"You may withdraw for now." Bibi Dong looked at the Cardinal and gave the order in an indifferent tone.
"Yes, Your Holiness!" the Cardinal replied respectfully, then turned and left.
After the Cardinal walked out of the hall, Bibi Dong rose from the Pope's throne and slowly walked toward Hu Liena.
Hu Liena watched Bibi Dong draw closer and closer, feeling the invisible pressure radiating from her, and the nervousness on her little face became even more obvious.
Soon, Bibi Dong stood in front of Hu Liena.
Looking at Hu Liena's tense, uneasy appearance, something stirred in her heart. It was as if she saw herself from back then.
Back then, when she had just left the orphanage, she had been just as timid and uneasy.
At that thought, Bibi Dong's heart softened.
She spoke gently. "Hu Liena, you don't need to be so nervous. I won't hurt you."
"Yes... Your Holiness."
Hu Liena lowered her head, gripping the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands as she replied softly.
Bibi Dong smiled helplessly. She could understand very well how Hu Liena felt right now.
"Never mind. Hu Liena, come back with me later. Tomorrow, I'll have someone send you to Spirit Academy to report in."
"C-come back... with you?" Hu Liena lifted her head, her eyes widening.
Bibi Dong nodded slightly. "Sit over there for now and wait until I finish handling today's affairs."
"O-okay." Though Hu Liena was terrified, she did not dare refuse the Pope's command.
And so, for the next while, Hu Liena sat anxiously off to the side, waiting for Bibi Dong to handle her affairs.
It was not until the sun set in the west that Bibi Dong finally finished the day's work.
"Hu Liena, come with me."
"Yes, Your Holiness." Hu Liena