Eros’s sullen mood lasted until evening, largely because his "stinky sister" Undine would point at him and burst into laughter the moment she saw him: "Look how popular I am with the noble ladies! Pfft... Hahahaha!"

  By the end, Undine couldn't suppress it anymore, her laughter exceptionally bright and mischievous. Eros’s expression grew more pained. He snatched the cup of Chilton black tea from Undine’s hand, drained it in one gulp, and stood up to leave the villa. "Hmph! I’m going for a walk!"

  Undine ignored him, still bent over with laughter.

  Not long after stepping out of the villa, Barbara’s voice echoed in his mind: "Your little white rabbit has snuck out of the academy."

  Eros froze for a second before realizing who she meant. He asked in surprise, "How do you know?" Immediately after, he realized the question was redundant. The night was the domain of shadows, and as a Holy Artifact that once wielded authority over shadows, Barbara was undoubtedly empowered in the dark. Monitoring the shadow realm of an academy was child's play for her.

  Sure enough, Barbara snapped back, "I used my eyes."

  Eros gave a dry laugh and headed back. Inside the villa, Undine looked at him, puzzled by his quick return. "Weren't you going for a stroll?"

  Eros snorted again, snatched the tea she had just refilled, and downed it. In the next second, a shroud of darkness enveloped him. Stepping forward, he merged into the shadow of the sofa; when he reappeared, he was already outside the academy.

  Eros scanned the surroundings. "My 'Night Perception' doesn't detect those hidden watchers anymore."

  "Mhm. Starting yesterday, they all left the vicinity," Barbara confirmed.

  Yesterday? Eros mused. This was likely the Cardinal Archbishop’s doing. After all, it would be inappropriate to have a team of spies tailing the Church’s own "God-Child." No wonder Ayesha dared to sneak out—she must have realized the perimeter was clear. Does she have her own detection method, or was one of the original watchers a mole from her organization?

  Let’s see what they’re up to. If I can throw a wrench in the Church’s gears, I’m more than happy to help.

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  In the woods, Natalia looked at her increasingly adorable daughter with a faint smile. "Mother!" Ayesha whispered to the curvaceous, alluring red-haired woman.

  Natalia nodded in response, but the gaunt man standing beside her couldn't help but interject: "Ayesha, you mentioned the Reincarnation Church’s Cardinal Archbishop visited the academy to see the successor of the Elven bloodline. Did you discover anything today?"

  "For instance, why would an Archbishop personally visit a Duke’s son? Just for the Elven blood? If that were all, there would be no need for a figure of his stature to show up. Or are there more critical, hidden details? Didn't you say that Elven-blooded boy seemed a bit infatuated with you? Did you get any details from him?"

  Ayesha took a moment to process the barrage of questions, her face turning red. "Uncle Ricci, I never said he was infatuated with me!"

  The gaunt man waved a hand dismissively. "Close enough! Didn't you say he’s always pestering you?"

  Ayesha wanted to argue, but the brawny man on the other side interrupted: "Alright, let's focus on the intel. Ayesha, did you get anything? Like, was he at the academy today, or did he show any 'unusual behavior'?"

  Unusual behavior? Like kissing her neck, biting her earlobe, or grabbing her behind? Ayesha’s face flushed again. After a moment, she calmed down and thought about Eros’s actions today. Aside from being as annoying as usual, nothing stood out. The only "special" thing was the invitation to the gay party. Was that a clue? Could that party be a secret organization? But he burned the letter, which suggested it wasn't.

  She shook her head. "He was in the academy today. Nothing unusual to report."

  The group looked disappointed. After a silence, the gaunt man spoke again: "Regardless, that boy must have a massive secret. Otherwise, a Cardinal Archbishop wouldn't visit in person. If we can get intel from him, it might help our organization’s operations in Indiles and the entire Empire. Ayesha, while you gather info on the Sealed Artifact, spend some energy prying into him."

  Ayesha pouted. Reluctantly, she nodded. "I’ll try my best."

  Suddenly, the brawny man chimed in again: "The academy put out word yesterday that the Elven successor is now under the protection of the Archbishop. It seems he’s quite important in the eyes of the Church."

  The others agreed with this assessment and turned to him for his opinion. Seeing he had their attention, the man, Onigo, wore a look of profound mystery. Just as he was about to play coy, Natalia urged him: "Onigo, if you have an idea, just say it. Don't drag it out."

  Onigo gave a dry laugh and cleared his throat. "Since he’s so important to the Church, why don't we set a trap to kidnap him? We can use him as a bargaining chip for that Sealed Artifact!"

  "My plan is this: have Ayesha lure him out, then we’ll swarm him and bag him. Not only can we interrogate him about the Archbishop’s true purpose, but we can trade him for the Sealed Artifact. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"

  The other three fell into a deep silence. Up on a tree branch, Eros—who was secretly enjoying the "show"—blinked his eyes.