Chapter 114: What Are You Looking At, Pervert! - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

### Chapter 114: What Are You Looking At, Pervert! "Well, doesn't this count as a little secret between us?" Lucius said offhandedly. However, he had no idea that this casual comment sent an inexplicable jolt through the girl's heart. Eilene hesitated for a moment before responding, "It doesn't..." Lucius could hear her mumbling softly. "How could I possibly have a secret with Selina..." After speaking, she fell silent. Lucius turned his head to look at her. The girl sat quietly, knees drawn up, her black dress draping silkily and revealing a small section of her smooth leg. Perhaps due to the leisurely life at the manor, these days she had become more relaxed in their daily interactions. Eilene keenly sensed Lucius's gaze. She raised an eyebrow and tugged at her dress, though it didn't really serve to cover anything. "What are you looking at, pervert!" She scolded as she usually did, but unexpectedly, there was a hint of playfulness in her tone. It certainly didn't sound like a real reprimand. --- --- Three days later. Lucius's manor received a long-awaited guest. Unlike the last visit from Lance, which harbored clear malice, this guest had notified them in advance. It was Ishitia, the current Saintess of the Church. She wore a white robe, similar to the one Lucius often donned, with a solemn cross accentuating the rise at her chest. Her golden hair shimmered brilliantly under the sun. When Lucius arrived at the reception room, this was the scene before him. He recalled that his interactions with this Saintess were rare. This was likely their second encounter. Saintesses typically remained at the Church's headquarters, engaged in devout prayers and serving the goddess. Barring any extraordinary events, they rarely stepped beyond the city gates in a lifetime. Though they traded freedom, Saintesses gained status in return. Their noble standing meant they served the goddess day and night, and even when meeting His Holiness the Pope, they were spared excessive formality. Lucius was the first to break the silence, greeting her. "Long time no see, Ishitia." Ishitia turned around, her eyes clear and bright. Upon seeing Lucius, her gaze flickered slightly. "Lord Lucius, pardon this intrusion." Lucius smiled, "It's nothing, really. If anything, it's my antics that have troubled His Holiness." Seeing his openness, Ishitia dispensed with further politeness, her tone growing stern. "Lord Lucius, the Church requires a reasonable explanation." "Explanation?" Lucius raised an eyebrow, his smile unwavering. "Haven't I already provided a reason? Being unable to share the sky with such evil, I must personally judge the witch." Ishitia focused intently on him for several moments before speaking again, "If that's the case, then please, take me to observe how you judge the witch." Lucius, having anticipated this, remained unfazed. He nodded, leading the way. "Please, follow me." --- --- Walking through the corridor, Lucius stopped in front of a room. He turned to look at Ishitia, who followed behind, kindly reminding her, "What you're about to see might be graphic, please prepare yourself." Ishitia frowned but merely nodded lightly in response. Then, a long, slender white hand slowly pushed the door open. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains blocking the windows and the outside light. Lucius opened the door, courteously stepping aside. He addressed Ishitia, "Saintess, please." Sunlight from the corridor spilled into the doorway, illuminating countless tiny dust particles dancing in the light. Ishitia frowned deeply but did not refuse, stepping into the room. As soon as she entered, she halted abruptly, her eyes widening in uncontrollable shock. In the center of the room lay a series of blood-stained, sinister instruments. They were neatly arranged on an iron rack, their metal constructions reflecting a cold, frightening gleam. Further ahead was a tall wooden cross. A girl in a black dress was bound to it. Her attire was torn, stained with fresh blood, and her exposed skin appeared almost otherworldly pale. Her face and body bore fresh, red whip marks, adding a tragic broodiness to her appearance. Her hands and feet were tightly bound to the cross with iron chains, her head hung low, occasionally emitting weak breaths. At the base of the cross, sprawled on the damp floor, lay another petite figure. Facing inward, her bare feet were visible, each tethered to a heavy iron ball, her shoulders twitching occasionally, indicating she was still alive. Who would have thought that within such an unassuming room lay an intricately designed prison? Ishitia was truly taken aback. Having grown up within the Church and appointed Saintess upon reaching adulthood, she had little experience with the secular world, let alone such a sight. She pressed a hand to her chest in turmoil. Fortunately, she had mentally prepared, and Ishitia soon calmed herself. Raising her head again to look at the pitiful figures, despite knowing they were witches, she couldn't help but feel a whisper of pity. Unlike the decadent nobility, Ishitia led a sheltered life, and such sights were alien to her. The goddess is merciful. So Ishitia closed her eyes, slowly stepping out of the room. Lucius stood at the door, observing her actions with amusement. "What's wrong? Didn't the Saintess wish to see how I execute judgment?" His tone was teasing. "If the Saintess doesn't mind, I could perform a demonstration for you." Saying this, Lucius extended a finger, a spark of electricity flickering at its tip. A wicked grin spread across his face. "After all, these ordinary tools are far from enough for proper judgment." "Would the Saintess like to see the sight of them trembling under my fingertips?" He spread his arms, his expression a perfect balance of twisted enjoyment. Like someone who relished in tormenting others, he said with delight, "I bet you'd enjoy that feeling, wouldn't you?" At his words, Ishitia's scalp tingled. She had never imagined this genius, renowned throughout the empire, possessed such a malevolent side. Any previous semblance of admiration for him dissipated completely. Due to Lucius's status, Ishitia refrained from directly rebuking him. Instead, she courteously suggested, "Lord Lucius, although the witches have sinned gravely, they were once citizens of our Mayan Empire. Please, grant them a swift release." "I believe the goddess will offer them forgiveness in death." (End of Chapter)