Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 927 - 195: The Most Dangerous Place Is the Safest Place (Part 2)

The appearance of Little Dark with her twin tails and heterochromatic eyes wasn't simple. Plus, with her height just over 1.5 meters, anyone passing by couldn't help but take another look.

Among the three, Ethan appeared to have the most priest-like demeanor at first glance, but overall, it was just barely passable.

Lindong could easily imagine the scene where, before they even walked far, they might run into an important figure from the Church, or even Pope Carlo himself at some corner, and be questioned as Empire infiltrators.

"This is when we need to show the power of teamwork."

Ethan was confident. "If the three of us go our separate ways inside the cathedral, our disguise would indeed be quickly seen through, but if we act together, it's different!"

"How is it different?"

"Watch, like this."

Suddenly, Ethan stood up, walked to Lindong's side, and before she could react, he forcefully pulled her into his embrace, leaning in to sniff her neck with a teasing air.

It was all the sweet scent of cher bourbon.

Lindong stood there, seemingly in shock, her face instantly turning red all the way to her neck.

She had always been used to playing the proactive role, and Ethan's sudden change caught her off guard, stepping beyond her comfort zone. She felt the warmth of his breath on her neck, with countless thoughts flooding her mind.

This, this scoundrel!

Could he really be thinking of starting something right here in the Crown of Dawn Cathedral, the enemy's stronghold?

Then again... that does seem quite thrilling.

The only problem is that Little Dark is a bit of a third wheel. Couldn't she, like other Elemental Elves, quietly wait somewhere else when there's nothing to do?

"This is my plan."

Ethan began explaining.

As he said, he had recently grasped the operation of the Life Divine Teachings completely. A rigidly behaving imposter bishop combined with two nuns with strange hair colors would indeed be exposed immediately. However, if he blatantly held a nun in a provocative manner, wandering inside the cathedral, no clergy would need to verify his identity. Even from ten meters away, they would recognize him as a genuine high bishop. What's more, they'd pretend not to see, keeping their distance and giving them space.

At that moment, footsteps stopped at the door of the changing room.

"Ah."

The moment the door was pushed open, a young priest beheld the tantalizing scene within the changing room. He saw someone dressed in a bishop's robe tightly embracing a young and beautiful nun, burying his face in the nun's neck.

He barely had a chance to register Ethan's face before retreating, closing the door, and repeatedly muttering, "I saw nothing, I saw nothing!"

"See, what did I say?"

Evidence was better than argument, and once the young priest beat a hasty retreat, Ethan also took the opportunity to let go of Lindong.

This is the importance of blending in with the local customs.

"Your plan is indeed not bad..."

Lindong gradually recollected herself. Before Ethan could pull away, she suddenly grabbed his arm, leaning in close, "But your acting isn't up to par, risking exposure from a seasoned eye."

"W-What are you saying?"

"Look, you should also touch here, and here."

Lindong held Ethan's hand, giving him a live demonstration, "This way it really looks the part."

...

With Ethan's perfect plan, Lindong's flawless execution, and Little Dark acting as if playing an extra, they advanced unimpeded through the Crown of Dawn Cathedral. Those they encountered turned away and mumbled to themselves before even approaching.

After several expansions, the Crown of Dawn Cathedral's area was no less than the Royal City of the Imperial Capital. They circled the cathedral several times before arriving at a tightly guarded attic. The guards were not clergy but people dressed in white robes with red headscarves and skin tanned dark.

This was the residence of the leader of the Holy Word Sect, Darrant. Those dressed distinctly below were his confidants.

The Mind Binders—they were notorious across the continent.

In the political and business realms, and even within many Transcendent organizations, the presence of Mind Binders was more or less visible. They specialized in mind control and manipulation. Ethan's knowledge of these people went way back.

The Holy Word Art cast upon Ave originated from the Holy Word Sect.

When Julius was still alive, he had close ties with sect leader Darrant. According to intelligence gathered by the military department, he rose from an outsider, step by step, to hold power in the Imperial Capital, commanding the Judicial Court and the old aristocracy with the sect's covert support.

The Mind Binders downstairs were startled to see Ethan's arrival, then barred them from entering the door.

"I have important matters to discuss with Lord Darrant."

"What matters?"

The Mind Binder asked.

If it were someone else, they would have denied the request without hesitation. But seeing Ethan acting intimately with a beautiful nun and strolling nonchalantly through the cathedral as if completely disregarding the Church Court's laws proved that he must be a significant figure in the Life Divine Teachings.

"Please tell him, it involves Ave-Margaret and Savia."

Upon hearing the latter name, the Mind Binders' expressions changed, and one immediately went upstairs.

In less than two minutes, he returned, panting, saying, "The Soul Master invites you."

This was the specific title for Darrant among the Holy Word Sect followers. Ethan was accustomed to it and didn't give much thought.

Climbing the stairs and reaching the room at the innermost side on the second floor, Ethan saw the man with the dreadlocks and dark skin.

"'Mind' signifies will and soul, 'Bind' means restrain and control. By binding and controlling beings' essence through mental threads, this is the essence of Holy Word Art,"

The man sat with his back to Ethan, not turning his head.

He had once said this to someone else.

It was during a guild dinner in a border city of the Empire, saying so to a woman who was newly pregnant.

In Gear City, he came across a loving couple.

The woman's husband worked as a guild clerk, leading a simple yet warm life.

The woman was named Savia, a merchant's daughter.

Though not destitute, she was seen as a commoner not fit for the aristocracy's view. Such a woman marrying the heir of a renowned noble of the Empire could only spell tragedy.

Darrant recalled the scene of meeting Savia, with his eyes long failing to see clearly.

His visual impairment heightened his other senses, allowing him to discern others' hearts better.

So he noticed Savia's unease.

The present life for this woman lacking security was a fragile illusion, easily shattered. They still lived within the Empire, where the Margaret Clan could show up at any time if they wished.

This created an opportunity for him.

All of the sect's preachings began from negative emotions like "insecurity."

He had come to this bustling border trade city at a friend's request, selecting the right time and place, he met the beautiful Savia.

Next, he instilled an idea in her mind.

—The path to salvation lies west.

The desert there could isolate the Margaret Clan's reach.

Only there could the connection between the child and the Margaret bloodline be severed, and a doomed fate prevented.

He had woven a beautifully promising future for Savia.

Then, Darrant's tone shifted, "Besides me, everyone who knows this has died."

Not even Pope Carlo knew the details.

So how did such a frivolous Church Court bishop come to know Savia's name?