Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.

The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.

Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay. Carson recalled Reuben clearly.

Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it was for this reason the temple made an exception to welcome him.noveldrama

"He has been leaving the temple daily. There was a battle in the capital recently, and many lives were lost. He has been working tirelessly to help guide the souls of the departed. His efforts have truly been remarkable," Carson said.

His tone was filled with great admiration.

"Priests are meant to withdraw from the world. But Father Reuben, who went to the Southern Frontier, is truly an exception. Few priests would do such a thing. He embodies the compassion and devotion that should define our faith."

Carissa listened politely as Carson spoke at length. When he finished, she gave a polite nod and requested him to invite Reuben to meet her. She instructed Carson to tell the priest that a devotee, deeply moved by Reuben's work in the Southern Frontier, wished to make a donation to build a new temple in his honor. She left it to him to choose the location, and assured Carson that a yearly contribution would be provided to support his work.

Carson didn't know Carissa and Violet's identities. Although they were dressed simply and modestly, their demeanor was extraordinary. He assumed they must be ladies or wives from noble families, here to do good deeds and earn merit.

With a respectful nod, he left to find Reuben.

Meanwhile, Oliver was on edge. He had been living in hiding for so long that the news of someone coming to find him struck fear into his heart. When he heard the offer to help build a temple and provide yearly funds, it felt like they were offering to support him.

Once the Earl of Silverstone, Oliver was well aware of the large families who regularly donated to temples in hopes to improve their fortunes. He had never heard of a temple being built specifically for one person, but the idea intrigued him. After all, it would take tens of thousands of silver coins to fund something of that scale.

The lure of profit-powerful, overwhelming-conquered Oliver's fear. He believed no one would suspect him of pretending to be a priest, and he was certain that Zoey would never betray him.

Carissa's strategy had worked.

Oliver was desperate for money, and the promise of such a substantial sum outweighed any lingering doubts. Moreover, it was only a lady who had come to seek him out.

Still, he remained cautious. He told Carson that he needed to bathe and purify himself before meeting his visitors, and asked the devotee to wait a little while longer.

Once Carson had been sent away, Oliver quickly changed into new clothes and stepped outside, making a careful circuit around the temple He scanned the area for any signs of guards or officials. When he saw none, he returned to his quarters. After changing into his priest's robe, he made his way to the guest hall.

Oliver had encountered Carissa before, and the memory of her left an indelible mark. He had always been

keenly aware of beautiful women, and Carissa certainly stood out.

When he first laid eyes on her in the guest hall, his heart skipped a beat. The next instant, panic set in. His first impulse was to flee.

Before he could even take a step,

Carissa was upon him. In a swift motion, she gripped his shoulder and yanked him backward, throwing him to the ground. Violet, who had been close behind, quickly placed a foot on his chest, her voice cy.

"Oliver Prince, still thinking of running away?"

Oliver's face went deathly pale.

The sudden turn of events left Carson confused. It wasn't until Violet called out Oliver's name that he remembered who Oliver was.

"What's going on?" he instinctively asked.

Carissa's answer was simple and to the point. "Ask the abbot. He'll explain everything to you."

Without wasting time, she drew a length of tough cord from her belt and bound Oliver's hands behind his back.

Since Oliver was still wearing his

priest's robe, taking him out through the temple would raise suspicions among the temple visitors. Violet

tore the robe from his shoulders

with a swift motion.

Carson, unable to do anything to stop them, hurriedly left to give orders.

"Clear the way," he called out, then turned to Carissa and Violet. "Make sure to use the back roads to

avoid drawing attention. We don't want any trouble for the temple."