Loenke’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but he quickly regained his indifferent expression. “Vera, I don’t need qualifications, I only need results. The Holy Light saves lives, solves problems, that’s all that matters. Noble ideals? Pure faith? Those are just useless decorations.”

Vera stared at him, her voice cold and low. “Perhaps you don’t need faith, but many people do. Loenke, you can trample on your own faith, but don’t insult the dignity of others. You may not fear the Holy Light, but it guides countless people to hope in their darkest moments.”

Loenke raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. “Maybe. But who can prove that your Holy Light is the truth?”

The two locked eyes, and an invisible spark seemed to ignite in the air. Vera fell silent for a moment before scoffing.

“The town’s tavern earns in a year what your family’s estate spends in a week, not to mention the hardworking serfs and tenants.”

“If you care so much about fairness, why don’t you give away all your wealth to help the poor?”

Vera’s face flushed red, but she couldn’t think of a retort, so she could only pant heavily in frustration.

Loenke burst into laughter. “Alright, alright, stop puffing up like a little frog. I have no interest in your noble issues. You came here to find me, didn’t you? It’s not about fairness, is it?”

“Let’s talk, then. Did you finally discover something?”

“Since you already knew there was something wrong with your teacher, why didn’t you say something earlier?”

Loenke picked at his ear, narrowing his eyes. “Because it was too troublesome.”

“Proving he’s a murderer is troublesome?”

“Running through the proper channels is troublesome.”

At that moment, a flicker of impatience flashed in Loenke’s eyes.

“Proving he’s a murderer, exposing his crimes in front of everyone, using flawless logic and evidence to nail him down. Then, hearing about his journey from a normal person to a criminal. Finally, delivering a touching closing speech, sending him to the Holy Tribunal or the Imperial Guard. And on a bright, sunny autumn day, publicly executing him to set an example for all!”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“For you, everything would follow naturally.”

“But for me, it’s just a minor detour in my journey, not worth investing so much time and effort.”

Vera, feeling somewhat unconvinced, asked, “So, your way is better?”

“Exorcism, give the people an explanation. Holy water, let them regain the courage to live.”

“Then, after I fade from their view, I can quietly return when the murderer lets his guard down and eliminate him, making it look like an accident.”

“Compared to waiting a year or more for the proper procedures, it’s much quicker, simpler, and more efficient.”

Vera, dissatisfied with his confident tone, replied, “You’re so arrogant. Your teacher is only a suspect, he hasn’t been convicted yet!”

“You still want to follow the procedures, don’t you?”

“Can you guarantee that you’re right?”

“Before delivering the fatal blow, I always have Lilith read their memories to ensure everything is foolproof. Oh, Lilith is the little succubus who follows me around.”

Vera took several steps back in disgust. “You, a Paladin, are working with demons! You…”

Loenke smirked dismissively. “Ever heard of fallen angels? If demons can corrupt angels, then why can’t the Goddess of Holy Light redeem a demon?”

“Or do you think the Goddess of Holy Light is inferior to the Demon King? Just a useless god who can’t do anything but talk?”

“I didn’t— I didn’t say that! Don’t make wild accusations!”

Vera’s face turned pale with fear as she repeatedly prayed to the Goddess of Holy Light for forgiveness.

She was sure that Loenke’s words were laced with intense personal resentment.

After finishing her prayer, Vera shot him a furious glare. “Hmph! I’ve heard that succubi are all stunningly beautiful and desirable. They’re exactly what men crave. But the succubus by your side is so small and thin, looking like a little girl… Oh, don’t tell me you have some kind of strange fetish?”

Loenke suddenly leaped up, stepping on Vera’s restless shadow, causing her to flail about in panic.

“Hey, hey, hey! You can say what you want about me, but don’t start making wild guesses about my preferences! You can insult my character, but don’t question my taste!”

“I do like beautiful women with big breasts, long legs, slender waists, and pretty faces!”

Vera narrowed her eyes, clearly not fully convinced.

“You remain indifferent when I question your devotion to the Holy Light, but you stand your ground on this? Honestly, I don’t understand you.”

“Of course! Insulting your boss might get you fired, but questioning my character could lead to disgrace!”

Vera gazed up at the shaft of light from the skylight, falling silent for a long while before speaking again.

“...Teacher still hasn’t returned. Has he run away?”

Loenke laughed heartily. “Your teacher will definitely come back. The mages of the Tower of Truth are mostly paranoid lunatics.”

“Besides, he’s been planning this for ten years and even used a precious Holy Seal scroll. There’s no way he would just slink off without trying to recover his losses.”

“I suspect that tonight he’ll make his move.”

“Why are you so sure?”

“Because the Inquisition’s Black Knights are on their way.”

Loenke closed the book he had been holding. “You must have gone to the Grand Cathedral in Saint Grant to verify my identity, right?”

“Well, the Tribunal has probably received the news by now.”

“Now, the Black Knights are riding towards us in waves.”