Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1393

Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.

The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.

Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay.

Carson recalled Reuben clearly.

Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it was for this reason the temple made an exception to welcome him.

"He has been leaving the temple daily. There was a battle in the capital recently, and many lives were lost. He has been working tirelessly to help guide the souls of the departed. His efforts have truly been remarkable," Carson said.

His tone was filled with great admiration.

"Priests are meant to withdraw from the world. But Father Reuben, who went to the Southern Frontier, is truly an exception. Few priests would do such a thing. He embodies the compassion and devotion that should define our faith."

Carissa listened politely as Carson spoke at length. When he finished, she gave a polite nod and requested him to invite Reuben to meet her. She instructed Carson to tell the priest that a devotee, deeply moved by Reuben's work in the Southern Frontier, wished to make a donation to build a new temple in his honor. She left it to him to choose the location, and assured Carson that a yearly contribution would be provided to support his work.

Carson didn't know Carissa and Violet's identities. Although they were dressed simply and modestly, their demeanor was extraordinary. He assumed they must be ladies or wives from noble families, here to do good deeds and earn merit.

With a respectful nod, he left to find Reuben.

Meanwhile, Oliver was on edge. He had been living in hiding for so long that the news of someone coming to find him struck fear into his heart. When he heard the offer to help build a temple and provide yearly funds, it felt like they were offering to support him.

Once the Earl of Silverstone, Oliver was well aware of the large families who regularly donated to temples in hopes to improve their fortunes. He had never heard of a temple being built specifically for one person, but the idea intrigued him. After all, it would take tens of thousands of silver coins to fund something of that scale.

The lure of profit—powerful, overwhelming—conquered Oliver's fear. He believed no one would suspect him of pretending to be a priest, and he was certain that Zoey would never betray him.

Carissa's strategy had worked.