The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

Page 152

Orina returned to her room, took off her priest's robe, and hung it on the wall.

It's getting late.

However, she did not lie on the bed, but stood there, looking at the exquisitely made priest's robe, lost in thought.

I entered the Vatican when I was still a child, and so many years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Initially, Olena felt grateful to the Papacy.

After all, it was the Vatican that rescued her from the tragedy of losing both her parents. The clergy at that time were very kind, and many older women took good care of her in order to help them forget their pain as soon as possible.

Looking back now, those old acquaintances should have left that dilapidated little church long ago.

Right now, they should be living a happy and carefree life in some unknown corner of this continent.

Their happiness is perhaps the best consolation for Orina.

Now, rumors are flying both inside and outside the Vatican, and everything is exactly as Olena had predicted.

After all, whether as a woman or as the High Priestess of the Papacy, attacking her character and chastity is always the most effective weapon.

If the enemy has used the most effective means to attack us, then we cannot just sit idly by and wait to die.

“Ryan.......”

"I'm sorry, now is not the time."

Orina took a deep breath, sat on the bed, and an unprecedented feeling of exhaustion washed over her.

If this reform fails completely, then Olena will leave the Vatican.

Then, find a scenic place and spend the rest of your life in peace.

I just don't know if Ryan will come with me...

Just as Olina was lost in thought, a familiar voice came from behind the curtains in the corner.

"Olina".

"Now is not the time to apologize."

It's Ryan!

How did he get here?!

Orina stood up instinctively, and the fatigue that had been building up for so long instantly vanished.

The smile on her lips is like the gentle spring water after the glacier melts, like the warmth of spring flowers blooming after a cold snap.

She walked towards the window, taking steps, eager to pull back the curtains and throw herself into Ryan's arms.

But Ryan's voice rang out again.

"Olina".

"You can't come over yet."

Orina paused, her outstretched hand hovering in mid-air.

Only half a step remained between us and the thin gauze curtain.

"Why......"

“I had already looked around the area before I came here.”

"At this very moment, a total of thirteen people are monitoring your room, with almost no blind spots. They are our enemies."

"I used light magic to temporarily interfere with their senses, but they are very powerful, including some light-attribute mages. Therefore, this effect cannot be maintained for long."

"If they find out that you and I met in private, it will undoubtedly fuel those rumors, like handing a knife to the enemy. You will be in an even more passive position than you are now."

Orina's reason told her that Ryan was right.

But a stronger sense of emotion urged her to put everything aside and draw back the curtains.

"Olina".

“I know you’re facing a lot of tough situations right now, and you have a lot of enemies lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.”

"However, don't worry or be impatient, I'm always on your side."

Orina felt a lump in her throat and wanted to say something, or even do something, but Ryan stopped her.

"The day after tomorrow, I will go to Lavala City with Veranica, Daphne, and Freya."

"While restoring Freya's understanding, we will find the source of those rumors and gather evidence. Don't worry, it won't take long."

"During this time, you must remain in the Vatican to stabilize the foundation you have worked so hard to build, and the faith of your followers."

"Victory will ultimately belong to us."

The night breeze gently lifted the curtains, outlining that familiar silhouette.

Orina had a lot to say, but...

"if......"

"You feel lonely when you're alone..."

"Wear this on your body."

"It will stay with you until I come back."

"Olina".

The night wind blew again, and that familiar silhouette disappeared.

Ryan left.

Orina finally took a step and gently lifted the curtain.

On the windowsill, there was a ring.

The platinum base is inlaid with a crystal that radiates brilliant light.

"Ryan..."

The meaning of the ring is already quite clear.

Orina picked up the ring and gently put it on her ring finger.

An unprecedented sense of belonging lingered in my heart.

She pressed the ring to her chest, and glistening tears slid down her cheeks.

------

The world of consciousness.

Olina returned to that simple little wooden house once again.

There was no more blood or the bodies of the parents inside; only the warmth of the sunlight streaming into the room and the tranquility of dappled sunlight.

Outside the window, birds sang and flowers bloomed, but inside the room, Olivena sat in a corner with her eyes closed, her hands bound by ropes.

To completely isolate oneself from the outside world.

Upon noticing Olina's appearance, Olivena slowly raised her eyes, and upon seeing the familiar figure, she snorted disdainfully.

"What, you only think of me after you've suffered a setback?"

"What a heartless woman."

Orina sat on the bed, her expression calm.

"I need your strength, Olivena."

"hehe......"

"It's always like this..."

"When you encounter something you can't handle, you push me out as a shield. After you're done using me, you ruthlessly lock me in this dilapidated house."

"From childhood to adulthood, there has been no improvement whatsoever."

"Olina, when will you truly grow up?"

Orina looked at the woman in the corner who looked exactly like her, her eyes revealing complex emotions.

"This time is different from the past."

"I will no longer lock you up here; you will be truly free."

"You will breathe in the outside air and feel the magic flowing through your fingertips."

Olivena's brow twitched, clearly indicating a wavering.

"Oh?"

"Did Ryan cause this change in your mindset?"

Orina walked over to Olivena and untied the ropes from her wrists, saying coldly, "It's none of your business."

"Hehehe... You and I are one."

"Nothing about you can escape my eyes."