Meanwhile, Charlie was preparing for the upcoming purification ritual.

Hector had told them to schedule it immediately, but Tanner had delayed it for various reasons.

This was all because of Charlie.

She avoided even the mention of the word s*x.

If Charlie were forced to go through a series of purification rituals, it would only increase her resistance.

But contrary to his worries, Charlie had returned to her usual self.

Therefore, there was no longer any reason or need to delay.

“Here is the list of candidates for the upcoming purification ritual.”

Tanner handed the documents to Hector.

Hector, who had been reviewing the defense industry matters of the duchy, fixed his gaze on them.

But only for a moment. Hector flipped through the papers and spoke indifferently.

“Do as you see fit.”

Charlie, who had been building an amusement park with small blocks, glanced at them.

Even if it was for five or ten minutes, the fact that he would be mixing bodies with someone seemed to matter little to Hector. He appeared to have no interest beyond the purification itself.

If it were her, she would have meticulously checked who was there and what they looked like, filled with personal interest.

“Then I will choose a noble lady of high dignity, as before.”

Tanner picked up the documents he had placed down.

Just as he was about to leave, he made eye contact with Charlie, who was staring at him intently.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Miss Charlie? Is there a problem?”

“No, I just find it interesting.”

At that moment, the sound of the pen scratching on paper stopped.

Tanner’s lips curled slightly as he glanced at Hector.

“This is perfect timing. If you’re not busy, could you help choose a partner for the purification ritual?”

“Me?”

Despite feeling Hector’s sharp gaze, Tanner sat down beside Charlie with a sly smile.

“Because you’re the guide.”

Soon, the list of female candidates was spread out where the blocks had been.

Unlike before, when the focus was on holy power, this time the candidates were selected based on personality, resulting in a variety of candidates from different families and appearances.

“All of these…….”

Are these women really willing to have s*x with Hector?

Charlie’s mouth dropped open as she looked at the attached portraits.

Each one had such outstanding looks that they took her breath away.

Of course, they weren’t as beautiful as the person in the mirror, but still.

The thought that if she had high holy power, she would have dominated the social scene seemed perfectly reasonable.

“These are the candidates for His Grace’s purification ritual.”

Tanner pulled the documents of a particular candidate in front of Charlie.

“This lady is the daughter of a Viscount. Her holy power is at the intermediate level among Masters, but she is known for her virtuous and elegant character.”

The document Tanner presented had a portrait of an innocent-looking woman.

“She’s pretty.”

Charlie couldn’t help but exclaim at the charming atmosphere that seemed ready to smile at any moment.

“Is she?”

“She’s very feminine.”

“As expected, it seems the eyes of the same gender are different.”

“Why?”

“She is known to have a very feminine personality.”

“Really?”

Charlie picked up the document and looked closely at the woman’s portrait.

Hector’s pen tip was still at a standstill.

Tanner, subtly observing Hector, presented the next candidate.

“This lady is the daughter of a baron. Her holy power is at the lower level among Masters, but she is known to be quiet and timid.”

The portrait handed to Charlie next depicted a woman looking slightly downward as if shy.

Charlie naturally thought of Liliana.

Being a Zero, Liliana had low self-esteem and was timid.

She never had more than one line of dialogue, mostly consisting of ‘Ah……. Uh…….’.

Or it was just moaning.

Charlie glanced at Hector unconsciously.

Could he have a s*xual preference for forcibly taking women who said no…….

“Charlie.”

At that moment, a chilling voice seeped through Hector’s clenched teeth.

“Yes?”

“Don’t think strange thoughts. It dirties the pheromones.”

“D-dirty how?”

Hector, ignoring the horrified Charlie, spoke to Tanner.

“Stop talking nonsense and just pick anyone.”

“Oh my god, if you’re going to pick just anyone, you might as well choose a woman passing by.”

Charlie grumbled, feeling offended.

“What?”

“Right? Did I say anything wrong?”

Charlie muttered to herself.

Hector let out an exasperated sigh at Charlie’s grumbling.

Tanner’s face was scrunched up, trying to hold back laughter.

“No, what I mean is, you must have preferences, so it’s better to match them as much as possible……. That’s what I’m saying. That way, the purification will go better…….”

Feeling a sudden wave of timidity, Charlie fidgeted with her clothes and changed the subject.

By then, the pen Hector had been holding was already set down.

“Preferences?”

Charlie continued explaining while looking at Hector.

“Like a preferred style. A pure woman, a sensual woman. Or maybe a woman with long hair, or a slender woman. Things like that.”

Hector stared intently at Charlie.

Then he picked up the pen he had set down.

“I have no such thing.”

“Oh, come on, there must be at least one.”

“As long as the holy power is high.”

The sound of the pen tip scratching across the paper echoed in the study.

* * *

The purification partner was decided to be the daughter of a viscount, whom Tanner had pre-selected.

Just as Tanner was gathering the documents and getting ready to leave.

“By the way…….”

Charlie called out to Tanner.

“I really didn’t want to say this……. But work is work, and personal matters are personal.”

Tanner looked puzzled, wondering what she was going to say.

Hector also raised his head to watch Charlie.

“Feel free to speak.”

“The purification ritual takes place at night. After working hours.”

“That’s correct?”

“Overtime pay, you know, for working beyond regular hours, you should be paying 1.5 times the normal wage…….”

* * *

On a night where the moonlight was unusually bright and white.

As scheduled, Hector’s purification ritual arrived.

Having experienced it once before, Charlie appeared more composed than before.

In fact, she even seemed somewhat excited.

After all, this time the purification partner was someone she had already seen in a portrait.

Although still a stranger, knowing the face made a significant difference.

Moreover, Hector had willingly given Charlie her overtime pay.

[Do well, and you might get extra pay too.]

It was a statement she had thrown out, thinking it would be nice but not expecting much. She was a lifesaver and already earned a high base salary, so she thought it wouldn’t matter if it didn’t happen.

But to be promised even more. Performance bonuses could make even a whale dance, and Charlie’s enthusiasm flared up from the depths of her being.

“Just like last time, Miss Charlie, you just need to sit quietly. If you feel exhausted, come out immediately.”

Tanner spoke with a noticeably lighter expression.

Charlie nodded and entered the bedroom where the ritual would take place.

Whether it was the bright moonlight or reduced tension, the room’s scenery seemed to pierce her vision more clearly than before.

The particularly high cushions on the bed, the soft sheets, everything showed Tanner’s consideration.

Through the large glass, the well-manicured central garden was visible.

As she looked around, Charlie felt a bit awkward and tapped her toes while sitting in the chair.

How much time had passed?

Creak— The heavy door made a dull sound as the woman from the portrait entered the room.

* * *