Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Untitled
The reactions from the crowd were quite interesting.
In Ji Ma’s impression, George had always been calm and wooden. The only **hope was the severely victimized George by a female QJ, who, at this moment, wore a joyous expression, smiling like a fool.
Cardinal Gregory did not act as he had imagined he would. His bony fingers pressed tightly on the table, and he cast a deep glance at Ji Ma.
The metal-faced archbishop said, “I request to test again.”
Gregory replied, “No need; after examining for so long, it is impossible for there to be an error.”
Someone whispered, “So…”
The court quickly fell silent. The cardinals realized that the sanctuary faced a problem they had never encountered before.
They had to acknowledge the succubus named Ji Ma.
Due to the requirements of faith, this trial was publicly held in the sanctuary as per regulations. This meant the sanctuary would have to officially acknowledge the existence of a succubus. The series of issues and changes that this would bring was unsettling.
“What do we do about the fact that our texts state that succubi are inherently evil?”
“Change it to ‘in most cases, inherently evil, and should be treated with caution.'”
“You can make the changes; with so many books, it can be exhausting.”
“Won’t this cause negative consequences, leading people to lower their guard against demons or even harbor unrealistic fantasies about them?”
“… At least, we have no reason to restrict the personal freedom of the succubus Ji Ma, unless she commits a crime…”
Gregory spoke up, saying, “Alright, succubus Ji Ma. You have succeeded. I have a suggestion, a private suggestion. If you choose to turn and leave right now, I am willing to personally provide you with compensation—”
Before he could finish, Ji Ma raised her hand and said with a serious expression:
“No! I want to stay with George. The sanctuary is a bright, open, and law-abiding organization. Outside is filled with ignorant masses who have never read a book. I fear I would be hanged in just a few days if I go out. Staying here makes me feel secure.”
Gregory looked at Ji Ma, silent and unresponsive.
Ji Ma knew that Gregory was warning her. If she revealed even a hint of vulnerability, he would latch onto her like a shark smelling blood.
But after finally tricking the detection system, if she didn’t take advantage of it, would she still be human?
George said, “I request to absorb Ji Ma, to officially make her my attendant.”
Someone let out a nearly powerless voice: “The sanctuary is going to accept a succubus?”
Ji Ma said, “Please be careful with your wording. Thank you. After all, we will have to see each other often. By the way, where do I join the faith?”
The metal-faced archbishop’s voice sounded unusually dull: “I suggest you consider reporting to the Goddess of Beauty. I believe their doctrines align very well with you. The sanctuary will issue you a certificate affirming that you are a harmless succubus.”
Ji Ma knew about the Goddess of Beauty’s sect; it prioritized love, and its followers were passionate and uninhibited, even being called promiscuous without regard for worldly morals. In short, it was a sect that encouraged affairs.
“This is discrimination. Doesn’t the sanctuary have an anti-discrimination department? I want to file a complaint.”
“My lords, I have a proposal,” George said, “Ji Ma’s transformation indicates one thing. Even a succubus can be redeemed and walk the path toward goodness; we should promote this vigorously.”
The cardinals fell silent again, watching George in silence.
Ji Ma felt as if George was saying something so naive and childish that it was laughable.
Gregory interlocked his fingers, resting his chin upon them, and said, “This matter must be handled with caution.”
George asked, “Don’t you still believe Ji Ma?”
Without a hint of tact or a load of meaningless words, the three cardinals gave the same straightforward reply:
“No.”
“We are concerned that this is a conspiracy.”
“By definition, this is prejudice; we do not deny it.”
George’s smile faded as he looked at the cardinals with a hint of anger:
“Are you really going to ignore the regulations?”
“No, since that’s how it has been deemed, we will not violate it.”
“On the next day, at eight in the morning, we will announce the result of this trial on the bulletin board: succubus Ji Ma is not guilty, and we will also agree to your application to absorb her as your attendant. However, we will not promote her as a typical example. We respect the law but still hold onto our views.”
What followed was a string of straightforward, unvarnished exchanges.
Ji Ma found this way of communication novel. It was blunt enough to openly express prejudices against her without any embellishment.
It seemed there was no moral coercion within the sanctuary? They actually didn’t hide their malice behind some grandiose ideas? Did they not fear being criticized for being low? It must be that the sanctuary encouraged this…
In the end, the discussion yielded results.
George was allowed to continue guiding Ji Ma on the path of goodness, to internally promote her as harmless and an exception among succubi, and she was granted the right to reside within the sanctuary, as well as personal freedom.
Any day she said, “I’m done,” she could just walk away.
She could even take on tasks within the sanctuary, using points in the internal market to exchange for various items.
However, every time she undertook a task, it had to go through scrutiny, and some sensitive areas were off-limits to her. Furthermore, the sanctuary would maintain silence regarding Ji Ma’s existence to the outside world.
After the announcement, with the sound of a gavel striking, all the believers of the God of Dawn present stood up and prayed together:
“May God witness that there is no concealment at all.”
A beam of light fell upon the record.
Ji Ma lowered her head, knowing full well that she held no reverence for God, yet she understood the principle that one does not die if one does not seek death.
After the trial, George appeared somewhat unhappy. With a look of regret in his blue eyes, he said to Ji Ma:
“I didn’t realize the cardinals still held such a strong prejudice against you at the end. I apologize to you on their behalf.”
Ji Ma didn’t take it to heart, not at all. Because she was the one orchestrating the schemes. She had deceived George, tricked the detection system, but not a group of seasoned veterans.
She waved her hand and said, “It’s fine, I’m used to it.”
“You are so kind.”
George said, standing up, and walked directly towards the cardinal who was descending from the trial seat to confront him.
Ji Ma observed this scene and gained a new understanding of George’s status within the sanctuary. In the sanctuary, George and the cardinals did not have a simple superior-subordinate relationship. It was unclear whether it was because George held a high position or due to his being a strong talent that granted him privileges.
The debate between George and Gregory grew particularly heated as they argued while walking out the door.
Ji Ma contained the impulse to run up and show off to Gregory. Although she had an advantage now, the relationship between Gregory and George was very close. Go up and show off would only make George dislike her.
Outside the court.
It was a wide road paved with marble. Few people knew that the court was trying a succubus today. Thus, there were very few people, and one of them was Saint Jenna, who had been waiting outside for a long time.
It was to see George as soon as possible and to comfort his hurt heart in time.
Regardless, her steadfast belief had been contradicted; George must be very sad.
Saint Jenna silently thought, standing peacefully in place.
From behind the court’s large door, the sounds of arguing could be heard dimly, and the door was pushed open.
The first to walk out were George and Gregory. Neither said a word; George pursed his lips tightly, looking displeased ahead, while Gregory shook his head, not even greeting anyone, and directly turned to leave.
It must be because Gregory wanted to personally burn the succubus, which led to their argument.
Saint Jenna approached George and said:
“George, don’t be sad. Some things are just like that. You did nothing wrong.”
George said, “I don’t understand. I was just doing the right thing. Why has it turned out like this?”
Because the succubus is inherently evil.
Saint Jenna said, “Let’s not talk about this sad matter. A few days ago was your coming-of-age birthday, and you haven’t celebrated yet, right? I just so happen to have prepared a cake. Let’s invite some friends to celebrate together tonight.”
“Okay.”
Saint Jenna couldn’t help but excitedly clench her hands. Other friends of George coincidentally went out on a task, and as for Gregory? They just argued today, and he had promised her that he wouldn’t participate in George’s birthday celebration.
This meant that tonight would be a precious time for just the two of them.
“I have something very important to discuss.” Saint Jenna rarely smiled and tried to keep her tone calm, saying, “I’ll tell you tonight.”
“Mm.” George replied, “Should I invite a few friends as well?”
Invite whoever you like; tonight is just us two.
“Sure, the more the merrier.”
George turned his head and called out: “Ji Ma? It’s my birthday tonight; will you join us?”
About ten meters behind George, a stranger with black hair asked, “Is the saintess… going too?”
“Mm.”
“Okay, count me in.”
Ji Ma ran over and stood beside George.
Saint Jenna hesitated, “She… she is?”
“Let’s have some introductions,” Ji Ma smiled, revealing her small fangs, her gaze lingering on Saint Jenna’s prominent chest, and said, “My name is Ji Ma, I am a succubus. We met two months ago.”
