Tina walked some distance away from the clearing and made sure that none of her friends tried to follow her. It would be troubling if one of them witnessed something they shouldn’t have.

Unlike how she walked when she was with her friends, her steps now were more nimble and light — like a trained motion. She was holding back at how she usually moved when she was with her party. Just to hide the truth about her, and to make her look a little weak. Something that wouldn’t make her friends look at her differently, and to hide the secrets of the church. True that she was nowhere close and skilled as her dear sister, Astine, but it was better than what she let others see.

There was nothing to worry about monsters here as well. There should be nothing as such. If there was, they wouldn’t be too powerful, and Tina believed she could handle them with the offensive spell she knew. Quite expensive in mana, but using it against weak monsters shouldn't be an issue.

After several seconds, she stopped. This should be far enough.

Leaves and sticks being moved and trampled sounded from behind her.

She closed her eyes for a moment and slowly inhaled before speaking. “Stop looking at me all the time.”

“Priestess, it surprised me to see you. We’ve met.”

Tina turned around with a neutral expression. “Yes, Lady Ayana. We’ve worked together.”

“Indeed, but not in this operation. You shouldn’t be here.”

Tina cast her gaze downward. “Yes.”

“Is the church intending on interfering and poking their fingers in?”

She raised her wide eyes quickly. “No, they have nothing to do with me here.” She didn’t want there to be any complications because of her. “Look, I am here for personal reasons. Nothing to do with the church.”

Ayana narrowed her eyes. “Personal reasons…? I don’t think the church normally allows their battle priests to join the adventurers' guild.”

“... No, they don’t.”

“Are they aware? The church.”

“They know I’m here.” It almost felt like she was being interrogated.

“What about your party? Do they know about your position in the church?”

“No, they do not.”

“I see. That is good. But you seem to care dearly about them.”

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“... I do. They’re my friends.” Tina saw no issue caring about people.

“Friends, huh…” Ayana nodded and looked away for a moment as if thinking.

“Why are we doing this, Lady Ayana? Why hunt bandits?”

Ayana returned her gaze towards her. “As I said, the church is out of this. They shouldn’t even know or get involved. But seeing that you are here, they will know now. You are aware how meticulous she is with her plans. And a member of the church here,” she shook her head. “Nothing at all.”

“I won’t tell the church.”

“Oh really? Don’t take me for a fool, priestess. I have not removed the possibility of you spying just yet.”

“I am not! I told you, I am here for personal reasons!”

“All our operations are top secret, that is one of the highest orders she gave us. And here you are, cozying with adventurers, outsiders. How should we know you wouldn’t leak sensitive information?”

“I will never tell them anything.”

“It’s sometimes difficult to hide something from dear friends, priestess. Eventually, one makes a slight mistake. And we are currently in no position for any leakage of information. Absolutely in no position.”

“What’s going on?” Tina sensed Ayana seemed afraid of something. As if the situation was so dire and left no room for failure.

“You will know as soon as she deems it for you to know. I must report this. You are putting everything at risk.”

“I’m not doing anything! Please, you don’t need to tell her.”

“I have ascertained what I needed. She will know of you, and she will not be pleased.”

Tina clenched her hands. “The palace wouldn’t care about me…” her voice trailed off. She was but one person, an insignificant member of the church. Surely they wouldn’t bother with a person like her.

“Don’t be so sure. You better don't make a foolish mistake, Priestess Tina.” Ayana turned and walked away, back to everyone else.

Tina lowered her head, placing her hand on her mouth. What if the palace does bother? This was the princess’s plan, certainly, and Tina’s presence here was not welcome. But the princess was kind and understanding. Maybe she’ll let her off. Maybe if she asked, the princess would allow her to be with her friends.

Tina prayed to the gods that all would end well.

She slowly sat down on the nearby stone as she took a deep breath, feeling incredibly anxious. Despite her hopeful thoughts, what if it all ended otherwise?

No, I should put these negative thoughts aside.

Everything will go well.

Must focus on the mission at hand.

She couldn’t let this hinder her performance. As what she had been trained for, she must support her team, heal them. Don’t let them be harmed. Don’t let them perish.

She rose and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath before slowly letting the air out of her lungs.

“Right. Don’t let them see you sad.”

After saying that to herself, she waited for several minutes before making her way back to her party. Along with the other adventurers, they were full of smiles, enjoying each other’s company. Well, except for Bertos, who has stayed away from the group to be alone. Sometimes Tina wondered how he even survived being alone all the time.

Tina stole a glance at Ayana for a moment. This time, she wasn’t looking at her. Feeling a bit relieved that Ayana seemed to have taken her request, Tina continued walking towards her party and forced a smile.

“You took a while, Tina.” Anita said the moment she arrived.

“Yeah, it’s a struggle in these clothes.”

“I can imagine.” Anita furrowed her brows and for some reason scrutinized her. “Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah, it’s getting dark, and I’m feeling a little nervous about the mission.”

“I see. Then here, eat some biscuits. We got plenty. Make sure you have the strength for later. Going to be a tough fight.”

With a soft smile, Tina received the food her dear friend offered. “Thank you.”

And they waited for a few hours before it was time.

Ayana called out to the group. “Let’s review the plan.”