Chapter 176: The Cathedral

Chapter 176: The Cathedral

TL: Etude

Elvis rode his carriage all the way to the large cathedral located in the city center.

From the outside, the cathedral still looked quite new. To match the growing influence of the Church in the Horn Bay Alliance, the Church had invested a fortune to construct this lavish building on the edge of Nesss central plaza.

Compared to the old cathedral in the eastern district of the city, not only was the new cathedral more splendid, but it also covered a larger area and was taller. Its tallest structure, the bell tower, even surpassed the government buildingGold Towerused by the Alliance Council. To facilitate access up and down the tower, a basket lift was installed.

It likely wouldnt be long before Nesss iconic landmark changed from the Gold Tower to this cathedral.

Elvis stepped out of his carriage and approached the cathedrals grand entrance, noticing nearby wanted posters seeking any clues to Baroness Fennies whereabouts.

He shook his head mockingly.

Humph! You wouldnt expect the person youve been searching so diligently for to be right here in the cathedral in the city center.

He continued on his way inside the cathedral, and along the way, the monks and followers he encountered paid their respects, to which Elvis responded with courtesy, showing none of the arrogance he had displayed at the embassy.

A green parrot took flight from his carriage, circling the entrance of the cathedral as if hesitating to fly in.

The bird moved to the side of the cathedral and noticed that the windows on the wall were open. Just as it decided to pick a window to enter, Elvis emerged again from a side door next to the cathedral.

He turned and headed towards the churchs backyard courtyard.

The bird changed direction and followed him to the backyard.

Elvis seemed to be in a good mood as he entered the courtyard with a light step. The area was tastefully arranged with abundant flowers and plants, providing a space for the church clergy to take a walk after meals and cultivate their minds and bodies.

The bishop soon found the man he was looking forone also dressed in clergy attire, feeding birds in the courtyard, holding a small box full of grains.

A flock of various colored birds surrounded him, chirping excitedly, occasionally pecking at the grains he scattered on the ground.

Elvis approached with a chuckle, Antony, my lord, I couldnt find you inside, so I guessed you would most likely be out here feeding the birds again.

The man didnt turn around, continuing to watch the birds at his feet, which oddly were not afraid of him.

How did the Duchess react?

Hmph! She said she would consider our proposal and think it over. I gave her a deadlineby this time tomorrow, if she hasnt agreed to our conditions, let her whole family face the consequences.

You what are all of you doing all day long? Why would you allow such gossipy people to stay in the Holy See? Why would you allow them to continue living in this world?

As Elvis nearly collapsed to the ground, Antony quickly stepped forward to support him.

Please, Elvis, we are trying, but the situation in the Holy See is well, complicated, especially with the Council of Understanding promoting all sorts of heretical nonsense, and our current Holy Pope is a tolerant man

Hmph!

Elvis scoffed, whether in contempt for the heretics in the Holy See or the Pope himself.

Antony whispered in his ear, Right now, we are desperately in need of a devoted saint to lead in the Holy See!

Elvis caught the implication in the others words, scrutinizing Antony with inquisitive eyes.

Antony whispered with a smile, The Grand Bishop of Horn Bay is growing old, and it will soon be time to appoint a successor. Has Lord Elvis thought about this prospect?

I

Elvis was suddenly at a loss for words.

If it serves to better the service of the Lord of Light, I will, of course, spare no efforts.

Then a great burden will fall on you, Lord Elvis. Allow me to speak plainly; I have been sent on a secret mission to survey the bishops of the Horn Bay, to report their conduct to the Holy Sees headquarters, so, in matters of personnel, I do have a say.

This was more than a sayElvis was inwardly ecstatic.

Lord Antony no, my lord, you

Antony interrupted with a wave of his hand.

No need for excess. I am impressed by the devotion in your heart! Continue to serve diligently in your current position.

I swear! Elvis solemnly raised his right hand.

I will spread the Lords glory into the heart of every person in the Horn Bay, and I will cleanse every impurity from this place!

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