“Phew… Thank goodness my situation didn’t warrant the involvement of a church deacon for interrogation. If it had, there’s no way I could’ve hidden anything.”
In a small room, Vania, who had successfully passed the inquiry, thought to herself with relief. After the incident, she immediately reported to the church and actively cooperated with the investigation. Her testimony was consistent with the circumstances and had no suspicious elements. Combined with her clean background and good behavior, the investigators sent by the church only questioned her instead of subjecting her to a formal interrogation.
Had it been an interrogation, the church would have deployed black-rank or higher deacons. In the presence of high-level Lantern Beyonders, lying would have been impossible—they possess the ability to discern lies.
Vania truthfully recounted most of what had happened in the crypt that night: how they discovered the crypt, ventured inside to explore, were ambushed, and how she hid in a side chamber.
In the final part of her story, Vania described how a wounded heretic stumbled into the side chamber where she was hiding. In her panic, she counterattacked with her sword, managing to kill him because of his injuries, despite her inexperience.
As for the other heretic, who was killed by a rebounded bullet, Vania made it appear that his body had fallen amid the chaotic main battleground, blending with the pile of corpses. After all, her explanation of accidentally killing a wounded heretic in self-defense was barely plausible—especially since the heretic stabbed by her sword indeed bore other injuries. However, the idea of deflecting a bullet with her sword would have been far too unbelievable.
“Alright, Sister Vania, the investigation into the heretics and the retrieval of Bishop Dietrich’s relics is underway. To ensure safety, these relics will first be transported to Igwynt and then, under sufficient armed escort, sent to Tivian. You may travel with the relics for protection, given the recent surge in heretic activity—it’ll be safer this way.”
“For now, take some time to relax in Igwynt and rest for a few days.”
The cleric tidied up the documents on the table and smiled as he spoke to Vania. Startled at first, she quickly stood and thanked him.
“Heh, feel free to take a look around, Sister Vania. Igwynt does have its charms. For instance, the school renovated through a donation by the venerable Saint Amanda is located here. Oh, and the annual charity event is about to be held—that’s quite the highlight of our region,” the cleric said, introducing his hometown with pride.
Hearing this, Vania asked curiously, “A charity event?”
“Yes, it’s an annual charity banquet hosted by Viscount Field, aimed at helping the impoverished. During the banquet, the Viscount encourages the local gentry to make donations. There are also many programs and activities—it’s fairly well-known around here.”
The cleric’s eyes gleamed as he spoke. After glancing at Vania again, he suggested, “Actually, to echo the Holy Mother’s compassion, we send representatives to participate every year. Since you’re here, Sister Vania, why not attend as well?”
The cleric saw this as a perfect opportunity. A nun from the capital diocese could witness the charity event firsthand and, upon returning, convey how “the people of Igwynt are devout, the wealthy gentry are compassionate,” and so forth. This would surely leave a favorable impression on his superiors. What a chance for good publicity!
“A charity banquet…?” Vania murmured thoughtfully as she nodded slightly.
Time passed quickly, and two days later, evening arrived.
In the upper city of Igwynt, at a bustling crossroads, the rhythmic clatter of horses’ hooves filled the air. Under the warm hues of twilight, various carriages gathered and converged.
On one side of the crossroads, a grand sign illuminated with bright lamps stood prominently. Beneath it was an open gate guarded by attendants. This was the renowned Gemstone Theatre of Igwynt, now welcoming guests for the evening.
Along the spacious path, numerous carriages had already parked. Well-dressed gentlemen and elegantly adorned ladies alighted from their vehicles, chatting and laughing as they strolled up the red carpet towards the grand, ornately decorated entrance of the theatre.
Amid this scene, a carriage slowly came to a halt at the roadside. A young woman carefully stepped down from it.
The girl’s white hair was neatly combed and flowed freely. She wore a gray and black, knee-length dress with slight formal touches, adorned with lace and a butterfly bow at her waist. A small flowered hat rested on her head, while over-the-knee black stockings paired with polished leather shoes completed her ensemble.
This was Dorothy, attending the so-called upper-class gathering. She had spent some money to purchase an appropriate outfit and even visited a salon to apply light makeup.
After dressing up for the first time since her transmigration, Dorothy had spent almost half an hour admiring herself in a full-length mirror at the shop, completely enthralled. Only after a reminder from the shopkeeper did she hurriedly leave, managing to make it on time.
The outfit Dorothy now wore cost more than all the clothes she had bought in her entire life combined. Yet, she didn’t feel the slightest guilt about the expense—it was far from the point of concern in her current situation.
“Phew… I made it. Time to head inside.”
Speaking softly to herself, Dorothy directed her marionette driver to park the carriage while she made her way toward the theatre entrance. Along the way, she drew quite a bit of attention. Gentlemen subtly glanced in her direction, while groups of ladies whispered behind their fans, speculating about which family this young woman might belong to.
“Seems like I’m standing out a bit too much. I should’ve dressed more modestly,” Dorothy thought as she quickened her pace. Handing her invitation to the doorman, she entered the grand doors under their curious gazes, joining the flow of guests entering the theatre.
Inside, Dorothy followed the crowd down a long, carpeted corridor. Opposite them, a group of male staff in theatre uniforms passed by. A distinctive feature of these staff members was their half-masks, which covered the upper half of their faces.
The masked staff seemed to be a hallmark of the Gemstone Theatre. No one around her appeared surprised, and Dorothy, after a brief glance of curiosity, walked past them.
Afterward, one of the masked men paused, turning back to glance at the departing crowd, his gaze sweeping over the many backs disappearing into the venue.
After a brief hesitation, the man continued forward, exiting the theatre and approaching a luxurious carriage parked at the roadside.
Upon reaching the carriage, he removed his mask, revealing the face of Bill.
With a respectful expression, Bill addressed the carriage.
“Master, I think I’ve caught a familiar scent—the one I recorded at the Buck Mansion…”