Catherine was sitting in her study, reviewing documents sent by her ministers and nobles.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Mother." Lathel's voice came from outside.
Upon hearing his voice, Catherine immediately closed the document she was reading and called out, "Come in!"
Click!
A maid opened the door. Lathel entered, dressed in a golden robe, his whole body exuding a faint golden aura.
Both Catherine and the maid were taken aback, each thinking the same thing: 'Is that really Lathel?'
Compared to yesterday, he was even more handsome, more captivating, more masculine—and, in fact… Catherine could sense that Lathel was now several times stronger than he had been just a day before.
'Could it be that men change so much after getting married?' Catherine wondered to herself.
Lathel entered the room and courteously knelt on one knee.
"There's no need for so much formality," Catherine waved her hand, indicating she didn't care. "Come, sit across from me."
"Yes, Mother." Lathel bowed his head.
"You don't need to call me 'Mother,' it sounds too formal." Catherine smiled warmly, her manner far friendlier than usual: "Call me Mom."
"Yes, Mom."
"Hahahaha… Did you have fun last night?" Catherine teased.
Lathel sat down in the chair the maid brought over, smiling: "It was wonderful."
Catherine nodded approvingly and said, "Selvia is a good girl—don't make her sad."
"Mother… Mom, even if you hadn't reminded me, I would never hurt her." Lathel replied with a smile.
Catherine sighed, a trace of sadness in her expression: "Lathel, I'm sorry I couldn't give you any talent. You don't blame me, do you?"
"Mom, I'm perfectly fine. I've never blamed you for that," Lathel replied softly, his smile still warm and gentle. "On the contrary, I've always been proud to be your son."
"Even if I could choose again, I would still choose to be your son. Always."
Catherine, hearing his words and seeing his warm smile, felt much more at ease inside.
"Don't worry," Catherine said gently. "Even if you're just an ordinary person, I'll find every way to help you extend your life."
"You just enjoy yourself, and I'll find you more wives to help continue the royal bloodline."
"Thank you, Mom." Lathel truly thanked Catherine.
Inside, he genuinely felt that being a villain was a wonderful thing.
He'd also checked Lucien's background and knew well that Lucien's mother had been a prostitute, abandoned by his father after becoming pregnant.
After giving birth, his mother had been forced to keep entertaining men until she died, just to support him.
As for Lucien, he'd been born and raised in filth at the very bottom of society.
He was looked down on by everyone, abandoned by his own father. And now, upon his return, he was isolated by all—his life filled with nothing but suffering.
And what about Lathel? Even though he was born an ordinary person, his "adoptive mother" loved him deeply.
Everyone around him treated him with all the respect he deserved.
His life was incredibly easy, without any major difficulties—aside from having to face the main character.
As he'd thought before, even if given another chance, he'd still choose to be the villain.
He wasn't the masochistic type who liked to wallow in suffering just to become stronger and then seek revenge.
Enjoying life, enjoying women, and leveling up at the same time was clearly the better way.
"Mother, I came here today to discuss something with you," Lathel said.
Catherine replied, "I already heard from the maid—you wish to attend Carol Magic Academy?"
"That's right, Mom. Honor is something a man must protect, especially when someone challenges my happiness," Lathel said resolutely, his expression bold, eyes burning with determination.
If there were Oscars in this world, they'd probably have to give him a golden statuette right away.
"You're right." Catherine smiled in satisfaction. "My son has grown up."
"Mom, there's something else I want to discuss." Lathel continued.
Seeing Lathel's serious expression, Catherine waved for the maid to leave.
The maid, having served Catherine for many years, understood immediately what was needed.
Once the maid had left and the door was firmly closed, she also gave strict orders that no one was to approach the room.
Inside, Catherine said, "You can speak freely now."
Lathel nodded and said, "Mom, what do you think of the Church?"
Catherine stroked her chin, eyes gazing thoughtfully into the distance. After a while, she said:
"The Church always claims they go around spreading love and compassion, but in truth, they're infiltrating everywhere.
They're recruiting more and more followers, expanding their influence."
"Although our kingdom hasn't been heavily affected, other kingdoms have been swallowed up by the Church—they've even wormed their way into royal families."
"In short, the Church is a giant monster, trying to devour every other power."
Lathel nodded. "Exactly. That's why I want to weaken their influence in our kingdom."
Catherine frowned. "No. Lathel, that's too dangerous. I'll handle it myself. You just need to enjoy your life."
"Mom!" Lathel immediately replied, "If this kingdom disappears, then I'll just become a puppet. How could I enjoy this life anymore?"
Catherine sighed, shaking her head, "But the Church is too terrifying—I can't face them right now."
"Mom, I have a way…" Lathel suddenly flashed a confident smile.
Seeing that smile, with his handsome, warm features, Catherine's heart skipped a beat for a moment—though the strange feeling quickly disappeared.
Catherine steadied herself, asking, "What do you mean…?"
Lathel smiled meaningfully and said, "We don't need to publicly challenge the Church. What we need to do… is simply undermine their credibility."
"Mother, you just need to do this… and then…"
The more Catherine listened, the brighter her eyes became. She burst out laughing: "Hahahaha… Lathel, you really are my guiding light!"
"Good! If this works, I'll make sure Viviane becomes your concubine!"
Lathel simply smiled gently: "As long as I can help you secure the power of this kingdom, I'm already satisfied."
"Hahaha… don't be shy!" Catherine said loudly. "Once you win that duel, I'll let you marry Princess Arinaya!"
"Thank you, Mother."
"No need to thank me." Catherine waved her hand generously, unconcerned. "Just remember to give me plenty of grandchildren to hold, hahahaha…"
Lathel smiled, secretly thinking: *Hopefully, one day you'll be able to hold our child.*
Of course, that was just his own private thought for now—he couldn't say it out loud yet.
"Good! I'll start the plan immediately." Catherine's smile turned cold, her eyes gleaming with a terrifying ruthlessness.
…
Branch of the Radian Church, Kingdom of Terith.
The Radian Church's branch cathedral—though not as magnificent as the Royal Palace—was still imposing, splendid, and steeped in a sacred aura.
In the vast prayer hall, Viviane stood upon a high dais, clad in a pure white gown that swept the floor.
A tall hat adorned her head, detailed with exquisite golden embroidery.
Two golden silk sashes draped from her shoulders, symbolizing the lofty status she held, swaying softly in the breeze.
Viviane closed her eyes, slender hands clasped before her chest, her face serene and holy like a descended angel.
Sunlight streamed through the round window above, shining directly upon her, casting a sparkling halo that made her appear ever more divine, beyond the reach of mortals.
Below, thousands of believers knelt in silence, their faces filled with reverence, eyes closed, lips whispering prayers.
In that moment, no one dared speak.
The entire space was filled only with the murmur of prayers—their faith, loyalty, and veneration wholly devoted to Viviane, whom they saw as the embodiment of sacred light.
BAM!
Suddenly, the cathedral's main doors burst open violently, shattering the solemn silence.
Viviane slowly opened her eyes, a flash of anger passing through them, but she quickly took a deep breath, regaining her composure.
She looked toward the entrance and saw a group of Royal Knights in white armor, adorned with red emblems.
"Royal Knights?" Viviane murmured. "What are they doing here?"
Although puzzled, she remained silent, choosing to watch what would happen next.
Leading the Royal Knights was a knight clad in red armor. He looked at Viviane, his expression cold and indifferent: "Saintess Viviane, I hope you can give me a satisfactory answer."
Viviane asked, confused, "What do you mean?"
The knight didn't answer, simply raising his hand.
Immediately, two other knights dragged a middle-aged man inside the cathedral and threw him to the floor.
Seeing the man, Viviane frowned, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.
The Knight Captain announced loudly, so that everyone present could hear:
"Saintess Viviane, I suspect you have colluded with spies from another kingdom to steal the national treasury and the relief funds meant for the people of Terith.
Please explain everything—if you cannot provide a satisfactory answer, I will have to take you in for investigation."
"What?!"