What Should I Do If I Find Out My Wife Is the Pope?

Chapter 41: So Close—Just a Little More, and the Glory of Quelling the Goblin Disaster Will Be Mine!

It had been more than half a day since Lin Wei arrived in the imperial capital. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on N()velFire.net

Ever since his return to Aurens Town, he’d set out for the capital almost overnight, barely pausing to rest, all in hopes of avoiding any unexpected trouble.

He’d thought that, given his skills, finding a decent job here would be a breeze.

But reality had dealt him a harsh slap in the face.

“Looking for well-paying work? Only open to official imperial citizens—they don’t hire outsiders.”

“And the positions reserved for probationary residents? The responsibilities are so heavy, it’s as if your whole family would end up on the gallows if anything goes wrong.”

“Don’t tell me… In the end, I’ll have to accept a long-term commission after all?”

Letting out a weary sigh, Lin Wei squatted by the roadside, lost in thought.

Truth be told, there were at least a dozen ways he could have stayed in the capital through official channels. But honestly, compared to taking on adventuring commissions, joining a registered adventurer team based in the capital, or even tracking down Lady Meilin to make her fulfill her promise…

All he really wanted was a simple job—something that wouldn’t draw attention—so he could quietly get through the remaining two years of his imperial citizenship review.

Once he’d gotten a feel for the place, he could pick up some side gigs after work or switch jobs if something more interesting came along. But for now, that seemed like little more than wishful thinking.

“And who knows where Veya is at this point?”

“That woman… She probably doesn’t even know I’ve already made it to the capital.”

The thought left him feeling a bit helpless.

With a tired sigh, Lin Wei stood up. At this rate, he might as well get some lunch before worrying about anything else.

But just as he was about to move on, a figure at the edge of his vision made him stop in his tracks.

It was a slender figure wrapped in a black cloak.

The finely tailored garment hugged her frame, hinting at a light, graceful silhouette unique to her. Golden hair, delicate as spun gold, spilled from beneath her hood, partially veiling her exquisitely sculpted features.

She stood before a street food stall, her gaze fixed with undisguised longing on the bubbling meat frying in oil. Her clear blue eyes shone with such innocent yearning that she looked like the easiest mark in the world.

Even the vendor—usually the picture of honesty—was visibly conflicted, torn between his conscience and the rare opportunity that, if missed, would surely be an affront to the blessings of the goddess Alicia.

“Hmm…”

Honestly, Lin Wei hadn’t expected to run into a familiar face here.

He strolled up behind her, silently, without making a sound. She was so engrossed in watching the sizzling food that she didn’t notice a thing.

Lin Wei lingered behind her for a while, quietly watching as she stared at the food. It wasn’t until she finally reached out, took the piping hot snack, and opened her mouth in blissful anticipation that he finally broke the silence.

“This stuff looks pretty tasty, doesn’t it, Miss Yalis?”

“Mm—?! Pffft—cough, cough, cough!!”

Yalis, who had just been about to bite into her snack, froze, her eyes going wide with shock. She choked, coughing violently as she struggled to catch her breath, frantically patting her chest.

“Hey, you okay?”

Lin Wei hadn’t expected such a dramatic reaction from the silly girl.

He quickly regained his composure and, reverting to his usual tone, started patting her back to help her recover.

Just then, Yalis looked up at him.

Her delicate, adorable cheeks were flushed bright red from coughing, but the moment she saw who was standing behind her, joy lit up her eyes. Even as she was still coughing, she managed to greet him.

“I-it’s… cough… it’s Mr. Lin Wei!”

She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her breathing.

Once she’d finally caught her breath, a happy smile bloomed on her still-rosy face.

It was the same familiar, reassuring face from her memories—the one that always made her feel safe.

The midday sky was clear and brilliant, turning the city into a bright, mirror-like expanse and somehow making Mr. Lin Wei look even more handsome than before.

“Long time no see!”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Yalis.”

Seeing how delighted she was, Lin Wei couldn’t help but smile back.

Running into someone he knew in the capital—he had to admit, it did lift his spirits a bit.

But as soon as she finished greeting him, Yalis hurriedly pulled her hood back up, glancing around furtively as if afraid of being spotted. Her suspicious behavior made Lin Wei raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

“So what’s with you? I remember you said you had to return to the Holy Church for punishment. Don’t tell me you snuck out before it was over?”

“Hehe… That’s pretty much exactly it.”

She was a little surprised he’d guessed so easily, but didn’t bother denying it. Yalis sheepishly tugged at her ear.

“The Pope ordered me to copy the Complete Sayings of Goddess Alicia ten times within a month. Only after I finish can I go home.”

“But staying cooped up in the Holy Church all day is just so boring,” Yalis said, her fair, charming face lighting up with a mischievous anticipation. Even her clear blue eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement. “So I thought I’d sneak out once in a while to buy something tasty… I never expected I’d run into you by chance.”

Then, unable to contain her excitement, she leaned closer, her face alight with delight.

“But what about you, Mr. Lin Wei?” she asked eagerly. “I heard there was a goblin disaster in Lotai yesterday, and apparently you were the one who resolved it!”

“What really happened? How did you do it? Was it as thrilling as everyone says?”

“Ugh… If I’d known, I would’ve risked staying a few extra days, even with the punishment! I’ve even been to that labyrinth myself—why is it I never get these kinds of chances?”

Yalis truly was an adventurer at heart.

A faint, delicious aroma drifted into Lin Wei’s nose.

Faced with the excited, slightly regretful saintess leaning in, Lin Wei didn’t bother hiding anything.

“The details are a bit too complicated to explain here. The Holy Church in Lotai has a full report I gave them; if you’re curious, you can look it up yourself.”

“I see… Then I’ll ask Bishop Alec for a copy when I get back to the Holy Church! Oh, by the way, Mr. Lin Wei, what brings you to the capital?”

Since he’d said it was complicated, there was no need to press him for details now.

Watching Lin Wei suddenly appear before her, Yalis seemed to realize something and asked with genuine curiosity.

After all, the two places were pretty far apart—even taking the fastest transport from Lotai to the capital was a considerable waste of time.

“Is there something important you need to take care of?”

“If you run into trouble, Mr. Lin Wei, you must let me know! As long as it’s in the capital, I can help—no matter what it is.”

Yalis put her hands on her hips and answered with a touch of pride.

With that delicate, lovely face and her confident posture, she looked irresistibly charming.

“Well, maybe you really could help me out,” Lin Wei said, deciding there was no need for false modesty.

Facing the ever-enthusiastic Yalis, he spoke openly about his purpose. “I came to the capital to look for work. But after wandering around all morning, I still haven’t found anything suitable… So, Saintess, do you have any recommendations?”