'Fuck! That hurts. What kind of strength is this? I don't think I have ever seen a person this strong before. What do I do now?'

Brother Gustav clenched his fist as he felt his hand vibrating due to the pressure of the attack he had been forced to deal with.

He had no intention of hiding behind his subordinates or his title from the temple. But for the first time, he felt he might need to do that.

"Who are you? And what do you want with me?"

Brother Gustav asked in a loud voice.

He had been the loser of that small exchange that just happened, but that did not mean he would lose his pride and show his weakness.

He needed to hold his head up and ensure no one would look down upon him. Even if he lost that match, he must have faked that he had won the war.

"Huh? Did no one tell you that the Duke's people came here to meet you? I am one of 'those' people, and I am here because you have one of our workers. Now, if you would be kind enough to return our worker and stop harassing our other workers, I would leave you alone."

Mary spoke in a cute voice, but somehow, he could tell she had no intention of leaving them all alone.

Something about Mary's appearance and speech made the Duke feel nervous. He felt that he should not underestimate her.

'Ugh, I am sure this maid is talking about that Dark Elf I have in my basement. I cannot allow her to have him because It took me ages to get him. But if I don't give him up, I would be called unreasonable instead.

Fuck! I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.'

Brother Gustav took a deep breath before changing his tactic and taking a gentler approach.

"I think there has been a misunderstanding between us, Miss! I never intend to take your workers away. But if you are talking about the dark elves and working with them, then you should reconsider.

Those people are the worst sinners this world has seen. If you work with them, then you will never be able to receive a god's protection. Won't it be terrible if that were to happen?"

Brother Gustav tried to make peace with Mary by guiding her down the right path - toward his goddess.

The more people a god or a goddess had under them, the more powerful they would become. And the more powerful a deity was, their chiefs would become.

As such, Gustav wanted his goddess to have all the help she could get, and he tried to recruit more and more people to his religion.

"You are presenting me with such a nice offer, and now I don't know what to say about it. Thank you for your words, but I am afraid I would have to decline your offer.

You see, I have no desire to carter to a god. And also, my young miss needs the dark elves for her purpose. I don't want to disappoint her."

Mary spoke, and Gustav finally saw a ray of hope.

This maid looked unreliable but faithful. If he were to make his 'Lady' convert to his faith and see things his way, wouldn't she follow as well?

Moreover, this maid was far stronger than anyone he had ever met. He wanted to see what more she could do and tried to use her strength for his benefit.

"I see! In that case, I should meet your lady and talk to her. Won't you take me to her?"

Brother Gustav asked in a confident voice. He was certain that his good looks and faithful nature would do the trick.

"You want to meet my 'Young Miss?' Sure thing! Look, she is coming here to meet us anyway."

Mary spoke, and a young female landed in front of the temple people within seconds.

She could not have been older than six or seven, but the child wore practical clothes and even held a staff often used by magicians.

This girl was the 'Young Lady' the maid had been talking about, but she did not seem to be under a spell or a curse.

No matter how Brother Gustav looked at her, the young child looked like she was a child.

"Stop looking at me like I am a tourist attraction you cannot get enough of and get to work. Mary, secure the person we came here for first. We need to return with him soon."

Layla spoke with conviction, and Mary immediately got to work.

"Got it, boss! I will take care of the hostage now."

Mary quickly got to work, but Brother Gustav tried to stop her and Layla.

"Wait! I need to talk to you first before we go any further. I don't know what you heard about the Dark Elves, but you are too young to get influenced by the bad things in this world.

As such, it feels like it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that you know the ugly truth of this world and-"

"If this is your way to talk roundly about the Dark elves and their history, then I already know all about it. You don't have to worry about a thing. I assure you; I know what I am doing far better than you do."

Layla assured, and Brother Gustav fell silent. He no longer knew what he was about to say, and his expression was displeased.

"Now, Mary, go and bring the person I asked for. I am sure no one here will try to stop us anymore."

Layla asked Mary, and her maid let out a small smile.

"Of course, miss! It will be my pleasure to secure the hostage. Please accompany me so that I can keep an eye on you. I do not want to lose you, after all."

Mary smiled when she spoke, but her eyes were filled with threat. She would not sit still if anything were to happen to Layla.

And her smile, lady Brother Gustav, cringe in fear.