Chapter 9: If Only My Lady Veya Could Join the High Council of The Holy Church

Chapter 9: If Only My Lady Veya Could Join the High Council of The Holy Church

“Lin Wei, come look at this!”

“What’s with this hat? Isn’t it adorable?”

“And this coat, Lin Wei, you have to try it on! See, now that we’re married, we really ought to go out in matching winter outfits.”

Lotai City.

Veya’s exuberance was infectious as she darted from stall to stall, her eyes alight with delight at every new discovery.

The street was a vibrant tapestry of sound and color, bustling with people. Though Lotai wasn’t the largest city along the Empire’s border, it was one of its most celebrated trade hubs—its lively energy rivaled even the busiest avenues of the Imperial Capital.

“At the very least, it can hold its own against two or three of the Capital’s most bustling streets,” Lin Wei mused.

Had she completely forgotten her usually cool, aloof demeanor?

Watching Veya, now fully recovered and nearly bouncing with excitement, Lin Wei couldn’t help but chuckle. He trailed after her, arms laden with the day’s purchases.

Truthfully, he’d always suspected that his wife’s childhood hadn’t been a happy one.

He still remembered the night they first met—how she’d cried for what felt like hours, pouring out years of pent-up feelings like a child.

But almost immediately after, she’d switched into a fiercely mature mode, as if life had forced her to grow up too quickly and wear a mask of strength, only revealing her true self in fleeting, private moments.

Getting to see her like this—carefree, genuinely happy—was a rare privilege.

“We’ve bought quite a lot already—want to take a break? I’ll go load these onto the carriage. I can’t keep lugging all this around.”

Glancing at the growing mountain of purchases, Lin Wei made the suggestion.

“Sounds good… I’ll grab us something to drink at that café over there and wait for you, okay?” Veya pointed to a cozy shop just down the street.

“I’ll have black tea.”

“Alright!”

With their plan set, Lin Wei headed toward the entrance of the street.

Naturally, they’d hired a carriage for the trip from Aurens Town—after all, in this world, flight magic was both rare and precious. According to their backgrounds, Lin Wei was a seasoned adventurer, but only just over level 50. Veya was a bit stronger, hovering near the sixth rank in The Holy Church’s hierarchy.

With that kind of strength, neither of them could use flight magic—not yet, anyway. Besides, the city wasn’t far; a carriage was more than sufficient.

“Let’s see… We’re only halfway through the shopping list. Should be able to finish up and get home before dinner.”

Lin Wei carefully stowed their purchases in the carriage, reinforcing them with a protective magic array before double-checking that nothing had been left behind. Satisfied, he made his way to the café.

By the time he arrived, Veya had already claimed a window seat.

The gentle aroma of black tea drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of delicate pastries.

From where Lin Wei stood, he couldn’t help but admire his wife—resting her chin on one hand, gazing out the window. Her golden eyes, a signature of The Holy Church’s divine clergy, lent her an ethereal aura. In that moment, with her serene expression and flawless features, she truly looked like an angel descended to earth.

“What are you standing there for? The tea’s ready—come over, quick!”

Spotting her husband lingering by the door, Veya waved him over, tilting her head in curiosity.

“Ah… I just suddenly realized how beautiful my wife is, so I got a little distracted.”

Lin Wei took his seat across from her, his tone utterly sincere.

Across two lifetimes, he’d never even been in a relationship—much less gotten married right from the start. Honestly, to end up with such a beautiful and kind wife, even if it was a contract marriage, felt like a stroke of incredible luck.

“Why the sudden compliments?” Veya eyed him suspiciously. “Wait, are you just making excuses for your lack of self-control?”

“Not at all! I’m simply stating the truth—my wife is beautiful, and that’s that.”

Lin Wei looked completely serious as he doubled down.

“After all, I only married you because you’re so pretty. I’m infamous for being shallow—firmly believe that beauty is justice.”

“You…”

It sounded like a compliment, but something about it felt off.

So if I wasn’t good-looking, he wouldn’t have married me? Does this man have no appreciation for inner beauty at all?

“Of course, if you hadn’t married me, that’d be a different story,” Lin Wei added before she could protest, propping his chin in his hand and flashing her another smile.

“Because to me, my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world. If I hadn’t wanted to marry you… well, I’d never have thought that way.”

Ugh! This is too much!

What is this man trying to do…

Veya nervously turned her gaze to the window, flustered.

So he didn’t just marry me for my looks, nor did he only realize I was beautiful after we got married. He simply likes me, just as I am?

“Hmph, you really are hopeless,” she muttered, clenching her hands to hide her nerves. In truth, she felt the same way.

The afternoon drifted by in a lazy, golden haze. Sunlight streamed through the window—the perfect weather for a day off after a long stretch of work.

If… if only she could take a real vacation every now and then. To just sit quietly in a cozy shop like this, watching the world outside, soaking in the peaceful scenery—that would be true relaxation, wouldn’t it?

When would a day like that come? Veya couldn’t help but wonder. Maybe once she finally twisted off the Demon Lord’s head.

World peace, the demon in retreat, no more chaos on the continent—then, she could live an ordinary life with Lin Wei. That would be enough.

Suddenly, a cheer erupted from the street, jolting her from her thoughts.

“The Grand Commander of the Judgement Knight, Lady Meilin, is patrolling in person!”

She and Lin Wei both glanced out the window. The already bustling street had drawn an even larger crowd.

Armored knights marched in formation on either side, clearing a path for a tall figure riding a war steed in the center.

It was a strikingly beautiful woman, her skin fairer than snow, made even more radiant by the sunlight.

She rode through the street, holy spear in hand, her gaze sweeping over everything with calm, measured authority. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her proud, dignified face.

Those golden eyes radiated an invisible pressure—unyielding, aloof, and utterly unapproachable.

Yet the people lining the street showed no discontent. If anything, their sense of security soared in her presence!

“So that’s Grand Commander of the Judgement Knight Meilin? I’ve heard so many stories, but this is my first time seeing her in person. She really does look trustworthy, even from a distance.”

“They say she personally put an end to the evil god’s disaster last night. She’s gorgeous, reliable, and powerful—so much better than that useless Pope, who does nothing but send out subjugation squads that get wiped out every time!”

“I don’t know much about the new Pope. Can’t even remember anything she’s actually done… Can’t we get a new one? We’re all followers of Lady Alicia, so why can’t we vote? I’d pick Grand Commander Meilin for Pope in a heartbeat.”

Heh. Looks like the new Pope really hasn’t won anyone over.

Hearing the crowd openly criticize the Pope, Lin Wei nodded along, struggling to hide his amusement.

He wondered if, after last night’s incident, that useless Pope would finally face some backlash within The Holy Church.

“If only they’d start a civil war over the papal seat!” Lin Wei couldn’t help but hope.

“Tch… What’s she so proud of?”

Meanwhile, Veya’s expression had grown darker as she listened to the gossip.

Strutting down the main street like this—was Meilin just showing off after quelling last night’s evil god incident?

Not that Veya really minded. As Pope, she could hardly begrudge her subordinates a little pride.

But seeing Lin Wei staring out the window with everyone else? For some reason, that annoyed her.

She glared at him—oblivious to her mood as always—and, fuming, gave him a sharp kick under the table.

“Do you think Grand Commander Meilin is pretty?”

“She’s alright, I guess.”

“Then why were you staring at her?”

Veya puffed out her cheeks, not even realizing it.

“I was just thinking… I wonder when my Lady Veya will make it into the upper ranks of The Holy Church,” Lin Wei replied without missing a beat.

“After all, I’ve never had the chance to visit the Holy City. But if you became a high-ranking official, maybe you could take me on a tour, right?”

The Holy City—the very heart of The Holy Church—was located just outside the Imperial Capital. Because of its special status, ordinary citizens were strictly barred from entry. Even the ancient noble families of the Capital had no right to set foot inside.

“It’s just a city—what’s so special about it?” Veya muttered, propping her chin on her hand.

She shot Lin Wei a quick glance. Seeing the hint of anticipation on his face, she gave a soft huff and looked away. Then, suddenly remembering their reason for coming to Lotai, she straightened up.

“Oh, right. As a member of The Holy Church clergy, it’d be strange if I didn’t at least show my face after what happened last night.”

“I’ll head over to the church and see if I can find out what really happened. You stay here and don’t wander off, alright? I’ll be back soon.”

Since it was work, Lin Wei didn’t mind. He nodded casually.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you.”

“Then…”

As if recalling the way Lin Wei had just stared at Meilin, Veya took a deep breath and suddenly reached out to pinch his cheek.

“You’re not allowed to sneak glances at other women, got it?”

She didn’t leave until she saw him nod obediently. Only then, finally satisfied, did she rise and head out of the café, her eyes still carrying a hint of playful reproach.

“What’s the point of patrolling at a time like this, anyway?” she muttered under her breath.

She’d be sure to find out exactly what happened in Lotai last night!