"The timing should be about right. My helpers should all be getting into position by now."
After Nightmare left, Greg was about to glance down at the time when he suddenly noticed a stir in the surrounding crowd.
People turned toward the entrance to the square, whispers spreading like a tide.
Greg followed their gazes and saw the Church of Light's procession entering.
Dozens of clergy in white uniforms trimmed with gold marched through the crowd in two columns, using their bodies to clear a broad path through the packed spectators.
Sunlight fell on their pristine uniforms, reflecting a solemn, sacred glow.
At the far end of that path, a figure slowly approached.
Veronica wore pure white sacred robes, her bust as ample as ever. The hem trailed along the ground without picking up a speck of dust.
Her long platinum-blonde hair gleamed softly in the sunlight. With her signature gentle smile and slightly narrowed eyes, she radiated a sacred, inviolable air.
"As expected of the Church of Light's current Saintess. What an entrance-"
Before Greg could finish his remark, he glanced beside Veronica and froze.
A pink-haired girl walked beside Veronica.
It was Sylvia.
Today, she wore sacred robes similar in style to Veronica's, looking far more dignified than usual.
She stayed close to Veronica's side. Though her steps were fairly steady, she still seemed somewhat awkward beside Veronica's effortless poise.
The sight immediately sent the surrounding crowd into an uproar.
"Who's that pink-haired girl? How come she gets to walk beside the Saintess?"
"No idea. I've never seen her before..."
"Could she be a newly promoted guard nun from the Church of Light? But judging by her outfit, she doesn't look like an ordinary guard nun."
"Could she be the rumored Saintess Candidate? I heard the Church of