The Black-Stockinged Nun Is Actually a Boy?! [11]

By the time Helen returned to the church, it was already afternoon.

Father Anderson was nowhere to be seen—only the bewildered Father Mordes remained, looking rather lost.

“Um… There’s a girl at the door, says her name is Natalie. From Gray Farm. Wants to see you alone.” Father Mordes shuffled up to Helen, glancing around nervously. “That old bastard Ander—uh, I mean, Father Anderson—is he gone?”

Helen nodded silently. “Have her meet me in the confessional.”

With a blank look and a helpless nod, Mordes turned and trotted off toward the entrance.

Helen made her way into the confessional, but this time, she slid open the little window between booths.

Not long after, a striking young woman with silver-white hair appeared at the window. Her face momentarily showed surprise when she saw it was open.

“I’m not the type who enjoys putting on a mysterious act,” Helen said calmly, with a faint smile. “Leaving it open just makes it easier for you to relax, doesn’t it?”

“My, aren’t you clever, Helen-meimei~” Natalie tilted her head, smiling slyly.

Since Helen had seen through her act, Natalie had stopped pretending. The scoundrel beneath her pretty face now showed as plainly as Helen’s own—though, to be fair, she couldn’t quite match Helen’s level of audacity.

“What do you want with me?” Helen asked coolly, unbothered.

“My terms.”

“What terms?”

“You’re not backing out on me, are you?” Natalie’s brows drew together, her tone taking on a hint of grievance.

Helen pressed her palms together. “I just asked what the terms were. I didn’t say no.”

“You’re good with words, I’ll give you that.” Natalie bit her pink lip lightly. “I sold my farm to the Church—at a low price.”

Helen blinked, lowering her hands. “Then where are you staying?”

“With you.” Natalie’s lips curled upward.

“With me?”

“Yes. That’s my condition. I don’t have a home anymore.”

“But the place I live in… it’s basically a shack,” Helen said, stunned.

“Haven’t you been promoted to a full-fledged nun? You could live in the convent now~” Natalie narrowed her eyes playfully.

Helen quickly regained her composure. “Only official clergy can live there. You’re—”

“Before he left, Father Anderson issued one final order. He approved my request to become a novice nun.” Natalie pressed her hands together piously. “So, dear Helen-meimei, please bring me to the convent. If you don’t, I’ll have no choice but to live in your little hut~”

Helen was silent for a moment before cautiously suggesting, “What if you just… stay in my hut?”

Natalie: …

“My condition,” she said, covering her face with one hand, “was to live with you.”

Helen’s expression shifted. He looked away and muttered, “Just so you know… the convent’s empty. It’s basically a two-story dorm building.”

“I know. At least it’s safe and clean,” Natalie said dryly. “Unless… you want me to sleep in your bed?”

Helen’s face flushed slightly. “That’s not really a problem. I’ll tell you tonight.”

Hmph. Just wait till tonight. Once I tell her I’m a guy, she’ll be scared out of her mind.

He added this silently to himself.

On the other side of the window, Natalie crossed her arms triumphantly. “Alright then. You’ll tell me in bed tonight?”

“Tch. I’ll tell you tonight.” Helen reached out to shut the little window—

Smack!

Natalie grabbed his wrist, soft and pale like porcelain. “Wait!”

“What now?” This time, it was Helen’s turn to frown.

“About last night…”

“It’s taken care of. We’ll meet at the weapons shop after my shift. For now, go buy some garlic and salted water,” Helen said, shaking off her grip.

Natalie let out a soft humph but obediently left the confessional.

...

As dusk fell, Helen finished her prayers and bid farewell to Father Mordes.

“These are novice nun robes for Natalie, and Father Anderson also approved your weapon repair funds before he left.” Father Mordes handed over the robes, concealing a stack of cash beneath them.

Helen’s lips curled upward as she accepted them.

Natalie wouldn’t report to the church until tomorrow, but as the senior, it was only natural for Helen to ease her path and help her settle in.

“Respected Father Mordes, I’d like to bring Natalie to live in the convent. I know it’s technically reserved for official clergy, but no one’s stayed there in years. And Natalie… she has nowhere else to go. I request your permission.”

Helen’s voice was gentle as she cradled the robes.

“Approved… Sigh, no wonder all the neighbors like you. Sister Helen, be careful around the nobles lately.” Father Mordes turned to the statue and began praying.

Nobles? What nobles?

Helen was full of questions, but Mordes clearly had no intention of elaborating. He remained facing the altar, absorbed in prayer.

“Alright, I won’t disturb you further,” Helen said softly, then turned and left the church.

Outside, Natalie stood waiting in her white dress, clearly having been there for some time.

“So, which weapons shop are we going to? I’ve only got twelve silver coins—that’s my entire fortune.” Natalie glanced around. Many people were staring in their direction, especially at Helen.

So Helen’s actually pretty popular, huh…

“No need. When Father Mordes gave me your robes, he tucked in a nice pile of cash underneath.” Helen handed the folded robes to Natalie.

Natalie hefted them, surprised by the weight. She peeled back the edge and spotted the notes inside.

They were banknotes from the Eastern Roman Empire—awkward to carry due to their metallic threads and a hassle in general. Still, the Empire had been pushing for paper currency backed by government credit.

Of course, Helen, being a player, had every intention of spending it as soon as possible.

The Empire only had a few months left before it collapsed. By then, these banknotes would be about as useful as toilet paper.

Gold and silver—real precious metals—were the only currency that mattered.

“There’s a total of 100 silver coins’ worth here—equal to one solidus in gold. We’ll use some to replenish last night’s bullet expenses. The rest, we can spend however we like.” Helen turned and headed toward the bus stop.

Anderson had really looked out for him. It was the equivalent of being handed 100,000 yuan. Even after covering ammo costs, there was enough left to splurge a little.

Natalie followed at his heels. “With this much money, couldn’t we rent a better place to live, Helen-meimei?”

Helen frowned. “First of all, don’t call me meimei. Second, instead of improving our living conditions, we should strengthen ourselves. Once we’re strong enough, good housing won’t be a problem.”

“But from what I know, weapons are doable… but transcendent items? That’s a different story.” Natalie had some education and had spent time in the upper district. She knew how expensive those things were—ridiculously so.

The cheapest transcendent item cost at least 20 silver coins, and even then, sellers might refuse to part with them.

To the average citizen of the Empire, these magical tools were priceless—and rarely obtainable.

“We don’t need to buy firearms. You’ve seen how terrible our aim is.” Helen shot her a look. “What I am going to buy… are transcendent items. And I have a way in.”

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T/N: meimei is a term for younger sister!

This is a fan translation of 黑丝修女姐姐居然是男孩子？ by 水滴磐石 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!