My older sister is a villainous rich girl

Upon hearing this, Elliott carefully examined the figure of the boy in front of him.

Years have passed, and the child who once clung to him has now grown into a handsome young man. Perhaps this return to his birthplace has brought him some unspoken confusion, leading him to seek help from the gods…

With that in mind, Elliott did not immediately reject the idea.

"Before that, you will come with me to the Royal Cathedral to receive some necessary etiquette training, so that you will not be unbecoming of the Vatican due to a lack of knowledge of the rules."

……

When Wayne finally returned to Qingxi Academy, it was already the afternoon of the second day.

After a formal early morning reception of the guards who had escorted Wayne and Chris, Elliot took Wayne on a whirlwind visit to the Royal Cathedral.

For this reason, Wayne took half a day off and did not go out with Chris.

However, unlike the nominal "learning of etiquette," Wayne did not learn much about the rules and regulations of the Holy See on this trip. Instead, he was thoroughly examined by an old priest brought by Elliott, who examined his magical properties and physical condition.

Although Elliot said nothing, Wayne sensed something under his unwavering gaze. More than his lack of manners, he was probably worried about his connection to dark magic.

However, the [seed] within Wayne had already been suppressed, and even Tasia could not detect any suspicious points.

Finding nothing amiss, the old man, who seemed to have some connection with the family, nodded to Elliot, indicating that they would discuss the details later. He then gave Wayne a booklet and left.

The pages were filled with meticulously written notes detailing numerous matters that needed attention within the Vatican.

Walking along the central avenue of the academy, Wayne silently recited the instructions that he had been told not to divulge, while observing the innocent students diligently exercising under the shade of the trees in the distance.

Ordinary people are like ants swept up in a tide when the world changes. They don't even know what situation they are facing. Who knows where they will end up?

Chapter 648 Is this what it means to be in the same boat?

“Young Master Wayne has quite the refined taste, actually remembering his studies in the capital.”

When that voice rang in his ears, Wayne's index finger holding the wine glass twitched slightly.

The school activity room does not usually serve alcoholic beverages, but only various fruit juices, so that the young noblemen can pretend to be adults.

Wayne downed the wine-like grape juice in one gulp and smiled wryly.

"Out-of-season fruits and vegetables do taste different," he said, trying to make conversation.

After Chris's "Vegetable and Fruit Diversity Supply Chain Completion Plan" was officially launched in full swing, Wayne unceremoniously took advantage of his position as president of the Lily Society to lead the academy in signing a long-term cooperation agreement with his own family.

Of course, due to limited production capacity, only a few special departments of the academy have supplies for the time being. But even so, it has already been very well received.

Ge Li was taken aback at first, then sneered, "Are you implying that I failed to snatch Chris away?"

With a helpless rub of his forehead, Wayne poured a glass of grape juice for Ge Li with one hand and handed her the wine-red liquid.

"Why don't you give it a try too?"

Without hesitation, she took the mouthful and gulped it down, her brows immediately furrowing into a deep frown.

"Gulp...cough cough cough...cough..." Ge Li wanted to vomit but forcibly held back, looking extremely embarrassed and disheveled.

Knowing something was wrong, Wayne forced himself to look away and quickly pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over.

"Wayne! I've had enough of you!" With tears welling up in her eyes, she snatched the handkerchief from his hand and covered her mouth and nose. Ge Li felt both bitter and wronged.

This seemingly ordinary glass of grape juice had a sour and astringent taste. The liquid, mixed with complex emotions, continued to descend along her esophagus and respiratory tract, reaching deep into her heart and abdomen, even causing her a slight burning sensation.

"I'm sorry! I didn't expect you to drink so fast. I should have reminded you to drink slower." Wayne apologized sincerely, his tone full of remorse.

Ge Li didn't say anything more, and fell silent, feeling dejected.

Even though Wayne sat next to her and glanced at her repeatedly, trying to cover his ulterior motives, she never gave him a kind look again.

In truth, Wayne understood why she was unhappy. If it were him, he would have punched the person in front of him long ago. It was only because Goli had been instilled with his values ​​since childhood... no, it was because they had formed a deep, childhood friendship that she probably wouldn't always give in to him.

Even if they verbally abuse each other fiercely, they can't bear to sever all ties completely.

"I heard that the Vatican will send a delegation to the academy for exchange and study?" He unconsciously tapped the base of his wine glass on the table covered with a red velvet cloth.

"You received the news too? My father, appointed by His Majesty the King, has already left the capital to personally welcome him." Ge Li didn't seem too concerned about this. "Although the Papacy doesn't interfere in the kingdom's internal affairs, we can't afford to offend them."

"What if I said I wanted to go with them to the Vatican for a while?"

Ge Li's expression, which had just relaxed a little, tensed up again. "Are you serious?"

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Wayne sighed. “You know that Chris and I went back to my birthplace for this vacation.”

She gave a muffled "hmm," as if the sound came from her abdomen.

Sure enough, even during the holidays, they were secretly keeping an eye on my movements... Why do I suddenly feel a little chilly?

No wonder he looked so unhappy as soon as he appeared.

“I’m going to the Vatican to find an answer, though I don’t know if it’s what I’m looking for,” Wayne said calmly.

It wasn't that he sought anyone's opinion; he simply had to go.

Ge Li opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but after a while he swallowed it back. In the end he just said coldly, "Go if you want. Anyway, I'm no one to you and I have no right to interfere with your decision."

“What are you thinking?” Wayne turned his chair to face her and said seriously, “It won’t be long, I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Having lived in the capital for so many years, his peaceful and comfortable life made him complacent. He feared the unknown and the loss, so he curled up in the shell built by the known script, believing that he was in control of everything around him thanks to the buff he received as a transmigrator.

But is that the truth?

Is it really possible to live a peaceful life simply by spending every day with girls, teasing one or coaxing another, and greedily taking everything you want?

Wayne didn't know.

He once thought he wouldn't think about so many complicated things anymore.

He once thought that if he couldn't fulfill the regrets of his past life, even if he could extend his life through time travel, this extra time would be a meaningless waste. Therefore, while he still had the chance, he would do everything in his power to get whatever he wanted, even if it meant using despicable means or deceitful tricks. He would rather abandon his conscience and morality than let go of the happiness right in front of him.

As for what will happen after being exposed, at worst it will just mean returning the stolen time.

However, when standing at the starting point of "Wien" and looking back on all the hardships along the way, Wien could no longer ignore his confusion.

—Why did I come here?

Actually, he's not the indispensable protagonist of this story, is he?

Whether it's Tasia, the original female lead, Chris, the new protagonist who is a transmigrated villainous heiress, or Prince Richard, the original male lead, it seems that each of them is more important to the story than themselves.

On the contrary, it was I who inexplicably barged in and ruined what should have been a happy ending.

If there truly are gods in this world, they would want to know the answer to why they exist here.

"Actually, I..."

Wayne hesitated, carefully considering his words, and a hint of sadness inevitably crept into his voice. "Perhaps... the real me... isn't the person you imagine me to be."

On that afternoon, as he lay on the soft, green grass, lost in thought, he heard Chris say that he was "brave" in her eyes—

It's like listening to someone's opinion of a complete stranger.

Yes, just as Chris has always tried her best to play the role of "Chris", I have also been trying my best to play the role of "Wayne".

Just as she feared that others wouldn't love the version of herself that wasn't Chris, she also feared that others wouldn't actually love the version of herself that wasn't Wayne.

He couldn't help but smile wryly.

Is this what they call sharing the same fate?

Seeing Chris is like seeing another version of myself, so I always subconsciously hope that she can be happy.

Rather than play the role of a supporting character in her extraordinary life, clumsily performing in various ways to ensure the script runs smoothly, she would rather not puncture this fragile illusion herself.

Chapter 649 Wayne is going solo?

Someone once told him that a lie becomes the truth if you act it out for a lifetime, and that everyone in the world is just wearing a human skin.

He was skeptical, but deep down he felt that there seemed to be some truth to it.

However, whenever he works overtime until late at night, walking alone through the deserted streets and seeing the still brightly lit skyscrapers overhead, he can't help but think that there are always things in this world worth sacrificing for.

That is the undeniable truth hidden beneath the mask of falsehood.

……

Inside the school's banquet hall.

May the glory of the Lord be upon us.

A group of scholars dressed in white robes were surrounded by knights in white armor. The person at the head of the group was the leader of the exchange delegation that had come to the capital, a high-ranking figure from the Papacy.

It is said that in his youth he was a core member of the Papal Inquisition and once accomplished the feat of single-handedly traveling and infiltrating seven countries within a month to wipe out a huge evil magician organization.

Now that he is older, he has long since retired from the front lines and no longer serves as a weapon of the Vatican, no longer stained with blood. Instead, he has devoted all his energy to the educational endeavors undertaken by the Church.

Therefore, Bishop Smith enjoyed high popular prestige in the Vatican and even in neighboring countries, although he appeared to be just an ordinary and serious old gentleman.

Although the two sides had already had preliminary exchanges when arranging the itinerary, a formal welcome dinner was still essential.

Wayne wasn't familiar with the people from the Vatican, but as the president of the Lily Club, the largest club in the academy, he was forcibly dragged along by the chairman and had no choice but to temporarily act as a harmless nobody behind the big shots of Qingxi Academy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Chairman Harold gave a perfectly polite smile and stepped forward to give Smith a brief hug as a sign of closeness.

However, Wayne knew that he was probably very unhappy about the Papacy violating the school's rules by sending guard knights carrying weapons into the campus.

The academy originally stipulated that all armed forces from the community were prohibited from setting foot on campus, a rule the chairman of the board had informed them of beforehand, but the Vatican did not seem to intend to abide by it.

These Papal knights, who refused to remove their armor even during the banquet, stood tall and proud, exuding an undeniable aura of menace, ruthlessly ruining the peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere that the banquet should have been.

The reason the academy had such rules was not due to oppression based on class hierarchy, but rather to create a good learning environment and ensure the personal safety of teachers and students.

Otherwise, if everyone relied on their family background and brought a group of followers to school, the problem would never end.

Cardinal Smith glanced around the lavishly decorated banquet hall, then asked Harrow, "I've heard that Qingxi Academy is the most prestigious institution of learning in the kingdom, having nurtured countless pillars of society over the years. I wonder if any outstanding students are present at this moment?"

Upon hearing this, Harold showed a hint of surprise, but he quickly composed himself and looked at Wayne.

"Of course! Please allow me to introduce you. This is our current president of the Lily Society—Wayne, please come here."

Unexpectedly, the topic suddenly turned to him, and Wayne, who was lost in thought about the Vatican, was stunned.

But he quickly realized what was happening, put down the juice he hadn't drunk a drop of, and walked over.

“Wayne Wincher, a young man I have high hopes for.” Harold’s tone was not without pride as he introduced him to Smith.

Regardless, this is the successor he chose.

Harold had been observing Wayne's influence within the academy all this time. Harold believed that with Wayne's abilities, he could not only protect the academy's interests, but also lead Qingxi Academy to a completely new stage once his generation of old-timers retired.

Following his words, Bishop Smith glanced at Wayne.

For some reason, Wayne vaguely sensed a strange aura from his gaze.

But this fleeting experience was only momentary, almost making one think it was an illusion. Wayne showed no abnormality and naturally fulfilled his duty as the school representative to attend the banquet.

Smith casually tested him on a few questions about magic theory. After listening to Wayne's textbook-perfect answers, the deep wrinkles on his face smoothed out, revealing a faint smile.

"Indeed, he is a very promising talent. I wonder if you would be interested in pursuing further studies at the Holy See?"

Wayne was surprised.

Someone invited me so quickly? That's a bit too direct.

However, the chairman, who was standing to the side, reacted even faster. He stepped forward abruptly, shielding Wayne firmly behind him.

"Mr. Smith, what do you mean by this?"

He looked as wary as a mother hen protecting her eggs.

Bishop Smith remained unmoved, quietly awaiting Wayne's reply.

“Ahem… To be honest, Your Excellency, I do have this intention.” Wayne gently moved away from Chairman Harold.

"Huh?!?!" Harold's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Wayne.

"As the saying goes, listening to both sides leads to enlightenment, while believing only one side leads to darkness. Only by abandoning biased views can we make greater progress. I believe that the Holy See also had this reason in mind, which is why it made an exception and specially sent an exchange delegation to Qingxi Academy for study. After your delegation's exchange concludes, I would like to return the visit to the Holy See as one of the academy's representatives."

Wayne had prepared his public statement thoroughly and delivered it flawlessly.

Hearing him say that, Harold's unpleasant expression improved slightly.

Originally, I just wanted to exchange and learn...

But his expression quickly turned serious again.

If you want to exchange and learn from each other, why don't you talk to yourself first? He even thought his chosen successor was going to leave and go solo.