[You sent out a wave of death warriors to delay the advance of the golden corpse. Thanks to your influence, many followers of the Holy Light Church, who weren’t even death warriors, volunteered to assist, stretching the delay by thirty percent…]

[You summoned your beloved disciple Eirik to your side, trying to keep your face solemn, though a faint flush crept onto your cheeks…]

Violanda was about to make her move.

As the other players watched, they collectively held their breath, their faces shifting with concern.

“Violanda! What are you doing? Think this through—weren’t you the one who insisted that you and Eirik would only ever be master and disciple, nothing more?!”

Pixie straightened in alarm, unable to contain herself as she shouted. She frantically typed in the world channel and bombarded Violanda with private messages.

Yet, Violanda paid no mind.

“Heh, shameless woman. I saw this coming. Is she really going to go through with it?” Elvynna scoffed.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions; there might be other factors at play. After all, she’s the High Priestess of the Holy Light Church, and marriage is forbidden for her!”

Some players still believed Violanda wouldn’t take the plunge.

Before this, most players had little understanding of the Holy Light Church’s customs. But after interacting more with Violanda and exchanging information through the world chat, they had learned a key fact: the High Priestess was not allowed to marry!

“What if she decides to anyway? I bet Eirik won’t agree!”

One player analyzed, “Didn’t you notice? Eirik values his reputation above all else. He’s spent centuries building his standing, and marrying the High Priestess—who can’t marry—would bring disgrace and scandal!”

This insight struck a chord with many, bringing clarity.

Indeed!

Eirik was a man who cared about his name!

He had worked hard to gain the respect that had helped propel the Church to its current position. As a representative of the Holy Light Church, and the future High Priest, he was under constant scrutiny.

Even if Violanda, this bold woman, dared to make a move on her own disciple, Eirik was a righteous man!

How could he be swayed by such a shameless woman!?

“Go for it, Eirik! Reject this brazen Violanda!”

“Come on, Eirik, I believe in you!”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Many players cheered for him in the public channel, though their encouragement might be in vain. They couldn’t help but act like starry-eyed fans.

“He wouldn’t accept me…”

Violanda, too, felt a twinge of doubt. But this was her last chance. If she couldn’t win over Eirik now, this simulation would likely end here.

She had no other option.

“Eirik, we’ve known each other for nearly a thousand years, but sometimes when I look at you, it feels as if no time has passed...”

With a soft smile, Violanda gestured for Eirik to come closer.

“Indeed, Master. Meeting you has been my fortune.”

Eirik replied casually, a bit confused by the alchemist’s intentions. Was she really going to have this conversation while everything was at stake?

Was this some sort of final wish?!

Please, this game, this Light Egg, hadn’t even hatched yet!

As Eirik struggled with his confusion, Violanda continued,

“Yes, meeting you has been my fortune… Eirik, all these years, you’ve never taken a wife. Have you ever considered it?”

She paused, her expression growing serious. “I believe you should, but there are few worthy of you. Your wife must be someone of exceptional strength, come from a prestigious family, be breathtakingly beautiful, and share your interests—preferably a member of the Holy Light Church…”

“Well, you have a point. But where is this person?”

The alchemist fell silent, her face flushed deeper as she gazed at him, yearning.

Eirik suddenly realized the implication and stared at her in surprise.

???

What did she mean?

Eirik felt lost. Wasn’t she supposed to feel nothing romantic for him?

He had chosen Violanda precisely because he wanted to avoid romantic entanglements with other women. After all, this so-called simulation was an online game, each female character controlled by a real person—much like an MMORPG.

He had chosen Violanda because she had assured him there was nothing more than a mentor-student bond between them.

“Yes, we are both bound by our roles as High Priestess. I know this may be difficult for you, but I need you to understand—this request is not out of selfishness. Please don’t misunderstand!”

Violanda furrowed her brow, explaining, “The Holy Light Church is at a crucial moment. I must break through to Grandmaster level as soon as possible, and there’s only one path forward…”

Hmm, for the Holy Light Church?

That reasoning held weight.

Eirik thought for a moment.

So, Violanda didn’t harbor any romantic feelings for him after all—this was purely about her power and status.

In that case, maybe it wasn’t entirely unacceptable?!

After all, it would be a shame to waste this save file.

If they could weather this storm, and with the power of faith, Violanda could very well reach Archmage level and claim the rewards.

“For the Holy Light Church, for our future, Master, I will do it. I agree to marry you.”

Eirik nodded slightly.

“Still calling me Master?”

“Wife!”

“Husband!”

The two awkwardly embraced each other.

【Congratulations, you are now married, and your bond has strengthened significantly.

Your Elemental Absorption talent has been upgraded to +9. As your marital bond deepens, the enhancement will continue to grow.】

【Congratulations, you have unlocked the skin: Trials and True Love (Purple).】

【Effect: When facing adversity, the couple gains a 20% boost to defense when together.】

A grand illustration appeared, depicting Eirik and Violanda embracing within the Holy Light Church, brows furrowed with concern.

“+9? I wonder if this will help me break through. Too bad there’s no time left. Otherwise, maybe I could… warm up a bit with him… maybe…”

Violanda’s cheeks flushed, embarrassed by the thought.

“No need to feel ashamed. This is for strength, for the Holy Light Church, for the Goddess of Light!”

She reassured herself, her heart racing.

After all, this was her first time having a husband in thousands of years.

And just then, the world channel erupted with chaos!

“Violanda!”

“Ahhh! My dear Eirik has been corrupted by you! You shameless wretch, you’ve lost all decency!”

“Do your own words still hold any weight? What kind of High Priestess are you?!”