The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

"Thank you, Mr. Bernin, for your hospitality these past few days."

Today, Orina did not bring the Moon Knights, but instead appeared at the palace with a dozen or so honor guards.

This only proves one thing: Olina will no longer engage in killing or intimidation.

She has finished her business here and is returning to the Vatican.

Upon seeing this, Bernard finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The storm has finally ended.

Thank goodness!

"Lady Orina, you are too kind. It is my honor to serve you." Berlein's complexion had improved considerably, and his speech had become more natural.

Orina instructed the guards to present the gifts that had been prepared to the old king.

"A small gift is not a sign of respect."

Berlein happily accepted the gift and gave Olina a corresponding gift in return.

This is official social etiquette.

"We're leaving now and returning to the Holy See. Once we're back, I'll give the Inquisition a thorough account of your performance during this time. I think they'll be very impressed with you."

"Hahaha, that's good, that's good."

“However…” Olina changed the subject, looking at Berlein with a half-smile.

"It is hoped that Mr. Bernin will continue this performance in the days to come. He should not be misled by some people and go down the wrong path."

The old king's expression froze, then he gave a dry laugh.

He wasn't stupid; he naturally understood the meaning behind Olina's words.

I'll let you off this time, but if there's a next time...

Don't say it is unpredictable.

"Of course."

Orina nodded slightly to Berlein: "God will bless you."

After saying this, he left the palace with his honor guard and embarked on his journey back to the Papacy.

Inside the palace.

After confirming that Orina and the Papacy's forces had completely left Canosa, the old King Berlein breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he felt sorry for the nobles and princes who were sold off, at least he preserved the foundation of the duchy.

However, he then began to curse those traitors of the Vatican.

It was clearly agreed beforehand that there would be absolutely no risk involved, and that after investing, all we had to do was wait to collect our money.

But who would have thought that Olina already knew all along, and even used it as leverage to rip him off.

Damn!

We must get the Ironthorn Guard to settle scores with them later!

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Can I borrow this for you?

Claire's study habits have been very poor lately.

During class, she always took careful notes and actively asked questions when she didn't understand something.

But lately, she has been absent-minded.

Every time he attends class, he rests his chin on his hand, staring blankly out the window.

Even after class, she would remain in that position for a long time. She would only come to her senses when her classmates called her name.

Tracy saw everything.

A teenage girl's mind is complicated, and she couldn't figure out what Claire was thinking.

However, Ryan entrusted Claire to her, and he also quite liked the little girl.

Therefore, Tracy needs to be put in charge.

During lunch break, Tracy called Claire to the rooftop and brought out a sumptuous lunch that she had prepared beforehand.

Tracy was very thoughtful, preparing all of Claire's favorite dishes.

But Claire showed no interest in eating and just stood there staring blankly at the food container.

Just as Tracy was about to ask if anything had happened to her lately, Claire spoke up first.

“Um…Professor Tracy,” Claire said, still looking at the lunchbox in her hand, “I feel like my body has been acting strange lately.”

strangeness?!

Tracy looked completely bewildered and quickly asked, "Could it be... that... has it arrived?"

Claire shook her head.

"Did that bastard West do something to you?!"

Claire shook her head.

Tracy breathed a sigh of relief, but then a sense of doubt arose.

It wasn't that guy who came, and West didn't bother her either.

So what exactly is strange about it?

"Could you describe it in detail? If you have any health conditions, please don't hide them from me!"

Claire recalled carefully, then spoke slowly.

"During a previous magic practice class, I accidentally caused the flames to explode on my palm while casting a spell."

Tracy nodded.

It's perfectly normal for students to accidentally explode while practicing magic.

Even the most experienced magicians can make mistakes.

This is normal.

“The flames burned my hand, and it hurt a lot. But… after the initial pain subsided, I found…” As she said this, Claire’s expression turned strange, and her cheeks flushed.

"But I found that I actually quite liked the feeling of pain. And most importantly, I would subconsciously think of Mentor Ryan... I felt very happy, and even wanted to try it again."

Tracy stared wide-eyed at Claire in disbelief.

What is she saying?!

You actually like pain?!

Could it be... that Ryan did something to her?!

Claire continued.

"After that, I tried it a few more times. Now I can confirm that I'm really addicted to that feeling of pain... it feels very comfortable."

Claire looked at Tracy with great confusion.

"Professor Tracy, have you ever encountered this situation before?"

Tracy opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know how to answer.

Enjoying pain, isn't that what masochism is all about?

“This…” Tracy hesitated for a long time, carefully choosing her words: “I have never encountered this situation before. But how should I put it… everyone’s constitution is different. This world is very big, and perhaps there are many people with the same constitution as you.”

"In short, you don't need to be bothered by this situation and let it interfere with your studies."

Claire lowered her head: "Actually, I don't want to neglect my studies. But I just can't control myself, I always want to experience that feeling again."

“Several times, I even thought about skipping class and going to a secluded place to try it out quietly. Especially when I thought that Professor Ryan might be watching, I couldn’t resist.”

Claire looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh.

"This feeling has become stronger and stronger lately, and I feel like I'm about to lose control."

After saying that, Claire buried her face in her knees and huddled up.

"I... I haven't become a pervert, have I?"

"No, no, no!" Tracy quickly reassured her, "You're so cute, how could you possibly be a pervert!"

If anyone's a pervert, it's that idiot Ryan!

He must have done something terrible to Claire!

How could he bear to turn such a lovely girl into a masochistic pervert!

"I'll ask a few friends to inquire about your situation. Perhaps there's some way to alleviate it!"

Tracy comforted Claire while secretly planning to teach Ryan a lesson that night!

------

That night.

Bang!

The door was violently pushed open.

Ryan was reading a book when he heard the sound and turned his head to see Tracy standing in the doorway.

Instead of taking off her clothes as usual, she stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of anger.

"Ryan!"

"What's wrong?"

"Did you do something to Claire?!"

Ryan was startled.

Could it be that Tracy knows about his dream world?

But wait, that's not right. I've never told her that before.