Viktor kept an ear out for Father Lena’s efforts as he went about his tasks. Nadia couldn’t resist giggling whenever she saw him, but no one thought it was odd. She was his lover, after all. And everyone was waiting for one of them to propose. I should do that before things get out of hand. I don’t want our wedding to be spoiled by chaos and bloodshed.

But he hadn’t thought of a way to do so by the time Father Lena summoned him to his office again. Viktor didn’t know what to expect, but seeing a young woman dressed as a Water Cleric wasn’t it. And Nadia wasn’t in sight. Father Lena smiled and gestured to the only remaining seat.

“Come in, Viktor. I have someone I’d like you to meet and some updates on our current situation.”

“Yes, Father.” Viktor obeyed and looked at the Water Cleric, who smiled politely.

Father Lena chuckled. “I think you two will get along. You both watch what you say so much. It’s like I have to pry your jaws apart sometimes.”

The woman blushed, turning her tan cheeks slightly darker as she tucked a black braid behind her ear. “My apologies, Father Lena. I was trained that a proper merchant remains silent until a deal is about to happen.”

“Really? I’ve known many merchants who can talk your ear off. Have you heard of this practice, Brother Viktor?”

“I haven’t.” Viktor turned to her and bowed. “But I don’t spend much time with merchants anymore, and I was told I don’t have the right disposition to become one. My name is Brother Viktor. It’s nice to meet you, Sister.”

She returned the bow, allowing her braids to fall forward and frame her face. “I’m Sister Aura. It’s also nice to meet you, Brother.”

Father Lena chuckled, causing them to look at him in confusion. “My apologies. It’s been too long since I’ve had a proper interaction to enjoy.” Viktor was still confused, but Father Lena folded his hands beneath his chin and said. “Sister Aura is a new addition to our ranks from the city of Aoi. She has a remarkable talent for finding fresh water sources and has agreed to assist us with the Kelpies and finding the source of the incident.”

“Does that mean you have purifying spells?” Viktor asked as Sister Aura nodded.

“I can take it a step further and trace mana back to its source. I was told there hasn’t been another incident. I would like to investigate the hamlet and see if there are still any traces left.”

“It’s been a week since then. Can mana stick to things that long?” Not that it’ll help her. Nadia’s power doesn’t rely on mana, and I didn’t do anything that night.

Sister Aura straightened and looked at Viktor as if he insulted her. “Are you questioning my abilities, Brother?”

“No. I merely asked a simple question.” Why is she getting so defensive?

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Father Lena raised a finger, instantly silencing Sister Aura’s retort as he explained. “I’m afraid Brother Viktor is unable to sense mana outside of his own, Sister. Please, do not hold that against him and continue explaining your plan.”

Sister Aura’s eyes widened. “The rest of my plan?”

“Indeed, child. You’re off to a promising start, but you must have thought of something else. Doubtless, you’ll follow any traces as best you can, but if there isn’t any to be found…?”

What will she do? Viktor wasn’t sure how to feel about Father Lena’s game. But Sister Aura calmly stated. “In the event that I can’t find any mana traces. I intend to use my skills to find someone who can help us.” She turned to Viktor and smirked. “Starting with you, Brother. I heard from Father Lena that you and a Sister Nadia were outside the ranch that night.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow and sighed. “That’s correct, and we already explained ourselves to Father Lena.” He looked at the older man and asked. “Why did I have to come to your office to meet Sister Aura? Surely, we could have greeted her over a meal.”

And why isn’t Nadia here?

Father Lena hummed as his eyes sparkled. “We’ll have time to show Sister Aura a warm welcome later. I called you here to inform you that you’ll be working side-by-side with Sister Aura from now on. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish together.”

“But I still don’t know the surrounding area,” Viktor stated as Sister Aura grinned triumphantly.

“That won’t be a problem, Brother. I was born in this area. I know all the hidden paths like the back of my hand.”

“I thought you came from Aoi?”

Sister Aura shook her head. “I was trained in Aoi. But I’m originally from this area. That’s why I have chosen to arrive first. Although your lack of mana-sensing is unfortunate. That does explain why you haven’t discovered anything about the incident.”

Viktor scowled. This woman… “I haven’t been to the site. For obvious reasons. Father Lena and the local Fire Clerics have. I fail to see why I need to assist you since it seems like you already have everything you need, Sister.”

Sister Aura raised a hand to cover her mouth as though she was shocked. “Why, to help educate you and see if you can find anything I miss, of course. All of the people have died without being wounded, and”-

“And if there were any souls or spirit orbs. Father Lena would have sensed them, and the culprit would have been found.” Viktor bit back a sigh as Father Lena chuckled. Damn this man. He’s up to something! “May I ask why I’m the one who must accompany her, Father? I know you said we’d have to work with the Fire Clerics. But I fail to see why I must go when I have nothing to contribute.”

Father Lena tilted his head as he studied Viktor. “You believe you have nothing to contribute, Brother?”

“I do. I received some training from Forgemaster Ivan, but I don’t have any experience in tracking people down. If the incident was caused by someone. What can Sister Aura or myself do if we find them?”

“You may use your skills to capture and bring them here, of course.” Father Lena rose and walked to the window. “The reason I’m sending you, Brother. Is because you’re strong. Both in mind and in body. I don’t doubt that Sister Aura can handle herself, but given this is our home. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I allowed one of my cousins to face an unknown danger alone, especially since it might be the result of a necromancer.”

Viktor slowly blinked as he processed Father Lena’s words. Did he just say she’s related to him?!