They are all characters I control.

Chapter 97 Remember to lend me your things

Isabelle wasn't really surprised that Ophelia would come to her.

After all, Ophelia often caused her trouble on a regular basis, which was also because Isabelle was the only one in the 'Holy City'.

The third acting saintess was away from home most of the time, and the archbishops were even less willing to leave their own spheres of influence.

“Ophelia, the Holy Council has ended. If you still have any opinions about the new system in the Holy City, it’s too late.”

Moreover, Ophelia has been searching for Claire's whereabouts.

Isabelle put down her quill and calmly met Ophelia's gaze, her face showing no emotion.

"The end?" Ophelia scoffed, casually picked up the documents on Isabelle's desk, glanced at them a few times, and then tossed them aside.

The white-robed nuns standing nearby dared not speak out in anger and could only obediently lower their heads to pick up the documents that had fallen to the ground.

Isabelle sighed as she looked at the difficult acting saintess before her: "What else do you have to say? Do you have objections to the new system?"

“For you, perhaps this is just the beginning. Or rather, your real ‘show’ has only just begun, hasn’t it?” Ophelia curled the corners of her lips and shifted to a more comfortable position on Isabelle’s desk.

Isabelle frowned almost imperceptibly: "I don't understand what you mean. The implementation of the new system in the Holy City is incredibly complex, and I have many things to handle. If there's nothing important..."

“Important things?” Ophelia interrupted her, laughing out loud. “Oh right, of course you have important things to do.”

"For example, when did the Prayer Agent begin to take an interest in a noble girl from the capital of the empire?"

"You expressed your intention to protect the other person in front of so many people around them. This is not consistent with your usual selfless character."

"Besides, you were so cold and indifferent to Bishop Simon when you questioned him, so why did your attitude change after you found out that little girl's family were traitors who betrayed the Evil God Emperor? Hmm? Isabelle, can you tell me why?"

Ophelia was not stupid, and Isabelle never treated her as one.

However, the saintess who acted as a chaplain was so perceptive that she was still taken aback.

“I just felt that the girl’s thoughts were so similar to mine, so I wanted to talk to her.” Isabelle maintained her composure.

She had long known that Ophelia's disciplinary tribunal had spies all over the Holy City, and that her recent unusual behavior could not have been completely hidden from her.

I just didn't expect them to launch such a direct attack at this time, and even contact Liya.

Seeing my own communication records is one thing, but the other party's words were loaded with meaning, clearly indicating that they had their sights set on another target.

"Thoughts? Want to talk to her?" Ophelia scoffed, clearly not believing this high-sounding excuse.

“Alright, if Isabelle wants to speak with her, my Inquisition can bring her over.”

"Then you can chat with her face to face and even interrogate her about how she learned your secret as the acting saintess?"

"Isabeth, you don't actually think it's just a coincidence or something, do you?"

Two people living far apart came up with similar ideas.

If the two people were ordinary individuals, it probably wouldn't be a big deal, since life experiences and education can indeed lead to such coincidences.

However, the other party appears to be just a noble lady, so why does she think the same way as Isabelle, who is the acting saint of the Goddess Church?

To simply think that the other party is outstanding is to insult the intelligence and status of the acting saintess.

In the Church of Goddess, how could a young lady from a minor noble family compare to the Acting Saints, who are second only to the Saintess? Ophelia didn't believe it, and she didn't think Isabelle would believe it either.

Isabelle was only pretending to be stupid, which displeased Ophelia.

"How many years have we known each other? What good is such a lame excuse to me?"

“You might be able to fool those fat, bloated guys in Grove, but you can’t fool me.”

"Alright, how about we get down to business?"

She straightened up and casually sat sideways on the edge of Isabelle's large desk, one long leg bent and the other hanging down naturally, swinging gently.

This extremely unruly, even somewhat provocative, action stands in stark contrast to Ophelia's usual cold and dignified image as a representative of discipline.

This is a side of Ophelia that she only reveals when she has found her prey.

“…I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Isabelle raised her hand, gesturing for the nuns in white robes to leave.

Seeing Ophelia in such an undignified state, the nuns in white robes dared not linger any longer.

Once all the attendants had left, the door was closed.

Isabelle spoke as she looked at Ophelia, who was giving her a meaningful smile.

“Ophelia, watch your words.”

"I don't know how that lady came up with the same new tax system as mine, but she was clearly coerced by Bishop Simon."

"Or rather, do you think that kind of lady could write such a new tax that would facilitate the archbishops' exploitation? I am obviously defending her, but only to protect her."

This reason sounds perfect; at least there's no flaw in it.

Ophelia stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly chuckled softly, jumped off the desk, and resumed her aloof demeanor, but the probing look in her eyes remained undiminished.

“That’s really interesting. You’re right, that young lady might indeed have been a scapegoat pushed out by Bishop Simon.”

As she spoke, Ophelia walked to the window and gazed at the peaceful streets of the 'Holy City' outside: "But what about you, Isabelle? How did you come up with these new systems?"

"Who told you that? Or who guided you? You've been working hard to find information lately, haven't you?"

Ophelia was satisfied when she saw a hint of panic on Isabelle's face.

She enjoyed watching her prey slowly fall into the trap.

“I’m not very interested in your rules and regulations regarding medical care, funerals, and training civilians. Your approach is too slow and too weak. If you hand over what you have to me, I will definitely do a better job. I’ll give you time to think about it.”

Regardless of Isabelle's expression at that moment, Ophelia turned around, took the quill from Isabelle's hand, stuffed it into her breast pocket, and left.

Isabelle sat alone behind her desk, rubbing her temples.

She could already picture Claire's gloating smile and his teasing voice.

Chapter 98 Bring some food for your pets when you attend a banquet

There wasn't much celebration in the 'holy city' on Advent.

The saintess resides in the sacred spring at the highest point of this 'holy city,' and it would be a loss to disturb her rest by celebrating her festival.

Therefore, the 'holy city' at most holds group prayers, almsgiving, and gatherings during the day, and at night it is just decorated with more ornaments and lights.

Of course, dinner will be more lavish than usual.

Isabelle carefully hid the food and returned to her room, though Ophelia seemed to have noticed her actions.

The black-robed nuns of the Inquisition could be watching her from somewhere at any time.

But no matter what, Isabelle can't leave the 'big dog' in the dungeon without bringing him food today.

This is a thank-you gift from Isabelle for the new system that she will be implementing in the 'Holy City'. That guy didn't ask for anything, but Isabelle definitely doesn't want to do nothing.

Moreover, today is 'Advent', so the food will be much more plentiful.

Tomorrow, I'll probably only be able to eat dry bread and mashed potatoes again, just like before.

If Ophelia finds out, I can just say it's okay that I ate it. After all, Ophelia won't send me to the Inquisition just because I ate ordinary food.

Upon reaching the goddess statue blocking the dungeon entrance, Isabelle released a specific magic circle.

Once the magic circle was activated, the seemingly heavy goddess statue, along with half a wall, slowly slid down, revealing a dungeon entrance.

Isabelle did not bring any attendants this time, not because she distrusted them, but simply because she was not as worried as before about Claire waking up, or how terrifying and vicious Claire would be if she did.

The title "Evil God Emperor" is quite easy to make people have excessive associations, but after getting to know him, you will realize that he is just a good person who doesn't like rules and is sharp-tongued and lecherous.

Yes, a person who can guide others to come up with a system that benefits believers is by no means a bad person; he himself wanted to do the same thing more than a hundred years ago.

As Isabelle stepped into the dungeon, gazing at the dark and silent space before her, she felt that perhaps she should release the other person.

However, considering that his identity must never be known, and that the news of his immortality might even destroy the Church of the Goddess, Isabelle abandoned the plan.

"You're here? Hurry up, stop dawdling. Don't you know I haven't eaten all day?"

Hearing these familiar yet annoying words, Isabelle pursed her lips in displeasure, but she was almost used to it by now.

"Today is Advent, so I'm just a little busy tonight. Besides, do you not want to eat the holiday dinner? It would be faster if I went and got you some leftover bread or mashed potatoes."

"Oh? There's a big meal today? Come over here and let me take a look."

Seeing Claire craning her neck and staring at her like a pet waiting to be fed, Isabelle's tense face relaxed.

Alright, it's feeding time again.

Isabelle cast a divine protective spell on Claire, transforming her into a table. The holy flames served as festive candles, illuminating the entire dungeon.

In this ritualistic manner, Isabelle placed the food she was holding one by one in front of Claire.

"The stew was cooked perfectly today. The beef was tender and the sweetness of the carrots and onions had permeated the meat. The spices were used sparingly, highlighting the aroma of the meat."

"The bread comes from the old mill outside the city. It's made with this year's newly harvested winter wheat, and it's well-fermented and chewy."

"This cheese... um, it has a bit of a fruitwood-smoked flavor. It must be from the southern hills. My attendants mentioned it, but I don't quite remember."

Claire glanced at the food before him, not particularly interested in whether it was more luxurious than usual; he could eat much more of anything better by controlling Leah's body.

What he cared more about was that Isabelle's meals had gone from simple ones like a piece of bread or two and mashed potatoes to such a large and varied feast.

There were more dishes, and even wine.

"This light fruit wine is quite good; it cuts through the richness and pairs well with this kind of stew. It's much better than those fancy sweet wines at banquets. That's what my attendant said; I don't drink, so I'm not sure if that's true."

Isabelle probably didn't realize that the more she carried, the easier it was for others to discover her.

Naturally, Claire had no time to worry about Isabelle, who had imprisoned her.

One thing is certain: the more variety of food you bring, the more favor you will show Isabelle.

"What? Do you have any other opinions? Or are you looking for some fault?" Isabelle looked up at Claire, who was not speaking, and frowned.

I've prepared such a lavish meal for him, so he shouldn't be complaining to me anymore, right?

If this guy dares to complain, bring him pea soup tomorrow. It's awful; at least none of the servants like it.

"No, I just suddenly feel a little flattered."

Claire's unexpected words caught Isabelle off guard.

Isabelle blushed slightly, but as the acting saintess, she couldn't be as shy as a little girl: "It's not like I treat you badly usually. The food I give you is for my attendants."

To mask her shame, Isabelle puffed out her chest and glared at Claire with an air of superiority.

"Alright, let's eat quickly then." Claire didn't care about any of this and urged, "I haven't eaten anything all day, and I don't know what's wrong with you lately, you've been coming at night all the time."

"During the day, there are many attendants and knights, but at night they have to go on other missions so they won't follow me."

Isabelle picked up a slice of bread, added meat and vegetables, topped it with a few slices of cheese, and handed it to Claire.

Seeing Claire devour a large piece of bread like a hungry wolf, almost biting her own finger in the process, Isabelle patted her chest to express her displeasure.

She had already poured the wine while Claire chewed.

Claire had barely swallowed her drink and hadn't even spoken when Isabelle approached her with her glass of wine.

After taking a sip of the fruit wine that tasted quite good, Claire looked at Isabelle in front of her and asked curiously.

"What? Is there something else you want to ask me today? Or is there something you want to ask me? Why are you being so obedient to me?"

"No!" Isabelle rolled her eyes at him, annoyed.

Recalling the 'Holy Council,' the way Bishop Simon and the others looked at him was full of awe and fear. Only this person in front of him dared to joke like this.

"I just wanted to thank you for giving me the idea to revise the Holy City's new system."

"Oh, I see." Claire knew this, but she remained calm at this moment.

"Is there anything else you haven't told me?"

Isabelle put down the half-eaten stew she was holding and suddenly asked this question.

The acting saintess's eyes now held a serious expression as she stared at the evil god emperor before her with a gaze that seemed to see right through him.

Like Ophelia, she had her suspicions about the striking similarities between this 'new system in the Holy City' and the 'new tax of the Archbishop'.

Chapter 99 The Reward for the Acting Saintess

Isabelle suddenly changed the subject, but Claire didn't seem flustered at all.