The Defeated Saintess Is On A Journey To Tame The Evil God Book 01 Chapter 08.05.2 - Late September's Whispers

Alice tried her best to ignore what Aurora had done to Aimer. After all, Aimer was a stranger to most, barely noticed by anyone.

After a moment of thought, Alice spoke, "But Mo-mo’s spiritual force might not be strong enough for advancement. Forcing it could damage her soul."

"We can test it first." Aurora replied casually, "No rush... Oh! I smell something delicious! Is it already stewed?"

"Are you a kitten or a puppy with a nose like that..." Xing Mo smiled helplessly as she lifted the lid. A rich aroma of stewed ribs wafted into the air.

She added some vegetables and closed the lid again, "Just five more minutes."

The three of them continued chatting. On the surface, their conversation seemed harmonious, but beneath it, each harbored their own thoughts.

Xing Mo wasn’t sure what Alice truly felt. Though Alice had agreed to keep Aurora’s secret, if Aurora tried to enter Merlin’s Superstring Formation, Xing Mo doubted she’d remain silent.

She needed to find a chance to tell Alice the real plan in secret: to lure Aurora into the formation, then use Angel’s Tear and God’s Blood to seal her godhead.

Whether to exile her afterward, Xing Mo hadn’t decided. First, she wanted to use that window, when Aurora was stripped of her godhead, to question her. To uncover the real reason she sought entry into the White Tower.

If that truth posed a threat to the Citadel or endangered lives, Xing Mo would never let her succeed.

But if Aurora’s purpose held no malice and could even reveal important secrets, then Xing Mo might choose to help her instead.

For reasons she couldn’t fully explain, the idea of banishing Aurora weighed heavily on Xing Mo’s heart, like a stone pressing against her chest.

She didn’t want to do it.

There’s no point overthinking it now... I’ll decide when the time comes... She thought, shaking her head.

For now, her priority was clear: obtain the Angel’s Tear and God’s Blood.

The former was currently in Prince Austin’s hands and would be acquired soon. As for the latter. Xing Mo knew she needed to investigate carefully.

If not from the outside… then perhaps from within.

She found herself wondering: Does Aurora have periods? If she does, it might make things significantly easier...

While mulling over this odd line of thought, Xing Mo suddenly noticed the aroma thickening. The ribs were ready.

She lifted the lid and declared, “Alright! The soup and meat are ready!”

"Yay!" Aurora sprang up from her stool and eagerly grabbed a bowl.

With a flick of her wand, Alice summoned a worn table from the distance. A breeze carried it to the side of the pot, landing gently in place.

Xing Mo looked toward Aria, who stood on guard nearby, and called out, “Aria, Bianca, come have some soup.”

"Eh?" Aria turned, startled, "N-no! We’ll have some later!"

"Come on now. It won’t taste good once it’s cold." Xing Mo began ladling soup into two bowls, making sure to add in extra ribs.

Blushing fiercely, Aria guided Bianca over in quick, timid steps. The two young girls stood awkwardly before the others, then offered a small bow.

"Th-thank you..."

"We’re all family here. No need to be so formal." Aurora said, placing her hands together in a gesture of prayer and closing her eyes, "This is all a blessing from the Tree of Life’s Goddess..."

Could you maybe cook next time before saying that...? Xing Mo grumbled inwardly, but still added a few more ribs to Aurora’s bowl.

She then divided the rest of the meat evenly between herself and Alice, sat down at the table, and finally began to enjoy the meal.

"Mmm... Mo-mo’s cooking is still the best." Alice said with a smile after sipping the soup.

"Right, right! Big Sister’s cooking is the best~" Aurora echoed, her heart-shaped pupils pulsing excitedly.

Xing Mo said nothing, quietly sipping her hot soup as she looked away.

Under the awning and eaves nearby, little nuns and priests gathered around bowls of soup and other dishes, their faces lit with warmth and laughter.

Seeing this peaceful scene, a small smile unconsciously crept onto Xing Mo’s lips.

Eat more, eat more—so you can grow taller…

To the sound of falling rain, the five of them shared dinner, until the downpour began to ease.

Eventually, the heavy curtain of rain thinned, and the light of the pale blue crescent moon broke through.

"Phew... that meal really hit the spot." Aurora said, rubbing her stomach contentedly. "Nngh... I just want to go home and sleep..."

"Then let’s head back early." Xing Mo suggested, noting how much the rain had lessened, "Senior Alice, shall we head back together?"

Alice nodded: "I’ll give you a ride, but I need to stop by the Holy Spirit Church afterward. There’s something I have to take care of."

She clapped her hands, signaling the butler to have the cooks start packing up, then stood,
"Let’s go. Let’s take my carriage is ready. I’ll drop you off at Splash Street first."

"Senior Alice, you’re the best~" Aurora chimed, her tone airy and sweet.

After bidding farewell to Aria and Bianca, the three of them raised umbrellas and made their way through the damp, rundown shacks until they reached the main street. Alice’s carriage waited there.

Inside the carriage, Aurora stretched, her eyes were half-lidded, "I still need to shower when we get back..."

She actually gets sleepy? Xing Mo mused. That’s surprising…

The carriage rumbled to life, rolling forward through the quiet, wet streets. Xing Mo leaned back into the soft seat, drowsiness washing over her.

We’ve been to so many places today… What an eventful day…

I’ll get a good night’s sleep and tackle the plans ahead tomorrow with renewed energy...

Her eyelids drooped, the steady clatter of wheels lulling her into a light doze.

But then, Alice’s voice cut through the calm, "Stop the carriage."

Huh...? What’s wrong? Xing Mo’s eyes snapped open, and she looked out the window.

On the street outside, several detectives in black trench coats were smoking, revolvers drawn. Their faces were sharp with tension, eyes locked on a nearby building like it might explode at any moment.

The entrance had been sealed off with police tape.

What’s going on here?

"Looks like there's a case." Alice said, peering out the window, "You stay in the carriage and rest. I’ll take care of it quickly."

"I’ll go with you," Xing Mo muttered.

Alice didn’t argue. She opened the door and opened her umbrella, waiting silently for Xing Mo to join her.

Once both were outside, they walked together toward the police cordon.

"What happened here?" Alice asked the officers. She didn’t bother showing identification—after all, the Bellkeepers were well known.

Before the officers could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air, "Witch? What are you doing here?"

Xing Mo turned to see Chief Laura Williams approaching, umbrella in hand, her brow drawn in a hard scowl.

That’s the same woman who scolded Senior Alice and nearly arrested me back at Sunflower Hot Springs... Xing Mo instinctively took half a step back, bracing herself for another outburst.

But Alice remained perfectly calm: "Just passing by."

Laura’s eyes flicked toward Xing Mo, then back to Alice, her expression clearly reading: Sure enough.

Still, she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she gestured toward the cordoned-off building: "A crazed Wizard has taken a family of three hostage. He’s demanding we bring him something, or he’ll kill them."

Alice raised an eyebrow: "What does he want?"

Laura met her gaze head-on. Her voice was low and grim. "The Angel’s Tear."

......