Chapter 358: Interrogation

Chapter 358: Interrogation

A sliver of dim light slipped through the slightly parted curtains, indicating that night had fallen.

In the room filled with an intimate atmosphere, Foris lay on Lu Ke's chest, her cheeks flushed, feeling too weak even to clench her fingers.

Only after experiencing it did she realize how profoundly enjoyable such an act could be, as if all her worries were swept away, more intoxicating than alcohol or cigarettes.

Initially, she had just felt the atmosphere was right and spontaneously decided to express her gratitude this way, using the opportunity to deepen her connection with a man and gauge his orientation. But after trying it, she feared she might be falling for it.

Lu Ke closed his eyes, sensing the digestion of his Extraordinary Trait.

Apart from the digestion of the Sequence 6 ability he had gained from devouring a Divine Blessing from his original body, the intense and passionate encounter that left the woman nearly exhausted had only slightly accelerated the process.

Fortunately, the Sequence 5 "Secret Art Master" was a given to dissolve upon ingestion, meaning he would directly advance to Sequence 5 once he finished digesting the "Joyful Witch."

Sequence 5 at its peak, just a step away from Sequence 4?

Lu Ke stroked Foris, who was still lying on him, unwilling to move, her eyes more affectionate than before, and sighed inwardly.

Indeed, finding a pathway to the depths of one's heart and unlocking it with a key was the most efficient and direct way to increase affection.

"I remember not long ago you thought I was a fraud, worried that Xiu might be deceived by me."

Foris half-opened her eyes, recalling the awkward first meeting, her voice hoarse:

"Don't misunderstand, I still think you're a fraud."

"Only, you're a fraud who is good-looking, knowledgeable, strong, and generous, making it hard to get angry at you."

After a pause, she added, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her, "And a fraud with a great body, too."

Lu Ke raised an eyebrow: "I think someone who meets these conditions would be hard to call a fraud."

"You have a point."

"Xiu will be back soon. Shouldn't you get up, take a shower, tidy up the room, and open the window to air it out?"

Foris rubbed her cheek against the firm chest, her tone lazy:

"So what if she comes back? If you and Xiu don't mind, we can all—"

It seems Trier's educational books were quite effective.

Foris suddenly paused, her breathing quickening slightly, her lips curving into a smile.

"Looks like you're not against it. Just mentioning it gets you this excited."

Lu Ke was momentarily speechless. Of course, he didn't mind a threesome, but he sensed Foris had ulterior motives. Was she just trying to make him jealous?

Noticing his skeptical expression and other changes, Foris pouted.

After experiencing the feeling of being with a man, she was 90% certain she didn't have those feelings for Xiu.

90%!

Sitting up, she wrapped herself in the blanket, supporting her weak legs, and with a mixture of unbearable expressions and gasps, she broke the connection and hopped off the bed like a fawn.

"Just teasing you. It's the weekend, Xiu will definitely go to the cathedral to pray. It's her habit."

"The cathedral..."

Lu Ke pondered for a moment and asked:

"I remember Xiu worships the Goddess of Night?"

"Yes, it's the faith most women choose."

Foris nodded slightly. The Cathedral of the Goddess of Night advocates for gender equality and family support, encouraging women to work outside the home. The church has no strict hierarchical structure, offering the only solace for many women trapped at home.

On the other hand, the Cathedral of the Storm Lord emphasizes male superiority, viewing women as inherently flawed, physically weak, and emotionally sensitive, destined to bear children and be guided by men to survive.

These are just the broadest distinctions. The domains and protections of the two deities also attract those with specific needs.

For instance, gravekeepers who work at night naturally choose the protection of the Goddess of Night, while sailors at sea opt for the guidance of the Storm Lord.

"Are you a believer in the Goddess of Night?"

"No, I believe in the God of Steam and Machinery."

Foris, now wrapped in a blanket, sat in a chair and lit a delicate lady's cigarette, answering in a haze of smoke:

"Compared to the occasional conflicts between believers of the Goddess of Night and the Storm Lord, who have been at odds for centuries, I prefer the God of Steam and Machinery. The worship of intricate and complex machinery represents reason and purity."

Foris shook her head, "But compared to the other two churches, the Steam Church is indeed less well-equipped, which is a fact."

"I'm too lazy to go to the cathedral for prayers or Mass, so I'm just a casual believer. Occasionally, I donate some of my writing earnings to the church as a contribution."

Lu Ke remained noncommittal, "I think the church staff would be happier with your way of contributing."

"Probably. By the way, what faith do you follow?"

Lu Ke shrugged, "Well, strictly speaking, I believe in myself."

"Unbelief in the divine is fine, but why twist it so much?"

Foris rolled her eyes. After a few puffs, she lost interest in nicotine, finding her usual way of relaxation now rather dull.

She stubbed out her cigarette, gradually regaining her usual calm and laid-back demeanor.

"I’m going to take a shower. You can clean up the room."

Thud—

The door closed, and Lu Ke lay on the bed for a while before reluctantly getting up to tidy up. Although sometimes he did these chores when Xiu was too tired to do them, he couldn’t help but think Foris was being overly lazy.

He should have brought Parrot over.

…

North District, Saint Samuel Cathedral.

The cathedral was entirely black, with two bell towers on either side, creating a symmetrical beauty.

The prayer hall had only a few holes high up on the front wall, allowing pure light to stream in. These beams of light, like glittering stars in the darkness, created a soft and sacred atmosphere inside the cathedral.

Xiu stepped into the cathedral as the sky grew dim. This was her weekly routine, a tradition passed down from her mother. Faith was something that could be inherited from generation to generation.

Through the narrow, high windows with intricate blue and red patterns, colored light filtered in, the blue nearly black and the red like the moon, casting the surroundings in a deep, mysterious darkness.

Xiu was taken aback when she entered. The prayer room, usually empty at this hour, was filled with people. Each person exuded an air of nobility and was dressed impeccably, though their faces were not in the best condition.

At the top sat an elderly man with a clean-shaven face and deep-set eyes. His appearance was immaculate, and even in his black and red archbishop’s robe, he did not give off a dark aura.

Xiu, who was well-versed in ecclesiastical matters and a Wild Talent, was startled. The Church of the Black Night had only thirteen archbishops, each one a demigod.

A demigod!

Xiu’s heart tightened, and she wished she could turn around and run. What good could come to a Wild Talent when faced with an official demigod? Even with her faith in the goddess, she feared being sent to the Inquisition or a similar place.

But the elderly man had already met her gaze and nodded, smiling kindly and gesturing for the new arrival to find a seat.

Xiu forced herself to stay calm, maintaining her composure as she found an empty seat.

"He is the goddess of the night, more exalted than the stars, more enduring than eternity. She is the Crimson Mistress, the Mother of Secrets, the Empress of Calamity and Fear, the Lady of Sleep and Silence."

The old man softly recited the goddess’s titles, praying devoutly. His voice, though not loud, filled the entire prayer hall, bringing a sense of peace, like a soothing hymn for the soul.

The people below followed in prayer, their voices not perfectly synchronized but equally serene, and the atmosphere became tranquil.

Xiu’s mood eased as the overlapping prayers washed over her, relieving the mental fatigue from a long day’s work. She suddenly recalled the knowledge Lu Ke had imparted to her.

This must be the ability of the Insomnia pathway, Sequence 6, the "Soulsoother"?

After several prayers, the old man stopped and stepped down from the front. The people below emerged from their tranquility, their spirits refreshed, and began discussing with those around them.

Xiu’s gaze on the other believers deepened with understanding. These were likely the guests who had been traumatized in the assassination attempt on the Beckland Ambassador, as reported in the morning newspaper.

"Do you think faith is a beacon that guides us when we are lost?"

A clear female voice sounded beside her.

Xiu turned her head, her face showing a hint of surprise. The girl beside her had a radiant face and a nearly perfect figure, stunning even to Xiu, a woman herself.

Xiu considered her words carefully. "I think faith is a spiritual pillar, a source of inspiration during hardships."

As for whether it could guide the way, she was unsure.

The gods had rarely appeared since the Fifth Epoch. She had prayed countless times during her family’s downfall, but received no response. Though she didn’t blame the gods, she believed more in forging her own path.

The girl nodded slightly, a hint of melancholy on her face. "Whenever I’m troubled, I come to the cathedral to pray. It may not solve my confusion or worries, but the solemn atmosphere here helps me calm down and think."

Xiu chatted casually with the girl, partly because she couldn’t resist comforting someone so beautiful and melancholic, and partly to ease her own emotions and blend in more with the crowd.

After all, leaving immediately after a demigod archbishop would draw too much attention.

"Often, people are swayed by their emotions, making irrational decisions in the heat of the moment. Rationality is indeed very important."

For example, she had once let her guard down and impulsively gained a boyfriend, but fortunately, her judgment and luck were good, and her relationship had not hindered her extraordinary journey; instead, it had helped her advance.

Thinking of this, Xiu added, "But even the most precise machinery can break down. People get emotional, feel joy and anger, and act on impulse. It’s normal, and no one can remain perpetually calm and objective."

"Sometimes, acting irrationally can lead to unexpected gains."

The girl nodded thoughtfully, a smile playing on her lips. "Although you haven’t resolved my confusion, your words have given me more to think about."

"I’m Aurelia. May I know your name?"

"You can call me Xiu."

The two began chatting about light and easy topics. Xiu, who was once a noble lady, could easily follow along with Aurelia’s conversation.

They started with polite discussions about the various behaviors expected of a lady. As the atmosphere grew more relaxed, they talked about the lack of freedom to go out, the constant attention, the need to always remain elegant, and the constricting corsets that seemed to squeeze their waists.

When the church bells rang, signaling that it was time to leave the prayer room, the two, now feeling a sense of regret at parting, walked out of the cathedral.

"I hope we can meet again, Xiu."

"I do too. It was a pleasure spending time with you."

Xiu escorted Aurelia to the luxurious carriage waiting to pick her up, waving goodbye with a smile.

"That’s good. You seemed a bit anxious when you came in. I hope you feel better now."

Aurelia winked at Xiu, let go of the curtain, and closed it, her voice light and cheerful.

Xiu was taken aback for a moment. Only when the carriage had driven off did she realize, "So that’s why she initiated the conversation. She’s so kind, but did I really show that much…?"

A cold wind blew, making her shiver, and her expression changed instantly.

If an ordinary girl could see through her anxiety, there was no reason a demigod couldn’t. The Goddess of the Night, the "Mother of Secrets", the High Bishop of the Darkness Goddess Church, would surely notice in the darkness…

She didn’t dare think further and decided to leave immediately. As she turned, she saw a figure almost blending into the night.

The old man who had organized the singing in the prayer room, with his smooth face and deep-set eyes, was standing there, seemingly unnoticed.

Xiu felt her legs go weak, her mind racing with panic.

At that moment, she heard the old man’s slow, deliberate voice:

"Do you want a coronation ceremony?"

Xiu stood frozen, at a loss.

What?

...

The night was calm, the moonlight filtering through the clouds like a light veil.

Xiu opened the door and walked into the house. In the living room, Foris was reading a book under the light of a kerosene lamp, her body comfortably sunk into the sofa, legs lightly crossed, looking particularly relaxed.

"You’re a bit later than usual today."

"Yep, had some things to do."

Xiu replied nonchalantly, "You seem to be in a good mood. Anything good happen?"

Foris cleared her throat, "Um... just got the plot for my new book sorted out, so I’m pretty happy."

"Is that so?"

Xiu looked at Foris skeptically. Her laid-back friend getting excited about writing? She usually wished she could smash her typewriter.

Xiu opened her bedroom door and saw a strange man standing by her bed, as quiet as a ghost, staring straight at her.

With the moonlight and her constable’s keen eye, she recognized the man’s face. It was an unremarkable face, but she knew it well.

It was the face of the assassin who had tried to kill the Beckland Ambassador, featured in all the newspapers!

Before she could think about why Lu Ke wasn’t there and why an assassin was, Xiu’s eyes turned sharp, her face filled with authority. She gripped the triangular dagger she always carried and lunged at him reflexively.

Thud—

The man easily dodged, catching the shorter Xiu by the wrist. With a slight pressure, the dagger fell to the ground, and his other hand slipped under her knight’s uniform.

Feeling the man’s hand start to move inappropriately, Xiu was shocked and struggled fiercely, despite being restrained.

"Stop, stop, stop! Be careful, you might hurt yourself."

The familiar voice made Xiu pause. The hand under her clothes withdrew, and she turned on the gas lamp. In the light, she saw a familiar face.

"Didn’t I tell you in advance?"

Xiu saw the wanted assassin’s face transform back into her boyfriend’s, her tone filled with surprise.

"What is this…?"

Lu Ke shrugged, "Go on, ‘Constable’ miss."

"You’re the assassin who tried to kill the Beckland Ambassador."

Xiu hesitated before saying this, shocked to find her Magic potion quickly digesting, stars appearing in her vision, and the sound of it breaking completely.

Can a "Magician" have the ability to disguise? Why is my Magic potion digesting? False impersonation shouldn’t work, right? Is Jenova really the assassin who tried to kill the Beckland Ambassador?

Xiu’s mind was in turmoil, her heart racing. At that moment, she heard her boyfriend’s voice.

"Correct. You get to play the ‘Inquisitor’ a little earlier as a reward."

Lu Ke slowly took off his clothes, revealing a well-defined, smooth physique. He looked down at the disoriented Xiu and beckoned.

"Um, you need to interrogate the truth in various ways. I think seduction should work quite well?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end