Pillar of Yita

Just think about it, Lord Goddess must be really idle to bless every believer.

However, at critical moments, in a world where true gods exist, believers’ prayers can still be answered.

For instance, on Fenris Isle—

Bishop Faris took off his crown and handed it to an attendant, walking down. ”Dear God’s Choice, the ceremony is complete. You must be weary from your journey, but there will be a banquet soon—after the banquet, we will specially arrange accommodation for you, ensuring your satisfaction.”

Fang Hong almost spat out the mouthful of water he had just drunk.

”Cough, cough... Thanks to the Archbishop for hosting the blessing ceremony for me, but... um... can you just call me Ade?”

He coughed twice, blushing. Although he was quite dismissive of the so-called ’blessing ceremony’, he maintained basic courtesy. What nearly choked him was the respect shown by the other party, far exceeding that of Knight Mayer Hill, leaving him speechless and somewhat surprised.

Suddenly, he remembered that Bishop Faris was also a God’s Choice of Marlan, though a figure from fifteen years ago, and God’s Chosen won’t change with time. Unless he lost his God-Blessed status, but given his still current bishop position, that’s highly unlikely.

Bishop Faris gave a slight smile, accommodatingly: ”Alright then, Mr. Ade, that’s how I’ll address you in private occasions.”

Fang Hong quickly waved his hand: ”It’d be best if it’s the same in public occasions too.”

But the other party gave no definitive answer to this.

Faris was the second regional bishop Fang Hong had come to know.

The previous one was Bishop Tirioan of Cloud Harbor, but he wasn’t Marlan’s God’s Choice, rather Milaila’s. Compared to this unassuming bishop, Tirioan apparently matched Fang Hong’s image of a revered archbishop in every aspect.

With silver hair, white beard, kind eyes, having enough prestige and dignity, approachable, treating people like a breath of spring, and having foresight and broad-mindedness. The matters he worried about were not just about his own gains or losses, but the safety of Fenris Isle, and the fate of everyone on the island.

Such conduct, even though Fang Hong wasn’t keen on religion, evoked his admiration. It was partly why he agreed to the other party’s request.

But compared to the former, apart from being equally approachable in human interactions, Bishop Faris was far less in other aspects. At first glance, Fang Hong thought the old man, dark and thin, was the Princess’s steward’s close brother, looking more like a laborer than an esteemed archbishop.

Yet once he spoke, it revealed a demeanor and knowledge entirely different from his appearance, causing Fang Hong to feel somewhat ashamed of judging by appearances.

Nonetheless, looking at him in a luxurious bishop’s robe that seemed a mismatch, Fang Hong couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Faris obviously sensed his thoughts, but didn’t mind, only smiled: ”Mayer Hill mentioned in the letter that Mr. Ade must have many questions to ask.”

So Mayer Hill had a letter accompanying him, but upon reflection, there’s nothing surprising about it. Without restored communication, only such primitive methods can be used. Fang Hong nodded; he indeed had many questions. The most important one naturally pertained to the true nature of his God’s Choice identity.

”Bishop Faris, I want to understand why Lady Marlan chose me as God’s Choice. To put it bluntly, what will she require the Acting Agent to carry out, and what benefits can the Acting Agent gain?”

He directly asked this core question, not feeling awkward. Be it the Free Summoner or Guild’s Chosen, they are mercenaries and adventurers whose core purpose in coming to this world is to obtain High Dimensional Information, fundamentally for exchange, thus there’s no embarrassment in the transaction itself.

Legitimate earnings from labor, that’s all.

But Faris merely gave a slight smile and gently shook his head.

While people around were slightly annoyed at Fang Hong treating the Goddess’s Choice as a transaction, Faris didn’t exhibit such a stance. On the contrary, the old man replied gently: ”You misunderstood, Mr. Ade. Lord Goddess values your quality and noble actions. You don’t need to deliberately do anything for her. What you do is what the Lady acknowledges—”

”If she didn’t recognize it, she would revoke your God’s Choice status.”

”This relationship serves as Lord Goddess’s watching over you, for she hopes more people with justice and courage walk this world, thus naturally wanting to encourage such conduct. As her Elect, you will only benefit from this, while what Lady wants has already been obtained from your actions.”

Fang Hong was taken aback.

Is that possible?

Though he understood, he still found it unbelievable and couldn’t help but ask again: ”Then, Mayer Hill asked me to meet you here, what can I do here?”

”It was merely my own wish to meet you, Mr. Ade,” Faris smiled, ”After all, for Lord Goddess’s Elect, as a follower, I am quite curious. As for what you wish to do, anything is fine, Quistack is a nice place, perhaps you can go out more.”

”Recently we’ve booked you a ship bound for Tansnier, departing in about a week. During this time, you’ll have ample chance to enjoy the Royal Capital within this desert.”

He shifted the topic: ”But Mayer Hill mentioned in the letter your investigation about the King of Sand and Arcanists affairs, if you are interested in this, I can indeed share some limited information.”

Fang Hong was immediately intrigued upon hearing this.

...