Pillar of Yita

Could it be that he truly doesn’t care at all about Lady Marlan’s divine favor, and that this lady’s Holy Sanctuary doesn’t mind either? Then what is the significance of such religious faith, whether it exists or not?

If the Goddess truly sees something, then what is it she wants him to do exactly?

As for himself, this so-called God’s Choice, does he really only have benefits without any obligations?

Fang Hong never believed there was such a good thing in this world.

But since he couldn’t figure it out, he decided not to think about it. He was still himself, and would certainly never do anything against his own heart. As for whether Lady Marlan cared about him being the God’s Choice, whether she cared or not, what did it matter to him?

Having understood this point, Fang Hong became slightly clearer and stopped overthinking.

He then put on his coat, preparing to go out.

The celebration started after nine-thirty, with Istania’s summer night descending later than in the north.

The exit of Marlan’s Holy Sanctuary was on the other side of the courtyard, and afterwards, he would pass through the side hall, through the main hall’s lobby—while passing through the lobby, Fang Hong saw Bishop Faris directing several new apprentices in cleaning the Holy Altar, tidying up the statues, and replacing the holy paintings. After the celebration began, there were also festivities at Marlan’s Holy Sanctuary, with many believers coming here.

Bishop Faris turned around and called to him suddenly: ”Mr. Ade.”

Fang Hong paused, stopping in his tracks, and asked:

”What’s the matter, Bishop Faris?”

Faris put down the Holy Artifact in his hand, placing it slowly on the table beside him—he was also getting on in years, no longer in the prime of life, in three to five years, he would be leaving this diocese, and by then Lady Marlan would naturally select a new God’s Choice to replace him.

Of course, Lord Goddess would not neglect her loyal servant, he still had a long time to pursue his faith until entering the long-pursued Divine Kingdom. But by that time, Fang Hong believed he might have already left this world and returned to Earth.

”Mr. Ade, are you going to attend the celebration?”

This celebration held significant meaning for the Quistack people.

It was not only the birthday of Barbaltan, the King of Sand, but also the founding day of the Istania people; in earlier years, when the Royal House of Penelope was less than legitimate, this event was heavily promoted, implying the holy legitimacy of the Penelope Family inheriting the authority of Istania.

But for an outsider, and a high-ranking clergy, these things were unnecessary to mention.

Fang Hong nodded.

He naturally wasn’t attending the celebration to watch the spectacle, although he did enjoy festivities, but at this moment, he was in no mood for it. Everything tonight was naturally prepared for that plan, even to take action if possible. But Bishop Faris seemed to see through this, saying:

”There’s still some time before the celebration starts, shall we talk?”

Fang Hong estimated the time and nodded again. He had been living at the Holy Sanctuary for quite a while, his meals and lodging were free, and out of etiquette, he surely wasn’t impolite.

”Have you been busy with matters concerning the Grand Princess these days?”

Fang Hong, upon hearing this, fell silent for a moment, but eventually chose to be candid: ”... not entirely, actually, it’s mostly for my own matters.”

He had been residing at the Holy Sanctuary for a long time; if the other intended to report him, perhaps he wouldn’t have left Bain initially. Since this wasn’t the case, there was nothing to worry about. He recounted his matters in Tansnier and the Seven Seas Travel Group—his activities in the Royal Capital were merely to ensure the safety of his people.

Though these words seemed somewhat insensitive, as Fang Hong felt this bishop seemed to support his current actions, meaning he seemed to favor his assistance to the Grand Princess.

He even suspected at one point that his freedom to move in and out of Marlan Temple was precisely for this reason.

Perhaps this was exactly what Lady Marlan intended.

Though he couldn’t fathom what the relationship was here, when the Old Bishop inquired, he chose to be truthful.

Because sometimes saying things clearly can simplify matters.

When he had left Bain, he had benefited from the other’s kindness; naturally, he did not wish to have the relationship turn sour due to misunderstandings later. Of course, this mainly owed to the character of this Old Bishop—had it been someone like the Wanderer, Fang Hong would certainly have resorted to fibbing.

Yet he thought that at least Bishop Faris would hesitate or frown, but unexpectedly, this old man was as calm as ever, as if he did not mind.

”Then, I think you can rest assured,” the other even comforted him: ”This matter shouldn’t involve the Holy Chosen, your companions should be fine.”

Fang Hong paused for a moment, then slowly nodded.

”Perhaps so,” he answered: ”But I can’t just let go, as a Captain, I must do something.”

”Moreover, as the Grand Princess is your employer, you feel an obligation to her?” the old man asked.

Fang Hong paused again, not immediately understanding the implication of the other’s words.

”What advice does the Archbishop have?” Fang Hong asked.

Faris chuckled. ”Having interacted for some time, I have a rough impression of what kind of person Mr. Ade is, and as a Believer of the Goddess, naturally I trust the quality of those chosen by Lord Goddess. This is a private matter of the Royal House of Penelope, and the Holy Sanctuary hasn’t planned to intervene, so there’s no advice to offer—”