Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine-Chapter 220 - 219- Treat for the eyes

Count Lockwood was sitting in the reception despite having so much work pending. The reason was unexpected guests from the church who desired to have a meeting with him.

Hades didn't know what could be the reason, but since it was the church, he didn't delay the meeting and invited the people right away.

Now, before him were two church workers, a priest who introduced himself as Lucian, and a nun named Hannah.

"What can I do for you?" Hades asked politely. Considering the situation, he believed it must be about the Trials. After all, the church is working as the center of management for now.

Leaving the decision to a single nation was never considered an option. They trusted the Cathedral and the Saintess for that job. Not only because they have a neutral view of the world but also because of their influence on all four domains.

The first one to speak was the priest, "I have heard things about the Saintess recently. She has been busy going through the domains and assessing the situation."

'It is about Sarah, huh?' Hades muttered under his breath. Somehow, he was not surprised.

"I don't have detailed information but yes, it seems she has been visiting different realms to ensure that we are heading in the right direction." Amanda returned yesterday, and from what she told him, it appears Sarah was mostly spending her time in the Blood Domain, to help Alex train.

However, saying that here would cause problems.

The two church workers shared a glance before Hannah spoke up, "Lord Lockwood, we recently received a message from our liege. However, because of the Saintess' absence, we couldn't discern what the message was."

"Hmm?" Hades' brows drew closer. What are they getting at?"

Lucian spoke first. "As you may already know, the Saintess has requested to be replaced. She gave personal reasons, so we didn't pry."

There was a brief pause, and his tone shifted—heavier now, more serious.

"However, until now, we haven't been able to find a suitable candidate to take her place. You understand, I'm sure, that Saintesses aren't made. They are born—with the ability to carry the hopes of all."

Hannah stepped in, her voice softer but tinged with worry.

"And we have yet to locate anyone who can manifest the light as brilliantly as the current Saintess."

Hades's brow furrowed into a deep frown. He could understand their concern—he also knew Sarah's reasons for wanting to leave the cathedral.

She finally had a reason to be free.

She had someone now. Someone with whom she wanted to share her life.

A moment of silence passed, just enough for the Lord of the House to think through it all before he asked plainly,

"…What do you want me to do?"

"We need time," Hannah said gently, her tone almost pleading. "Until the trials begin, the Saintess cannot leave the Cathedral. Messages may continue to arrive from our liege, each one a thread guiding us toward what lies ahead. So, until the trials commence, all we ask is that she not abandon her post."

Lucian's voice dropped lower, heavier.

"And that can only happen if you, her father, reject her relationship with the man she's chosen."

Hades's glare sharpened, his gaze fixed on the priest.

"You know what you're asking, don't you?"

Lucian did not flinch.

"I'm aware you don't believe in forcing your will on your family. But Sir Lockwood—this isn't just about you. Or me. This is about the future of our world. And whether we like it or not, that world still clings to its Light of Hope."

Both of them lowered their heads before the nun said softly,

"Please, sir Lockwood. Understand the weight of this moment... and act for all of us. The future rests on your shoulders now."

°°°°°°°°°

Somewhere deep within the Beast Realm—

"Lord Lucan was killed?!"

The tribal chiefs had gathered for their monthly meeting when the dreadful news broke. Lucan Attleback, the Elder of the North, was dead.

Barka, the chief of the strongest tribe and one of the most feared warriors in the realm, narrowed his eyes. His voice rumbled like distant thunder as he asked, "What happened? Was his territory attacked?"

(A/N: This is the same Barka who attended Natasha's birthday and met Alex there.)

The messenger bowed slightly, choosing his words with care.

"After his son was killed, Lord Lucan crossed over to the human side. He didn't go to start a war—only took a few guards with him. He just wanted to meet the one who did it... to talk, to see if maybe his son had done something wrong... and even apologize."

The room fell silent.

The messenger's expression darkened. "But the man didn't even let him speak. He devoured Elder Lucan."

"What?" one of the chiefs gasped. "Devoured him? Was it a beast? Only certain beasts can absorb strength by eating others!"

But the messenger shook his head, voice growing colder.

"No, Sir Loden. It wasn't a beast."

He raised his eyes, locking gazes with each chief as the weight of his words sank in.

"It was a human... the same one who caused havoc in the cathedral."

He paused, then uttered the name like a curse.

"Alex."

"…!!"

°°°°°°°°°°°

"Is this the place?" The next morning, Alex and the others arrived at a place that caused their heart to skip a beat.

After all, the scene before their eyes was purely breathtaking.

"This...I never knew this place existed in this region..." Celestria muttered under her breath as she slowly walked forward.

In the middle of the forest, there was a huge fountain. The water was raining down the mountain rocks and meeting the lake on the surface.

The sound of water falling echoed through the forest, calm and soft like a lullaby. Mist rose gently from the surface of the lake, catching the morning sunlight and turning it into a soft golden glow. Birds sang from the treetops, their chirps adding life to the quiet beauty of the place.

Tall trees surrounded the clearing, their leaves dancing with the breeze. The air smelled fresh—full of earth, water, and something sweet, like wildflowers blooming nearby.

Sunlight poured through the gaps in the trees, making the water sparkle as if tiny stars were floating on it.

Water was falling down the mountain, crashing into the lake, and becoming one with it. It was shaped by nature itself. Smooth rocks curve around each other, guiding the crystal-clear water down in layers.

Moss covered the stones like a soft green blanket, and small white flowers grew between them, swaying slightly as droplets landed on their petals.

"I used to come here a lot with my family for picnics," Rebecca told them as a sigh seeped through her lips. It has been so long since she came here.

Sarah felt her mind and heart calming down at the sight as she approached the waterfall and extended her hand to feel the cold water.

Jullie also approached the shore and looked at the water. The small fish were swimming around, making her smile.

Alice's eyes shone at the scene as she kept looking at the pristine water.

Following her gaze, Natasha brought the child near the lake and knelt on the ground.

"Go on, touch it." Natasha encouraged

Alice timidly extended her hand toward the water, and just when her hand touched the water, her eyes turned round.

"Waaa...." a sound too adorable for Natasha's frail heart, came out of the little one's mouth as she moved her hand under the water.

So cold. So good.

"I also want to go inside the water...but I didn't bring my swimsuit." Celestria grumbled as she stared at the water with a desperate look.

Alex pulled out towels from his inventory and asked Sarah, "Can you erect an invisibility barrier around the place?"

Sarah nodded before she extended her hand a greenish hue covered her outstretched arm

A barrier enclosed the whole lake and gave them private space in the open.

Celestria grinned before she took a towel from Alex and so did the others.

Jullie was slightly ashamed, considering she was going to be naked in front of others, that's why Alex suggested, "You don't need to force yourself."

Jullie shook her head, "I am not forcing myself...I also want to have fun." With her cheek bulging slightly she asked, "Am I not allowed to?"

An arrow pierced through his heart, as Alex took a strong gulp. What's with this adorable creature.

He wordlessly handed her the towel before the violet-haired went behind a tree to get changed.

After a few minutes, every single female except for Alice—they had a spare set of clothes for the girl so she didn't change—stood before Alex.

Their pristine skin glowed slightly under the sunlight. The towel only hit beneath her neck and went down to their upper thigh.

Having such a sensual sight right before him, caused his heart to beat quite unnaturally

"Alex~you are giving a predatory look." Sarah teased.

"Am I going to be eaten~" Celestria added with a mischievous smile.

"We indeed came for the hunt...but never knew I'd be hunted~" Rebecca smiled with a blush.

Jullie just lowered her head, her ears red.

Natasha, despite wanting to act indifferent, felt shy as she removed her gaze from him.

R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at free𝑤ebnovel.com Only.

Alex smirked as he removed his shirt, making the girls gasp as they devoured the sight of their male god stripping before them.

Once he was in his shorts, he said, "Today is going a long day for y'all."

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- That should've been m-*cough*. Anyway.