Chapter 1641: Chapter 1641

A carriage rested quietly beneath a streetlight on St. George Street. The driver, keeping his distance, leaned against a low wall in the shadows, smoking a cigarette—a position that kept him from overhearing his master's conversation while allowing him to stand guard.

A lamp glowed inside the carriage. Jenkins had his arm around Alexia, while Dolores and Julia sat opposite them. The young princess stared at the pair, her face a mask of curiosity, dying to know what had just transpired.

Jenkins had left his cat back in his room. Glancing through the carriage window, he could just make out the silhouette of his feline companion perched on the bedroom windowsill, watching them.

"Is everything settled with those two ladies?" Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel·fıre·net

"More or less. It wasn't anything complicated. But what about you? Are you feeling any better?"

Ordinarily, when a mortal serves as a vessel for a god, their body is destroyed upon the deity's departure, their soul following the god from the material world. But the circumstances at Nightfall Manor had been unique. Jenkins himself was not a complete god, nor had he used a conventional ritual to manifest. Coupled with the effects of the 'Contract of Fair Power,' Alexia, though mentally drained and physically so weak she could barely move, was fundamentally unharmed. A few days of quiet rest would be all she needed.

Jenkins suspected that when he had consumed the World Tree Seedling and unleashed his life spirit, Alexia's proximity had allowed her to temporarily take on the characteristics of an 'Energy Shell.' This, he believed, was a key factor in her survival, though it was a theory he couldn't prove.

"I'm feeling better. You don't need to worry about me."

"Still, that was quite a shock just now. I had my suspicions, of course, but I never imagined..."

Even now, she found it difficult to accept what had occurred. She was known for her composure and had even harbored her own theories, but with the truth laid bare, she still wondered if it was all real.

"I can't believe I've actually slept with you. You're a..."

Across from them, Dolores's ears flushed crimson. Julia maintained a composed expression, but she could no longer bring herself to look at Jenkins.

Jenkins said with a dismissive air.

"I doubt even a young girl's most fevered dreams would dare conjure something . Should I feel honored? Like those women in the ancient myths, the ones who..."

The petite woman sighed. True to her nature, she remained composed and didn't blush like the other two, but Jenkins could still sense the turmoil within her.

She was, after all, a native of this world. Even for a non-believer, in a reality where true gods existed and could manifest at any moment, a deep-seated awe was unavoidable. Jenkins understood Alexia's reaction completely, but with Dolores sitting right across from them, he decided not to pursue the delicate topic any further.

He was curious, though. When Alexia had contacted the group at Nightfall Manor, what exactly had she told Hathaway to prove her identity? The moment he voiced the question, however, Alexia gave him a light thump on the chest, prompting him to change the subject.

"So, did you learn anything from the experience?"

"Something, yes. But I haven't fully processed what it was I perceived."

Gods had descended to the mortal plane countless times, yet no human had ever fathomed divine secrets simply by sharing a vessel. Jenkins hadn't expected this single instance to reveal the path between mortals and gods to Alexia, so he felt no disappointment.

"As long as you gained something, that's what matters. One day, I will find that path for you—a safer, more dependable one."

Alexia gave a soft hum of agreement. She wasn't the type to be overly affectionate, especially with her student sitting right across from her; she had her dignity to maintain. So, despite the tenderness welling up inside her, she kept it hidden.

"Dolores, things have changed," Jenkins began, turning his attention to the princess. "The joint conference of the Twelve Orthodox Churches will probably be moved up. If they truly intend to model it after the High Tower Accord, then the three major kingdoms will likely be involved as well. The conditions are certainly right for it."

Having addressed Alexia, Jenkins turned to Dolores, who was still blushing with curiosity. The young princess started, then nodded in understanding before posing a question:

"But why? Is it because of what happened tonight?"

She had accompanied her tutor to the outskirts of the Lawrence estate, but her only role had been to stand on a hilltop with her maid, shivering in the cold wind while watching the sky explode in a kaleidoscope of colors. She knew nothing of the actual events.

"Yes. It's because of what happened tonight."

Jenkins hesitated, deciding it was best that no one besides Alexia learn of the Lying God for the time being. But he could share other details.

"Your tutor and I have discussed the Saviors on many occasions, so you probably have a vague idea. At the end of every Epoch, a great cataclysm is destined to occur. At the same time, fate chooses Saviors to face it. But the number of Saviors isn't limited to one. You understand what that implies."

At this, the princess nodded immediately. She glanced at her maid, and Julia raised a hand, swearing she would not speak a word of what she'd heard tonight. It was an unnecessary gesture, of course; all three of them trusted her implicitly.

"Tonight's battle was between a god and a monster whose name cannot be spoken. In order to protect myself, I had to reveal my identity. I am one of the Saviors."

"Then how many Saviors are there now?"

Dolores inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Nine are destined to appear this Epoch. So far, there are seven."

"Myself, and the six Believers of Lies."

At his answer, the young women in the carriage covered their mouths and let out soft, musical laughs. They were all well aware that the so-called "Believers of Lies" were none other than Jenkins himself.

"We can certainly use that to our advantage. This is excellent news."

Julia commented. As Dolores's right hand, she played a crucial role in Jenkins's bid for the throne.

"You can tell Miss Windsor about this. We are partners, after all. But there's no need to mention the Saviors; simply explain my... unique position within the Church. It's not yet clear how the Church plans to inform the secular governments of the coming apocalypse. Until then, don't take any unnecessary actions."

Dolores understood perfectly. She agreed with a smile, and seeing no objection from her tutor, she boldly slid onto the seat next to Jenkins.

"Are Miss Hersha and Miss Mikhail still inside?"

she asked, voicing the question for Alexia as well.

"They are. I have a few things to clear up with Briny tonight..."

An idea suddenly struck him.

"Why don't you go in now? We can all meet together. That way, there won't be any need for secrets."