An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge - Chapter 177

Chapter 177: Esmeralda Clair
“So, what’s your godmother like?” Arthur asked, glancing at Eveline as their carriage rocked gently along the cobbled path.

As promised the night before, he was accompanying her to meet her godmother. The church loomed closer with every passing minute.

Eveline’s eyes brightened at the question. “She’s an incredible woman. She’s cared for every orphan in the church, including me. To all of us, she’s a mother figure.” Her voice held deep admiration. “She’s also the head nun.”

Arthur raised an eyebrow. “Can a head nun just leave the central church like that?”

“Not usually,” Eveline admitted, then added proudly, “But when it’s a matter of meeting the Saintess, exceptions are made.”

Arthur smirked at her boastful tone. “Well, I won’t argue with that. You do look like a real Saintess today.”

Eveline’s cheeks tinged pink at the unexpected compliment.

She was adorned in a long, flowing white dress. The loose priestly robes covered every inch of her, exuding purity, yet it only served to enhance her natural grace. A delicate white wreath rested upon her head, and her soft silver hair fluttered like a veil in the wind.

The rest of the journey passed in playful conversation and light-hearted flirting.

Before long, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the grand church.

As soon as they stepped inside, a wave of bows greeted them. The priests and nuns all lowered their heads in deep respect, their gazes reverent.

Eveline, ever the embodiment of grace, maintained an air of quiet dignity, walking elegantly beside Arthur, her presence commanding the room without effort.

“They really respect you, huh?” Arthur observed, glancing at the bowing priests and nuns as they passed. He also caught several curious glances directed his way.

Eveline smiled, carrying herself with the elegance expected of a saintess. “They’re just showing their devotion to the Church.”

Before Arthur could respond, a high-ranking priest approached with a warm but measured expression. “The Head Nun is expecting you in the main chamber.”

Then, turning to Arthur, he offered a polite nod. “Welcome to the Church of Light, young master Arthur Ludwig. It is an honor to have you here.”

Arthur returned the greeting with an easy smirk. “Likewise, Head Priest. Let’s not keep her waiting, then.”

They made their way toward the inner sanctum, their footsteps echoing through the grand halls. As they neared an ornate door, a nun stationed outside stepped forward, blocking their path.

“The Head Nun is currently in prayer. You will need to wait—”

Before she could finish, Eveline walked past her without hesitation. “It’s fine. We won’t disturb her.”

Arthur followed, stepping into the dimly lit chamber. His attention was immediately drawn to the grand statue towering over them—Seraphina, the Goddess of Light. The craftsmanship was impeccable, but to Arthur, something was… off.

He frowned, muttering under his breath, “Who the hell sculpted this? It doesn’t even come close to the real thing.”

The memory of his awakening flickered through his mind—his brief yet unforgettable encounter with the goddess herself.

“Hmm? Did you say something?” Eveline turned to him, her brows raised.

Arthur shook his head. “Nothing worth repeating.” His gaze shifted, scanning the chamber. “So, where’s this godmother of yours?”

Eveline motioned toward the statue’s base. “There. That’s Esmeralda Clair.”

Arthur followed her gaze. A woman knelt in silent prayer, her presence exuding an aura of quiet authority and grace.

For a second, he just stared. Then, only one word slipped past his lips—

“Damn.”

Beneath the towering statue of the goddess, the nun knelt in silent prayer. Her delicate, jade-like hands crossed over her chest, fingers laced in devotion. Yet, the purity of her posture only served to accentuate the sinful allure of her form.

The tight monastic uniform struggled to contain her voluptuous curves. The fabric stretched taut over her ample hips and full, rounded buttocks, molding to the sinful shape hidden beneath. As she rested upon her heels, the supple flesh of her thighs pressed together, the soft give of her form creating the most obscene, inviting contours. The side slits in her habit—designed for ease of movement—revealed smooth, creamy thighs that shivered ever so slightly as she bowed in worship.

Beneath the drape of her robes, an unseen temptation lay concealed—a pair of heavy, overdeveloped breasts, their fullness barely restrained by the fabric that clung to her trembling form. Her lapel dipped low, the curve of her cleavage barely veiled, while her soft hands, poised in piety, hid what lay beneath.

She was the embodiment of contradiction—sanctity draped in sinful temptation. A woman of the cloth, and yet, a vessel of unholy desire.

“Why didn’t you mention you had such a godmother?” Arthur mumbled, his gaze fixated.

Eveline followed his line of sight before elbowing him sharply. “Don’t get any ideas about my mother.”

“Cough… Cough… What are you talking about? I was just admiring her beauty.”

“I might’ve believed you if you weren’t drooling.”

Arthur quickly wiped his mouth, clearing his throat as Eveline smirked. The two bickered in hushed tones, their whispers blending into the temple’s quiet atmosphere.

As if sensing their arrival, Esmeralda slowly opened her eyes. A warm, motherly smile graced her lips as she turned to them. “Eveline, my child. It’s wonderful to see you again.”

“Mother!” Eveline beamed, rushing forward to embrace her. “It’s been too long.”

Esmeralda chuckled, her voice smooth and soothing. “Indeed, it has. And this must be your companion?” Her sharp blue eyes studied Arthur with an amused glint. “Arthur Ludwig, was it?”

Arthur straightened, giving a polite bow. “A pleasure, Lady Esmeralda.”

Still holding Eveline, Esmeralda asked, “So, how is my little girl? Are you enjoying the academy?”

“Yes! I love it. I’ve made so many friends, and everyone’s been good to me.” Eveline eagerly shared her experiences, her voice bubbling with excitement as Esmeralda listened attentively.

Then, as if remembering something, Eveline blinked. “By the way, where’s Althea? Didn’t she come?”

At her words, Eveline suddenly turned to glare at Arthur. Arthur, in turn, looked away awkwardly, avoiding her sharp gaze.

After a beat, Eveline turned back to her mother, her tone casual. “She’s at her dorm, Mother. She wasn’t feeling well.”

Esmeralda’s expression shifted with concern. “Oh? Is everything alright? What happened?”

Eveline forced a reassuring smile. “Nothing much. She… slipped on the stairs. Her back is sore now.” She maintained her composure, skillfully masking the real reason for Althea’s soreness.

Esmeralda sighed, shaking her head. “That girl… But why didn’t you heal her?”

“I offered, but she refused.”

Esmeralda clicked her tongue. “Stubborn as ever.”

Eveline quickly changed the subject. “So, Mother, what’s your plan for today?”

“So, what’s your plan for today, Mother?” Eveline asked.

Esmeralda smiled, reaching out to pinch her daughter’s nose playfully. “Nothing much. Just spending a little time with my precious girl—who’s apparently grown up enough to find herself a man.”

Eveline’s face turned a shade of pink. “It’s not like that, Mother! Arthur and I are just friends!”

“Yes, yes~ just friends,” Esmeralda teased, chuckling as she released her grip. “Since I’ve come all this way, why don’t you show me around the city? I’d love to see what’s changed.”

Eveline’s flustered expression melted into excitement. “Of course! It would be my honor!”

Esmeralda then turned her gaze to Arthur. “You should join us as well.”

Arthur shook his head. “I’d love to, but I have training scheduled. If I miss it, my master will have my head.”

Esmeralda raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And who is your master?”

“Samantha Hall.”

At that, Esmeralda let out a hearty laugh. “Then you have nothing to worry about!”

Arthur blinked, confused. “Huh?”

Esmeralda’s smile widened. “Samantha and I go way back. I’ll simply ask her to join us—I’d love to catch up with an old friend.”

Moments later, a messenger was dispatched to inform Samantha. Her response was swift and simple:

“I’ll meet you all at the Royal Museum in an hour. Enjoy yourselves until then.”

And with that, their city tour began.