The sky overhead, already covered by heavy clouds.

It will rain soon.

We walked through the path by the faint light.

It feels like walking under a decaying ancient well.

There was an indescribable smell all around. Compared to the fresh air outside the city, it will be clear how turbid the air in the slums of Lingdu really is.

- "It tastes terrible. Karan said flatly.

"I was thinking about it just now. ”

- "But what to say, those guys before have become that kind of thing. ”

- "I've been in this damp and dark town, even if my heart is pure, it will become confused because it is defiled." ”

Kahlan avoided the obstacle in front of him without hurrying.

- "That's why you're so sensitive to the gods and angels." ”

After witnessing the reaction of the group of people before him. There is no doubt that such a conclusion can be reached.

We remain vigilant as we move away from the previous market.

If it weren't for the light emitted by Charlotte.

I'm afraid Kahlan and I won't be in such an easy state.

In the lower slums, where order seems to have been lost, the influence of the church is surprisingly deep-rooted.

Me with Karan West

Both were saved by Charlotte.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was saved by the "angels".

After a series of twists and turns, he finally broke away with Charlotte.

- "The crowd really thought Miss Charlotte was an angel. ”

"It's not so much a pacification as a deception by taking advantage of the faith in people's hearts. ”

I said rather tiredly.

"Ahh Thanks to. ”

Kahlan nodded to the girl behind her.

"But do the angels and the gods above the blue sky really exist?"

He turned his eyes to me.

"Believe because you are saved, and believe because you are not saved. There is no salvation in such words. I said after a moment of silence.

"Huh... You're really religious. He shrugged.

"It's just that I have lived half of my life under the influence of the Holy Church since I was sensible. ”

Just like years ago.

The faith that the priesthood preaches to people, including fathers and mothers.

Gorgeous lights come into view.

Food, spirits, and other smoky scents float in the air.

It is a silent indication of where we are

——It is the most prosperous central street in the slum.

The warm glow from the windows of the surrounding shops contrasts sharply with the cold and humid streets outside.

The people around them all put on a posture of onlookers with great interest. As if her eyes had regained her light, she looked at the girl's figure.

As a nobleman from the upper class, even if she was dressed in the most modest dress, she could not hide the mesmerizing temperament exuded by her body.

My heart was a little more vigilant. After all, in such a place, it is not too much to suddenly fly cold arrows from the shadows.

"Miss Charlotte, would you like to go for something?" said Calan with a smile.

“...... Huh. Me...... No need. The girl hurriedly thanked her.

"No problem, just leave the money problem to Alan. He looked at me with a wicked smile.

- Hey, hey, ....... What is this guy going to do.

"Huh, Mr. Allen?" said Karan, leisurely.

"That. . . Excuse me...... Is it really possible?" the girl's face turned an unusually crimson color.

I breathed a sigh of relief and agreed.

"I'm sorry ......"

- "Why do you apologize?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Because...... For my sake. The girl whispered.

- "Don't think about it so much......" I said calmly as I grabbed her cuffs.

The faint fragrance and warm touch in front of me made me more aware of her presence.

I pushed open the wooden door of a tavern called "Colletia" on the side of the road.

The mellow and slightly sweet flavor of the brewed sake greets you with the warm air inside the store.

The guests in the tavern are enjoying the food on the table. From time to time there is a loud noise.

"Welcome—" a woman my age smiled.

"Ahh I nodded to her and sat down with Karan and Charlotte in a quieter seat.

"What do you need?" asked the girl, gracefully approaching us.

"Uh, what do you recommend?" said Karan with a smile.

"Well, white berry wine and smoked chicken are Colletia's delicacies, and most of the guests here come to taste them. The girl said briskly.

"Then please. The most popular food in the store—" Karan smiled and gestured.

"Okay, please wait. She bowed slightly and walked gently towards the kitchen.

- "Hey, Miss Mira, two more roasts." A drunk man not far away beckoned to the girl.

"Okay. The girl replied briskly.

"I didn't expect that there would be such a place in the lower level of Lingdu. Kahlan spoke.

"Surrounded by a scene of decay, people are still fighting rats for their last food in the dark alleys. ”

"Only this street rarely exudes a bustling atmosphere. ”

- "Ahhhhh ”

- "Why, only here is orderly......" I whispered.

"Holy Maiden, it's time to work harder, right?"

"After all, all the fate here depends on her. Kahlan took out the konjac juice and put it on the table.

"Maybe it's the noble body of the Holy Maiden. ”

——“。。 Please don't say such rude things to the Holy Maiden. Charlotte said with some anxiety.

"The Holy Maiden has been working hard at the top of the city. ”

"Oh. . . Did Miss Charlotte see the Holy Maiden when she was in the upper tiers before?" Karan asked with interest, but her eyes unconsciously sharpened.

- "Although... I haven't seen it. However, my father had met the Holy Maiden before. ”

- "The wings of the Holy Maiden have always been bound by the people of this world. ”

- "When will you be able to fly to the real sky?"

My father used to write this in his notes.

The girl whispered.

Is it.......

Charlotte's father............

The upright banker who was burned at the stake.

- What is the meaning of these words......?

.........

——“...... That, that...... I'm bothered ......!"

The voice of a young girl was heard outside the store

"It's nothing, just a little bit over there. Now, come on. ”

A drunken man's voice rang out.

- "I'm so sorry, but I have someone waiting. ”

"Right away, it's okay, right?"

"Please, please stop!" the girl's voice became rapid and flustered.

- "Please, please let me go!"

- "Hey!"

I walked out of the store and forcibly pulled the drunk man by the girl's hand.

"It hurts—what are you doing!"

- "This guy is my friend. ”

"Yes, yes. ”

It is quite difficult for drunken men to walk.

“...... Hey, there's a man. ”

The drunk man pouted and walked away from us with his head down.