Chapter 76: Chapter 76: An Invitation from the Lord's Manor

Upon hearing those words, Dean Bruce nearly burst out laughing. In his previous life, this would've been a classic line used to guilt-trip people into donations.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Now that he was inside the Temple of Wisdom, he didn't feel as tense as before. Hearing such familiar tactics again sparked a mischievous urge within him. With a light chuckle, he asked, "So, what exactly counts as sincerity?"

The woman's expression grew serious as she solemnly replied, "There are many ways to demonstrate sincerity. Some devote themselves physically, bowing to the goddess with every step, even as their foreheads bleed, they do not stop. Others, like the wandering bards, sing hymns in praise of the goddess, each word filled with the sorrow of their devotion..."

Then, after a few words, the woman's tone shifted. "And some choose to relinquish all worldly possessions, keeping their souls pure to communicate with the goddess. So, dear devotee, how do you intend to demonstrate your sincerity?"

Dean Bruce smiled and said, "I've already given up all worldly possessions. Not a penny to my name, and my soul is as pure as it gets. May I enter?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the woman's face briefly faltered, further confirming Dean Bruce's suspicion—she was clearly trying to solicit money. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Indeed, it seemed that in every world, religion, beyond faith, was also about money.

Even in a world where gods genuinely existed, it was no different from the modern age!

"Mr. Dean, Narissa is new here. Don't tease her."

A clear female voice suddenly rang out, startling the woman.

Dean Bruce, however, broke into a smile. The voice belonged to none other than Carol Lane.

Footsteps echoed, and Narissa quickly turned to face Carol Lane, bowing respectfully. To her shock, Carol Lane walked right past her and approached Dean Bruce, giving him a slight bow. With an air of respect, she said, "Mr. Dean, what brings you here at this hour?"

Narissa was left utterly speechless, her gaze shifting to Dean Bruce, eyes now filled with confusion.

Dean Bruce chuckled and replied, "What, you're not happy to see me?"

"Of course not," Carol Lane laughed lightly. "It's always an honor to have you visit, Mr. Dean. I'm just curious why you're at this branch of the temple."

Dean Bruce shook his head and calmly said, "Anywhere there is a statue of the Goddess of Wisdom is the Temple of Wisdom. We are all her followers, so what does it matter whether it's the main temple or a branch?"

"..."

His words left Carol Lane, Narissa, and even the nearby passing worshippers stunned. They took a closer look at Dean Bruce, realizing he wasn't even an official follower of the temple. Yet his insight left them feeling a deep sense of shame.

After a moment of silence, Carol Lane sighed softly, "With just that one statement, you've surpassed ninety-nine percent of all worshippers in this world!"

Dean Bruce smiled lightly and shifted the topic, "Where's Lina? I need to speak with her."

From his previous interactions, Dean Bruce could tell that Carol Lane was a devoted follower, fully loyal to the Temple of Wisdom and unlikely to do anything that might harm its interests. Lina Jones, on the other hand, was different. As long as she was offered enough benefits, she wouldn't be too concerned about the Temple of Wisdom's well-being.

So, if he wanted to learn how the Temple of Wisdom activated the Relics, Lina Jones was the key.

"You're looking for Lina?" Carol Lane shook her head and replied, "She's at her family's home. Once she officially becomes a saintess, it'll be difficult for her to see her parents again. She's spending as much time as she can with them right now."

After a brief pause, Carol Lane added, "If it's urgent, I can send someone to fetch her."

"No," Carol Lane shook her head firmly.

After the death of those guarding the Lulu Ruins, the Nine Provinces Alliance had sent a flood of people to the area, even locking down nearby cities. She was well aware that they were after the Relics.

If she attended the banquet and accidentally revealed something suspicious, it could lead to the discovery of what had really transpired. That would end any cooperation between the Temple of Wisdom and the Nine Provinces Alliance.

Given her status, Carol Lane understood the importance of maintaining their alliance with the Nine Provinces Alliance and wasn't willing to take such a risk.

"..."

Morza Dekon's deep voice echoed like thunder even when he was speaking normally, "Very well, I'll decline their invitation. But if the Nine Provinces Alliance gets upset about it, don't go blaming me!"

As he spoke, Morza Dekon's gaze turned toward Dean Bruce, scrutinizing him carefully.

As a temple master, encountering a stranger within the temple meant he had to assess the situation.

"Oh, by the way," Carol Lane suddenly interjected, "Temple Master, this is a distinguished guest of the Temple of Wisdom, and he'll be staying the night. Since you're here, why don't you arrange a room for him?"

"A guest?"

Morza Dekon nodded, "If he's a guest, then of course, I'll take care of it. Please, follow me."

Dean Bruce wasn't concerned about any hidden agendas within the temple. He gave a slight smile and followed after Morza Dekon.

As they walked, Morza Dekon, clearly curious, asked, "If I may ask, where are you from? I don't recall seeing you around Stanlow City in recent years."

"I'm not from Stanlow," Dean Bruce responded, not minding the conversation with the temple master. After all, as someone in such a position, Morza Dekon might offer valuable insights about this world.

Through previous experiences, Dean Bruce had realized just how little he actually knew about the planet Meze.

Since he was a guest, Morza Dekon provided Dean Bruce with a luxurious room. It wasn't just a place to sleep; it also included a personal hygiene area and even a study.

Of course, the books in the study were all handwritten manuscripts, and none were related to magic or training.

It was likely a room reserved for dignitaries from other factions.

There was no denying that the room was exceptionally comfortable, clearly designed for important guests. After a full night's rest, Dean Bruce woke feeling refreshed, his mind sharper than ever.

After getting ready and dressing in his blue robe, he left the room.

Now, it was time to find Lina Jones.

As he walked through the living quarters, he noticed the surprised glances from the many followers of the temple. With a calm expression, Dean Bruce left the living area, and just as he was passing through the open courtyard, a familiar voice reached his ears. What the person said, however, left him quite surprised.

"Ugh, what a jerk! When my family proposed marriage before, he looked down on us and rejected it outright. And now that I'm about to become a saintess, he has the nerve to come to my house asking for my hand?"

"Damn it! If it weren't for my parents being there, I'd have punched his head right off!"