The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 18
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In the original story, he was a remarkable priest chosen by God at a young age, renowned for his compassion and fairness.
‘It was at the Great Temple where the female lead Ceria sought refuge after enduring Ignis’s obsession and imprisonment.’
Although there was no romantic storyline between Leonius and Ceria, many readers considered him their favorite character for his upright and unwavering personality.
What if the righteous Pope saw evidence of overwhelming embezzlement?
Of course, there was no way he would just let it slide. Her prediction was correct.
‘It’s fortunate that the Great Temple is close to the North.’
The corners of Karentina’s mouth crept up as she watched the paladin herd the Bishop and corrupt priests into a black carriage like candy. At the entrance of the temple, a priest wearing black robes with a red decorative sash around his waist looked at Bishop Viano, clicking his tongue.
As she approached, the priest greeted her with a kind smile.
“Blessings from the embrace of God. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Andrea, the newly appointed auxiliary bishop.”
“Hello, Bishop Andrea. I’m Karentina Lorraine.”
Bishop Andrea’s eyes widened.
“Oh! You must be the young lady who sent the letter to His Holiness?”
“Yes?”
Karentina took a step back, nervous at Bishop Andrea’s words. While her existence was revealed in the contents of the letter, she was a nameless figure who didn’t even have the seal of her family on the outside.
“Please don’t be too surprised. I’m here as His Holiness’s representative.”
“Ah…”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for shedding light on the unfortunate incident at the temple.”
As Bishop Andrea bowed deeply as he finished his words, Karentina widened her eyes at his actions.
“No, I was just trying to help the children.”
“That’s why you’re even more admirable. His Holiness has promised to personally oversee the responsibility for this incident and punish those involved severely.”
‘I can’t believe the Great Temple is taking this incident very seriously!’
It was a very good thing. Karentina barely managed to suppress the laughter that threatened to escape.
“That’s great news.”
“His Holiness has promised to send Young Lady Lorraine a letter of gratitude in the near future.”
‘…Oh, my goodness. It looks like I’ve suddenly become acquainted with the Pope.’
‘I should ask them for help to uncover the connections with the butler once the Bishop is thoroughly investigated by the Temple.’
Karentina smiled with a hint of surprise and nodded her head.
“It’s an honor to receive a letter from the Pope.”
“You’re welcome, but since it’s still early, may I ask what brought you to the temple?”
Despite what she wanted most, to witness the Bishop being dragged away, she quietly opened her mouth to convey her original purpose.
“I actually brought the donation that I promised to take care of the children.”
This time, Bishop Andrea’s eyes were as big as the size of a lantern.
“I’m sorry, but His Holiness has instructed me not to accept any donations until all allegations have been thoroughly investigated.”
As expected, he was a likable pope.
“I see. However, I also have responsibilities to protect my children. Please use my donations and the newly constructed orphanage properly for the benefit of the children and people living in the slums. The children’s parents will soon return here as well.”
With a warm smile, Andrea bowed his head.
“In that case, we will gratefully accept it, Princess Lorraine.”
Karentina hesitantly opened her mouth towards Bishop Andrea, who was looking at him kindly.
“I…”
“Please, feel free to speak your mind.”
“It’s about the gem called ‘Saint’s Tear’.”
“Ah, you mean that jewel?”
“Yes. To me, it just looks like an ordinary stone.”
“Yes?”
“It may look like a jewel, but it’s just a stone. I hope that the name of Priestess Leah, who passed away after doing good things, isn’t used like this.”
Her mind kept wandering back to Eddie, who was crying inconsolably, so she spoke a little presumptuously.
“I see. I’ll take the Young Lady’s advice and send the jewel to the Great Temple as well.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Karentina smiled broadly at Bishop Andrea’s words. She was relieved that he turned out to be a better person than she had initially expected.
̊ · : * ✧* : · ̊
The temple affairs were completed smoothly.
Karentina hurried to the carriage when she heard that a new physician was coming in the afternoon.
“Sister! Wait a moment!”
At that moment, she turned her head to the familiar voice. Eddie was running towards her at a rapid pace.
“Huhuk—”
“And then you’ll trip.”
As though the temple had taken good care of the children since Eddie’s clothes were clean, and his expression seemed quite bright.
“Sister. Thank you for believing in me and helping me.”
“The Pope has decided to punish the bad bishop so Eddie can play, eat well and stay like you have been.”
The child scratched his head in embarrassment.
“Yes! They even teach us at the temple.”
“That’s really good news.”
Eddie, who was pursing his lips, fidgeted with his fingers.
“The cave coral that sister was talking about back then…”
“Ah…”
“If it’s okay with you, can I study the cave coral?”
Karentina’s eyes widened. She thought she was still young, so she had planned to ask for it later, but she never thought he would bring it up first like this.
“Are you sure? Won’t it be too hard?”
“Yes. I want to study hard and become someone who is helpful to sister, just like brother!”
As he said so, Eddie looked at Zion with eyes full of respect, and Zion proudly lifted his head. Karentina reached out and gently ruffled the child’s hair.
“Okay, I’ll wait. If you need anything for your research, contact me. I’ll support you with anything.”
Eddie, who was smiling with an embarrassed expression, took something out of his pants pocket and handed it to her.
“What’s this?”
“It’s my treasure.”
Then, he whispered softly into her ear.
“Actually, this is the ‘Saint’s Tear’ that was found after Priestess Leah’s death. I switched it without the bishop knowing, so no one knows.”
Karentina’s mouth hung open in surprise.
“It’s a token of promise.”
Eddie said his last words before he waved his hands and returned to the temple.
“….”
She stared blankly at the hand that was holding the Saint’s tears. Even without lifting the handkerchief, she could tell.
It was a soul stone.
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