Chapter 235
Next, Aivina patiently explained to Xia'er how to obtain the "Performer" potion. After listening, Xia'er fell silent.
This was indeed difficult...
Acquiring the "Performer" potion and the ritual from the royal family was no easy feat.
First and foremost, you had to be a noble.
Secondly, you needed to pass the royal assessments in music theory and instrument performance. Once you met all the requirements, if the royal family determined that you had completed the ritual, they would issue you a certificate.
With this certificate, you would qualify to purchase the potion, but you could only buy one bottle, and you had to consume it under royal supervision.
This was the hardest potion to obtain among known methods, but for Xia'er, it wasn't entirely unfeasible.
All she needed was to spend some predetermined points to raise her music theory and performance skills to at least Level 3, and then study for a while in the simulation—likely not even a month would be needed to pass the assessments smoothly.
As for the ten thousand pounds... acquiring that in the simulation was quite simple; Xia'er had plenty of ways to do so.
"I understand now."
Xia'er nodded and replied, "I'll save up."
After finishing their meal, Xia'er tidied her clothes and appearance before stepping out with Aivina.
Aivina still had some time, so she could accompany Xia'er a little longer.
As they walked side by side toward the Church of the Savior Goddess, Aivina seemed to want to strike up a conversation, so she asked, "What are you going to the Church for?"
"To make a donation."
Xia'er replied.
Whether in reality or in the simulation, Xia'er had taken advantage of the Church of the Savior Goddess too many times. After all, this was a world with extraordinary powers, and it didn't surprise her that gods truly existed.
To avoid incurring the "Goddess's" wrath or punishment, Xia'er planned to make a donation, just to ease her conscience.
After all, there might be plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the Church of the Savior Goddess in the future.
After crossing South-North Stone Street, Xia'er and Aivina stood at the church entrance. However, Aivina stopped at the steps, letting Xia'er enter alone.
Given Aivina's special status, she didn't want to cause any misunderstandings by going in with Xia'er.
Once inside the bell tower church, Xia'er didn't linger. She quickly slipped two ten-pound notes into the donation box, bowed in the direction of the statue, and silently murmured, "I apologize for my past offenses."
After completing this, Xia'er turned to leave, but soon she heard a somewhat familiar voice behind her.
"As long as your heart is sincere enough, the Goddess may bless you, child."
Upon hearing this gentle voice, Xia'er turned around and, as expected, saw a familiar silver-haired figure.
High Priestess Yulisi.
At that moment, the church was empty, and Yulisi sat alone on a bench, smiling as she looked in Xia'er's direction. When she heard Xia'er's footsteps stop, she continued, "Is this faithful one troubled by something?"
"Sorry, I'm not a believer."
Xia'er shook her head.
This was her first real encounter with High Priestess Yulisi in reality; in the simulation, they had interacted many times, and Yulisi had helped her quite a bit.
"Hmm?"
Yulisi paused for a moment, curiously asking, "I heard you just now... you put in two banknotes, right? Ten pounds each?"
"Twenty pounds."
Knowing that lies wouldn't fool Yulisi, Xia'er spoke the truth.
"You’re quite generous..."
Yulisi's mouth fell slightly open, seemingly surprised.
While other churches might have many donors, it was rare to see such a large donation at the Church of the Savior Goddess.
After all, other churches typically had connections with wealthy merchants and nobles, and their congregations included many affluent individuals, so donations were never lacking.
But the Church of the Savior Goddess often found itself at odds with nobles and merchants, and its main followers were usually poor farmers and workers. The donations from a parish barely covered the cost of distributing relief grain.
This was also the main reason why the church's servants quickly went bankrupt after becoming "ascetics"; they donated all their money to the church and had to take on other jobs to support it.
It was only thanks to the Church of the Savior Goddess's past prosperity that it had managed to survive until now; otherwise, the diocese would have long since been in the red.
So, when Yulisi encountered such a rare potential donor who made a significant one-time contribution, she felt a calling to evangelize.
"If you don’t mind, you can follow me to the private prayer room. I can guide you in a prayer, so the Goddess can hear your wishes."
Yulisi offered a friendly smile, extending her right hand toward Xia'er.
"Don't worry, it will just be the two of us girls in the private prayer room; no one will disturb us."
To ease any doubts Xia'er might have, Yulisi explained.
But the moment she said that, it reminded Xia'er of the time she had been taken to a private prayer room and tricked into having her face pinched for an entire night.
Xia'er twitched her lips and replied, "No, I have something very important to do later. I don’t have time."
"Oh, I see... I wish you success in your endeavors, and may the Goddess bless you."
Upon hearing Xia'er’s words, Yulisi didn’t press further. She simply offered a few well-wishing words and watched as Xia'er left.
However, as Xia'er’s footsteps faded away, a hint of confusion crossed Yulisi's face.
Strange... why did that child sound a bit melancholic just now? As if I had done something to her.
Do I know her?
Yet, Yulisi did remember the girl’s voice and scent; if they met again, she would recognize her immediately.
Whether it was Yulisi's imagination or not, she felt that the girl seemed a bit unstable.
Yulisi shook off her thoughts, not dwelling on them too much. Just as she stood up to walk into the side corridor, a figure blocked her path.
"Your Grace."
Yulisi slightly bowed her head, addressing the figure respectfully.
"There is a matter of utmost urgency."
The figure, shrouded in white robes and a white mask, spoke emotionlessly, "We need to return to the diocese."
A matter of utmost urgency?
Yulisi paused for a moment.
She had never heard that term before, but it was easy to guess the danger it implied.
"Yes, Your Grace. I will arrange for the handover immediately."
Yulisi replied.
"No need. Just come with me."
The masked bishop spoke slowly, his tone flat yet carrying an air of finality that brooked no refusal.
Originally intending to take the opportunity during the handover to remind her sister to stay safe, Yulisi could only nod and follow the bishop toward the back door, where they boarded the carriage back to the diocese.
...
"You can visit your family and friends on your own; I won’t intrude."
Aivina glanced at her pocket watch before looking at Xia'er and saying, "I need to prepare for the banquet... remember, four o'clock."
"Got it."
Not long after leaving the Church of the Savior Goddess, Aivina bid farewell to Xia'er.
She knew Xia'er was about to reconnect with her family. Although she had met Xia'er's sister before, it hadn't been a very formal encounter.
Now, she wasn't quite ready to introduce herself to Xia'er's sister, so it was best not to intrude for the time being.
Aivina boarded the carriage back to the manor, while Xia'er found a carriage headed for Gem Avenue.
It was already ten in the morning. She had slept a bit longer this time, but the upside was that she felt much more refreshed.
If she could continue receiving Aivina's healing, Xia'er felt she could steadily restore her mental state.
However, she also had to consider Aivina's own mental endurance... She would need to discuss it with Aivina later to come up with the most suitable treatment plan.
Before long, the carriage brought Xia'er to the entrance of the "Crystal" jewelry store on Gem Avenue. As soon as she got out, she spotted Lichi, who was busy polishing the glass display cases inside.
This time, Xia'er didn't just stand outside watching; she walked straight into the jewelry store and pushed open the door.
"Welcome to 'Crystal.'"
Seemingly surprised that someone had come so early—most of the wealthy ladies usually visited in the evening—Lichi quickly turned her back, hurriedly putting on the mask that hung around her neck.
But soon, she felt a jolt at her waist, as if something had rushed over and hugged her from behind.
"Xia'er?"
Almost instantly, the name slipped from Lichi's lips. When she turned to look, she indeed saw a familiar smiling face.
No one else had ever hugged her like this except for her sister.
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