Witch Training Manual: My Water Magic Is Wrong

Wayne stood on the porch, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the crowd.

He recognized many of the faces.

There were several women in plain-colored dresses standing in the back row. He didn't recognize them, but judging from their eyes, they were obviously there for him as well.

Wayne did not stand at the door as an exhibit.

He took two steps forward, stood at the edge of the steps, and nodded slightly to the crowd.

"Ladies, it's been a long time."

The crowd fell silent for a moment upon hearing Wayne's voice.

Then it rang out as if it had been set on fire.

"Father Wayne! I have been praying for you every day while you were away!"

"Father, this is a honey cake I baked. Please accept it!"

"And me! This is apple jam from our family orchard!"

"Father, I want to confess...May I confess today?"

"I want to repent! But I haven't repented in six months!"

Wayne raised his hand and pressed it down, gradually silencing the crowd. He stood on the steps, his gaze calmly sweeping over each face.

"Thank you, Goddess, for allowing us to meet again."

He paused for a moment after saying that.

"However, I need to clarify one thing."

All eyes were on him.

"I'm not back in Audrian to return as a priest. I'm just passing through."

He spoke very directly.

"Frosttown was evacuated due to the demonic surge. I'm just leading my team through Aldrian to rest and resupply before continuing towards Bellinor, and finally returning to the capital to report for duty."

The women were stunned.

Disappointment swept through the crowd like a gust of wind.

Some people's eyes welled up with tears on the spot.

"You're back...and leaving again?"

"Father, do you know how much we miss you?"

"Can't you stay? Audrey is great too! Wouldn't it be nice for you to be a priest here?"

Wayne didn't avoid those gazes; he waited until the noise subsided a little before speaking.

"This is an order issued by the Vatican."

Hearing what Wayne said, the women below were even more disappointed.

"but……"

Wayne then changed the subject.

"I will stay in Audrian for three days until the team has rested before setting off again."

The crowd's eyes lit up again.

"During these three days, I will set aside two days as days of repentance. Everyone is welcome to come to the church anytime tomorrow and the day after."

The women began to whisper and murmur among themselves.

Someone pushed forward, their voice urgent.

"How about today? Father, is today alright? I'm only free today, I have to go back to the countryside tomorrow..." Before she could finish speaking, several people around her chimed in.

"Yes, yes, could we... today?"

"I'll just say a few words, it'll be quick..."

Just then, Andy stepped forward from behind Wayne, stood at the edge of the steps, a polite smile on his face, and spoke in a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant.

"Ladies, please hear me out."

"Father Wayne only arrived in Aldrian today. He traveled all the way from Frosttown, encountering a demonic tide along the way, and the journey took four whole days. Father needs to rest for a night and be fully rested so that he will have enough energy to perform the confession for everyone."

What he said made perfect sense.

The women looked at each other. Although they were unwilling, they couldn't press the matter further now that things had come to this point.

"Oh well."

"Tomorrow, I will definitely come early tomorrow."

"Father, please get some rest. I'll bring some of our family's newly brewed fruit wine tomorrow!"

The crowd finally began to disperse.

Some people kept turning back as they left.

Wayne stood on the steps, watching the crowd gradually disperse, his gaze fixed on the gray-robed figure.

Andy turned around and smiled at Wayne.

"Sir, I'll go and tidy up the side hall of the church for tomorrow's confessional. You should go back and rest."

After he finished speaking, he bowed slightly, turned around and walked quickly toward the side door of the church, his robes billowing in the wind.

Wayne watched his retreating figure without immediately looking away.

Responsible, proactive, and articulate.

If those messages hadn't popped up on the panel, he really would have been a very likeable young man.

Pity.

She's a hopeless romantic.

Wayne was about to turn around and go back to the church to rest.

A voice came from the roadside.

"Father Wayne, please wait a moment."

Wayne stopped and turned his head.

The person who called out to him was an elderly man in a dark gray robe, with gray hair and a slightly hunched back, but standing upright. His face looked somewhat familiar.

He recognized him.

That was the Viscountess's old housekeeper.

The old butler stepped forward, stood in front of Wayne, bowed slightly, and spoke with impeccable manners and a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant.

"Father Wayne, the lady wishes to see you."

Wayne did not answer immediately.

He thought about it.

He did have something to say to the Viscountess—about Lillian. Lillian was Lady Naya's niece, and although the Order had taken her away, as the intermediary, he should have informed her.

"it is good."

Wayne followed the old butler into the carriage.

The carriage traveled along the main street of Audrien for about fifteen minutes before stopping in front of a mansion with a garden. The mansion was not large, but it was very well maintained; the wrought iron fence in front of the gate had just been painted, and the stone steps were swept clean.

The old butler led Wayne through the porch and into the drawing room.

"Father, please wait a moment, the lady will be here shortly."

After he finished speaking, he left.

Wayne sat down on the sofa.

The panel popped up at this point.

[Viscountess Naya - Character Status]

[Identity: The de facto ruler of Audrian, the viscount's widow.]

[Recent actions: After her husband's death, in order to preserve the family's status, she secretly executed more than twenty prominent figures. Audrian now bears the surname Naya.]

[Note: She misses you terribly. Since you left, she hasn't felt the blessings of the goddess. Now that you're back, she's overjoyed.]

[Note 2: She knew a long time ago that Lillian hadn't returned—you mentioned this in your letter. But there are some things she needs to confirm with you personally before she can feel at ease.]

[P.S.: Knowing you were coming, she personally thanked the goddess. The main reason was that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to control herself if she saw you.]

After glancing at the panel, Wayne withdrew his gaze without changing his expression.

Footsteps came from outside the door.

The door was pushed open.

A woman wearing a dark purple dress walked in.

Wayne was the first to greet them.

"Madam, it's been a long time."

However, Naya did not manage to control herself.

She strode forward, then jogged a couple of steps and hugged Wayne tightly. The movement wasn't big, but it was enough for the butler at the door to quietly close the door behind him.

She hugged him for two seconds, then let go, took a step back, looked up at Wayne's face, her eyes slightly red, but her tone remained steady.

You've lost weight.

Wayne smiled.

"It's inevitable after traveling for several days."

Naya took a deep breath, calmed herself down, and then said something that Wayne didn't expect.

"Father Wayne, could you stay? Stay in Audrian."

Her eyes were serious, and there was no hint of joking in them.

I'll take care of you.

Wayne paused for a moment, then laughed.

"Madam, you jest."

He straightened his clothes and steered the conversation back on track.

"I've come here mainly to tell you about Lillian's recent situation."

Naya's expression softened somewhat, but her gaze remained fixed on his face.

"Please speak."

"Lillian went to Cambrian with the Witch Cult."

Wayne spoke calmly and explained the situation in its entirety.

"The leader of the order, Christina, is a fourth-tier witch. She's reliable in both strength and character. Lillian won't be in danger under her command. Besides, I've left her some potions, enough for her to use for a while."

After listening, Naya remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded slightly, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere than on her niece.

"It's good that she's safe."

Naya did not give up.

"Mr. Wayne, um... what I just said, is there really no room for negotiation?"