"I would like to hire an escort for my upcoming journey. But I would like someone in my age group to be my partner. Money is not an issue, but I would like to choose my companion, please."

Layla's smile was warm as she greeted the priestess, who had come to be her escort for the day.

As a noble's ward, Layla needed to give legal notice to the temple whenever she wanted to come. That was a hassle, but it made things easier for her…or should have.

But because Layla was from Duke Lockhart's house, the atmosphere was tense instead.

"I am sorry, but we cannot provide a young lady with an escort now. We have important guests staying at our temple for now, so we cannot afford to have our people go out.

I hope the young lady understands and allows us to disappoint her this time."

The priestess spoke politely.

Layla would have understood these conditions under normal circumstances and might have also accepted them.

But since she was on a mission, being a little brat to get what she wanted did not sound like a bad idea.

"No, I don't understand what you are saying at all. I want my escorts, and I want them now. I refuse to take 'no' for an answer."

Layla was adamant about her wish and stomped her feet like a real spoilt child these temple people believed her to be.

It was fun to pretend, and the panic that spread across the priestess's face at the noise she made was also fun.

But most importantly, it sent her a message that she would not easily back down.

"M-Miss, I know you don't want to cooperate, but please, think about us as well. I promise you that we are just short-staffed right now, and we cannot afford to send anyone away for now-"

"But I am not asking for priests or guards; I am asking for those in training. Why can't you spare one for me? Or maybe you don't want to send someone with me because you know that might spill your secrets and how you abuse them and-"

The priestess panicked, and she reached out to shut Layla's mouth.

But Raizel was her guard, and he defended Layla before she could be touched.

His cold metal sword touched the priestess's neck, and it made her freeze in shock. She looked uncomfortable but quickly backed away and coughed to hide her nervousness.

'I knew bringing Raziel here was a good idea. He is brimming with diving energy, after all. Any temple person who sees him would have no choice but to listen to him.'

Layla smiled behind her hand, but her eyes continued to show her displeasure.

"I-I will see what can be done. But as I told you before, personnel from the higher temple have come here for an inspection, and we cannot make any move if they say 'no.' So please understand that it is not our intention to stop you from getting a guard; it is their will."

The priestess spoke, pinning all the blame on these 'higher-ups.' Layla was about to ask who these 'higher-ups' were when she felt a familiar presence bruising her senses.

She tensed up, and Raziel positioned himself before her to block the attack.

"Priestess Cana, how often have I told you not to attack first like this? You will cause us unnecessary problems if you keep behaving like this."

Cardinal Bishop quickly walked toward their small group with his disturbing smile in place.

He did not look surprised to see Layla and Raziel, but he did make a surprised sound on purpose.

"Oh my! Look at what we have here. It is that brave lady who uncovered that slave ring for us. What a delight to have you here. Now, what can I help you with? I can arrange anything you want me to."

The cardinal asked delightedly, and Layla saw no point in holding back.

"I want an escort of my choice for an errand I am about to run. Someone who is my age and from the in-training people. Can I choose one now?"

Layla asked without any hesitation.

Her confidence made the female priestess who had said 'no' shake. There was also a moment of tense silence as Layla's words registered in everyone's mind.

"You are not a humble kid, huh? I give you an inch, and you ask for a mile? But I don't dislike kids like you either. Fine, I will give you what you want this time. Come with me."

The cardinal agreed, and the priestess showed Layla around. Because of this confrontation, she lost all sensation in her legs.

"Cana, help our dear comrade out, would you? I will 'personally' care for our guests here and ensure they are satisfied with what they get."

The Cardinal promised, and Layla felt alarm bells ring in her head.

Despite this, she knew that Cardinal Bishop was one person in the temple who was not corrupted by power or money.

He was one of the genuine believers of Almeric, the God of Protection.

"So, what are you planning to do this time, kid? Bust another criminal ring? Or go after more terrible people? My God is praising you as an enigma he cannot place. Don't you find it weird that a God says he cannot feel your presence?"

The Cardinal asked delightedly but was also prying on Layla's business.

Layla had only one answer to this.

"Is that so? I won't know since I never talked to any god or believe in most of them. But if your god were to do something for me, I might believe in him in the future."

It might have been insulting to say, but the Cardinal paused before he let out a hearty laughter at Layla's words.

"You are an amusing kid. You don't feel like a kid when I talk to you most of the time. Since I like you, I will spare your life this time for insulting my god. But next time you do this kind of thing, you won't survive, kid."

The cardinal opened the door and gestured for Layla to go inside. She walked in, sat on the sofa, and waited for the cardinal to come inside.