Chapter 016: A Secret Conversation

The reason was simple—Du Fan had indeed lost a pair of gloves. While at the hot springs, to prevent his gloves from getting dirty as he tried to open the hole, he took off his white gloves and threw them nearby. Under normal circumstances, Du Fan wouldn’t have been so careless, but something unexpected happened that afternoon, leaving him no time to retrieve his gloves. Moreover, the series of events that followed were so shocking that Du Fan forgot about it altogether. But now that Emily brought it up, he remembered—he had left a major flaw today. After all, those white gloves were distributed by the Holy Church. Although almost every priest used such gloves, it wasn’t impossible to trace their owner if investigated. Once that was done, it would be easy to identify the spy. Even the events at the Old Sanctuary could be uncovered. At this thought, Du Fan felt a chill run down his spine. As someone in the Holy Church, he knew full well it wasn’t as merciful as it appeared. If this girl exposed him, he would be finished. Fortunately, she didn’t do so. Taking a deep breath, Du Fan calmed down. With a clear mind, he realized she couldn’t be 100% sure it was him. Besides, given his current reputation, no one would dare do anything to him without evidence. Almost instantly, he decided his goal for the day: not only to obtain the Milak potion but also to get those gloves back. This wasn’t difficult for Du Fan now—all he needed was a chance to be alone with Emily. After thinking this much, though it was all in an instant, Du Fan’s expression remained unchanged. He said doubtfully, “Gloves? What do you mean, Miss Emily? I don’t think I’ve lost any gloves.” As he spoke, he waved his hand, revealing a pair of freshly put-on white gloves. “Is that so?” Emily smiled lightly. “If not, then it doesn’t matter. But I’ve always admired Young Master Du Fan greatly. If we have the chance, we really should find a quiet place to talk properly.”

“Talk in a quiet room?” Du Fan was slightly taken aback but quickly understood. Apparently, he had overlooked something—this Emily family must be quite influential and had likely already determined that those gloves indeed belonged to him. Yet she still said nothing, probably intending to threaten him into doing something for her.

Considering the purpose of today’s banquet, the answer became obvious.

Realizing this, Du Fan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: Emily, Emily… No matter how cunning you are, today I will make you suffer both losses. Just wait…

“Well then…” Du Fan sighed slightly and stared at Emily. “Actually, this morning in the chapel, I noticed that you seemed distracted, Miss Emily. It seems you still have some doubts about your faith. Don’t worry; it’s quite normal for believers. If I get the chance… I’ll definitely help you understand better.”

Emily’s expression changed. She bit her lip as if wanting to get angry but held back.

At that moment, Princess Nina also noticed what was happening with Du Fan. She apologized to the nobles around her and then walked over gracefully, giving Du Fan a brief glance before saying, “You must be Lord Du Fan, right? Though I rarely go out, I’m quite envious of your reputation.”

With that, Princess Nina slowly extended her right hand.

Du Fan felt disgusted but still bowed slightly and kissed the back of Princess Nina’s hand. “Princess, you flatter me. All of this is just rumor. I’m but an ordinary priest with nothing worth envying. But to be honest, I greatly admire you, Princess. My elder brother has been waiting for your reply. I wonder when you’ll be willing to become my sister-in-law?”

“Lord Du Fan, you’re joking,” Princess Nina smiled. “I’m not qualified to marry into your Green family. So please stop making such jokes in the future. Anyway, let’s not talk about this today. I just noticed that you and my two friends seem to be having a great time, so I couldn’t help but come by. You know, aside from Emily, our Miss Mia has never been kind to men.”

Du Fan touched his nose. “Perhaps, in Miss Mia’s eyes, I’m just a pious priest with no ill intentions toward her. As for Miss Emily, I just prayed for her this morning. In fact, Miss Emily even invited me to talk in a quiet room—probably because she still has some doubts about her faith. What do you think, Miss Emily?”
Emily was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t immediately figure out why Du Fan was being so cooperative, but she still replied, “Yes. Although I received the blessings of the God of Light this morning, I still feel a bit confused. If I have time, I’d definitely like to talk with you, Master Du Fan. After all, you’re one of the most devout priests in the capital. If it’s you, you’ll surely be able to clear up my doubts.”
When the word “devout” came up, a sarcastic smile appeared on Emily’s lips. The tone made Du Fan feel both amused and annoyed, but since he was used to being thick-skinned, he simply pretended not to notice.
Princess Nina glanced at Emily. She knew this friend well—she hated swindlers who tricked people. But why was she saying such things today? However, upon seeing Du Fan’s handsome face, Princess Nina felt something stir in her heart and couldn’t help but show a teasing smile. This little girl had also started thinking about men, and her taste was quite good!
Thinking of this, Princess Nina smiled slightly and said, “Emily, if you need it, you can use my study. There aren’t many people here yet. Although the banquet has started, you don’t have to worry. When it’s time for the final act, I’ll send someone to notify you.”
That final act, of course, was the appearance of the Milak potion.
It might be a good idea to take care of this girl first, Du Fan thought with a cold laugh in his heart. But he still said with a smile, “Thank you, Princess Nina. I always hope to resolve the doubts of my followers as soon as possible.”
Emily stared at Du Fan for a while before finally smiling and saying, “Then, Nina, I’ll leave it to you.”
Princess Nina smiled, waved her hand to summon a servant to guide Du Fan and the others, then pulled the hesitant Mia along and left quickly.
Led by the servant, Du Fan and Emily went upstairs.
The servant led them into the study, served them two cups of black tea, and then left quickly.

Inside the book, Du Fan and Emily sat facing each other. Du Fan gently blew on the black tea before him and smiled softly. “Well, Miss Emily, there’s no need for more talk. Since we’re here, everyone knows what’s going on. Although you may have some doubts, I don’t like to lie. You’re completely right—those gloves you found are mine.”

Emily showed an expression of confirmation. She swallowed her tea and sneered, “So that means the person who was spying by the hot springs today was you?”

“Probably,” Du Fan said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. “But even if I admit it, how many people in this empire do you think would believe it? The most pious priest ever—modest, compassionate, and just—Du Fan, the young master, is actually a spy? How many people do you think would believe such a thing?”

Emily’s expression changed. She had already considered this. Given this bastard’s reputation, indeed not many people would believe it. But she already had a plan. With another sneer, she said, “Young Master Du Fan, but don’t forget how many people saw you this afternoon. If we report this and present evidence, even if the Church can’t do much to you for now, it probably won’t be good for you, since you’re about to be promoted to a cardinal soon.”

“That does sound somewhat reasonable…” Du Fan touched the ring on his finger. “So… what do you want? Or rather, what do you plan to do to give me back those so-called evidence… and then completely forget about this?”

Seeing her goal achieved, Emily smiled. “As long as you help us get the Milak potion successfully tonight, I’ll consider giving you back the evidence.”

“Oh… the Milak potion? And you’re just ‘considering’ it?” A strange smile appeared on Du Fan’s lips. “Dear Miss Emily, may I assume that besides getting the Milak potion for you, I might have to keep helping you with other things in the future, until you think I’m completely useless, then you’ll give me back those so-called evidence—those gloves?”