The third residential

Cross manages the third residential district in the eastern region of the Telvis Empire, which is a relatively affluent area and is also very close to the walls of the "Temple City", making it a precious land around the imperial palace.

Following behind Melissa, the three soon saw the church. Although it was called a church, it could also be called a "temple."

Surrounding the church was a clear lake, with a huge arch bridge in the middle of the greenery and holy trees. Several fully armed knights of the Holy See stood in front of the bridge, saluting as they passed.

After passing through the arch bridge, they saw a huge main entrance decorated with two goddess statues. The main entrance, decorated with mithril, gave people an inexplicable sense of majesty.

Entering through the main entrance, the front was the chapel used for regular prayers for the surrounding residents. Behind the chapel was the "back hall", which was the residence of the "administrator". On both sides of the back hall were high towers, and beneath the towers were two buildings forming a crescent shape.

Walking on the tiled floor carved with images of the gods and looking at the magnificent building, it was hard not to be amazed. Even Melissa, who grew up here and was used to it, still had a reverent mood towards all of this.

Today was not a day of prayer.

Walking through the long front yard, they saw many boys and girls wearing monk costumes near the entrance of the chapel. Each one was young, around eleven or twelve years old. Judging from their hair color and appearance, they were mostly not locals of the Telvis Empire. They were probably war orphans taken in here.

When that group of boys and girls saw Melissa, who was responsible for taking care of them, come back, they put down what they were doing and wanted to greet her. But suddenly they noticed a black-haired man in black armor and a dark cloak of the Holy See following behind Melissa, as well as an expressionless petite girl.

Even the boys and girls, who had a shallow understanding of the world, understood that the black-haired man who did not look like a good person was the leader of the Holy See's devastating army, the "Judgment."

Thinking of the various atrocities of the Judgment that were rumored, the boys and girls couldn't help but step back and watch Cross warily.

Cross didn't know how to deal with the children's reactions. He had no idea how to win their favor. Melissa didn't immediately try to reconcile the two sides either, she just slowly pushed open the main door of the chapel. Inside was a very spacious area. Although the old priest had passed away over a month ago, the entire chapel was still so clean and tidy.

"Cross Asteros, where did you take the nun of this church for a stroll?" This broke the awkward atmosphere, and it was Clarissa, a small nun with beautiful blonde hair who was almost as tall as Eve. Unlike Melissa's naturally optimistic nature, Clarissa's expression was very serious, and her every move revealed her rigorous personality... It was more accurate to say that Clarissa was too rigorous, rather than Melissa being too casual.

"Sorry, I had her show me around the city. As a new manager, it's necessary to understand your own territory," Cross replied with a forced smile, his habitual response to Clarissa's question.

"It's probably that Melissa forgot to come back early," Clarissa glanced at Melissa, who was thinking about something, and brought her wandering spirit back here... As a companion who grew up in this church with Melissa since childhood, Clarissa understood Melissa's personality better than anyone else.

Melissa didn't pay much attention to Clarissa's reprimand, she just giggled a couple of times and let the matter go.

"Also, Cross, if I may be so bold, as a 'judge,' you must maintain a serious demeanor. I don't want to see that idiotic fake smile again," Clarissa said without any hesitation, offending him with her words. For some reason, he felt a certain level of pressure from this young girl, who was clearly powerless and couldn't be over fifteen years old.

Her personality was indeed as strict as her appearance.

"I never thought my smile was perfect," Cross said, perhaps this young girl could sense it through intuition. After all, anyone with a slightly sensitive perception could feel the faint killing intent emanating from Cross, an aura that only those who have been through battles... no, those who have been through "hell" could possess.

Cross didn't intend to continue arguing about this issue and changed the topic, "Although Melissa has already mentioned it, don't you want to add more nuns here? It will be difficult with only two people, won't it?"

"Previously, there were no nuns coming here because the old priest was a very strict person. Most of the church's funds were used to help the poor, and the salary for the nuns was only the most basic standard. Self-discipline and tolerance were the criteria for everyone in the church when the old priest was alive..."

At this point, Melissa felt a bit embarrassed and couldn't help but think of the old priest who, although very strict, was very kind.

"But, Clarissa, Cross has just become a judge today, there's no need to be so strict..."

Melissa knew Clarissa's personality well and tried to help Cross out of the situation.

However, it was of no use.

"No, it's a good thing for Cross to realize his identity and responsibilities early on, isn't it?"

Clarissa smiled kindly at Cross, making him shiver.

"Indeed."

It seems that the days ahead will be very challenging.

"And, what's with Eve's outfit?"

From the beginning, Clarissa noticed the smaller girl with the light silver hair next to Cross. The girl was wearing an ill-fitting dress with a large mark of unknown food on it.

"Because there hasn't been any free time, so it's just a temporary makeshift."

Anyway, it had to be re-purchased later, so she didn't bother with the fact that the ill-fitting dress was stained with sauce.

"This is not a good thing for a girl. As a 'servant' of the judge, the outfit must be kept clean. Cross, let Melissa take you to your room to sort out the items that were sent earlier, and Eve can borrow me for a while."

She walked over to Eve and took her hand. But at the same time, Eve tightly grabbed Cross's sleeve, although her expression remained unchanged, this action showed that she didn't want to leave Cross and Clarissa.

However, when she saw Cross nodding in agreement to Clarissa's request, she let go of the hand holding the sleeve and left with Clarissa.

"She's really a shy 'daughter', isn't she, Cross 'Dad'?"

Melissa joked half-seriously.

Looking at these two people with completely opposite personalities, Cross couldn't help but think: if Clarissa could give a little bit of that rigorous attitude to Melissa, it would be great, wouldn't it?

"Don't make rumors here. Hurry and take me to my room. If you keep lingering, you'll make Clarissa angry again."

"Hehe, Cross has quickly adapted to Clarissa's personality! Truly deserving of the judge!"

The pink-haired girl complimented as she walked with a light step towards the back hall of the church, occasionally turning back and waving to Cross, who had not yet taken a step.

To be honest, if Clarissa could give "a little bit" of that rigorous attitude to Melissa, it would be even better...

But, it's not impossible.

Cross didn't know that his expression at this moment was so relaxed, unlike the fake smile at the beginning. He now smiled from the bottom of his heart, all thanks to "this kind of" Melissa.