CHAPTER 138: CH 138: I’M BACK - PART 5

High Priestess Lumine withdrew her hand slowly, a soft, amused laugh escaping her lips as if she found Irielle’s reaction more entertaining than offensive.

The sound only made everyone tense further, their eyes fixed on her every movement, unsure if her pride had been wounded.

Yet instead of lashing out, Lumine simply tilted her head and waved her hand with an air of dismissal.

"Well, I had fun with you, little Kana. I do hope we run into each other again... hopefully, next time, you’ll be alone."

She said lightly, her tone laced with hidden intent.

Kana’s expression hardened.

"I don’t even remotely feel the same."

For a fleeting second, silence fell, and the weight of Kana’s words hung between them like a drawn blade. Then Lumine gave a soft sigh, almost theatrical, before murmuring.

"Pity..."

She turned without another word and walked away, her concealed figure vanishing down the temple steps.

Everyone finally exhaled at once, the tension breaking like a snapped thread. High Priestess Jenna rubbed her forehead, looking visibly apologetic as she faced Kana and the others.

"I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have had to run into someone like High Priestess Lumine. She’s... a little off in the head, if I’m being honest."

Jenna said softly.

Lysera crossed her arms, her expression sharp.

"You say that as if you’re any better."

Jenna froze for a moment before letting out a startled laugh, one hand covering her mouth.

"Fair point. Perhaps the goddess’s criteria for saintesses is whether we’re all slightly insane."

But then her amusement faded, and a small shadow crossed her expression.

"Unfortunately... we can’t exactly ask the goddess ourselves anymore. She’s been silent these past few weeks."

The weight of her words lingered for a moment before she quickly brightened again, gesturing toward the temple.

"Come. You’ve come all this way; at least have tea with us."

Inside the serene chamber, the fragrance of freshly brewed tea filled the air.

They sat together, and Kana finally presented the souvenir she had carefully chosen for High Priestess Jenna.

Jenna’s eyes softened, genuine warmth lighting her expression as she accepted the gift.

Then, to Evaya’s surprise, Kana turned and handed her a smaller package.

"This one’s for you."

Evaya blinked, momentarily stunned. She was certain she hadn’t been subtle about her disdain for Kana. In fact, she had made no effort to hide it.

And yet, Kana had still thought of her, still chosen something to give her.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted it. Something unfamiliar and uncomfortable tugged at her chest, softening the walls she had built against Kana.

For the first time, Evaya thought... maybe she could like her.

But the fragile moment didn’t last.

"Evaya."

Jenna’s voice called sweetly, but she wasn’t addressing her. Instead, she was summoning Kana closer, leaning forward with a warm, affectionate smile meant only for her.

Evaya’s heart sank before she could stop it, a flash of envy rising unbidden.

Shame followed instantly after, burning at her throat. She knew she had no right to feel this way, and yet she couldn’t help it.

Her hands tightened around the gift, and she lowered her gaze, quietly swallowing the bitterness she couldn’t erase.

Kana breathed a quiet sigh of relief as she stepped out of the grand temple, the weight of the earlier tension finally easing from her shoulders.

The sun was dipping lower in the sky, bathing the streets in a soft golden glow, and for a brief moment, the world felt calm again.

Lysera walked beside her, hands tucked into her sleeves as her gaze drifted to Kana.

"So, what do you want to do next?"

She asked casually.

Kana thought for a moment before answering softly,

"I want to go home. It’s been... a long day."

"Home it is, then."

Lysera replied, giving a small nod.

The three of them began making their way through the bustling streets, weaving between merchants packing up their stalls and townsfolk returning from the market.

For a moment, the lively chatter and familiar scents of the city were enough to put Kana at ease.

But as they turned a corner, everything changed in an instant.

Kana collided hard with someone rushing past, stumbling back a step as the force jolted through her.

"Ah—! Sorry, I—"

Kana began, but before she could even process what had happened, the figure tried to dart away.

Reflexively, Irielle lunged forward, her movements sharp and swift, catching the fleeing person by the wrist before they could escape.

"Not so fast."

She snapped, yanking them back.

The cloaked figure twisted violently in her grip, struggling like a cornered animal.

And then, in one fluid motion, they pulled a small pouch from their sleeve and flung its contents straight into Irielle’s face.

A burst of fine, glittering powder exploded in the air.

"Ghh—! Damn it!"

Irielle recoiled instantly, clutching at her eyes as they burned from the sudden sting.

Lysera rushed forward to support her while Kana instinctively reached out, but by the time they turned back, the figure was already sprinting down the narrow street, weaving effortlessly into the crowd.

"Wait—!"

Kana called out, but it was useless. The person had disappeared without a trace, swallowed by the busy street.

Kana’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked at Irielle’s reddened eyes, unease curling deep in her gut. Something about this encounter felt wrong.

Kana blinked rapidly, her mind still reeling from the sudden encounter. She turned to check on Irielle, but as she instinctively reached for her side, her hand froze mid-motion.

Her purse... wasn’t there.

Kana’s breath hitched, and she quickly patted around her waist and robes, but the small leather pouch was nowhere to be found.

"My purse...It’s gone."

She whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Lysera’s eyes narrowed instantly, sharp and cold.

"That person."

She muttered, her gaze darting toward the direction the figure had fled.

Irielle, still rubbing at her stinging eyes, gritted her teeth.

"Don’t tell me they—ugh—damn it, they must’ve stolen it."

Kana clenched her fists tightly, her pulse racing. It wasn’t just coins inside—the purse carried a few keepsakes...and her pendent she recently bought, so she couldn’t afford to lose.

Her chest tightened with unease as a sinking feeling settled in her stomach.