Without blinking an eye after saying a bunch of things, Sophia licked her lips with unfinished business before reluctantly speaking of her advantages.

"However, Ariel has always been very serious and responsible. As long as she's willing to help, she'll definitely give her all. You should stay at the Church according to her requirements."

Ariel's face was longer than the bars in front of her: "Bad temper, meddlesome, and likes to lecture people?"

She clenched her fist once, her hand feeling a bit itchy, wanting to hit someone.

Sophia quickly stepped back, hugging her chest and lifting her head: "Wasn't the important part in the latter sentence? Besides, I wasn't wrong about the first part either!"

Celitia watched this and was momentarily speechless.

She seemed to understand how the rumors about Sophia and Ariel having an extremely poor relationship came about.

"Princess Sophia..."

Kassy spoke mournfully, her gaze toward Sophia full of resentment.

Before coming here, Sophia had promised she would help deal with Ariel together.

How was it that now, not only was Sophia not helping her, but she was adding fuel to the fire?

"Enough, whether you stay or not is your own decision."

Thinking about how she had finally improved her relationship with Sophia a little, Ariel didn't direct her full stomach of displeasure at Sophia, but transferred it to Kassy instead.

"The curse aura on you is very weak now, but that doesn't mean it won't deepen in the future. Especially since you said you were drawn into a ritual and lost those memories. I can't guarantee you won't become the next Kristin. If there really is such a possibility..."

Ariel squinted, her golden eyes flashing with dangerous light. "Don't blame us for showing no mercy."

Ostensibly advice, but actually a threat.

Kassy was dizzy from listening, looking pitifully at Celitia: "Master, you must... you must help me..."

Even though she was in a bad mood due to Kristin's situation, Celitia couldn't help but show a cunning smile.

"After all, since it involves rituals, it's normal for Lady Saintess to take it more seriously."

"Ah?" Kassy's eyes widened.

She immediately regretted it—she should never have mentioned the ritual.

Looking at the smile on Celitia's face, Kassy felt like she had been somewhat tricked.

She had indeed listened to Master's words, but this wasn't fair, was it?

"I still need to work at the academy, fulfill my duties, and take good care of Princess Sophia and Master."

Kassy still hadn't given up struggling. "Your Highness, Master, you absolutely can't just watch as the Church locks me up!"

Ariel frowned: "When did I say I was going to lock you up?"

"Eh?" Kassy immediately fell silent.

With Kristin's example before them, and Ariel's face that had almost never shown a smile, such misunderstanding should be quite normal, right?

"I suggest, since you can't reach consensus, why not compromise." Celitia said with a smile, "During the day, Kassy can continue her work, and at night she can return to the church for Lady Saintess to arrange accommodation."

"Lady Saintess is busy with affairs during the day and probably doesn't have time to keep watching Kassy. If needed, just send someone to find her at our place."

Sophia thought this was a good solution: "Then let's do it this way."

Kassy also breathed a sigh of relief: "I'll listen to Master."

Being able to move freely during the day meant not having to worry about being imprisoned by the Church, and she could even escape if necessary.

As for the night... if she wanted the Church's help solving this, she had to pay some price, right?

Indeed, Master was still very considerate of her.

Being tricked and such should just be her imagination, right?

Kassy's gaze clung to Celitia with tender affection.

Hearing the two's responses, Ariel also stared at Celitia for a long time, her eyes full of scrutiny.

After a long while, she snorted very lightly: "It seems both of them obey your every word."

Kassy was one thing—Ariel didn't care about her—but why did Sophia also listen to whatever she said?

Thinking of this, Ariel felt a surge of displeasure and found Celitia somewhat more disagreeable.

"Probably because," Celitia blinked, "I'm just making some reasonable suggestions."

"Speaking of which, since we've seen the person and decided on things."

Sophia instinctively raised her hand, wanting to hold Celitia's hand.

But halfway there, she hesitated and put it down, her palm unnaturally curling into a ball.

Looking at Celitia's pale face in the flickering candlelight, Sophia felt heartbroken. Heaven knew how much she wanted to hold her hand and pull her into her embrace, but she could only forcibly endure it.

"This underground prison makes me feel very uncomfortable... let's leave quickly."

Sophia restrained her tone, making her voice sound steady and calm.

But her hesitation and struggle were still noticed by Ariel.

Squinting slightly, Ariel's gaze moved between the two.

She felt that Sophia cared very much about Celitia and treated her quite unusually.

Who exactly was this girl?

After examining Celitia thoroughly several times, Ariel completely remembered her.

But she didn't voice her doubts, only saying flatly:

"Regarding the matters of this underground prison, I hope you won't spread them around. Although I indeed don't expect to hide it for long, we'll hide it for as long as we can."

"Understood, Lady Saintess." Kassy quickly showed her loyalty. "I won't say anything—speaking out would bring me no benefit."

Sophia and Celitia also nodded along.

Getting responses from all three, Ariel straightforwardly turned around: "Let's go."

Kassy had long wanted to leave and immediately followed behind Ariel, eagerly stepping onto the stairs.

Sophia also prepared to leave but didn't hear any movement beside her.

Turning her head, Sophia saw that Celitia was still standing in place like a statue.

She lowered her head, quietly looking at Kristin in the cell.

Kristin had completely quieted down by now.

She hugged the bars with both hands, her body weakly leaning against the cell door, curled into a ball, her brown straight hair hanging disheveled and completely blocking her cheeks.

Anyone looking would be unable to connect this mad and filthy woman with the former Kristin.

"What's wrong?" Sophia asked. "Aren't we leaving?"

Celitia slightly curved her lips, smiling very lightly.

But that smile didn't reach her eyes, showing no emotion, leaving only coldness.

"Nothing, let's go."

Regular footsteps echoed in the underground prison, gradually fading until they disappeared.

As if sensing their departure, with great effort, Kristin forced open her eyelids, her blurred vision looking forward, following that last thin and frail figure.

She slowly blinked.

Her long eyelashes trembled lightly, and for some reason, two tears rolled from her eyes, sliding down her cheeks and disappearing into the complete silence.