Chapter 71: An Unexpected Encounter

“Ha…”

The White Fox Girl let out a slightly helpless sigh that hinted at “I knew it.”

Although she had indeed acted a bit strange at the time, she didn’t expect it to be noticed. The Saint of Bright Light lived up to her reputation, appearing harmless and simple-minded on the surface, but after all, she was one of the top figures in the Holy Nation, a seasoned… veteran who had held a high position for decades.

But it didn’t matter much. After all, this was one of the pieces of information Vilyric was set to reveal: an ambiguous relationship of “knowing” and “having interacted with” would better separate the identities of [Xī] and [Vilyric], making it easier for her to plan some actions later on.

“Let’s say we have some acquaintance… but to be honest, I don’t even know where she is now, so asking me is pointless. Uh… Right, the secrets of heaven cannot be disclosed!”

“…?”

Caught off guard by this suddenly salvaged, mystical-style speech, the Saint stared blankly, tilting her head in confusion and appearing somewhat troubled.

“You’re not even allowed to reveal her real name…?”

“Well, how should I put it? For certain reasons, she can’t get involved in this incident, so she asked me to come and do a few small favors within a limited scope, but of course, it’s mainly up to you all.”

“…”

Realizing she had received quite important information, Yuna nodded earnestly and seriously.

“I understand now. This is… plenty enough. Thank you, Miss Xī. With this, I can finally resolve to act and break the current situation.”

“?”

Wait, hold on, what exactly did you understand? I was just improvising a little!

Hey, hey, hey, don’t jump to conclusions! The consequences of jumping to conclusions can be serious!

Realizing she might accidentally have boarded someone else’s ship, Vilyric quickly thought to say something to remedy the situation, but the Saint had already turned around, walking away with her back to the Priestess while continuing to speak.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll be discussing further actions with the Oracle in the Lingyin Merchant Association. Miss Xī, if you’re interested, please come along. Although I’m still not clear on your specific identity, since you’ve received a recommendation from the President of the Lingyin Merchant Association, and you know that person, I have no objections, after all, [the Oracle] is never wrong when judging people.”

“Then, I look forward to our meeting tomorrow, Miss Xī.”

Yuna’s gentle and pure voice echoed in her ears, while the Saint’s silhouette had already turned to ascend the spiral staircase at the end of the corridor, leaving the White Fox Girl standing there in a daze.

“Oh… I see… That old man took me to the sale on purpose, thinking this was the aim…”

Vilyric suddenly seemed to understand a bit.

The Lingyin Merchant Association was actively trying to form a relationship with the [Spiritual Fox Priestess], while conveniently introducing their allies and showcasing their background.

The Oracle pulling her into their plans undoubtedly aimed to utilize the [Spiritual Fox Priestess]’s strength to achieve certain goals, but as Yuna indicated, this was merely a subtle invitation. If she didn’t want to, Vilyric could completely refuse to attend the meeting tomorrow.

So in the end, this just provided her with a choice rather than coercing Miss Fox to bind her with the Lingyin Merchant Association through threats or bribes.

Perhaps that was the old man’s cleverness.

Originally, Vilyric wanted to call out to Yuna, taking some time to smooth over her earlier odd comments, but she reconsidered and thought it was really unnecessary.

The Saint of Bright Light was a calm and thoughtful powerhouse. There’s no way she would easily make some irrational decision just based on a few words from someone she had just met!

It would be more accurate to say she had already planned and prepared for a long time; the events in the Star River and the sudden appearance of a certain Fox Girl just provided her with a reason to convince herself.

In other words, even without Vilyric or Xī, what Yuna intended to do next wouldn’t change much.

Well, there’s nothing more to say about it.

After spending some time navigating the magnificent building controlled by the Summerfield Family, guided by the ever-present maids, Vilyric strolled alone in the front courtyard of the castle, which… was also the way to leave this place.

“Sha Sha, Sha Sha…”

The small cloth boots stepped softly on the plush grass, creating a crisp echo. Perhaps due to the uproar at the sale needing many hands to handle, the guests inside had not yet departed. At this moment, in the courtyard, besides the night breeze that was slightly cool, only the three bright moons high in the sky accompanied the girl, spilling silver light.

Not far away, the bright lights seeping from the castle remained splendid, but the empty, quiet deep night and the late winter wind brought an involuntary chill.

Then, at a certain moment, the girl wearing the white fox mask abruptly stopped in her tracks.

“Say, how long are you going to follow me since leaving the venue? If you plan to take action or whatever, hurry it up! I’m in a rush to get back.”

“Whoo ~~ Whoo ~~ Whoo ~~”

The night breeze brushed over the lush, soft grass, creating wave-like patterns, yet in the empty courtyard, her voice went unanswered, as if everything prior was just the girl talking to herself.

“Oh, playing deaf now, huh…”

Getting a bit impatient, the White Fox Miss raised her hand, and a smooth, rounded gem, exuding an aura of seemingly infinite magical energy, floated mysteriously into her palm.

This gemstone was about twice the size of the Enchantment Pearl, and due to the girl’s slender palm, it had become difficult to hold, thus it floated directly in the air.

“I’ll count to three. If you don’t come out, I’ll make a move.”

Without saying much nonsense, the girl began to recite in a tone devoid of any emotion, as if still talking to herself.

“3… 2…”

However, before she could shout the final “1,” a figure spontaneously appeared close behind her, completely in her blind spot.

“Don’t, don’t, don’t… don’t attack! Let’s talk, let’s talk! Please, Miss Fox!!!”

“Miss Fox…?”

A slightly familiar voice with a sleazy tone made Vilyric raise an eyebrow slightly. The magic treasure, which almost flew out in her hand, spun in the air, returning beside her like a floating spirit, appearing quite lively.

“Wait, are you…?”

As if finally recalling something, the White Fox Miss was exceptionally surprised, casually raising her hand to conjure an invisible wind that blew away the hood of a small figure completely cloaked in dark clothing, virtually blending with the night.

Soon, a mouse’s head trembling in the cold night was revealed, seemingly startled by the gust created by the girl’s gesture, and it immediately fell to the ground in a rather undignified manner, begging for mercy loudly.

“Ah! Please don’t attack! I swear, little mouse just happened to pass by! I didn’t mean to offend! Oh, great lady, please spare my life!!!!”

“…?”

   

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