A sparse scattering of clouds drifted across the afternoon sky, with a distant flock of birds flying past.

Far from the dense crowds of the commercial district on the other side of the riverbank, a gentle breeze caressed Florence's cheeks, causing her eyes to widen.

The clamor of people, the music of wandering minstrels, and the laughter and singing of who-knows-who all carried to this place.

"Loren..."

Florence had intended to ask Loren to release her, as being pressed so closely against a man's chest made her exceptionally uncomfortable. However, sensing Loren's remorseful mood, she found herself unable to push him away.

Time seemed to slow down.

Splendidly dressed merchants and energetic residents bustled along the roads outside the square, surrounded by imposing buildings, many adorned with ancient statues of legendary deities.

The statues of the Goddess of Destiny were watching them.

Finally.

Florence slowly raised her hand and patted Loren on the back.

"Loren, see? I'm doing just fine, aren't I?"

Florence said to him.

Back then, they weren't as strong as they were now, or rather, Loren wasn't as strong as he was now. They often supported each other like brothers when wounded on the battlefield.

[Loren, pay attention to the time, and stop hugging her.]

The dating coach reminded him.

Upon hearing this, Loren subconsciously released Florence.

It was the first time he had heard the coach's voice sound so anxious.

Perhaps he was too excited to see his close friend and had forgotten the time. He should chat with his friend for a bit and then say goodbye.

He couldn't continue to lose himself in the moment.

But then again.

He definitely felt more relaxed and at ease when hanging out with guys.

"..."

After being released by Loren, Florence took a small step back, gazing at Loren.

Even though Loren didn't know she was a girl, they were still of different genders.

It had been fine when she was wearing armor earlier, but the physical contact just now had been excessive. It might even be considered quite improper in the eyes of the gods.

"Florence, how long are you planning to stay in I刻里忒 (I刻里忒) this time?"

Loren asked, seeing that Florence hadn't said anything.

He didn't even know when Florence had arrived, and she hadn't notified the church either.

It wasn't until yesterday that his close friend suddenly contacted him, saying that she had arrived in I刻里忒 (I刻里忒) and wanted to see him.

This kind of situation usually only occurred when she was carrying out higher-level missions for the Southern Continent Kingdom Union Council, and Loren didn't want to pry too much.

"I might be returning to the Canberra Kingdom soon, or I might be staying in Hutton for a long time. The specific situation depends on my mission. I'm sorry, I can't reveal it."

Florence replied with a hint of apology.

She actually hoped to stay in I刻里忒 (I刻里忒) for a longer period, since she had finally crossed the Southern Continent from the Canberra Kingdom on the central-western side to the Hutton Kingdom on the far east.

Ever since the last Divine Official examination, she had been constantly worried about Loren's physical condition.

Recently, Loren had been under constant public pressure, always at the center of controversy, and she didn't know how to help him.

If only she could be by his side, taking care of him from time to time.

"Have you seen Monasite?"

Loren had known for a long time that Student Council President Monasite was Florence's younger brother.

Monasite hadn't returned to the Canberra Kingdom for several years. If he didn't go back to inherit the family, Florence would have to inherit it, but Loren felt that Florence didn't really like being tied down by her family.

"Of course, thank you for taking care of him all this time."

Florence nodded.

"It's nothing, he's been helping me deal with troublesome matters at the academy."

"Speaking of which, is Monasite planning to go back?"

Loren asked.

"I think he's found happiness now. I'll have to deal with Dad myself."

Florence shook her head with a smile.

At first, her younger brother just wanted to come to the Hutton Kingdom to see if his sister's close friend was a reliable man. Over time, Monasite integrated himself into life in I刻里忒 (I刻里忒).

"Is that so..."

Loren muttered to himself.

"During my time in I刻里忒 (I刻里忒), if I don't have any matters with the Southern Continent Union Council, I'll mostly be at your I刻里忒 (I刻里忒) Academy and the Temple of the Goddess of Destiny. It'll be easy for you to find me."

Now that Student Council Vice President Asina was no longer at the academy, many of the Xian Zhe Yuan (賢者院) work that Asina had been responsible for had become the responsibility of President Monasite. Monasite and Loren had more contact on a daily basis.

"Monasite basically knows where I am."

Florence said earnestly.

"I'm really sorry. I've been tied up with matters lately. You came to I刻里忒 (I刻里忒), and I haven't been able to take you out for a day."

Loren looked at the distant clock tower and said apologetically.

"There's still plenty of time. When you're not busy next time, we'll go together."

Florence waved her hand casually.

"No problem."

Loren nodded.

"Then, it's a promise?"

Florence smiled with great interest.

"Yes."

Loren replied.

[...]

...

On the distant ancient tower of the Temple Square, the highest floor was supported by only a few stone pillars. The hollowed-out walls were protected by glass railings. Lanqi sat in front of these railings, holding a sketchbook in his hand and a standing telescope in front of him, like a painter sketching from nature. At the same time, he watched Loren and Florence on the distant square.

He suddenly cut off his headset and covered his face.

"Meow meow, what's wrong?"

The cat boss burrowed into Lanqi's arms, stood up, and looked through Lanqi's telescope, seeing the two people embracing tightly in the square.

"Meow meow?!"

The cat boss was also startled.

"It's not a big deal."

Lanqi released his hand and shook his head.

Although he had received a commission from Loren, he had also received a commission from Miss Florence. In order to protect her privacy, he could not reveal Florence's information and secrets. This was his basic professional ethics.

What Lanqi didn't expect was that Loren's feelings for Florence were so deep.

After all, Lanqi had not gossiped too much with the president about the past between the high priest and the holy knight captain.

"This isn't a big deal?! Think about it carefully. Loren abandoned his date, hid it from her, and ran to the other side to hug another girl meow. What kind of behavior is this?"

The cat boss questioned.

"Does Loren know he's hugging a girl?"

Lanqi lowered his head and asked the little black cat.

"Doesn't know meow."

The cat boss replied.

"Then, subjectively, did he intend to do something 'to let Juliana down'?"

Lanqi asked again.

"No meow..."

The cat boss muttered.

"So Loren is not a渣男 (zha nan - scumbag) at all. He's just a good man."

Lanqi picked up the cat boss and said.

The cat boss tilted its head forty-five degrees and stared blankly for a long time, as if its brain had crashed.

It felt that if it met Lanqi in court, it might only take two or three sentences for Lanqi to send it in.

"Then what are you going to do meow?"

The cat boss asked.

It was worried that Loren would die a terrible death one day.

"Of course, I'll be the matchmaker to the end. As long as I'm here, Loren won't fall."

Lanqi clenched his fist confidently.

Although the challenge had been upgraded, his enthusiasm had also been ignited.

If Loren and Miss Florence were also soulmates, then he would naturally tie the knot for them!

Nothing is impossible.

(End of this chapter)