Chapter 206: A Tricky Situation

A tingling warmth flowed from Jared's hand into Josephine's body. Lowering her head, she mumbled, "W-What are you doing? There are too many people here!"

"What did you say?" Jared asked.

She ducked her head lower, whispering, "I said, don't do that here! There are too many people! Let's go among the trees!"

Jared released her hand. "Why should we? Come on. Let's get moving, or we won't catch up with the others."

Stunned, Josephine gazed up at Jared's mischievous grin. She shot him a death stare and rushed at him. "I'm going to kill you!"

However, after a few steps, she realized she wasn't as tired as before. Her leg aches had vanished; she felt refreshed and energetic, as if she'd just begun her climb.

"Why are you spacing out? Hurry up!" Jared called, seeing her motionless.

"Oh. Right."

Coming to her senses, Josephine hurried after Jared. They soon caught up with Walter and the others, who were surprised by their speed.

"Josephine, didn't you say you were tired?" William studied her carefully. She didn't appear exhausted.

"I don't know what happened. I'm not tired anymore. I feel refreshed," Josephine replied, equally puzzled.

The others' gazes fell on Jared. They suspected his involvement.

"Let's go. It'll be dark soon," Jared said, quickening his pace.

After an hour, they reached the summit, but the crowded monastery was closed. Everyone waited outside. Jared and the others pushed to the front, where two monks stopped them.

"Please don't try to force your way in. We're not allowing anyone else in today," one monk said.

Walter smiled politely. "Excuse me, but we're friends of Abbot Erasmus. Could you tell him Walter Grange from Horington is here?"

"We've been told not to let anyone in. Master Leonidas is treating our master's daughter and mustn't be disturbed," the monk replied dismissively, waving his hand.

Unfazed, Walter reached into his pocket, produced some money, and slipped it into the monk's hand. "I've also brought someone to treat her illness. Your master knows about it; just tell him we've arrived."

The monk grinned, pocketed the money, and said, "Ah, you're our master's friends! Please wait. I'll announce your arrival."

Walter watched the monk run inside, smiling. "It's often trickier to deal with the lower ranks than the higher-ups," he observed.

Jared sneered, "A monastery with this attitude will never cure the girl."

The group exchanged exasperated looks. Even monasteries were becoming money-minded; it was more of a tourist attraction than a place of worship. [The final sentence about the website is removed as it is an advertisement.]

Soon, the monk returned, bowing respectfully. "Sir, our master has allowed you to enter."

Walter nodded and led them inside. Other tourists burned incense, creating a smoky atmosphere.