled. He's even preparing for a birthday banquet."

"That shows he has no fears. The Goldners are hardened by the desert heat." The Priest of Tides said, shaking his wide sleeve.

"I don’t think so. My imperial blood feels pretty soft." Vivian chuckled.

The old man shot her a sideways glance and scoffed, then asked, "When will your Dragon return?"

"Erum said it’s worried about me and will be back soon." Vivian smoothed her silver-white hair. "Anyway, it’s time to close the net."

"The Church of Tides will keep watch over the sea, using the break in the storm to guide Humpback Whale." The Priest of Tides nodded, saying, "This time, don't disappoint the Goddess, Dragon Girl."

Vivian gave the old man a disdainful look before turning to leave. As she passed him, she muttered under her breath, "You always complain about Dragonkind. What did we ever do to you? I’m telling Alice! She’ll definitely scold you next time!"

Ignoring her grumbling, the Priest of Tides gazed at the sky, "The sky is turning gray."

Suddenly, a violent wind surged, and the old man rose into the air, flying toward the sea at high speed, parting the sea into two massive waves.

......

Although they were supposed to be scouting, Aurora merely took Xing Mo for a walk around the White Tower before heading home.

Back at Miriam's apartment, Xing Mo took a shower and then collapsed onto the bed, diving into the ultimate mystery of life—sleep.

"You're so lazy. Where's your saintly demeanor, Young Saintess?" Aurora teased, burrowing under the covers while pulling out the yuri [1] novel.

Xing Mo shot her a sideways glance, "And what about your godly demeanor? What kind of God reads this stuff?"

"I'm studying." Aurora muttered, eyes on the book. "Otherwise, I won't know what to do later."

"Do what?" Xing Mo asked, confused.

"You." Aurora replied casually.

Xing Mo's fists clenched. This girl... she almost slipped during the shoot, nearly saying 'lovers.' Could she actually have those kinds of feelings for me? The kind where she pins me down and leaves me... utterly spent? Her mind raced. Wait, didn't something similar already happen? But at hasn't gone that… not yet!

Awkwardly clearing her throat, Xing Mo shifted her gaze, trying to focus on anything but Aurora. But eventually, her eyes landed back on Aurora, who was engrossed in her novel.

It had to be said... Xing Mo used to have a "tool." Even though she had turned into a beautiful girl, but she still liked girls. And Aurora, well, she was definitely cute. A flawless face, quirky personality... If only she weren't an Evil God...

Speaking of lovers... cough... What am I thinking! Xing Mo's face flushed as she slapped her cheeks, trying to shake the thought.

Suddenly, a soft cooing sound came from outside the window. A white dove opened the window, flew in, dropped a letter, and then flew out, closing the window behind it.

What kind of breed is this courier, Instructor? Xing Mo grumbled to herself, picking up the letter and unfolding it.

The letter read: "...I’ve obtained some information about Humpback Whale. It once belonged to Sir Derek Larson before being gifted to Prince Austin, who had it modified extensively..."

"...Its true purpose is still unknown, but I’ve heard of 'banquets' being held aboard..."

"...According to my sources, the Church of Tides has already discovered the ship, and it’s currently trapped in the Middle Sea by a storm. The Citadel has been experiencing heavy rainfall, thanks to the Storm Narwhals coming close to the shore. It seems the Goddess has favored us..."

Xing Mo put down the letter and exhaled deeply, relieved. Since the Church had already intervened, there was nothing for her to worry about. She wouldn't have to pass the information to the Church, to those difficult to deal with seniors.

Now, all she had to do was wait for Prince Austin's birthday banquet and get close to him. Maybe she’d discover how he could produce the Anti-Life Element.

If she remembered correctly, the banquet was next Wednesday night, according to the invitation. She could arrange for Aria to accompany her—her in the open, Aria in the shadows, and Aurora providing backup from the rooftop.

A well-trained cult squad... Xing Mo thought with a wry smile.

She tossed the letter onto the nightstand and quickly slid under the covers, falling asleep almost instantly.

Aurora, hearing Xing Mo's steady breathing, finally looked up from her book. Smirking, she closed the novel and set it on the nightstand before turning off the gas lamp.

Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she slipped under the quilt: "Let’s put some of these minor details into practice... tonight..."

…

[1] - yuri