Chapter 26: That’s Why I Hate the Intuitive Kid.

It had been a month since they last met, and Skull’s presence now felt steadier, more reserved.

Yet his once-vibrant blue eyes now seemed as dim as the depths of the sea.

Clearly, he hadn’t shaken off the impact of Suna’s “death.”

Despite his calm expression, his leather armor, chest plate, knee guards, and elbow pads bore noticeable wear and battle scars.

Though the gear looked new, it was evident Skull had undergone intense trials over the past month.

Suna, familiar with the human body, noticed his slight limp favoring his right side and the subtle sluggishness in his breathing.

[Injured left leg and ribs, yet he’s still on this mission to take down this organization? He’s pushing himself too hard. And he hasn’t even gotten proper treatment?]

These thoughts flashed through her mind, and she instinctively raised her hand to cast a healing spell on Skull.

But she stopped herself mid-motion.

[Forget it. I shouldn’t do anything unnecessary. This encounter shouldn’t even be happening.]

Convincing herself, Suna lightly leaped over the broken fifth-floor corridor, brushing past Skull.

As she was about to leave under the watchful eyes of the two golden-tier temple knights, Skull turned his head, though her blessing kept him from noticing her presence.

“Flower scent? It’s so familiar, like the sun…”

[Tch, this is why I hate kids with sharp instincts.]

Grumbling inwardly, Suna, pouting, swiftly sent a water snake to twist open the main valve in the firebox at the corridor’s end before Skull could dwell on it.

As the valve opened, sprinklers activated, dousing the corridor in a water curtain.

The damaged fire pipes in the broken ceiling also gushed water, spilling through the floor’s holes onto the fourth level.

Drenched, Skull’s thoughts were interrupted, and the faint flower scent vanished, no longer detectable.

Though surprised by Suna’s move, the temple knights noticed the faint golden droplets mixed into the water curtain and exchanged knowing smiles.

Skull, feeling a surge of pain at his wounds, frowned slightly but turned away, dismissing the odd moment.

Glancing at Skull as he crossed the broken corridor to join the knights, Suna descended the stairs.

[Well, I ended up acting anyway. But Skull will probably just think his body’s recovering faster due to his constitution. As long as those knights keep quiet…]

Muttering to herself, Suna nimbly dodged the temple’s combat monks bustling about, confident her blessing [Veil of Truth] would keep the knights from recognizing her face.

The knights, seeming to respect her covert actions, didn’t press or interfere.

After leaving RichLikeSoup Company, Suna slipped into an alley, first cutting off the golden-brown branches and Corona Flower crown sprouting from her head.

Waiting for these magical byproducts to fade naturally would take too long, so she neatly trimmed them off.

The pretty branches and flowers felt too nice to discard, so she stored them in her satchel for now.

After ensuring she wouldn’t be mistaken for a flower demon, she visited a clothing store partnered with the temple, using her Golden Branch Temple ID card to buy and change into a ready-made priestly robe.

Suna opted for off-the-rack robes not just to save money but because, as a mimic beast, she often ruined clothes in battle.

“All done. Thanks, boss.”

Waving goodbye to the shop owner, Suna returned to Flintstone Orphanage by noon.

Instead of visiting the three children she’d saved that morning, she was led by a staff member to meet the orphanage director.

“Saintess, are you here to see the children?”

“No, I’m here to further fund the orphanage, Director Brass.”

Her words surprised Director Brass.

He knew she’d donated a substantial sum that morning, but he didn’t question her outright.

Running an orphanage and ensuring a good environment for the children required significant funds.

“On behalf of the children, I thank you for your donation. We’ll use these funds to improve the orphanage’s facilities.”

As Brass spoke, Suna reached into her satchel, pulling out a pile of fragmented golden carvings.

Though respectful of the saintess, Brass’s wide-eyed, skeptical look seemed to say: Where did you steal these valuables? We don’t accept just any donation!

Reading his thoughts, Suna used Corona Magic to melt the golden fragments on the table while patiently explaining.

“Relax, Director Brass. These are just my spoils of war. No one will come looking for this gold.”

“…Still, this doesn’t seem right.”

Unconvinced by her explanation, Brass hesitated, so Suna appealed to his emotions and logic.

“Director Brass, think about how long this gold could sustain the orphanage. You and I share the same wish—to care for these children who’ve lost their families.”

As she finished, she cooled the roughly melted golden sphere with a water snake.

Staring at the crude golden ball—about 500 grams, enough to cover the orphanage’s expenses for half a year—Brass wavered.

Suna didn’t give him a chance to refuse, setting the gold down and standing to leave.

“Well, I’m off. Goodbye, Director Brass.”