The Defeated Saintess Is On A Journey To Tame The Evil God Book 01 Chapter 07.08.1 - Red Epiphyllum

"There are so many people..." After entering the manor, Xing Mo stared in disbelief at the sea of people in yellow robes, unsure of how to feel. She knew Prince Austin was beloved, but this overwhelming display exceeded her expectations.

With such a crowd, surely, the Prince must be pleased, right?

Activating the Tree of Life vision, Xing Mo saw a dense black fog, woven like an ocean, permeating every corner of the manor. This must be Prince Austin’s true plan—to create an environment where Steam Men could manifest at will. If the Church attempted to arrest him on his birthday, he’d have a safeguard—turning the entire crowd into his hostages.

These very people had unknowingly become part of his safeguard.

...

As she quietly listened to the crowd chanting praises for the Prince, Xing Mo found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Then, a faint voice reached her ears: "Lady Saintess, I’ve found the Prince’s study. It’s behind the banquet hall, on the third floor. It's heavily guarded."

It was Aria, who had been scouting ahead.

"Did you find any signs of the curse?" Xing Mo whispered.

"I couldn’t check. The spiritual realm there is sealed by a string magic formation. I can’t get in."

Aria, a Dark Elf trained by Aurora, had learned to navigate the spiritual realm, much like how Aurora had once extracted Xing Mo’s soul from her body. However, this ability was limited to the soul, making it easy to counter.

Looks like we’ll have to infiltrate through the material plane… Xing Mo thought before whispering, "Leave it to me."

"Understood. I’ll be awaiting your orders." Aria replied.

Xing Mo glanced down, noticing her shadow darken subtly, almost imperceptibly. Straightening her posture, she moved forward with the crowd, blending in as they approached Prince Austin’s mansion. Every step was careful—her high heels made walking a challenge, forcing her to shorten her stride and focus on maintaining her balance. It was her first time attending a formal event in such attire, and the unfamiliarity kept her nerves taut.

She approached the mansion’s entrance, trying to appear as natural as possible. At the reception, she presented the golden ticket Aurora had won during the eating contest. It was a standard VIP pass, available at a set price, and it granted access only to the main banquet hall, not the VIP boxes on the second and third floors.

Aurora certainly knows how to cut cost… Xing Mo thought, suppressing a smile.

The attendant examined the ticket closely. After confirming its validity, he tore off the stub and returned it with a courteous smile, "Everything is in order. Welcome to Prince Austin’s banquet."

Xing Mo nodded and, with some difficulty due to the heels, entered the banquet hall. The first thing she noticed was the crimson carpet, the dazzling chandeliers, and the dome ceiling adorned with a sun crest. At the center of the hall stood a dais, with tables arranged around it in a radial pattern, like stars orbiting the moon—or rays emanating from the sun.

The dais is empty. Is Prince Austin still getting ready? She wondered. Closing her eyes briefly, she spread her spirituality, detecting something strange placed on the ceiling.

There's an inspection spell… Looks like I can't act recklessly… She noted, deciding to proceed cautiously.

As she surveyed the surroundings, a familiar voice came from behind: "Miss Xing Yu?"

Xing Mo turned to see Tolle—the man who had lost a considerable fortune to Aurora—standing there, his face full of surprise.

It's the husband of the proprietress of Sunflower Hot Springs... and the man who wasted a fortune on a figurine… Xing Mo remarked mentally. Wasn’t he supposed to have defected after his wife’s death? Why would he attend the Prince’s banquet?

"Hello." Xing Mo greeted him with a faint smile, "What a coincidence to meet you here..." She paused, letting the unspoken words hang in the air—considering everything that had transpired.

...

Tolle's eyes flickered with confusion, but he quickly masked it with an ingratiating smile. "I... actually, I've been planning to return to New Gallo. After losing my Toria, it's been unbearable to stay in the Citadel."

New Gallo was the capital of the Machiavellian Empire, an oasis amidst the desert.

So, he's planning to flee... Xing Mo thought, letting him continue without interruption.

"The Prince has been very generous, offering me a ticket back and inviting me to stay until after the birthday banquet." Tolle added, his voice growing softer, eyes shifting nervously, "But tell me... does your presence here mean the Church is moving against the Prince? Is there any chance you could delay it? I just want to take Toria’s ashes back to New Gallo, her homeland, before anything happens..."

As he spoke, his gaze wavered, and he lowered his voice: "Does your presence here mean the Church is going to move against the Prince? Could you possibly delay it? I... I need to take Toria’s ashes back to New Gallo, her homeland..."

Xing Mo remained silent, sighing inwardly. You fool. The Church of the Starsea has already cast its net. You really think they can turn back now? Senior Alice and Senior Vivian are likely watching this mansion at this very moment. As someone associated with Prince Austin, you were always destined to be caught. Why didn’t you think of that when you got involved in his schemes? But... maybe I can use you…

After a brief pause, Xing Mo leaned closer, lowering her voice, "The operation tonight cannot be postponed. Prince Austin will be captured—there’s no avoiding that. However, if you help me, perhaps you can make amends for your crimes and earn a pardon."

Tolle’s eyes darkened, the flicked of hope dimming. Then, almost as quickly, his eyes brightened again, and he asked urgently, "What do you need me to do?"

What an opportunist… Xing Mo thought with a faint smile: "Take me to Prince Austin’s study. There are a few things I need to confirm."

Tolle’s expression shifted, uncertainty creeping in, "That… might be difficult…"

"It's okay, you don't need to force yourself." Xing Mo said, feigning indifference.

Tolle hesitated, lowering his head as if weighing his options. After a few seconds, he seemed to gather his resolve and nodded, "I understand. I'll take you there."

Xing Mo nodded in return, then quietly followed him through the bustling banquet hall, weaving through the elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen.

......

In a dimly lit room, Prince Austin stood in silence, his gaze fixed on the blood-red curtains hanging by the desk. His golden eyes flickered with an eerie light. From the shadows, a low voice spoke, "The flock has arrived. We can begin."

Prince Austin smiled faintly, "Then let the waves crash." He raised a glass of wine and swirled it slowly, watching the liquid churn like a stormy sea. Gradually, the color of his eyes deepened, turning pitch black.

......

On the balcony outside the manor, Alice opened her eyes, glancing across the table at Vivian, "The Church's message has arrived. The roads around the manor are sealed, and the priests assigned to protect the people have blended into the crowd. It's time."

Vivian, who had been delicately savoring a piece of cake, stuffed the entire slice into her mouth in one swift motion, then made the "okay" gesture with her hand.

As the pale blue crescent moon ascended into the sky, casting its light over the manor, the two left payment on the table, then leaped from the balcony, vanishing into the first rays of moonlight.

......