CHAPTER 38: LOSIYA, MYRIS

Just as the two were locked in a tense silence, the temperature in the entire dungeon suddenly dropped. The originally glowing red walls cooled and turned into a cold, jet-black color. Tiny specks of phosphorescence inexplicably floated down in the dungeon, gently landing on the shoulders of both women.

Myris could feel the tightly sealed magic veins gradually being suppressed, to the point where she could barely respond to their call.

She finally withdrew her imposing aura and rubbed her aching temples.

She had intended only to come here, take the item, and leave. She hadn’t expected to run into a true source of "trouble."

Across from her, Alice finally showed a relaxed expression, bowed slightly, and said, "Madam."

Madam Catherine silently descended, her long hair fluttering behind her as she stared at Myris. She spoke gently, "Little Myris, it’s been a long time."

Myris, too, revealed a nostalgic expression. Her usual proud demeanor softened noticeably.

"Madam, it’s been a long time."

After Myris’ holy Mark awakened and she was brought to the Holy City, Catherine had served as her mentor. Later, due to the birth of Losiya, Madam Catherine firmly refused the invitation from the Holy Throne and resolutely left the City.

To this day, this matter still weighed on Myris’ heart—not because of any resentment toward the madam, but because of Losiya. She couldn’t help but have a slightly poor impression of her.

She hadn’t entered the Lily Estate through normal diplomatic channels, but had instead "slipped in" during the night, intending to take the item quietly and give Losiya a silent show of force as a warning.

So from beginning to end, she hadn’t done anything dangerous to the territory. On the contrary, she had even helped Enie cure her lingering illness.

Now that Catherine had come in person, any possibility of conflict, which was already unlikely, became essentially impossible.

The stellar domain field dispersed. Myris suddenly smiled and dove into Madam Catherine’s arms.

"Mom, it’s been a long time."

Catherine blushed at the sudden intimacy. After a moment’s hesitation, she placed her hand on Myris’ shoulder.

She had never really understood Myris’ origins, but she had never seen her parents. Back then, Myris had loved calling her "mom," and over time, Catherine simply gave in and accepted it.

"Mm..."

Whatever words of reprimand had been on her lips halted. Catherine could only say, "Next time, don’t come in such a reckless way. If there’s something, just go through proper channels and talk to us."

Myris’ previously smiling face froze slightly.

Fortunately, Catherine didn’t notice. She added, "I’ll go speak to Losiya about this. You should also remember to apologize to her."

This time, Myris didn’t even bother to hide the look of disgust on her face.

With the atmosphere relaxed again, Alice finally turned her attention to Tania. She asked politely, "Did Tania do something wrong?"

Being noticed by the Inquisition wasn’t a trivial matter. Did she really have that kind of ability?

"It’s mainly the Desmond family," Myris replied casually. "They’ve always been unruly, but recently they’ve become more arrogant. Naturally, the Church won’t keep giving them face."

At that moment, Myris suddenly frowned and leaned closer to Catherine, her expression tinged with confusion.

Catherine’s eyelids twitched uneasily. Pretending to stay calm, she pushed Myris away and laughed, "What are you doing, getting so close?"

Myris raised an eyebrow flirtatiously, smiled, and said nothing more.

As the long night approached its end, the three of them exited the dungeon. Only then did they notice the sunlight rising on the distant horizon.

Catherine looked clearly exhausted. As they walked out, Alice could plainly see the dark circles under her eyes.

"Madam, did you not sleep well last night?" she asked with concern.

It seemed the question struck a chord. Lady Catherine’s full figure stiffened slightly, but she quickly forced a bright smile. "No, it’s just... probably my age. It’s hard to sleep deeply anymore. Once I woke up and felt something was off, I came immediately."

If Alice knew the real reason she hadn’t slept was because she overheard Losiya and Julian whispering behind a wall all night, Catherine would honestly want to go straight to see Lord Farad.

Alice nodded and didn’t ask further.

The three entered the parlor. After saying a word, Catherine sat on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest.

Considerately, Alice helped her cover up with a fur blanket. Then, turning to the silent, eyes-closed Myris, she asked, "Would you like me to find a room for you to rest in?"

The room was quiet, with only Catherine’s soft breathing audible. Myris stood still, eyes closed, showing no reaction to Alice’s offer.

Is she holding a grudge because I just stopped her? Alice wondered.

She wasn’t the type to get angry over childish behavior like that. If anything, she found it amusing. This so-called Saint didn’t seem nearly as divine as rumors claimed. On the contrary, she felt more like an ordinary woman, touched by the smoke and fire of everyday life.

Alice soon drifted off into her own thoughts.

Time passed quickly. The sun gradually rose from the horizon, and its rays streamed through the windows, driving away the darkness and bringing a bit of warmth to the room.

It wasn’t until sunlight filled the sky and the maids got up with a clamor to begin their daily duties that Myris finally opened her eyes.

Still not up?

Myris found it hard to understand.

She had heard that the young countess was a high-level holy Mark transcendent. So how could she be just as lazy as ordinary people?

"Catherine mom, is this Lily Countess always like that?" Seeing that Madam Catherine had just woken and rubbed her eyes, Myris tried to ask tactfully.

Any trace of sleepiness instantly vanished from Catherine’s face. Of course she knew the reason why Losiya had slept in this morning—but was that something she could say?

"Fine, I’ll go find her myself."

No sooner had she spoken than Myris’ figure vanished from before her.

"Wait!"

Catherine immediately followed.

At Losiya’s door, Myris stood still and confirmed the aura inside.

Her steps faltered, her expression turning strange and uncertain.

"Ah... Who is it?" came a lazy voice from inside.

Then the door opened. Losiya rubbed her eyes and peeked out, her hair sticking up in random directions.

As if she couldn’t stand seeing someone like that, Myris took a few steps back.

"Who are you?"

Losiya stared at Myris, stunned, then frowned and asked.

"Seems like I’ve disturbed the countess’ sweet dreams..." Myris’ lips curled slightly as she spoke in a flat, mocking tone.

As Myris’s gaze fell upon Losiya, the evidence of last night’s indiscretions was impossible to ignore. The silken nightgown hung loosely from her shoulders, barely clinging to her curves, its fabric parted just enough to reveal the smooth, sweat-sheened skin beneath.

A faint sheen of dried fluids glistened on her collarbone and between her breasts, a telltale remnant of passion. Losiya’s cheeks were still flushed a deep, rosy hue—not from exertion, but from the lingering euphoria of pleasure.

Her lips, slightly swollen, curled into a lazy, self-satisfied smile, and her eyes, bright with an almost feline contentment, met Myris’s with shameless amusement.

How could Myris not understand? The signs were unmistakable. The scent of musk and salt still lingered in the air, mingling with Losiya’s usual floral perfume.

The way she moved—slow, languid, her body thrumming with the afterglow of gratification—betrayed everything. Myris was pure, yes, but she was no fool. Innocence did not equate to ignorance.

She had heard the whispers, the muffled gasps from behind closed doors, the rhythmic creaking of the bedframe that had lasted far into the night. And now, standing before her, Losiya wore her debauchery like a crown, daring her to acknowledge it.

Catherine had left her for someone like *this*? A transcendent drowning in desire with a lowly man?

Myris struggled to accept such a reality.