Chapter 117: Little Path Mumbles
“Peilo.”
I blinked a few times and softly said my name, only to see Sister Teresa’s lips curl into a smile.
“Peilo…”
She murmured my name like she was savoring it, then continued, “What a beautiful name. Where does it come from? Chielis City, Winter City, or maybe Eileen Castle?”
“Winter City.”
“Oh… I haven’t really been there much.”
As we turned past the towering bell tower, sunlight poured down, and it felt a bit blinding. I squinted like a little cat, and Sister Teresa noticed, raising her hand to shield me.
A warm feeling spread inside me, and I gave her a sweet smile.
Sister Teresa must be one of those nurturing women, right?
Then she smiled back at me, “Are you getting used to living in Royal City?”
“Mm.” I tilted my little head and nodded gently, “It’s very beautiful here.”
Her smile brightened even more.
“How does it compare to the snowstorms and full moon in Winter City?”
I tilted my head and thought for a moment.
“They’re both beautiful. Different vibes, so no comparisons… but the meat is definitely better grilled here.”
Due to regional differences, in Winter City, they almost exclusively roast everything over a big fire, with seasonings limited to just salt and bay leaves, resulting in meat that’s usually a bit tough and heavily flavored, mainly to be convenient for drinking. But in Royal City, it’s a whole different story. The people enjoy life more, and the chefs use various spices to enhance flavors, making the grilled meat much tastier.
“So, that’s why you’re holding that big leg of lamb, huh?”
“Hahahaha—!”
Hearing Sister Teresa’s comment, Sarah and Sophia erupted into loud laughter, completely embarrassing me. Even Daisy couldn’t hold it in and covered her mouth as she giggled.
My face heated up, and I didn’t know how to retort, so I just lowered my head like an ostrich.
Sister Teresa saw my embarrassment and quickly added, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to tease you, I was just curious… um, how do you plan to finish that?”
“I can finish it…”
I mumbled, barely above a whisper, and even I struggled to hear myself. Such embarrassment!
“Wastefulness is not a good habit,” Sister Teresa said gently.
“Mm.”
I replied shyly and suddenly remembered what Sophia had mentioned this morning, so I lifted my head and asked, “Sister Teresa, is it true that you’re the dean of Cataloma?”
Then I noticed her pause for a second, looking a bit surprised, before she winked at me.
“Yes. Not many know about this… who told you?”
“I did,” Sophia quickly chimed in, “My father is Jerome Rodney Jathleen, and he mentioned you…”
Sister Teresa realized, “Ah, you’re the child of Viscount Jerome… He oversees the northern region, and things have improved quite a bit these past years. Your father is a wonderful man.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Sister. My father is just doing his duty, and I will strive to follow his example.”
Getting Sister Teresa’s approval made it hard for Sophia to hide her pride, no matter how much she acted calm.
Sister Teresa smiled again, “Then keep it up!”
“I will!” Sophia replied firmly, then asked, “Sister Teresa, do you really like children?”
“Yeah.” Sister Teresa nodded with a gentle smile, “Children are so lovable, especially those in the orphanage, they’re all thoughtful and it breaks my heart… but sometimes they can be mischievous, and I always worry about them.”
As she spoke, the azure light in her eyes sparkled.
“Sister Teresa.”
I called out to her, and she turned her gaze toward me.
“Why is it that nobody knows the orphanage dean?”
As soon as I said this, a fleeting look of difficulty appeared on Sister Teresa’s warm face for the first time.
“Well…” she furrowed her brows, her warm smile turning a bit helpless, and after a moment, she sighed softly, “How should I put it? It’s not that no one knows, it’s just that they don’t really care… unfortunate children often lack attention, and it’s quite troubling.”
Yeah, pretty much what I expected.
I recall the guard by the carriage saying that the location of Cataloma is near the parish, and even so, very few people go there. Meaning, even though Cataloma continuously supplies fresh bl**d to the church, the nobles in Royal City ignore it, simply because they get no benefits from it.
Even if this city still worships deities, even if the comfort and wealth it currently enjoys is because the church has protected it with the “Divine Reliquary” for hundreds of years.
“Sister Teresa. Is there a girl named Aili in Cataloma? A little girl.”
“Aili?” Sister Teresa frowned, thinking for a moment, “Oh, there is a little girl named Aili who just arrived… I think she was sent from Winter City…”
“Mm. That’s my friend.”
Upon hearing this, Sister Teresa looked at me with surprise.
“Friend? You… you’re also from Winter City…”
Suddenly, her eyes lit up, “So, you’re the ‘Princess’ that little Aili talks about, living in the big castle?”
The ‘Princess’ living in the big castle? Uh… did Aili really say that about me?
Switching the leg of lamb to the other hand, I raised my hand to tap my cheek, “Well, not quite like that… I think she meant me.”
“Peilo, so you have friends at the orphanage too.”
“She’s a gentle child… heehee.”
Having lived in Royal City all her life, Sarah was already accustomed to the nobility’s indifference towards the vulnerable. Hearing this suddenly, she looked at me in disbelief, even Daisy, who had been silent since earlier, spoke up. Only Sophia’s interest seemed a bit different.
“A princess in the big castle? Peilo, you…”
Before the sentence was fully formed, Sarah interjected, “How did you two meet?”
“Well…” I tilted my head, thinking it best not to spill the whole story about the lotus seed grass here, “By chance.”
“I can’t believe it’s really you.” Sister Teresa laughed joyfully, “I remember little Aili said you told her you’d come to Royal City to find her… she’s going to be so happy!”
“Mm-hmm.” I nodded.
Maybe during the rest day, I could go visit Cataloma and chat with Sister Teresa alone.
Carlos must have informed her by now, right? Maybe he’s already started investigating secretly.
But she probably doesn’t have experience dealing with heretics… perhaps I could help.
The journey was short, and soon Sister Teresa brought us to the door of the tower before bidding farewell to head to the church at the academy. Back in the dormitory, I could hardly wait to plop down into a chair, ripping open the parchment and starting to chow down on the leg of lamb. The aroma of meat filled the air, and after just a few bites, I was dripping with grease, leaving Sarah in utter shock.
“… Peilo, what about the puppy you mentioned?”
“You actually believed that?” Sophia rolled her eyes, “Even a monkey knows that’s a lie; the ‘puppy’ is just her!”
“No, I knew it was a lie… but you’re really going to eat all that by yourself? That’s too wasteful… Do you have a little kn*fe? Share a piece with me!”
“Mmm!”
I immediately turned my body to one side, giving Sarah my back.
“Need a little kn*fe? I’ve got one here.”
Daisy said softly, rummaging through the drawer next to her bed until she pulled out a beautifully crafted dagger, which was instantly snatched away by Sarah.
“Do you want to eat some?”
“Nope, I’m sick of it.” Sophia frowned and replied, walking over to open the window, “… The whole room smells like lamb, I can’t take it.”
Even as she said that, she still walked over and sat next to me, her expression serious as she spoke.
“Peilo, do you know what kind of person Alex is?”
