Aftermath (2)

"Assigned?" Vivian asked with a very obvious confused expression written all over her face.

"All White and Brown Cloaks, except for a few exceptions, have been assigned across the city to help the victims of the attack in the Royal Palace last night. I don't remember assigning you here," the woman said with an expressionless face. But Vivian could feel that she was looking at her with a suspicious and annoyed gaze -- at least that's what Vivian felt.

Victims of the attack…?

At the Royal Palace last night…?

What is this ugly arrogant four-eyed bitch talking about…?

Vivian glanced at Joshua and Giselle, trying to see if they would help her but their faces gave nothing.

Shit…!

Should I lie…?!

"I'm very sorry, sister, but I was bedridden for the last 2 days due to extreme period cramps and just got a little bit better today. I came here to see Sister Annabelle to talk about participating in the Holy Crusade because today was supposed to be the deadline to tell her my decision. Unfortunately, she wasn't here and I was about to go to the Main Office building to ask about her whereabouts."

"And what is your decision?"

Huh…?

She's already asking what my decision is…?

What does this have to do with her…?

Vivian swept her eyes at the Priestess' Red Cloak.

Oh right…

And as far as I can remember, Red Cloaks are the like leaders…

She bit her tongue for a moment before finally answering.

"I'm going to participate, sister."

Hearing Vivian's answer, the woman's face softened a tiny bit.

"I believe I haven't properly introduced myself to you. I am Sister Grana in charge of the Temple of Priests office building here in Luxen City and you may address me as High Sister Grana."

"Yes, High Sister Grana."

"Sister Annabelle isn't here. She was assigned at the Royal Palace."

"Thank you for informing me that, High Sister."

"And since you have business with Sister Annabelle, I will assign you to her team."

"Yes, High Sister."

"Do you need to make some preparations before going there?"

As a woman herself, Grana knew the pains of having period cramps. And although she was among the lucky ones who didn't get extreme period cramps that can render someone bedridden, period cramps in general are already a pain to deal with.

"Yes, I would need to get some things from my room first before heading there."

The things that Vivian was referring to were the napkins, potions and extra underwear.

***

At the Royal Palace, but not quite.

Vivian and a Brown Cloak Priest were on the outskirts of the Royal Palace serving food to the Knights, Guards and civilians.

The Priest accompanying Vivian was in charge of pushing a cart that carried a huge pot along with some wooden bowls and spoons, while Vivian was in charge of handing over the food.

"Thank you, Priestess," said a Guard and smiled as he received a bowl of food from Vivian.

The Guard blushed when his fingers touched Vivian's.

"You're welcome," Vivian said and flashed a beautiful and kind smile.

The Guard turned around and left.

Vivian scooped another meal and gave it to another person -- a civilian this time around.

"Thank you, Priestess!" the man said and bowed.

And yet again, Vivian's fingers were touched.

"You're welcome," she said and flashed a beautiful and kind smile.

The man blushed and then left.

Thankfully, I'm wearing gloves…

I would've vomited and been plagued with nightmares if I didn't have any and had to touch too many strangers…

Well, at least that was the last one…

And my God, my face hurts from smiling…

Why do I --

"Sister Vivian, I think that's it," said the Priest who was with her, interrupting her.

Vivian turned to the Priest.

"Yes, brother. That's all the workers."

"Should we go back or continue to wait here in case someone wants a second serving?"

"Is there still enough food?"

The Priest checked the huge pot.

"About 10-12 servings left."

Vivian thought about it for a moment as she stared at the people around her surroundings.

"I think that's still enough."

"Okay, sister."

Vivian stepped away from the cart in order to discourage the Priest from making small talk with her and she continued sweeping her gaze around her surroundings.

So this is the Royal Palace, huh…

Vivian had never been in this place but she had seen it from a distance. To be fair, she had no business coming here in the first place and in her mind, she had better things to do.

The Royal Palace covered a huge pot of land.

It was surrounded by high walls with watchtowers. And from the entrance which was located in the south, there was a wide paved road decorated with giant statues and plants on the side which led to the Royal Palace. There were other beautiful buildings within the walls as well, but the Royal Palace was the tallest and grandest of them all.

And at this moment, Guards and civilians, most likely carpenters and helpers, were currently cleaning the place up.

So all this rubble and destruction were caused by the assailants led by the former Supreme Captain last night..?

From what Vivian was seeing, there was so much destruction in the area that at least 1,000 people were cleaning, gathering and repairing. And as for the casualties, Vivian wasn't exactly sure and only heard from hearsay that all of the victims had been successfully revived through [Resurrection].

Meanwhile, from the assailants' side, again, she wasn't sure and only heard that they didn't suffer any casualties but are currently being hunted down by many groups. And as for the reason why the assailants attacked, all Vivian heard was that the former Supreme Captain came here to kidnap the Third Queen and her son, Prince Caspian.

And they succeeded...

But still…

Why in God's name do I have to waste my time here…?

Do I look like a worthless bum who doesn't have anything better to do each day…?

And plus, I'm on my fucking period…!

Why don't you all just die, you fucking inconsiderate, worthless, disgusting and useless weaklings…?!

FUCK...!!!

Vivian noticed one of the Guards heading towards the cart.

"Would you like another serving?" she asked with a kind and sweet voice.

"N-No, Priestess," the Guard stammered. "I'm here to deliver the empty dishes..."

Vivian nodded and smiled.

One by one, the Guards and workers came to return their empty dishes and only a few asked for a second serving.

And once all of the food was done and the people returned their empty dishes, Vivian and the Priest headed back.

***

Vivian and the Priest arrived at an open-air tent kitchen.

There were about 30 people there, including Priests.

The Priests were resting and chatting together along with a few Knights, Guards and other staff or civilians. And some of the staff and civilians were busy cooking and washing dishes.

"Brother, I'm heading over Sister Annabelle. I have some business with her," Vivian said to the Priest beside her.

"Okay, sister."

Vivian left and went over to Annabelle who was currently talking with 2 people -- a Knight and a Guard.

One of the things that Vivian was surprised to learn today was that a Knight and a Guard weren't the same.

To put it simply, a Knight's status was higher compared to a Guard and that each of them had their own sub-ranks. And above the Knight rank, there were also the Royal Knights who weren't present and were elsewhere.

Vivian waited until Annabelle was done talking to the Knight and Guard before finally approaching.

"Sister Annabelle."

"Sister Vivian," Annabelle replied and smiled.

"Sorry for bothering this moment, but I want to talk to you about the Holy Crusade."

"Of course, sister. But first, let's find someplace to sit down. I'm no longer young and I've been standing and walking all day."

"Of course, sister," Vivian said and smiled.

They both found empty chairs near a fountain and sat there.

"So tell me, sister, what is it about the Holy Crusade that you wish to talk about?"

"I will be honest with you, sister. I don't know much about the Holy Crusade. On top of that, I'm not a fighter, I'm actually more of a pacifist who just wants to enjoy a normal life. Nevertheless, I still want to know more because like you said last time, this is for my future career as a Priest."

Annabelle nodded in silence.

"If I joined the Holy Crusade, would I be thrown in a lot of fights or wars? Because I also suffer from extreme period cramps that would render me completely bedridden for days. As a matter of fact, I was bedridden for the last 2 days but I forced myself to come here today because I wanted to talk to you more about the Holy Crusade and give you my decision."

"I understand, sister.

"As I mentioned last time, since we see a lot of potential in you for being in an administrative position, you will be placed in a safer location and position during your Holy Crusade. We will also give you a medal as proof that you're a potential candidate for an administrative position and no one but the Saint can question it.

"And as for your question about fights and wars, well, there will be fights. But wars, that depends on what Division you will be part of."

"What Division I'm part of?" asked Vivian.

"As far as I can remember, because it's been a while since I've participated in the Holy Crusades, there is the Infantry Division, Air Division, Sea Division, Inquisitory Division and the Exploratory Division.

"In the Infantry Division, your main task is to participate in battles.

"In the Air Division, your main task is scouting areas and transporting people and other things via a tamed winged monster.

"In the Sea Division, your main task is usually transporting large amounts of goods through the sea via boats.

"In the Inquisitory Division, your main task is to investigate if one of our brothers and sisters has fallen to corruption and anything related to the demons and the forces of darkness within our Temple. And depending on the area of the mission, there could be fights and there could be no fights.

"And lastly, the Exploration Division, your main task is to spread the teachings of the Temple of Priests to the Pagan Lands. And again, depending on the area of the mission, there could be fights and there could be no fights."

Vivian thought about what Annabelle just said.

The Infantry is definitely out of the question because of my blue blood…

The same goes for the Air and Sea Division because of my [Nemesis of Beasts] Lore Magic…

There are Pagan Lands in this world…?

I didn't expect that…

"Sister, I have a question: This Exploratory Division, will I be sent to areas where it isn't governed by humans or at least follow the basic laws of this city?"

"Most of the time, because you will be entering Pagan Lands and chances are they have different laws."

So overhunting is okay there…?

"What if a fight breaks out or someone is hostile to us? Are we allowed to defend ourselves?"

"Of course, you are allowed to defend yourselves. But the main goal is to establish diplomatic relations in order to spread the teachings of the Temple of Priests."

So we're something like colonizers…?

Annabelle continued.

"And if your team successfully establishes a foothold on a piece of Pagan Land and there's a mine within that area rich with metals, crystals and whatnot or any financial benefit that the Temple of Priests can manage or take part in, you can get a bonus and also a lifetime monthly share of the profit."

"Really?!" Vivian replied excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Seeing Vivian's reaction, Annabelle discretely made a mental note about it.

A mine rich with metals, crystals and whatnot that the Temple of Priests can manage or take part in…?

So we're indeed colonizers, huh…

But Crystals…

Hmm…

I wonder where do these Affinity Crystal, Class Crystal and Memory Crystals come from…

Also, does this mean that not every place has Class Magic…?

Or do they have different Classes…?

Vivian wanted to ask but was afraid that it might be common knowledge and it would be very suspicious that someone of her age didn't know such a thing.

However, Pana did say that monsters can get a Class if they have access to a Class Crystal…

Now I'm wondering how are Class Crystals created…

Or do they just find them…?

Tch...!

She clicked her tongue mentally.

So many questions, so little answers…

God, I miss the internet…!

"Where and when can I go do the Holy Crusade?"

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I posted some Chapter Drafts at P-a-t-r-e-o-n. And to view them, you can read them at…

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Please note that the chapters posted there are only drafts. So when those said Chapter Drafts will be published here, there will be some edits. They also involve a few secret outline notes/details that I won't publish here because they contain a lot of spoilers or dispel a lot of mysteries. And at the moment, Chapter Drafts 220-224 are posted there.

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