Scepter

Part 23

Two days later, Yannick and his companions successfully emerged from the Dark Forest.

Regrettably, during these two days, they had been unable to find Lily. But fortunately, upon exiting the forest, all they needed to do was cross a low hill, and they would reach the border city of Lacerena in the Jardet Empire.

However, for the priest, this was just the beginning of his troubles.

Entering a populated area, especially one with dense population, raised the issue of identity. Their time in Tome Town had already served as a warning about the trouble that could arise from their attire and jewelry.

Chris had successfully used a small amount of dark magic to conceal the markings on the ring Yannick wore on his hand. To others, it appeared to be nothing more than a unique ring, with no association to the episcopal ring.

The original owner of this body, despite being the foster son of the Bishop of Santos, was, according to the memories he inherited, a ne'er-do-well. As a priest, he neglected his studies in magic and instead indulged in arts such as painting and sculpture. By the time the Bishop of Santos was near death, he still only knew basic healing spells.

The Bishop of Santos cherished this foster son and was afraid that after his death, he would be ostracized by the Church of Santos. Not only did he pass the episcopal ring to him, but he also used his connections to secure protection for Yannick from a red-robed bishop of the Curia.

Unfortunately, the Bishop of Santos's efforts did not yield results. It turned out that when you received something far beyond your ability and lacked the power to protect it, the outcome was bleak.

After the Bishop of Santos's death, there was unrest within the Church, and since Yannick was indeed incompetent, no one would acknowledge this newly appointed bishop who had climbed up through connections. The red-robed bishop, also affected by the death of the Bishop of Santos, chose to remain indifferent. As a result, the original owner of this body was hunted down, and he died a heroic death during his escape. He went to meet his foster father at the Shrine of the Goddess of Light, while his body was taken over by the current Yannick.

Therefore, this ring was nothing but a hot potato for Yannick at this stage.

Of course, the priestly robe couldn't be taken off like the ring. However, now he had at least a hundred gold coins from Feizel, enough to afford some good fabric. But no matter what clothes he wore, the Curia mark on his hand would remain for life. If he were found out by the Curia to be a priest but dressed in other clothes, it would mean blasphemy against the Goddess of Light and the Curia, with equally serious consequences.

"Stay by my side, and no one will harm you," the black-robed mage seemed to sense his worry and said so.

"But I can't stay by your side forever, can I?" Yannick said with a bitter smile.

"Then you better improve your strength quickly," Chris said. "Or after we enter the city, buy a few more magic scrolls for emergencies."

Yannick's eyes lit up. That was indeed a good idea.

But then, Chris delivered a blow, "But those things are expensive. Your hundred gold coins won't buy you many."

Yannick: "..." How much money could that red crystal sell for?

Chris seemed to sense his thoughts. "Don't sell that red crystal. When we get back to the capital, I can help you craft a wand that will be useful for improving your strength."

Yannick silently looked down at the elf in his arms, wondering how much reward he could get when the elves finally arrived.

"Boop!" The elf baby flashed him a toothless smile.