My older sister is a villainous rich girl

This approach isn't universally applicable. After all, enchanted weapons aren't cheap to create; some well-crafted ones can even become family heirlooms for minor nobles. Even if they lose their magical abilities after accidental damage, they remain symbols of honor and are incredibly valuable. To treat them as disposable items, ending their purpose in an explosion, would undoubtedly be a waste.

However, just like those so-called "precious swords" that possess no magic yet still command high prices thanks to jewel embellishments, gold and silver accessories, and master designs, there are always people in the world who only care about demand and not cost. In the hands of certain individuals, an enchanted weapon capable of detonating at a set time can be a crucial factor in instantly changing the course of a battle.

For the Duke of Winchester, such waste was insignificant.

Even Smith had to admit that the opponent had a very good trump card, and what was even more remarkable was that the opponent achieved the best results with relatively minimal cost.

If the Duke of Winchester's son, the boy named "Wayne," knew that the assassin who had suffered a great loss at his hands was a member of the Papal Inquisition, how would he react?

Are they filled with fear and trepidation, or are they arrogant and disdainful of others because of their status?

However, judging from the city guards' high-profile reaction, Duke Elliott did not seem to intend to let the matter rest.

Smith rubbed his temples, looking rather troubled.

The Vatican originally had a plan to win over Duke Elliot. It would not benefit the Vatican from needlessly antagonizing a powerful noble family. In fact, before this, the Royal Cathedral and Duke and Duchess Elliot seemed to have a fairly good relationship. Therefore, he could understand why Bishop Willard was so angry.

However... the master I serve seems to have other ideas.

Now that Smith has left the tribunal, he is no longer involved in high-level decision-making and can no longer access some core information. Although he can still guess at the Papacy's movements based on his years of experience, he still can't figure out why that person would send someone to test a junior. Is there something special about him?

The only thing to be thankful for is that Leo, that reckless brute, at least remembered his hidden identity.

Seeing his furrowed brows and pale face, the old priest, who had been quietly accompanying him as arranged by his superiors, smiled and said, "Mr. Smith looks very tired. Would you like me to examine your health? I have been serving as the church physician in the Royal Cathedral for thirty years and have seen many people like you."

"Like me?" Smith asked.

"Too many worries and too little action will lead to your current state." He shifted his gaze to the window, where several birds flitted and hopped among the treetops not far away, chirping melodiously and seemingly quite cheerful.

"If we were like birds, foraging when it's time to forage and resting when it's time to rest, without worrying about what tomorrow will bring, we would surely be able to better appreciate the joy of the present moment," the old priest remarked.

Smith couldn't help but laugh: "If all actions are only for satisfying immediate survival needs, what's the difference between humans and beasts?"

"Perhaps there was never any difference to begin with?"

“No, there must be a difference.” Smith was quite insistent on this question. “Because humans possess a soul that is different from that of ignorant beasts, and humans have the potential to achieve greater power, God is willing to bestow His authority upon us, so that mortals of flesh and blood can also glimpse the mysteries of magic and the power of the gods.”

He also gazed at the little birds hopping about in the treetops, wondering where they would fly off to tomorrow. "Birds cannot control magic, but humans can."

The old priest smiled again and said nothing more.

……

The last part of the journey was walked after getting off the bus.

After taking several detours and checking that no one was following them, Smith led the church doctor along a small path to a detached house nestled among lush trees.

This is church property, and no outsiders know about it, so it should be considered safe.

However, after treating Leo's injuries, we still need to find a way to persuade him to leave as soon as possible, and not let him stay in the capital for long.

Whatever that person's intentions may be, making enemies of the Winchester family in this way is not a wise move.

However, when he pushed open the door and stepped into the room, he found that the place was already deserted.

A letter lay alone on the desk.

In a secret code, Leo indicated that he had left to report back, and that he would take full responsibility for the failure of this mission. However, he asked Smith to continue to invite Wayne to participate in the exchange student program and bring him to the Vatican.

Smith stood at his desk for a while, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty, before finally snapping out of it and using fire to burn the letter in his hand to ashes.

“Let’s go back, everything’s alright.” He regained his composure and didn’t offer the old priest any further explanation.

The old priest, who was completely unaware of the cause and effect and was merely following Willard's orders, knew that things had probably changed again. Without asking any further questions, he followed Smith back empty-handed.

The small building, which seemed poised for a storm, quickly returned to tranquility.

The two had only been out for a short while when Wayne appeared at the exact same location with Vera, an outstanding member of the special operations team.

"Someone burned something here, most likely a document or a letter."

Vera used wind magic to probe for any remaining traces of energy in the small building, but that was all she could reconstruct.

Wayne nodded. "We're still a step too late."

Sure enough, they were alert! But now that he was certain it was the Vatican's doing, he no longer needed to worry about not finding the culprit. Whether friend or foe, he figured the Vatican wouldn't remain inactive once he arrived.

He wasn't too worried about encountering any accidents at the Papacy. After all, he was skilled and daring, and having spent so much time in the capital, he knew his own strength very well. Even if the legendary Pope himself took action, he was confident he could escape unscathed.

Wayne was only worried that the hostility wasn't directed at him.

“Let’s go, there are no more valuable clues left here.” He took one last look at the secluded courtyard. “Make a note of this address and back it up in the internal archives under the Vatican’s name.”

Chapter 655 I Remember Your Name

"What! Lady Exos is going to leave for a while?" When Bulwer heard this news, he froze on the spot for several seconds as if he had been electrocuted.

“It’s some personal business. I’ll be back in two or three months. You can find me some tasks that require me to go out, and I can take care of them on my way.”

On the top floor of the city guard building, in the office of the commander-in-chief.

While talking, Wayne watered the row of cacti on the windowsill.

Bulwer finally snapped out of his daze and, realizing something, quickly reminded her, "We already watered it once during the day, so please don't water it too much..."

Wayne paused, clicked his tongue in disapproval, and put the watering can down.

I've done a lot of work for the city guards these days, and even the crime rate in the capital has dropped significantly, so I've earned my salary.

Bulwer was well aware of this as well; Echos had long been the city guard's trump card. Having such a capable person in his hands would increase his standing with the king, and coupled with his deep admiration, he naturally dared not disrespect Echos. However, he was worried that this was a sign that she was about to run away with her buckets.

Whether strong or beautiful, they will always go where they are meant to go.

He composed himself and forced a smile, saying, "Although we don't have much personal relationship, I always feel like we've known each other for a long time."

Wayne glanced warily at Bulwer.

He hadn't forgotten how, during the pursuit of Norman, Bulwer, drunk and out of control, confessed his feelings to him in front of Tasia, causing him to die on the spot.

Trying to get close? No way.

"That's it, I'm leaving." Wayne had lost all interest at this point.

"...Please take care."

In fact, there was still some time before Wayne officially set off, but he could not reveal that Aikos's actions were completely synchronized with Wayne's, so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.

After leaving the city guard, Wayne took the opportunity to see Tasia again, and during his lecture, he also informed her of his travel plans.

While Tasia was surprised, she was also worried about his sudden departure.

But she understood that she was still too weak, and the teacher was unwilling to tell her the specific details because he felt that she was not yet capable of sharing his burdens.

So, she didn't say anything like "I'm reluctant to part with my teacher," but simply opened the drawer and solemnly handed Wayne another miniature bear doll that she had just made.

"No matter where you go or where you are, you will always be one of the most important people in my life." She said very seriously, "Please keep it with you, just like the doll my teacher gave me has always been with me."

Wayne looked at her for a while, and finally couldn't bear to refuse her kindness, so he accepted the gift.

Looking at the neat stitches and exquisite appearance of the doll, Wayne couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

Sigh, there's just no way to deal with her.

A strong person who goes it alone can do whatever they want, but once they have ties and attachments in this world, they can no longer be free.

However, this feeling isn't bad.

He gently patted Tasia's head with the air of a mentor, feeling her soft hair brush against his fingertips. "Take good care of yourself, and don't let your guard down. I'll check your homework when I get back."

Tasia seemed to feel slighted and protested softly, "I won't."

……

Summer has quietly arrived, and the cicadas' chirping has already begun in early summer, unwilling to remain dormant, as if afraid that others will miss this important moment announcing the change of seasons.

The Vatican delegation's month-long exchange and study program has successfully concluded. In return, Wayne and Tasia will also travel to the Vatican for a month of study.

Originally, Tasia had no intention of leaving the capital. Wayne didn't know why she suddenly changed her mind at the last minute, saying that since she would eventually go to the Holy See after graduation, it wouldn't hurt to experience it beforehand. Perhaps the people at the Holy See eventually persuaded her.

This reason is impeccable, and neither the academy nor the royal family can refuse it.

In reality, one month isn't enough to learn anything truly profound, but it was enough for Wayne, who only wanted to "gather intelligence."

"Truly befitting a pampered young master, even bringing his pet along when he goes to study at the Holy See—"

A disdainful voice came from behind. Wayne pressed Xiaobai's head back into the car, turned around, and saw that it was a male student from the exchange group.

Wayne had hardly ever spoken to these people alone, and didn't know what he had done to offend them. After casually glancing at them, he asked speechlessly, "Bishop Smith didn't say anything, do you have a problem with that?"

The Vatican student, who looked to be around the same age as him, blushed upon hearing this.

Although they are all talents trained by the Vatican, they have not yet obtained formal clerical positions. Their potential will be assessed and they will be granted titles after graduation. Apprentices who are not even considered novice priests naturally cannot question the decision of a cardinal.

Just as the conflict between the two was about to escalate, another female student walked up from the back of the group.

"Alex, have you finished writing your reflections on the exchange? It's due when you get back, so don't just do it half-heartedly and end up getting criticized again."

The young man named Alex looked even more embarrassed, but he stopped bothering Wayne and left in a huff.

Wayne felt completely bewildered.

Seemingly noticing the confusion in his eyes, and seeing that no one else was paying attention, the girl softly reminded him, "Alex has a crush on Tasia, so..."

Wayne instantly understood her implication and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "I see."

"However, considering that his delusions are almost impossible to achieve, I will forgive his offense this time."

What a typical loser! Trying to regain a sense of superiority this way? How pathetic.

But the girl did not leave.

"Wayne... classmate, do you... remember me?" After saying this with some difficulty, the girl mustered her courage and stared at him without blinking, as if hoping to get some kind of reaction from the slightest change in his expression.

"Ok?"

Wayne looked at her face with some surprise.

She wore a monocle and a white robe. A gentle breeze ruffled the hem of her robe, giving her an air of intellectual sophistication.

“You are—” Wayne hesitated slightly.

As if seeing a glimmer of hope, the girl in white felt a surge of excitement in her eyes. She instinctively took a half-step forward but then stopped herself. She simply stood at a distance, smiling and watching him with tenderness in her eyes, anticipating his next words.

"I remember now!"

“Your name is Camille, right? We met for the first time at the welcome party. I remember your name.” Wayne flashed a flawless smile. “Thank you for getting me out of that awkward situation earlier.”

The wind around suddenly calmed down.

The girl paused for a moment, then lowered her gaze and gave a slightly bitter smile.

"Ah."

Chapter 656 Don't Become Like Chris

As the team prepared to depart again, Wayne ended his conversation with Camille.

For some reason, although he felt that the girl's attitude and tone were very gentle, there was something strange about the way she looked at him.

Is it just an illusion?

He turned and boarded the carriage; Xiaobai had been waiting for him for a long time.

"Do you know that girl from earlier?" The dog, whose fur was shiny from its comfortable life, glanced at him sideways.

It seems to have gained a lot of weight, probably because it hasn't been exercising much lately and has been constantly urging Wayne to give it extra food.

This time, it was Wayne who took the initiative to ask to bring it along to the Vatican. He had originally planned what excuse to use to get it to cooperate, but unexpectedly, when he brought it up, it seemed to be more enthusiastic than he was.

“Yes, I know him. I met him once a few days ago,” Wayne replied casually.

Its eyes gleamed with intelligence, as if it saw through everything, and its deliberately lowered voice held a hint of amusement: "Really, it was only a few days ago?"

"What, are you trying to check up on me too?"

Wayne had gotten used to the reality that ever since he got a girlfriend, every time a girl got close to him, he would be subtly criticized by so-and-so or so-and-so.

Perhaps this is what they mean by everything comes at a price.

"also?"

"No, it's nothing."

Wayne closed his eyes, tilted his head, and pretended to be asleep.