Episode 5| The Handsome new Priest
The road to the capital was long.
Riley—currently in the form of a young man—didn’t mind the journey at all.
For the first time since arriving in this world, she was able to truly observe it.
Rolling green fields stretched across the countryside, dotted with small farms and windmills that turned lazily in the breeze. Merchants traveled along the roads with wooden carts, while adventurers passed by occasionally with swords strapped to their backs.
It was peaceful.
Very different from the chaotic world Mikayla had come from.
Riley adjusted the simple cloak resting over her shoulders as she walked. Her short golden hair moved lightly with the wind, and the sunlight reflected off it in bright strands.
Every now and then, travelers passing by would glance at her twice.
It wasn’t difficult to understand why.
Even in her male form, Riley’s appearance was striking.
Her sharp green eyes and refined facial features gave her an almost noble-like charm. Combined with her tall, fit build, the result was a very handsome young man.
Unfortunately…
Her clothes ruined the illusion somewhat.
The rough fabric of her commoner outfit clearly revealed her background.
No nobleman would ever travel dressed like that.
Riley didn’t mind.
“Better they underestimate me,” she murmured to herself.
After several days of travel, the towering walls of the capital finally appeared in the distance.
The city was magnificent.
White stone walls stretched high into the sky, and beyond them stood tall spires, noble estates, and the grand structures of the kingdom.
But one building stood above all others.
The Grand Temple.
Its towering marble pillars and golden domes gleamed beneath the sun like a beacon of divine authority.
Riley smiled faintly.
“That’s the place I’m scamming.”
---
Inside the capital, the streets were far busier than the countryside.
Carriages rolled across the cobblestone roads while elegantly dressed nobles walked confidently among the crowds.
Servants followed closely behind their masters, carrying shopping bags and packages.
Riley quickly noticed the difference between herself and everyone else.
Nobles wore rich fabrics.
Priests wore pristine white robes.
And she…
Looked like a handsome but obvious commoner boy.
Several nobles glanced at her with mild curiosity before quickly losing interest.
But one person didn’t.
A young lady standing near the temple entrance suddenly stopped walking.
Her eyes widened slightly as she stared at Riley.
“…Oh.”
The noblewoman blinked several times.
Handsome.
Very handsome.
The young man approaching the temple looked like someone straight out of a romantic painting.
Golden hair.
Sharp green eyes.
Tall and elegant despite his simple clothes.
If he were dressed properly, people might mistake him for nobility.
The young lady hesitated for a moment before approaching him.
“Excuse me,” she said politely.
Riley turned toward her.
“Yes?”
The noblewoman almost forgot what she was about to say.
His voice is nice too…
She cleared her throat quickly.
“Are you… planning to enter the temple?” she asked.
Riley nodded.
“I’m here to apply as a priest.”
The noblewoman blinked again.
“…A priest?”
Riley nodded calmly.
“I have some talent with holy magic.”
The young lady studied him carefully.
Normally, the temple rejected commoners immediately.
But something about this young man made her hesitate.
Perhaps it was curiosity.
Perhaps it was admiration.
Or perhaps…
She simply wanted an excuse to help someone this handsome.
“Well,” she said after a moment, “the temple usually doesn’t allow commoners to apply directly.”
Riley expected that.
However, the young lady suddenly smiled.
“But I might be able to help.”
Riley raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
“My uncle is one of the higher-ranking priests,” she explained proudly. “I can introduce you.”
Riley’s eyes gleamed faintly.
That was faster than expected.
“I would appreciate that.”
The noblewoman straightened slightly, clearly pleased.
“Follow me.”
She led Riley through the enormous temple gates.
Inside, the building was even more impressive.
Golden statues lined the halls while sunlight streamed through colorful stained glass windows.
Priests in elegant white robes walked through the corridors with dignified expressions.
The noblewoman guided Riley to a large chamber deeper within the temple.
An older man dressed in luxurious priest robes stood near a long table covered with documents.
“Uncle,” the young lady called.
The priest looked up.
“Yes?”
“I brought someone who wishes to apply as a priest.”
The older man glanced at Riley.
His expression immediately showed disapproval.
“A commoner?” he said flatly.
Riley remained calm.
“I understand your concerns,” he said politely. “But I possess light magic.”
The priest snorted.
“Many claim that.”
Riley slowly raised his hand.
A faint golden glow appeared in his palm.
The light was gentle.
Soft.
Weak.
Exactly the level Riley had practiced.
The priest’s eyes widened slightly.
“…Healing magic?”
Riley nodded.
“I can perform minor healing.”
The priest stepped closer.
“Show me.”
Riley walked toward a small plant sitting on a nearby table.
One of its leaves had clearly wilted.
He placed his hand above it.
A small pulse of golden light flowed from his palm.
Within seconds, the leaf straightened and regained its healthy color.
The room fell silent.
The priest stared at the plant.
Then he looked back at Riley with a completely different expression.
“…Interesting.”
The noblewoman smiled proudly as if she had discovered him herself.
The priest stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“This level of control… at your age…”
He turned to Riley again.
“What is your name, young man?”
Riley answered without hesitation.
“Ryan.”
It was the first male name that came to mind.
The priest nodded slowly.
“Well, Ryan… I believe the temple could use someone like you.”
Riley bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Father.”
The priest placed his hands behind his back.
“You will begin as a low-ranking priest trainee,” he explained. “Your duties will be simple at first.”
Riley nodded obediently.
Inside, however—
She was smiling like a victorious scammer.
The priest continued speaking.
“If you work diligently, you may one day become a pure and righteous High Priest.”
He shook his head slightly.
“Something this temple desperately needs.”
Riley noticed the subtle bitterness in his voice.
It seemed even the priests themselves had problems with the current High Priest.
That was good information.
Very good information.
Riley bowed once more.
“I will do my best.”
And just like that—
The scam had officially begun.
The handsome young priest named Ryan had taken his first step into the heart of the temple.