Maggie made her way to the top floor where the archbishop was. Hearing the rustling sounds behind her, she deliberately slowed her pace so that the person following her wouldn't lose her.
She had originally planned to use a substitution technique, but now it seems she can save a lot of trouble. Princess Eve is bolder than she imagined.
A dark light flashed from Maggie's hand, transforming into threads that gradually spread backward until they entangled Princess Eve.
Gray Hint, a dust-level spell, has no offensive effect, but it can alter what the target hears according to the caster's will.
After quickly cleaning up any traces of the spell, Maggie quickened her pace and lifted her skirt to climb the steps of the clock tower.
"Princess Eve wants to see the sacred artifact?"
Ford slowly turned around in front of the stained glass window, looking at Maggie who was bowing to him, his kind tone carrying a hint of intrigue.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Maggie answered Ford's question without changing her expression; this was the first time she had met Ford alone since her injury.
She and Ford had essentially broken off relations, but on the surface they still had to pretend to be at peace.
Clearly, this old fox hadn't expected that after barely escaping death, she would have to come to see him because of an unreasonable request made by her own country's princess.
"Meeting the Divine Lord is sacred and solemn. Your Highness, you should know the rules of the Temple."
Archbishop Ford looked at her with a smile, his tone was friendly, but his words were subtly directed at her.
“Your Grace, I was merely helping to convey Princess Eve’s thoughts. Since it is against the rules, I will go back and inform her of the result.”
Maggie spoke calmly, considering herself merely a messenger and having no reason to linger.
"Oh? It seems Her Highness is feeling much better."
Ford's eyes flashed with surprise, whether he didn't understand the significance of her trip or why she didn't continue to pester him, but he would still offer his usual insincere concern.
"Thanks to His Excellency the Bishop, my health is gradually improving."
Maggie answered Ford's question calmly and respectfully, without mentioning how unreasonable it was to send her to the cemetery of the dead.
Complaining and accusing are things only the weak do; they are completely ineffective and useless.
It's better to be a wolf lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to precisely bite off the prey's neck.
"Speaking of which, I haven't asked Her Highness what dangers she encountered in the cemetery."
Ford narrowed his small eyes, his loving expression filled with curiosity.
Maggie understood immediately; what was bound to happen would happen, so she repeated the fabricated story exactly as it was told.
"That's right, Your Excellency."
She wore a polite and respectful smile, her eyes full of sincerity, with no trace of lying.
"That was truly a close call. Thankfully, Her Highness the Holy Maiden returned safely."
Although he had already heard Harlan tell the story once, Ford acted as if he were hearing it for the first time, his expression a mixture of worry and relief, like a grandfather concerned for his granddaughter's safety.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency."
Maggie nodded slightly, saying that acting can be quite tiring sometimes.
"However, even Her Highness the Saintess should understand that Princess Eve's unauthorized visit to the temple is against the rules and violates the temple's regulations, and she should be punished accordingly."
"But out of respect for the royal family of the Kingdom of Saint Na, we can waive the punishment. Your Highness, please send them back as soon as possible."
Ford has been unusually easy to talk to lately, which Maggie guesses is because the priest is coming back.
However, this did not fit her plan; she needed the princess to make a bigger scene to muddy the waters.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Maggie acted perfectly normally, and no one suspected that she had any other motives.
As she left the clock tower, Maggie's keen eyes caught a glimpse of the skirt's hem, adorned with jewels as dazzling and beautiful as ever.
Maggie smiled and slowly walked back along the same route.
At least give the little mouse enough time to return, right?
Princess Eve and two other noble ladies were still in the prayer room, and Maggie immediately put on an apologetic expression.
"I'm so sorry, Princess Eve, but His Holiness the Bishop does not agree to your handling of the sacred relics."
Maggie looked down and then up again, just in time to catch a glimpse of the noblewoman to Princess Eve's right. A faint unease appeared on her face, but due to Princess Eve's power, she could only bite her lower lip tightly and dared not say a word.
"Hmph, so-called Holy Maiden of Light, she's nothing special."
Given Princess Eve's spoiled nature in the comics, she would definitely be furious to hear that Maggie hadn't fulfilled her wish. However, she merely glanced at Maggie with disdain and didn't fly into a rage on the spot.
"You're right, Your Highness."
Maggie lowered her eyes slightly, appearing obedient and without the slightest hint of temper.
"Trash is trash. Even if it wears a noble skin, it's still garbage inside."
Eve's malice seemed innate, etched into her very being. Nourished by pampering, it grew and flourished until it finally spiraled out of control and completely consumed her.
"..."
Maggie didn't miss the smug look in Eve's eyes, and a faint smile appeared on her lips, as if she was forcibly maintaining her composure despite Eve's curses.
"Princess, your unauthorized visit to the temple is against the rules. The bishop is merciful and has pardoned your mistake. We hope you will return soon."
After giving Eve her last words as a matter of routine, Maggie turned and left.
She knew Eve wouldn't listen.
Now we just wait for night to fall so the show can begin.
Speaking of which, despite being a saint of light, she has a special affinity with the night.
...
"Why did you give her the location so she could get close to the sacred object?"
The little ghost floated in front of Maggie with a frown, looking confused and not quite understanding.
“You’re not allowed to talk about Maggie. That woman is radiating malice towards Maggie. Maggie is just trying to protect herself.”
Roy slammed into the little ghost from the side and shielded Maggie behind him without hesitation.
"I did not mean that....."
The little ghost's beady eyes suddenly became crystal clear, and its two short little hands waved wildly.
“I’m not interrogating her, I just want to know what she’s trying to do.”
Maggie rested her chin on her hand, casually flipping through the magic book in her hand. The ancient magical language had not completely disappeared, but traces could still be seen on the extremely ancient magic books.
"She wants to see the God of Light, and I just want to help her fulfill her dream."
Maggie spoke calmly.
"I don't believe you, you cunning human, you always have an ulterior motive in everything you do."
The little ghost pouted, its face full of distrust.
"Not a single word you say can be trusted. If I were human, I would definitely stay far away from you."
Hearing the little ghost say that, Roy got angry again and shoved him away again, sending him flying far away.
"Don't talk nonsense, Maggie is a very kind person! I can feel it!"
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