"You both fought well. I won't have any problem allowing them to go to the battlefield soon. Ah, but we must get permission for young Raziel to follow us. I don't suppose her mistress would be happy if we take him with us."

Cardinal Bishop stepped forward and praised the two people observing for some time.

His sharp eyes looked at Priestess Cana and Raziel in delight and caution.

Raziel had gone quiet at the mention of his mistress, and his body had straightened up.

His actions showed his loyalty, and people had tried to bribe him to join the temple permanently. They had even offered some pretty sweet deals but to no avail.

The former slave had expressed his desire to return to his master once she came to get him.

"Aww, that's a bummer! But seriously, Raziel, consider our offer and join the temple. We are so much better regarding resources and more attentive than your young miss! She even left you here all alone, but we won't.

Don't you find our spars fun? I don't know when I will get a partner like you again. So, stay here and don't go anywhere."

Cana begged as she reached out to try to grab Raziel's hand. But he pulled back his hand before Cana could contact it.

Raziel's eyes showed how unwilling he was to take this deal, and Cana sighed in regret when she looked at him.

"Ah, what a bummer! And here I thought that I had another person I could add to my group. But, what if-"

"Are you trying to lure my dog to your side? I am afraid that I do not like the idea too much. Won't you reconsider it for my sake?"

Cana's words were interrupted by a familiar sound, which made her and Raziel look toward the entry of the training room.

Raziel looked a little happier and chipper as soon as his eyes landed on that familiar figure, but Priestess Cana flinched before she sighed.

"Aww, I almost had Raziel on my side. Why did you decide to appear now of all times, Layla? Also, haven't you given Raziel to us already? He is better off here than he is with you. I can bathe, feed, and train him in your stead."

Cana asked as she tried to stop before Raziel and hide him behind her taller frame.

But Raziel just stepped away so that he was no longer hiding behind Cana, and he quickly made his way toward Layla before he gave a small bow.

"I'm sure you can do all that for our dear puppy, but I can do that too. So, I would rather keep our puppy with us. Raziel would also prefer to be with my young miss."

Mary replied with just as much sass as Priestess Cana was doing.

For the first time, the two people clashed eyes and then looked away. They had recognized the other as a worthy opponent who should not be approached carelessly.

Mary had some with Layla because these training grounds were outside the main temple, and Mary did not feel as awkward. She tried entering this area as she did at the formal temple.

Her words made Cana pause before a blush spread across her face.

Before a fight could break out, Layla coughed to remind Mary why they were there, and then she turned toward Cardinal Bishop instead of Priestess Cana.

"Excuse me, but can I talk to you for a minute? There are some things I would need your help with. I also think we should go to a place that has fewer people around us."

Layla pointed out, and the Cardinal was quick to catch her words.

He looked around and noticed how other people were starting to come around and practice.

The peak practice time was approaching soon, so it would be better for them to take this fight privately.

"Ah, please come this way. I will take the bait and hear you out if you say what you need to discuss is important. Please come with me so that we can discuss it more."

The cardinal gestured for Layla to follow him to the backside.

There was little incentive for Layla not to follow the bishop, so she quickly did as she was asked to.

Before she knew it, she stood behind the privacy barrier around the local office, and no officer was in sight.

"I sent everyone away by telling them I had something to discuss with someone dangerous. A detection spell around us will alert us if someone is too close to us.

Now, let's hear what you have to say to me."

The Cardinal made an interested face as he allowed Layal to agree and tell what she wanted.

Layla took a deep breath before she brought forth her proposal.

"I would like to establish an orphanage to nurture talented people. I want to review all the legal requirements and get the temple's seal. Since the temple would not take me seriously or permit me, my only option is to come to you for help."

Layla thought about holding back a little when she spoke but ultimately decided there was no point in doing that. So, she told the Bishop most of what she could.

The cardinal kept quiet once he heard Layla's words, and she could tell he was thinking about her proposal.

"You want to establish an orphanage, and that is all? Your request sounds simple enough, but there must be a catch, right?"

The cardinal asked, causing Layla to curse his sharp instincts inside her head.

"Well, I cannot call this a normal orphanage. I won't be able to take in all the kids who come, but I will try to nurture those I can into people who could help this world in the future. It will be nothing dangerous for this world. I promise."

Layla looked up at the man in front of her. She was unsure if he believed her, but it made her nervous to see him looking at her like that.

She realized she could not lie here if asked a question.