The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　He is not yet able to make a clear assessment of this contemporary chief archbishop of the Holy Church.

　But this is only natural. If one could see through a chief archbishop based on such a small contact, it would be too disrespectful to the Church.

　But he could somewhat discern that one of the reasons the archbishop had come to St. Marian College under the pretext of leading exchange students was...

　"I didn't expect the Holy Church to value me so much." "They even sent the Chief Archbishop himself to test me." Darke's vigilance deepened.

　He had no idea that Caleb Norris would come specifically for him.

　"It seems that we need to be a little more discreet for the next month and not let our guard down."

　"I wonder to what extent Caleb Norris knows me."

　Dark looked up at Witt Gold and Evan Pearson, who were coming down from the contestant platform.

　Witt's posture carried a hint of dejection, but his expression gave the impression of even greater determination.

　Evan Pearson, on the other hand, quickly got back into character after stepping down, and was just like the first time they met.

　The onlookers' attitudes toward them changed considerably after this duel.

　The students' initial curiosity about the "Holy Son" subsided, and more and more people began to take him seriously, even becoming hostile towards him.

　Perhaps out of a shared sense of camaraderie, many people were encouraging Vittorio.

　Witt responded very well.

　At one point, he suddenly felt a pain in his shoulder, and then turned around abruptly to see Robert grinning broadly.

　Robert patted him hard on the shoulder and said in a loud voice, "No problem, Witt. You've already dueled their academy's strongest 'Holy Son,' this exchange student trip is sure to go very smoothly."

　Witt paused for a moment, then forced a smile and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Robert. But simply having things go smoothly isn't my goal. Wait for me to come back!"

　Then he clenched his fist, raised it to his chest, and exchanged a punch with Robert. Just as they were smiling at each other, Justin Wayne walked over from the side and agreed, "Well said, Witt. Let's work together this time."

　Robert's face tightened as he watched him approach.

　But Witt exchanged a fist bump with Justin Wayne and said, "Let's cheer each other on!"

　Justin said, "Let's cheer each other on!"

　While "Youthful Friendship and Passion" was unfolding here, Evan Pearson had already stepped out of the crowd and returned to Dark's side with Tommy Smith.

　Dark smiled and said, "Well played."

　This seemingly ordinary compliment caused Evan Pearson's expression to change instantly.

　A glint of blue light flashed between his brows, calming him down once more. He said to Dark, "To be honest, your 'Hero' has left me somewhat disappointed."

　Dark corrected, "It's 'Son of a Hero.' Even though Vittor's hero bloodline is exceptionally strong, he's currently only one of the 'Hero Candidates.' Of course, he has plenty of potential."

　Evan Pearson was somewhat displeased; he didn't like being told what to do, especially by someone who was probably younger than him.

　Born on January 1st, most of his peers are younger than him. His judgment was correct, considering Dark's son was born on June 6th. Evan Peele said, "Potential is nothing but a placebo for the weak. I beat him today, I'll beat him tomorrow, and I'll still beat him a month from now."

　"Mhm, mhm, mhm," Darke chimed in. "Keep it up."

　Evan Pearson paused for a long time before saying, "You're not angry?"

　Dark looked puzzled: "Why would I be angry?"

　Evan Pearson said seriously, "I just defeated your proud 'hero' in a duel. You should be angry."

　Upon hearing this, Dark couldn't help but laugh and said, "Then just assume I'm very angry right now." Evan Pearson stared intently at him and suddenly realized that the person in front of him truly didn't care about his recent victory in the slightest!

　This caused him to feel frustrated out of nowhere, and even more hostility grew in his heart.

　But he concealed his hostility very well.

　Dark then asked, "Now that you've seen the person and fought the duel, is there anywhere else you'd like to go?"

　Evan Pearson pondered for a moment, then said, "What places do you go to most often?"

　"If I had to pick one place," Dark said, "it would undoubtedly be the library. Would you like me to take you there?"

　Evan Pearson shook his head. "Forget the library, I'll go there myself later. Are there any other places?"

　“Well…” Dark thought for a moment and said, “Come with me.”

　With Traveler's Street not yet open, that's undoubtedly the place where students of St. Marian College frequent most.

　Soon after, the three of them arrived at the "Lovers' Bridge"! "This is the place you come to most often besides the library," Evan Pearson said, standing in the center of the bridge, his eyebrows twitching.

　Dark said with a nonchalant expression, "This is a popular dating spot for young men and women. It's a pity you came at the wrong time. If you had come in February or March, you could have caught the festival when lovers gather."

　Evan Pearson's face darkened. "The academy is a sacred place of learning; how can one be distracted by matters of the heart? Is this the academic atmosphere of your academy? No wonder, with such an atmosphere, it's no wonder you produce such shameless 'heroes'!"

　Dark glanced at him, then suddenly said, "Don't you have someone you like?"

　Evan Pearson replied without hesitation, "Of course not." "Hmm," Dark said after a moment's thought, "it's to ensure the purity of the 'Holy Son' and 'Holy Daughter,' isn't it?"

　Tommy Smith stepped forward to correct him, "It's to uphold orthodoxy!" Dark ignored him, maintaining a gentle gaze towards Evan Pearson. Evan Pearson said, "We should dedicate our lives to the 'Holy.'" Dark said, "Have you considered that once the 'Holy' truly arrives, many of your existing doctrines will be unworkable?"

　Evan Pearson glared at him and said in a deep voice, "Nonsense!"

　Dark smiled and changed the subject, saying, "So, where else would you like to go next?"

　Evan Pearson remained silent.

　Dak then said, "It's about time. If you don't have any other plans for lunch, I can take you to the cafeteria."

　……

　Finally, Darke led Evan Pearson and Tommy Smith around to the back garden.

　After such a long period of time, the crowd in the back garden has been further dispersed, and the number of people still watching has decreased significantly.

　Without trying to attract attention, Dak easily entered and reunited with Aurora.

　Aurora immediately leaned over and whispered something to him.

　After listening, Dak had a general understanding of the situation.

　But in reality, the situation here hasn't changed much. As the "Saint," Audrey Joan of Arc has been thoroughly ensnared by Emma in the "military chess" game.

　They didn't even switch to another game; they played four games of (military chess) in a row right here.

　Aside from the first match where Dark saw a "draw", the second and third matches... were also "draws"!

　Emma and Audrey are currently in their fourth match, which is nearing its end.

　Judging by the situation alone, it still appears to be a stalemate. But in reality, Emma's breathing is already unsteady.

　That wasn't a problem with physical strength, but rather a disordered aura caused by insufficient magical power.

　Originally, today was Emma's first time experiencing "military chess." Therefore, in Audrey Joan's view, every "draw" was a complete defeat.

　So she fought and lost repeatedly, but she fought on despite all the setbacks. She had already lost three matches in a row! Finally, the fourth match had arrived.

　In this fourth match, she finally found her chance to win.

　However, the slight excitement that welled up in her heart did not last long before she immediately realized the reason for that glimmer of hope, and her brows furrowed instantly.

　This was not the victory she wanted.

　Therefore, just when the situation was turning in her favor and she was about to win, she suddenly stopped.

　That's enough for now.

　Audrey Joan of Arc finally spoke. Emma raised her head slightly but did not place another piece.

　Direct confrontation is the best way to understand your opponent. She immediately understood Audrey's thinking.

　Therefore, she began, "Our dueling professor once taught us that duels are a contest of wits and magic, as well as a contest of physical strength. The same applies to chess; the quality and quantity of magic, the level of control over magic, and the level of physical strength are all key factors in determining the outcome. I concede this game."

　With that, she withdrew her magic, letting the "chess pieces" on the board turn into starlight and dissipate.

　Audrey Joan said after a few seconds, "Let's play again." Emma shook her head and said, "That's enough. Thank you for teaching me chess. It's a pity I don't have time to waste any more. Military chess is interesting, but we can't get addicted to it. If you want to play again, see you at the dueling arena next time."

　Audrey Joan said, "The dueling arena, the dueling arena it is." Emma nodded, stood up, and said, "Then see you next time." Audrey Joan looked up and said, "It's a date."

　Emma glanced at her and said, "Hmm." Then she packed her things and prepared to leave. "Aren't you going to have lunch together?"

　But at that moment, Dark, who was waiting to the side, extended an invitation. Emma was taken aback and couldn't help but look up at him.

　Dark smiled slightly and said, "Since it's such a coincidence, let's go together." Emma wanted to refuse, mainly because she instinctively sensed that this matter was not simple and was quite troublesome, and she didn't want to get involved.

　But for some inexplicable reason, she nodded to Dark.

　Dark smiled and turned to Audrey Jeanne, introducing himself for the first time: "Hello, I am Dark Dimon, a second-year student in the Noble House. I am temporarily in charge of entertaining you two."

　Audrey Joan took a deep breath and rose, saying, "Audrey." The guardian knight behind her then added, "This is Jesse Louisa. It's a pleasure to meet you. Since you're with the 'Holy Son,' there's no need for further introductions. Where shall we dine?"

　Dark smiled and said, "Since you two are here as exchange students, I'll take you to the cafeteria for a meal this time. I hope our academy's cafeteria will suit your tastes."

　Jessie Louisa said, "Don't worry. Neither the 'Saintess' nor I have any particular food preferences; ordinary foods are fine."

　Dark nodded and then extended his hand, saying, "Then, come with me."

　Soon after, the group of seven entered the cafeteria of St. Mary's Academy. It was just lunchtime, and since the Traveler's Street would open after noon, attracting many people to enjoy more food, the cafeteria wasn't crowded yet.

　Of course, with their arrival, a large group of people followed and flooded into the cafeteria.

　In short, after Dak briefly explained the rules for dining in the cafeteria, it was their turn to line up.

　He then introduced the identities of the "Holy Son" and "Holy Daughter" to the kitchen staff, and after helping them choose their favorite foods, they all sat down around a large dining table.

　The "Holy Son," the "Holy Daughter," and the two guardian knights sat to one side. Dark, Aurora, and Emma sat opposite them.

　Are all your chefs halflings?

　As soon as he sat down, Dark heard Evan Pearson ask in a calm tone...

　Despite his calm tone, Dak had clearly noticed the problem when he ordered the food earlier.

　He didn't say much, but went straight to the point: "It's always been like this since I enrolled. The halfling chefs are very skilled and passionate about cooking. They can spend a whole day in the kitchen without getting bored, making them the most suitable chefs for the academy."

　“Is that so?” Evan Pearson picked up his cutlery but didn’t eat. “I’ve been wanting to ask this before. There are many different species in your academy, aren’t there?” Dark said slowly, “If you’re referring to demi-human hybrids, I think so.”

　“I see.” Evan Pearson said no more, but put down his cutlery and closed his eyes to pray.

　Meanwhile, Audrey Joan of Arc, the "Saint," and her two guardian knights had begun their pre-meal prayers.

　The doctrines of Christianity are actually quite lenient regarding dining etiquette. Aside from the requirement to pray before meals, there are few taboos or dogmas. This makes it easier for them to integrate into the community without being assimilated by it.

　The prayer ended quickly, and the meal began.

　Neither Evan Pearson nor Audrey Joan spoke again.

　It is already against standard etiquette to talk during a meal, but most people just don't follow it.

　Dak was happy to have some peace and quiet, so he remained silent throughout the meal. This continued until they had almost finished eating.

　He pulled out a wet wipe, carefully cleaned the grease from the corners of his mouth, and said, "Gentlemen, would you like to take a nap after lunch?"

　Jesse Louisa replied, "We don't have a fixed place to live yet."

　Dark said, “That’s easy. The college will arrange temporary guest rooms. If you don’t want to stay in the faculty dormitories, there are also vacant rooms in our noble house’s tower.”

　But Audrey Joan of Arc, unusually, said, "No, I want to go to the library."

Chapter 869 Friendship, friendship! Exchange, exchange! (4k)

　Dark had no reason to refuse Audrey Joan's offer. In fact, he had long wanted to throw Evan Pearson into... no, into the library!

　Now that Audrey Joan of Arc has taken the initiative to suggest going to the library, Evan Pearson should have no reason to refuse, right?

　He turned to Evan Pearson and said meaningfully, "Books are the carriers of knowledge; those who seek knowledge wander in the sea of ​​books. Pearson, where do you want to go next?"

　Evan Pearson said coolly, "Perfect, let's go to the library together." Darke smiled and replied, "Then let's go together."

　“I won’t go,” Emma said after a moment’s thought.

　She could glimpse a "mysterious aura" swirling like clouds and mist in Audrey Joan of Arc.

　Although the concentration of this "mystical aura" is not as high as that of Dark, let alone Ergane, it still signifies that she can obtain something beneficial to herself from Audrey Joan of Arc.

　But just as she did not approach Dark and Ergane because of this, she had no intention of approaching Audrey Joan of Arc because of it.

　Therefore, after quickly finishing her meal, she chose to say goodbye.

　Shortly afterward, the remaining six people arrived together at the library of St. Marian College.

　The librarian on duty was Ms. Bella, who had recently become quite diligent. Dark introduced her to the "Holy Son," the "Holy Maiden," and the two guardian knights, and then granted her permission to enter.

　After the six people registered one by one, they entered the building.