The following day, at the Holy Dome Cathedral.
Under the watchful eyes of numerous clergy members, Vera looked at her brother with a mixture of nervousness and excitement as he was being 'decorated' by Archbishop Paul.
"Bestowing the Silver Knight Medal upon the Friend of the Church, Ansu Morris."
When the exquisite silver medal was pinned to Ansu's chest, the venue immediately erupted in applause. Archbishop Paul gave Ansu an encouraging smile, and Ansu returned it with a polite one of his own.
In the crowd, Vera curiously asked the person beside her, "Sister Freya, what is the Silver Knight Medal?"
Looking into those large, blue eyes full of a thirst for knowledge, Freya explained with a smile, "This honor is granted to members of the public who have made outstanding contributions to the Church and helped spread the faith."
"It's not a simple honor, you know. I heard that this time it was personally signed by the bedridden old Pope and presented by Archbishop Paul on his behalf."
"So it's that impressive!" Vera looked back at her radiant brother on the high platform, feeling truly proud of him.
Who would have thought that after three years of living in gloom, her brother would rise to prominence so quickly? As they say, gold will always shine!
If their father could see this, he would surely be happy for him too!
Standing on the platform and receiving the applause, Ansu wasn't quite as excited as Vera.
Mainly because such a medal wasn't particularly useful; it was merely an honorary reward. Every wealthy merchant who donated to the Church annually seemed to have one...
However, the original Silver Knight Medal did have a significant history. It was said that back then, they were awarded to several lords who self-funded their participation in the religious crusades between the Church and the heretics. There were no such large-scale wars now, so its value had depreciated significantly.
Ansu thought to himself that for this medal to appreciate in value again, he would have to wait until three years later in the original plot... but that was something of a dark joke.
After all, by then, nearly half the people in the Church would be dead.
Aside from the medal, Ansu also received a check for 100,000 pounds gifted by the Church, which was the truly substantial reward in his heart.
After the commendation ceremony ended and the crowd dispersed, Freya led Vera over.
She felt a bit of a bittersweet pang when she saw the joyful expressions on the siblings' faces after Ansu tucked the check away for Vera.
It turned out Lord Ansu really was struggling with his living conditions... the lives of these two siblings must have been incredibly strained before.
Freya affectionately stroked Vera's head. Vera was studying at the same academy she once attended, so she would definitely have someone look after Lord Ansu's sister.
"Ansu mentioned that you have a talent for Holy Light perception. In a few days, I'll find a good teacher for you. We can't let your talent go to waste!"
Vera looked up in surprise, her smile full of gratitude. "Thank you, Sister Freya!"
"You're very welcome." Freya gave a gentle smile and looked at Ansu. "We're all on the same side, so there's no need for such formalities."
Hearing the phrase 'on the same side,' Vera gave a soft hum, unsure whether to be happy or worried...
She had only found out later that her brother's 'friend' from the Church was actually the current Holy Maiden...
Vera didn't dislike this Holy Maiden who looked after her so much; she even had quite a favorable impression of her because she was indeed a kind person. At the very least, she was much better than her brother's female boss who never looked people in the eye.
It was just that the way this Holy Maiden looked at her brother was very strange. It felt like they weren't really friends...
But they seemed even less like a couple...
Strange... it was truly strange.
Vera always felt that these two beautiful women around her brother were both a bit eccentric...
Ansu didn't know what was going on in Vera's little head. Seeing her space out, he intentionally cautioned her:
"Once Freya finds a teacher for you, you must work hard and persevere. Transcendent power is not as simple as just going to school and reading books!"
Ansu didn't want her to take the arduous path of a demon hunter. Since Vera no longer had to embark on the path of revenge from his previous life, there were many directions she could choose.
Therefore, he had specifically paved the way for Vera and had already privately informed Freya of his thoughts.
"Mhm! I know, brother!" Vera nodded obediently.
The power of holy light... she couldn't help but be filled with anticipation for her future.
The two archbishops, who had been chatting, also walked over.
Archbishop Leonard seemed very interested in Ansu and tried to recruit him once again. "Ansu, have you given any more thought to joining the demon hunter squad?"
Just as Ansu was about to decline politely again...
Leonard added, "If you're still concerned about your studies, I can handle that. I can arrange an external status for you. This way, as a magic caster, you can also obtain special authorization. Furthermore, the salary and benefits for joining our demon hunter squad are quite substantial."
Leonard seemed to have realized that Ansu liked money, so he specifically mentioned that condition.
"Uh..." To be honest, Ansu was actually a bit tempted this time. That special authorization would allow him to cast magic as he pleased without Church members breaking down his door to check his 'water meter'.
But given that the person in front of him was Leonard, Ansu still couldn't accept the recruitment.
After all, this was the 'conspiracy promoter' whom no one else had noticed. If he didn't know the plot, everyone would likely be led around by the nose by this fake-smiling old mastermind.
"I'll go back and discuss it with my sister; after all, this position isn't exactly safe." Ansu maintained his grateful smile. "I have to consider my family as well."
As he spoke, he shifted his gaze to Vera beside him.
The perceptive sister naturally understood his intent and quickly nodded.
"Well, alright then." Leonard's tone wasn't particularly disappointed as he smiled. "The Holy Light Purification Department will always keep its doors open for you."
Afterward, Ansu and Vera bid everyone farewell. Freya reluctantly escorted them all the way to the cathedral entrance.
When Freya returned, Archbishop Paul teased with a smile, "Next time, just let Ansu walk you back to the Royal Academy. This old man won't tag along."
"Archbishop Paul!" Freya's cheeks flushed red as she lowered her head. "What are you saying! You're the one teaching the courses at the academy... if you don't go, why would I follow?"
Paul and Leonard exchanged a look, both archbishops unable to suppress a chuckle.
Their laughter made Freya even more flustered. She pursed her lips and returned to her office with her head down.
Paul watched Freya's retreating figure and sighed.
"For so many years, Freya has strictly adhered to the rules set by the Council of Bishops. She's had almost no life of her own, and it's rare for her to make a friend of her own age."
Archbishop Leonard pondered for a moment and suggested, "I actually feel there's no need to keep her confined to this small space of Benalu and the capital. Freya has her own thoughts; we should let her see the vast world outside."
"You mean?"
"We can bring it up during the next Council of Bishops meeting," Leonard said with a smile. "The Holy Maiden shouldn't be restricted by those outdated rules and spend her life in mediocrity with us old fogeys. Since she can perceive divine revelations, we should let her go out and change the world according to her own ideas."
"Mhm... I think you have a point..." Archbishop Paul fell into deep thought.
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