Reputation Damaged

Hearing her husband say that, Enilu was about to stand up and say something. Bison had anticipated her reaction and promptly raised a hand, pressing his palm downward.

"Darling, I know what you want to say and what you're worried about, but listen to me first."

Since her husband had put it that way, Enilu had no choice but to sit back down as his wife.

Bison interlaced his fingers and rested both hands on the table. Smiling confidently at Sifa, he said, "This concerns the realm of the gods, so it's only natural that your mother would worry. However, since professionals are involved, I believe you won't be exposed to too much danger."

"Besides, don't you want to make a change and overturn everyone's past impression of you? Then this is an opportunity."

"An opportunity better than any other!"

"Compared to being the initiator of the 'Construction Fund,' a hero who stops an evil god's descent would obviously be more worthy of respect and better able to change everyone's opinion of you. What do you think?"

"Bison." Enilu called her husband's name anxiously.

But before she could say anything, the Baron stopped her with a look.

Sifa glanced at his mother, then nodded. "Father, you're right."

He then said to Enilu, "Mother, don't worry. Officer Lewis and the others will protect me. I can promise you that today, my only responsibility is to lead them to Leon. I'll merely accompany them into the mountains."

"If there's any danger, I'll escape immediately. I won't approach it, much less go any deeper."

Enilu looked at the father and son and sighed. "All right, Sifa. But you mentioned sacrifices, so I need to remind you: if you see anything resembling an altar, don't touch it. Those things might allow the god behind them to discover you and mark you."

"Later, I'll try divination and attempt to place anti-divination measures on you. As it happens, I've recorded an ability related to this. I hope it will work."

"If I'd known that this matter involved an evil god's descent, I would have made these preparations when you exposed those murder-and-corpse-hiding cases last time."

"I hope there's still time. I hope the gods haven't noticed you."

Enilu had given Sifa a fright. Were altars really that terrifying? I destroyed the sacrifices—and not just once, but twice!

At that thought, Sifa felt his hair stand on end, as if invisible eyes were watching him from all around.

"Don't be too nervous."

Enilu smiled reassuringly. "Although altars are connected to the gods, usually only high-sequence Beyonders, or those carrying corresponding high-sequence or high-ranking items, will attract a god's attention."

"Whether they're benevolent gods or evil gods, they can't possibly pay attention to everyone who comes into contact with them—unless you're simply too unlucky."

Only then did Sifa relax slightly. My luck shouldn't be that bad, right?

Enilu continued, "I want to talk with your father."

Sifa understood her implication and stood up. "I should prepare for the trip into the mountains. Take your time."

He left the dining room and closed the door, but his hunter's keen hearing still picked up the conversation coming from inside.

"Darling, you can't risk a child's life for your political future!"

"Enilu, Sifa isn't a child anymore. He knows how to take care of himself. Besides, this isn't for my sake alone. I'm considering his future, too."

"Is that really so? Darling, Sifa, although he—"

Sifa didn't continue listening. Eavesdropping on his parents' conversation wasn't something a gentleman should do.

Besides, he had other things to take care of.

Sifa found the head maid, Kunna, and asked the stern woman to gather all the maids in the villa.

A short while later, Sifa saw the maids in the open space outside the main gate.

Among them, he also saw Aria, his sister's personal maid. She was young, but already quite well-endowed. She had finished handling her mother's funeral arrangements.

"Mr. Sifa, all the maids in the household are here." The stern-looking head maid, whose hair was dark brown, reminded him.

Sifa nodded, stepped forward, cleared his throat, and said, "Sorry to take up a little of everyone's time. I'd like to conduct a survey. It will be over very soon."

The maids looked at one another, confused and bewildered.

Sifa didn't beat around the bush. He asked directly, "I'd like to know: which of you are still virgins?"

The open space fell silent.

Then the maids' expressions changed. Some hurriedly hugged themselves with both hands, their faces bashful. Some cautiously cast disdainful looks at Sifa, while others blushed so deeply that they retreated several steps.

Sifa noticed that even Madam Kunna, the head maid, had a faint blush on her face. Seeing her expression, Sifa couldn't help letting his thoughts wander.

No way. Could Madam Kunna still be—

At that moment, Aria asked, her voice unbearably shy, "Mr. Sifa, w-what do you want to do?"

Hearing that, Sifa suddenly realized his mistake. He shouldn't have asked it like that! Considering his past reputation, it was inevitable that the maids would draw certain conclusions.

I really don't want to become the Wolf of Loen!

Sifa hurriedly tried to make amends and came up with an excuse. "Please don't misunderstand. A friend of mine is seriously ill, and the doctors can't do anything for him. I've heard that the blood of a pure virgin, combined with certain rituals, can help with his condition. That's why I gathered everyone."

"What I mean is, if necessary, I hope I can receive some help. Of course, I'll compensate you."

"Oh, so that's what this is about."

Aria looked relieved. Then she gathered her courage and said, her face bright red, "If Mr. Sifa needs it, I-I can give it to you."

Hmm, Aria is still a virgin?

But, girl, that line is terrible. If Belle hears it, she'll misunderstand me again.

The thought had barely surfaced in Sifa's mind when an angry voice rang out. "Sifa, what are you trying to do to Aria?!"

A blonde girl wearing a riding helmet, jodhpurs, gloves, and tall riding boots suddenly appeared in front of the maid. She glared at Sifa warily.

Sifa helplessly covered his forehead with a hand. Sis, are you Cao Cao? You show up the moment you're mentioned!

"It's not like that, Miss. You've misunderstood." Aria's face had reddened as if illusory smoke might rise from it. She hurriedly explained herself to Helibel.

Only then did the blonde girl snort a few times before pulling the maid along. "Come on. Accompany me horseback riding."

At that moment, the distant black iron gate opened. A carriage bearing the emblem of "two crossed swords surrounding a crown" passed through the gate. It belonged to the police system. Lewis and the others had arrived.

Sifa then dismissed everyone and asked Kunna to investigate and record the list of virgins. If necessary, they could draw some blood and see whether it could alleviate Goro's current condition.

The carriage stopped and its door opened. Martha, the red-haired woman, was the first to jump down. Seeing Sifa walking over from among the maids, she gave a flirtatious whistle.

"Mr. Sifa certainly seems popular with the ladies. But with so many girls around, you should take care of your health."

Sifa awkwardly coughed several times. It seemed this lady had also heard something about his past reputation.

P.S. Thanks to Yun Sheng, reader 20210219182457303, Joker, Black Cloud Treading Snow White Glove, No_Words, Explosion Is Art 666, and everyone else for your tips! Thanks to all the watchers who voted. Praise be to you all!