In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

Holy Light and Hidden Greed

The Church's Grand Banquet

After their decisive victory against the Vampire Lord, Sacred Radiance Church extended an official invitation to Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess. The church, known for its unwavering stance against vampires, was deeply grateful for their actions and wished to honor them with a prestigious award in recognition of their service.

Upon arriving at the church, a young nun named Seraphina greeted them at the entrance.

Seraphina was breathtakingly beautiful, with long silver hair cascading like moonlight, crystal-clear blue eyes, and an ethereal innocence that seemed untouched by the world. She wore the traditional white and gold robes of the church, carrying an aura of pure kindness and serenity. However, her reputation for being a bit absent-minded was well-known among the clergy.

"Welcome, Sir Li Ran and Lady Darkmoon Dragon Princess!" Seraphina greeted them with a dazzling smile. "Please, follow me to the banquet hall! Oh—wait, was I supposed to bring you to the cathedral first?" She tilted her head in confusion.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess sighed, while Li Ran chuckled. "Seraphina, let's go with the banquet first."

The evening proceeded with grandeur. As the banquet reached its climax, Seraphina took the stage. She sang a celestial hymn, her voice weaving a melody so divine that it seemed to transport everyone to a realm of peace and bliss.

The holy resonance of her song had an almost magical effect, bringing tears of joy to some attendees. Even Darkmoon Dragon Princess, who was usually indifferent to religious gatherings, was momentarily captivated.

"She truly has a gift," Li Ran murmured, watching Seraphina in awe.

The Hidden Agenda

After the banquet, Archbishop Carson invited Li Ran for a private discussion.

Once seated in his candlelit chamber, Carson leaned forward with a measured tone.

"Sir Li Ran," he began, "I heard that you possess the means to mass-produce High-Grade Restoration Potions. Is that true?"

Li Ran hesitated before nodding. "Yes, my alchemists and enchanters have refined a formula that makes production more efficient and cost-effective."

Carson's expression darkened slightly. "While such a development is… remarkable, I fear that if these potions flood the market at low prices, the church's sacred healing magic may lose its value. Our divine restoration services are a major pillar of faith. If people no longer rely on the church for healing, they may stray from the path of the Holy Light."

Darkmoon Dragon Princess, who had been listening in silence, instantly frowned. "So you want us to artificially limit production just to maintain the church's financial and social influence?"

Carson kept his calm demeanor. "It is not about influence, but rather maintaining the balance of faith in society."

Li Ran, sensing the delicate nature of the conversation, knew refusing outright could lead to unnecessary conflict. He nodded slightly.

"I understand," he replied. "I'll consider the matter carefully."

Carson smiled in satisfaction.

Just then, Seraphina suddenly entered without knocking, carrying a tray of tea.

"Ah! I forgot to knock again! I'm so sorry, Archbishop Carson!" she gasped, realizing her mistake.

Carson's expression darkened with frustration. "Seraphina, how many times must I remind you about proper decorum?!"

Seraphina flinched but quickly set the tea down before bowing apologetically and hurrying out of the room.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess crossed her arms. "She's pure-hearted but hopelessly clumsy," she muttered.

Li Ran took a sip of his tea, his mind still contemplating Carson's request.

A Late-Night Visitor

Back at their luxury inn, the Moonlight Veil, Darkmoon Dragon Princess had gone to bathe when a knock echoed from the door.

Li Ran opened it, surprised to find Seraphina standing there, clutching the hem of her nun's robe.

"Seraphina?" he asked, puzzled.

She looked hesitant but finally spoke. "Sir Li Ran… I overheard your conversation with the Archbishop. Are you really going to stop producing the High-Grade Restoration Potion?"

Li Ran sighed, rubbing his temple. "I've already given the Archbishop my word. It's… complicated."

Seraphina's bright blue eyes shimmered with distress. "But that potion could save so many lives! Right now, the wealthy nobles are buying up all the potions, and common folk are being forced to suffer in silence. Many die simply because they can't afford healing."

Li Ran felt a pang of guilt, but before he could respond, an annoyed voice interrupted—

"Li Ran, who are you talking to?"

Darkmoon Dragon Princess stormed out of the bathroom, wearing absolutely nothing.

There was a moment of stunned silence.

Li Ran and Seraphina both froze—one from embarrassment, the other from complete shock.

"Ahhhh!" Seraphina yelped and spun around, her face burning red.

Li Ran quickly grabbed a cloak and threw it over Darkmoon Dragon Princess. "At least put something on first!"

Darkmoon Dragon Princess huffed, clearly annoyed. "I heard a girl's voice, so I thought—"

"She's not here for that," Li Ran interjected.

Seraphina, still facing the wall, began explaining everything about the potion crisis and how the commoners were suffering under the church's pricing. Her voice trembled with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke about the people dying from lack of affordable healing.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess grimaced, her frustration toward Carson growing stronger.

Li Ran sighed. "Fine. I'll talk to the Archbishop again tomorrow."

Seraphina beamed with gratitude, wiping her eyes.

The Church's Hypocrisy Exposed

The next day, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess returned to the Sacred Radiance Church.

As they entered the grand cathedral, Carson was standing at the altar, delivering a sermon about the importance of faith and generosity. Around him, commoners and beggars knelt, offering what little they had to the church.

However, Darkmoon Dragon Princess noticed something off—

Despite all the donations pouring in, there was no visible aid being distributed. Instead, the priests encouraged more offerings rather than actually helping the needy.

Her patience snapped.

"Enough with this nonsense!" she suddenly shouted.

The crowd turned in shock, and Carson's expression stiffened.

"You keep preaching about generosity, but all I see is a church taking and never giving!" she accused.

"Lady Darkmoon, such claims are—" Carson started.

She cut him off. "Last night, you asked us to limit potion production to protect your monopoly on healing. Do you deny it?"

Gasps rippled through the congregation. Murmurs of doubt began to spread among the people.

Carson's calm mask cracked slightly. "That matter was a private discussion."

"Not anymore," Darkmoon Dragon Princess declared, arms crossed.

The church erupted into protest, with commoners demanding answers.

In the days that followed, Seraphina secretly helped Li Ran establish a pharmacy distributing affordable High-Grade Restoration Potions.

This caused immense tension between Li Ran's faction and the church, and Li Ran looked around at the towering cathedral.

"This is far from over," he murmured.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess nodded. "The real battle is just beginning."