Chapter 286: She'kel Village (4)

This chapter is sponsored by The Bitch in the Fantasy World Patrons:

• Adventurer GrimV

• Adventurer The orc warrior 261

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5:34 p.m.

Michelle and company were already done eating their dessert and were currently enjoying their tea as they continued to chat.

Sip.

Michelle took a sip from her cup and then placed it down before turning to Vivian.

“Sister Inquisitor.”

Vivian, who was quietly listening to Zola, Celine, Aiyesha and Paula, turned to Michelle.

“May I give you a compliment, sister?”

“Sure.”

“I have a feeling that you’re beautiful.”

A confused expression flashed across Vivian’s face and the hairs on her body stood up, causing her to subconsciously lean away from Michelle slightly.

“Um… Thank you…?”

Michelle’s lips curled up into a smile.

“It wasn’t my intention to make you comfortable or anything.”

“I see. You’re beautiful as well,” Vivian said with a forced smile as she picked up her cup and took a sip.

“Allow me to explain, sister.”

Vivian placed her cup down.

“You don’t have to, sister.”

“Please, I insist.”

“Okay, if you insist…”

Zola, Celine, Aiyesha and Paula stopped chatting and then focused on Michelle and Vivian.

“I believe I already told you I used to be part of the Inquisitory Division, right?”

“Yes.”

“I spent 5-6 contracts on that Division before transferring to the Sea Division. However, I learned a lot from the Division, the tactics they used and many other things. Do you know that a majority of communication is non-verbal?”

“Yeah.”

Michelle nodded.

“That’s good. So you already know what I’m trying to say.

“Just looking at your body, the clothes you wear, the way you carry yourself, the way you interact with people, I couldn’t help but notice the air of confidence and indifference around you.

“You must be very used to people fawning over you, especially men.”

Vivian started to slowly lean away from Michelle a little bit further.

This is getting weird…

Why didn’t I see this…?

I was too focused on the case that I forgot the possibility of encountering a lesbo…!

I want to get out of here…!

She turned to Zola.

“Sis-” she was about to tell her they’re leaving but Michelle interjected.

“Sister Inquisitor, do you know why the Orion Kingdom was created and why the Female and Children Protection Movement exists?”

Vivian returned her attention to her and then flashed a very warm smile.

“Sister Michelle, I must say that I enjoyed this lovely tea time with all of you, but I believe that Sister Lieutenant Zola and I must leave now.”

Michelle nodded.

“I understand, Sister Inquisitor. But will you hear me out for a moment?”

“S-Sure…” she said and smiled.

“Do you know why the Orion Kingdom was created and why the Female and Children Protection Movement exists?”

“I only know the basics. But since you’re from the Orion Chapter Temple, I like to think that you know more than I do.”

Michelle nodded.

“That’s fair.

“Back in the day, before there was the Orion Kingdom, the shores of the Orion Kingdom were nothing more than a group of human Rogue Settlements that mostly relied on fishing. And whenever they get attacked by demons, demon-kins, demon-worshippers and other evil beings, they would ride their boats and sail across the sea, and then come back.

“It was around the 1300s when the 11th Light Saint, the first female Light Saint and a direct descendant of the first Priest, first Light Saint and founder of the Temple of Priests, His Holiness Ne’ua, that Her Holiness Ru’e decided to unite the human Rogue Settlements at the shores of the Orion Kingdom.

“She established a village there and named it Orion Village to serve as a memento of her late aunt, who died while trying to defend the rogue settlers there when it was attacked by a group of demon-kins and demon-worshippers.

“And then during the time of the 17th Light Saint, the second female Light Saint, and the first Light Saint without the Light Affinity, Her Holiness Mar’kle, raised the Orion Village as a kingdom and made it a place for everyone who lost their loved ones during the Great Holy Crusade Wars and had no one to turn to, especially old people, widows, young women and children.

“The Orion Kingdom was created by 2 powerful and magnificent women who dedicated their lives to protecting the old, the weak and the helpless. And up to this day, more than 1,500 years later, we still carry on their wishes.”

Vivian nodded and smiled.

“Thank you for the wonderful and very inspiring story, sister.”

“I have a question, Sister Inquisitor.”  

“And that is?”

“Let’s say there are 2 groups and you have to sacrifice 100 people because there’s a catastrophe, such as war.

“Group A has 100 men and all of them have 3 Magic Art Affinities. Meanwhile, Group B has 100 women and all of them also have 3 Magic Art Affinities.

“Who are the 100 people that you would sacrifice?”

Vivian thought about it for a moment.

“Everyone in the group has 3 Magic Art Affinities, right? Are they True or False?”

“To make it simple, let’s just say they’re all True.”

“What specific Affinities are we talking about?”

“To make it simple again, let’s just say it’s Light, Soul and Fire.”

Vivian nodded.

“I see. Well, if that’s the case, since there’s a war and I would have to sacrifice a total of 100 people from both groups, I would sacrifice 50 people from Group A and 50 people from Group B.”

Michelle leaned back in her chair.

“Interesting.”

“Well, you know,” Vivian said as she gave a light shrug and tilted her head slightly to the side. And as she was about to stand up, Michelle interjected once again.

“Do you know what I will do, sister?”

Vivian’s eyes turned to slits behind her mask.

This fucking lesbo…

“I don’t.”

“If it were me, I would sacrifice 90 people from Group A and 10 people from Group B. And before you accuse me of being cruel towards men, allow me to explain first:

“The 10 remaining men can impregnate all of the 90 remaining women. And even if we don’t include the number of twins or triplets and also the miscarriages, after 8 months, there would be 90 babies born.

“On the other hand, if I were to sacrifice 50 men from Group A and 50 women from Group B, after 8 months, and not including the number of twins and triplets and also the miscarriages, there would only be 50 babies born.

“And as for the reason why I chose to save 10 men and 90 women, not 1 man and 99 women, or 5 men and 95 women, that is to ensure that the children will have enough differences in their bloodline. You see, if 2 closely related bloodlines, such as parent-child, uncle-niece, brother-sister, 1st to 3rd cousins, and etc. reproduce, the chances of their offspring being born with a physical and mental disability increase exponentially.

“In fact, if you investigate the breeding practices of the Royal families, the Aristocratic Nobles and the OTHER esteemed families, their shrines, graveyards or whatever they use to dump their dead are filled with the remains of murdered babies and children who were born with severe physical and mental disabilities, sometimes even just because they don’t have the [Lore Magic] or they don’t have enough Magic Art Affinities.

“This, sister, is why the Female and Children Protection Movement exists. It wasn’t created out of the hatred of women towards men, it was created out of love and mercy to protect the females who are seen as nothing more than breeding bags, and babies and children being murdered just because they’re deemed unfit.”

There was a reason why the Royal families, the Golden Families and the Aristocratic Noble families were on top of the social hierarchy. They strategically and meticoulously plan the breeding process of their lineage regardless of the person’s feelings in order to maintain their high amount of Magic Art Affinities and their Lore Magic.

The Orion Kingdom, on the other hand, was against that. To be specific, they were against treating women and children as nothing but breeding and political tools.

And although the Holy Kingdom can easily squash the Orion Kingdom, in the end, it decided not to because the Orion Kingdom had its uses.

If the Holy Kingdom holds the overwhelming military might and the miracles of [Greater Heal] and [Resurrection], the Orion Kingdom holds the hearts of women and parents.

So whenever the Golden Families and the members of the Orion Kingdom interact with each other, it was this strange relationship where both parties cooperate with each other, but at the same time also turn a blind eye whenever the other party does something they don’t agree with.

Vivian smiled.

I don’t have time to argue anymore…

Especially with topics like this…

And then nodded.

“I understand what you’re trying to say, sister. It’s a very pragmatic approach to ensure the future generation.”

Michelle leaned forward.

“Just think about it:

“How come women, especially Priestesses, have to pay double while the men only have to pay once?

“Us Priestesses, we pay with our bodies by bearing children and we have to pay with our bodies once again by participating in the Holy Crusade.

“And the men?

“They only have to pay by participating in the Holy Crusade.

“If us women are required to pay with our bodies by bearing children, then we should be exempted from the Holy Crusade.

“And if us women are required to pay with our bodies by participating in the Holy Crusade, then we should have the right to decide whether or not we want to bear children.

“And the most amusing part of it all? Once you become old and no longer able to bear children, they would toss you away like you’re nothing. Meanwhile, the men, even when they’re 90 years old, not only can they still impregnate women, but they’re also celebrated as great and wise leaders and heroes, and looked upon fondly in history books.

“Tell me, sister, in what world is that fair?”

“Sister, that is enough,” Vivian said with a cold voice. “You’re hovering over the lines of heresy.”

Michelle leaned back on her chair before picking up her cup and taking a sip.

Although much time has passed, hers and everyone’s tea was still warm because the cups were engraved with Runes to maintain the drink’s temperature.

Zola, Celine, Aiyesha and Paula were dead silent as their gazes bounced between Michelle and Vivian.

Vivian got up from her seat.

“Sister Michelle, I would like to thank you for inviting me, and I would also like to thank everyone for their company. Unfortunately, I just remembered that I have something else to do. I’ll see you all later at dinner.”

***

5:55 p.m.

Temple of Priests Building, She’kel Village, Holy Kingdom.

Vivian and Zola were walking down a corridor.

Vivian was at the front, while Zola was behind her, carrying a small suitcase that contained Vivian’s Memory Crystal.

When they finally reached their destination, Vivian turned to Zola.

“Hand me over the suitcase.”

“Yes, Sister Inquisitor,” Zola said and passed the suitcase.

“Sister, I don’t care what you do during your spare time. But if you ever insult a Brother or Sister again, not to mention a Commanding Officer, in front of me, I won’t let that pass.”

Zola lowered her head.

“I’m very sorry, Sister Inquisitor. I swear to the God of Light that it won’t ever happen again.”

“You’re dismissed.”

Zola saluted and then left.

When Vivian was finally alone, she let out a sigh.

So many things to do…

Knock, knock.

She knocked on the door.

“Brother Inquisitor, it’s me, Sister Inquisitor Monad.”

After this...

I still have to attend the banquet…

And after that…

Well…

Since I can’t just finish copying the documents, I could either sleep or train…

Ka-cha!

The door opened. Wind stood there wearing his Inquisitor Full-Mask and civilian clothing with his bedroom behind him.

“Brother, may I speak with you?”

“Here?”

“Yes, it’s a private matter.”

“Okay,” he said and then stepped aside. “Please excuse the mess.”

Vivian stepped inside the room and then swept her gaze around.

Looks no different from my room…

The room was located on the second floor and a few doors from Vivian’s room. It had 2 windows, a double-person bed, a working desk, 2 chairs, a cabinet, an armor stand, a private bathroom-toilet, and a fireplace.

The fireplace, although it was a “real” one that could actually be used, it was mostly just for aesthetic purposes that it even had a lever to seal the shaft of the chimney. In addition to that, the bedroom had a Magic Panel that could control the temperature of the room.

I guess all rooms here come like this…?

If there was any difference between the Branch Chapter Temples that Vivian has stayed in, mainly in Fredo Village, Plano Town and She’kel Village, apart from some of the “aesthetic designs” that reflect the culture and climate of each Branch Chapter Temple, she couldn’t help but notice the antiquity of the furniture.

In Fredo Village and Plano Town, the furniture was, without a doubt, top of the line. However, here in She’kel Village, although the furniture was also top of the line, most of it was outdated that the rooms, corridors and halls reek of old wood because of their antiquity and the furniture themselves had scratches and blemishes despite the best efforts of the staff maintaining it.

Ku-chud.

Wind closed the door behind him and then gestured to one of the chairs near the working desk.

“Please take a seat.”

Vivian grabbed one chair and sat down.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, brother, but this is our schedule, right:

“Octus 22-24, we copy the records of the External Unit and the Orion Kingdom squad.

“Octus 25, we submit a list of the people who will be interviewed.

“Octus 26-28, we interview the people on the list.

“Octus 29, we do a follow-up interview with the people we interviewed if needed.

“And then Octus 30 to Novus 3, we compile and submit a final report and the Memory Crystal separately to the Local Adjudicator.

“Is this correct?”

Wind grabbed the other chair and sat down.

“Yes, that is correct,” he said and nodded.

“There’s an issue that I forgot to mention. I will have my period around the 28th. Unfortunately, I suffer from severe period cramps that I would literally be bedridden for the first 2-3 days.

“And assuming that my period would arrive on the 28th, I have no doubt that I would be bedridden on that day. But for the second and third day, I will manage by taking tons of Menstral.

“What do you suggest?”

“About the Field Mission?” Wind asked.

“Yes. Is it possible to move the date or something? At least just for the first day of my period.”

Wind cleared his throat.

“Um… How sure are you that you will get ‘it’ on the 28th? I mean, it’s not that I doubt you or anything, after all, it’s your body, you of all people would be the one who knows it best. However… I do have ‘some knowledge’ from people I know and care about who suffer with the same ailment as yours. And according to them, there are times that ‘it’ can fall before or after the expected date.”

“I just know.”

Wind cleared his throat once again.

“How about this? Assuming that ‘it’ or your ailment does arrive on the 28th, just to make sure, let’s postpone all activities on the 28th and the 29th, and then resume everything on the 30th. This is a True Death murder case that involves powerful Priest families. I would rather submit a correct investigation report late than submit a wrong investigation report on time.”

***

8:16 p.m.

Ka-cha!

A door opened and Vivian entered her bedroom.

“Ugh… I’m so tired…”

She stepped to the corner of the door, slipped off her evening shoes, and then put on a pair of house sandals.

Next, she went near the cabinet, unhooked her White Cloak, and then hung it on the side with a hanger.

After that, she sat down at her bed, removed her Inquisitor Half-Mask, and then placed it on top of the desk.

Thud!

She finally fell to the bed and then buried her face against the pillows. Normally, she wouldn’t do this because she wears light makeup. But tonight, she didn’t care.

I really can’t stomach that dinner…

So much fake smiles and fake compliments mixed with passive-aggressiveness…

How on earth can anyone sit there every night…?!

I’d literally kill myself if I had to do that every night…!

After about a minute, Vivian raised her head and then sat up. She removed her Earring of Spirit on her right ear along with its fake pair on her left ear, and then placed them on top of the desk.

Next, she stood up, grabbed the straps of her one-piece white dress and slid them over her shoulders, causing the whole dress to fall from her body and revealing her black bra and underwear. She picked up the dress and wrapped it like a basketball.

[Mana Tail].

A 5-meter-long demonic tail made out of blue mana appeared around her lower back. The edge of the Mana Tail slid through the handle of a basket cover and then raised it, revealing a pile of dirty clothes.

Wooh!

Thud.

Vivian shot her dress into the basket.

“Yeah!” she said as she made a victory fist-pump and deactivated her skill.

Pah!

She face-palmed.

“Ugh…! Stupid…! I forgot about my bra and panty…!”

She placed the basket cover down and the deactivated [Mana Tail].

“My brain is seriously fried from listening to all that nonsense for 2 nights straight…” she grumbled under her breath as she went over to the basket.

When she reached the basket, which was next to the private bathroom-toilet, she began removing her bra and underwear.

Hmm…

Do I need to wear a bra…?

I mean…

It’s nice because it keeps my breasts from bouncing and flapping around while I move…

But sometimes…

If I wear a bra for a long period of hours, it feels so restrictive that I just want to breathe…

If Vivian were to describe what not wearing a bra feels like, it was like when a bodybuilder just ended their “bulking season/phase” and was entering their “cutting phase”. And during their cutting phase, they decided to jog 20 minutes 3 times a week instead of walking 60 minutes 3 times a week to save more time. The feeling of the chest bouncing up and down with each step while jogging was similar to that, but heavier and with more motion.

Vivian tossed her bra and underwear into the basket, picked up the basket cover, and then closed the basket before heading over to the private bathroom-toilet.

***

11:32 p.m.

[Blood Drinker].

A translucent red light appeared on Vivian’s body which illuminated the room for a split moment before finally disappearing.

She deactivated the skill.

“Yawn~…”

Vivian was lying on her bed on her side, she wore nothing but a one-piece sleeping gown, and her entire body, except for her head and neck, was covered with a thick blanket.

[Blood Drinker].

A translucent red light appeared on her body again.

She deactivated the skill again.

[Blood Drinker].

Deactivate.

[Blood Drinker].

Deactivate.

“Yawn~…”

I’m sleepy but I can’t sleep…

[Blood Drinker].

Deactivate.

With Vivian’s current stats, specifically her VIT, she could stay up not just for days, but weeks without it affecting her mental capacity. But for how long exactly, it solely depends on the type of activities she does. If she performs heavy and strenuous tasks, be it mental or physical, or both, the shorter the days. On the other hand, if she doesn’t do any heavy or strenuous tasks, the longer the days.

[Blood Drinker].

Deactivate.

She tried to activate [Blood Drinker] but failed.

“Ugh…” she moaned as she begrudgingly sat up.

[Greater Origin Enchant].

Dark red lightning appeared on her right hand.

[Halo].

As a golden ring started to manifest on her back, the dark red lightning crawled from her hand to the ring on her back. And when all of the lightning was absorbed, the ring grew up to x4 larger.

Vivian looked around her surroundings.

I’ve already checked everything here…

I believe it’s safe…

Apart from checking every hole, she also covered everything that could cause the light of her giant [Halo] to slip outside her room.

Status Panel…

Chapter end