Lurking and Observing

We're heading into the mountains tomorrow.

Gazing at the rolling mountains before him, the paladin spoke with a solemn expression.

Two days have passed since they entered the Black Forest. During these two days, the group of seven has made an unusually smooth journey. Not only have they encountered no obstacles, but even the ferocious beasts of the Black Forest have disappeared without a trace, as if they have all vanished.

"Everyone, you'd better stay alert. We've been walking for two days without encountering a single wild beast. This means we've likely entered the territory of that Shadow Dragon. Be extra careful and pay close attention to our surroundings and the sky!"

Upon hearing their captain's order, the other four paladins immediately began setting up camp. Although they had brought many personal belongings on their journey, most of them had been discarded. To ensure speed, they only brought one tent for their holy maiden to rest in, while the others slept wherever they could find outside. Each night, two paladins would stand guard to prevent surprise attacks. However, judging from the current situation, their actions seemed somewhat unnecessary—after all, there was no trace of wild animals left. Not even their footprints or droppings could be seen. The young paladin captain had also checked the river several times but found no signs of any animals.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sir Knight."

After everyone else went about their own business, Li Lin walked up to the paladin and gave him a slight smile.

"You don't seem very nervous?"

"He's not as calm as he seems."

The paladin glanced helplessly at the young adventurer before him. Although he looked young, he was incredibly talkative, constantly recounting his experiences during the short two-day journey—the South Seas, the natives of the Northern Islands... It had to be said, while he could be annoying, his presence made the journey less tedious. However, what somewhat displeased the paladin was that Her Highness the Saintess seemed to thoroughly enjoy listening to the adventurer's stories...

"So, Mr. Li Lin, tonight you and I will be on night duty. You'll take the first half, and I'll take the second half. Is that alright?"

"Please leave it to me with confidence, Sir Paladin."

Li Lin nodded slightly, revealing a confident smile. His response forced the paladin, who had been about to say something, to reluctantly shut his mouth. Although he was very annoyed by this shameless fellow, he was a key figure in the Holy Maiden's plan, and he couldn't afford to ruin his relationship with him now. Besides, the Holy Maiden was watching from the side, so he naturally couldn't say anything harsh.

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

In the end, the paladin could only give a curt reply before turning and walking to the saintess's side.

"Your Highness, I think it's time to discuss this..."

Li Lin didn't listen to their discussion. Firstly, he didn't care about their thoughts, and secondly, his plan was progressing smoothly, so there was no need for eavesdropping. Right now, he still had some questions to answer. From his observations over the past two days, Li Lin was almost certain that the relationship between the paladin captain and the saintess was anything but simple. This was evident from the fact that he could freely enter and leave the saintess's tent at night without being stopped. However, they didn't do anything too outrageous; at most, they would lean against each other and whisper intimate words, showing affection but stopping short of anything more. This surprised Li Lin. He knew that different gods had different doctrines and different rules for their messengers. For example, the saintess of the God of Light had to remain chaste throughout her life, while the messenger of the god of God of Love had to sleep with anyone, male or female, at any time (perhaps because love has no boundaries). Of course, Li Lin, familiar with these divine customs, also knew that if humans couldn't be found, animals would actually work for the saintesses... Well, of course, these weren't the main points.

"Nia, can the saintess of the God of Justice fall in love?"

After surveying the surroundings, Li Lin excused himself to check out the environment and left the camp, simultaneously activating Telepathic Communication.

"Hmm... In my memory, it's not allowed."

He quickly received a response from Nia.

"No?"

Hearing this, Li Lin frowned.

This makes no sense at all. These two are clearly in a romantic relationship, and the other paladins are obviously used to it. Moreover, their behavior along the way has been completely open and unconcerned about them being "outsiders." If the Temple doesn't allow them to be in a relationship, aren't they afraid that he'll tell everyone when he returns alive? After all, they haven't seen through Li Lin's true identity; to them, Li Lin is just an ordinary adventurer.

"The saintesses of the God of Justice have no right to choose love; their only choice is the guardian knight commander of the Temple."

Nia continued to explain, and at that moment, Angela suddenly chimed in.

"Knight Commander? Sister Nia, are you talking about that idiot who just won't die no matter how you kill him?"

"That's different, Miss Angela."

Nia was well aware of Angela's previous experience in Saint Rolante City.

"That is the Grand Knight Commander of the Temple, responsible for commanding all the Holy Knights, while the Guardian Knight Commander is the Holy Maiden's protector. Their mission is to protect the Holy Maiden's safety; everything else is secondary to them."

Nia paused for a moment before continuing her explanation.

"The only person the Holy Maiden can choose is this Guardian Knight Commander, after all, the Temple also needs an image for publicity. They advocate freedom to the outside world, so naturally they don't want people to mistakenly believe that the Holy Maiden is incapable of marriage. However, if the Holy Maiden falls in love with someone unsuitable for her status, it will also cause the Temple a headache. In comparison, the position of Guardian Knight Commander is obviously more qualified to win the Holy Maiden's favor. Of course, this rule is not without loopholes. The Holy Maidens of the past are not fools. They will generally have their beloved participate in the ceremony to become a Guardian Knight, and after becoming a Guardian Knight Commander, they can freely fall in love. Of course, this is also a gamble, after all, the selection of Guardian Knight Commanders is also very strict, and only those with outstanding strength can become Guardian Knight Commanders. Therefore, not every Holy Maiden's wish can be fulfilled."

"I see..."

Hearing this, Li Lin finally understood what was going on. It seemed this saintess was quite lucky; the man she loved possessed the strength to become a Guardian Knight Commander and had indeed obtained that position. Therefore, their love naturally wouldn't be opposed by the Temple... No wonder they could act so intimately in front of outsiders; clearly, for them, this was nothing to fear.

"And what about Sister Nia?"

It was clear that Angela had no intention of ending the conversation.

"Didn't Sister Nia serve as a saint for a period of time before? Did she find a handsome guardian knight to be her protector?"

The divisive intent in her words was blatantly obvious. If it were Yi Aier or Kalin, they probably would have already started arguing with her. Unfortunately for Angela, she was facing Nia.

"Of course, I was lucky enough to find a female guardian knight, and I passed the verification very quickly—which is something the Temple is happy to see."

There are more than just one loophole in the rules.

Night fell.

The crackling campfire illuminated the surroundings. Beside the fire, the paladins had closed their eyes and fallen into a deep sleep.

Inside the tent, the two people leaning on each other were clearly not sleepy.

"Herbert..."

The saintess gently stroked the face of the guardian knight commander with her fair and delicate hands, her expression tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"We... are about to face something terrible and evil. Are you afraid?"

"With you here, I'm not afraid at all."

Gently taking the saintess's small hand in his, the paladin's resolute face revealed a rare tenderness.

"But this is my stubbornness."

The girl slowly lowered her head.

"I know you're all right, but I can't give up. I don't want to just run away from such terrible evil. The gods have given us powerful and sacred strength so that we can protect this world from evil. Now is the time for us to use this power. Almighty God, He will surely help us to destroy this terrible evil."

I believe it.

Holding that soft hand tightly, the paladin pulled the girl into his arms.

"No matter what, we will surely defeat evil and return safely. Let's get married after this battle is over and we return to the Holy Autonomous Territory."

"Herbert..."

Hearing the words of her beloved man, the girl blushed slightly. She hugged him tightly, feeling his strength and warmth. The two remained in each other's arms in silence. After what seemed like an eternity, they slowly separated.

I'll go check on that adventurer.

Then, the girl lowered her head and said.

"Your Highness..."

"I know, Herbert, he is indeed a very good person, but please rest assured, the one I love will always be you. However, Herbert, you should also be well aware that this operation is extremely dangerous, and he is a key figure in it. We must get his help, and of course, please rest assured, I will not do anything out of line."

But... I don't trust him.

As he spoke, the paladin frowned.

"Although I know he's not particularly strange, Your Highness, would an ordinary adventurer really just follow us on an adventure where life and death are uncertain? He's not a believer in my god, I don't think he is..."

Before he could finish speaking, the girl reached out her finger and sealed his lips with hers.

"Herbert, don't say that. We should respect those who are willing to sacrifice their lives to fight for justice. Whatever their motives, they are an important force for us— the Temple and paladins alone cannot protect the peace and tranquility of the entire world."

"..."

The young paladin said nothing more, but lowered his head and remained silent. The girl gave him a gentle smile, then put on a large cloak and stepped out of the tent.

Without needing to search, the girl spotted Li Lin. He was leaning against a tree trunk, gazing up at the bright moon peeking through the leaves. Just as the saintess was about to approach him to say something, Li Lin suddenly plucked a leaf from beside him and began to play it.

A melodious, serene sound of a grass flute drifted through the air, quietly flowing through the forest.

The saintess did not stop Li Lin's actions. She closed her eyes, appreciating the beautiful flute music. The light, cheerful notes were like a cool, comfortable breeze, enveloping the listeners and lulling them into a deep sleep. Under the gentle caress, they drifted into sweet dreams. Even the chirping of insects in the forest gradually faded before the melodious flute music, as if the insects, the earth, the trees, and everything else were quietly immersed in Li Lin's performance.

Under the melodious music, the girl completely forgot where she was. She didn't feel the cold night wind, nor the endless darkness. At this moment, in her world, only the pleasant flute music dominated everything.

After an unknown amount of time, the flute music gradually stopped. The forest was silent for a moment as the tide of music receded, and then the chirping of insects rose and fell once again.

"What beautiful music."

The saint clapped her hands lightly, sparing no praise.

"I never imagined that I could hear such beautiful music—and that it was played by just a leaf."

As she spoke, the saintess looked at the long leaf that had been rolled up in Li Lin's hand.

Nature is always wondrous and unpredictable.

Li Lin nodded to the Holy Maiden in greeting.

"I hope this doesn't offend anyone. After all, I'm on night watch right now, and if doing something like this causes any danger, then it will be my responsibility."

"However, it is indeed beautiful music."

The saintess spoke softly as she walked to Li Lin's side. Noticing her movement, Li Lin straightened up from his leaning against the tree trunk.

"I imagine you've come out at this hour not just to enjoy my performance, but is there anything I can do for you, Miss Saint?"

"In fact, I do have something to say."

As she spoke, the saintess took a deep breath, then opened her eyes and looked intently at Li Lin.

"Mr. Li Lin, what are your thoughts on our operation?"

"My opinion?"

Li Lin's eyes widened slightly, and he shrugged.

"A great adventure, just like the book says, where the risks and rewards are proportional, aren't they? Such adventures are hard to find."

As he spoke, he raised his hand, signaling the saintess not to interrupt him for the time being.

"I imagine you have absolutely no idea about these things, esteemed lady. Perhaps you think driving away goblins is easier than slaying dragons, but that's not the case at all. Those creatures are just as cunning and treacherous, and they'll poke you with poison-soaked sticks. One wrong move and you'll be scratched, and if you don't have adequate protection against the poison, you'll die in some unknown cave, perhaps even becoming food for those goblins. They might even cut off your head to decorate their tasteless grotto. Believe me, those creatures may be much weaker than dragons, but for us, the danger is the same. To put it bluntly, even you gentlemen, if you fell into a deep pit while exploring a kobold's cave, unless a miracle occurs, you'd be doomed... I don't mean any disrespect, but I'm simply trying to illustrate that danger is everywhere, and anywhere can pose a life-threatening risk. It's just a matter of which risks are known and which are unknown. And for a wandering adventurer like myself, fighting dragons is certainly a significant chapter in my life's journey."

"That's a truly novel theory, Mr. Li Lin."

Upon hearing Li Lin's words, the Holy Maiden's eyes widened in surprise.

"To be honest, I've never thought about this before... It seems I still know too little."

"Of course, if your paladin didn't always stare at me so menacingly, I might be more relaxed."

Li Lin casually joked and stretched his body. His eyes, intentionally or unintentionally, fell on the tent behind the girl, where a figure was watching them.

The saintess was clearly oblivious to all of this; she continued speaking with a gentle smile.

"I assure you, if we return safely, the Temple will reward your heroic act handsomely, and... if you wish, you can also end this dangerous life of wandering."

"Where the body is, there the heart is."

Li Lin gazed at the moon, a hint of helplessness and melancholy on his face.

"Thank you for your kind offer. Although I also long to live a peaceful life in a tranquil place... unfortunately, it seems I'm not suited for that kind of life. Of course, we'll make a decision after we return safely."

"Since this is your idea, I won't say anything more."

The saintess let out a long sigh. She had to admit that Li Lin's theory not only sounded novel but also made a lot of sense. It was the first time she had heard such a thing, so she couldn't help but feel a little curious. Afterward, she composed herself and bowed deeply to Li Lin.

"Then I won't disturb your night watch."

Good night, sweet dreams.

Li Lin shrugged and then returned the greeting.

Just then, for reasons unknown, the saintess suddenly extended her right hand and placed it on Li Lin's chest. She lowered her head and murmured something.

"Kind person, may you receive the blessing of the God of Justice and drive away darkness."

Thank you for your blessings.

Li Lin was taken aback by the girl's sudden action, but quickly returned the greeting. The saintess also swiftly withdrew her hand. She didn't know why she had made that gesture, but she didn't dwell on it. Instead, she lowered her head and returned to her tent.

Inside the tent, the guardian knight commander was nowhere to be seen.