Early in the morning, 160 Böklund Street.
Klein woke up and washed up, but he wasn't in a rush to leave. He first took four steps counterclockwise and went above the gray fog.
He then conjured The World, German Sparrow, and made the fake person pray piously.
"Honorable Mr. Fool, please pass two words to Dhaniz:
"I need him to provide information on West Balam. It's best if he has connections.
"Also, tell him to be careful of the Church of Evernight for the time being."
…
On the Golden Dream, Dhaniz, who had seen the Sun earlier than Baekeland, was holding a cup of malt beer as he sat in the shadows, hiding from the scorching light.
In fifteen minutes, class will begin again. Captain said that a qualified treasure hunter has to grasp sufficient mathematical knowledge … Sigh, this really gives me a headache, but I'm also a little looking forward to it. Dogsh * t! Dhaniz placed one hand on his knee as he gulped down a mouthful of beer.
At this moment, the gray fog in front of him emanated as a blurry figure that overlooked everything appeared. He heard German Sparrow's voice.
Information on West Balam? Although we've gone there in search of lost ancient treasures and got to know a few natives from a few tribes, that's all. We can't say anything else … How troublesome. I have to be on the move again. Why does German Sparrow have so many things to do!? Dhaniz grumbled silently as he warily looked around, afraid that the madman would suddenly appear.
After taking a deep breath, he thought of how he had to work hard to become stronger so that he wouldn't be of no help when Captain was in danger. All he could do was shamelessly hide in the back. Dhaniz slapped his face a few times with the hand that wasn't holding a beer cup. He suddenly stood up.
He immediately left the shadows and found Iron Skin, Bucket, and his other companions. He asked them who he could consult to gain a deeper understanding of West Balam's situation. He received a nearly unanimous answer:
"Captain Edwina Edwards, or Anderson Hood, who participated in the bonfire party on the ship."
If I ask the captain directly, will she suspect me? She will think that I have secrets and am secretly working for someone else … But, I don't know where Anderson ran off to. Bullshit! Dhaniz was caught in a dilemma. He could not help but think about the German Sparrow's reminder.
"Be careful of the Church of Evernight!"
Dhaniz wasn't a fool. He knew that something that the crazy adventurer had specially emphasized couldn't be simple. This also meant that he believed that there was a high chance that he would become a target of the Church of Evernight's pursuit. He would be pursued crazily by the Red Gloves!
Apart from the Church of Evernight, the Church of the Storm and the military are also targeting me. It's said that they have each sent an entire team … Dhaniz thought as his heart trembled.
He quickly revealed a puzzled and bitter expression as he whispered to himself,
"But I didn't do anything …"
…
After informing Admiral of Stars Cattleya of his request to gather information on West Balam, Klein left the world above the gray fog and returned to the real World. As usual, he had breakfast and attended his tutoring lessons.
When he woke up in the afternoon, he changed into his formal attire with the help of his valet, Richardson, and boarded the carriage that had long been parked at the door.
"To Saint Samuel Cathedral." Klein leaned against the wall and instructed the carriage driver.
Considering that he still retained his identity as Dawn Dantès, he believed that it was best not to easily change his previous persona. Therefore, the frequency of his visits to Saint Samuel Cathedral couldn't be reduced, nor could his donations decrease.
Furthermore, this would effectively remove a certain degree of suspicion. After all, it would be hard for anyone to imagine that the "criminal" who had infiltrated Chanis Gate hadn't escaped. Instead, he had swaggered back into the cathedral as though nothing had happened … Thank you, Rosell The Great. Thank you for not plagiarizing criminal psychology and for not pointing out that many highly intelligent criminals like to return to the place where they commit their crimes to admire their work and the helpless expressions of others … Klein mumbled inwardly as he picked up the black tea that Richardson had prepared and took a sip.
After moistening his throat, he glanced at his valet and asked casually, "What's the matter?
"What's your deepest impression of East and West Balam?"
Richardson, who was sitting at the side, did not ask for the reason.
After some thought, he said, "East Balam is more stable, while West Balam is more chaotic."
After giving a simple answer, Richardson turned his head to look at his employer and realized that Dawn Dantès had half-closed his eyes, as though he was waiting for him to continue.
Richardson scratched the back of his ear and deliberated over his words.
"Also, poverty, hunger, and whipping. Uh, the people of East Balam and West Balam used to worship Death. Later, because they believed in the Goddess, Lord of Storms, Eternal Blazing Sun, and other orthodox deities, they received preferential treatment. They were able to receive a raise in status and protection from the cathedral. This resulted in a large-scale conversion of faith.
"However, as the number of converts increased, that special status was quickly lost. Many people at the bottom began secretly worshiping Death.
"This is even more obvious in the more chaotic West Balam. The descendants of Death always receive a lot of support …
"These are all things that I, my father, would occasionally mention when he was drunk."
Klein listened quietly. He didn't interrupt his valet's recount, nor did he probe further.
Soon, the carriage arrived outside Saint Samuel Cathedral. Klein first watched the white pigeons flutter in the square before entering the prayer hall. He took off his hat and handed it to his valet, Richardson, along with his cane.
He randomly found a seat and sat down. In the dark environment, he looked at the altar and at the specks of stars and the Dark Sacred Emblem. He suddenly felt uneasy, awkward, and lacking in confidence.
If his guess wasn't wrong, ever since he made contact with the holy sword and swore an oath, he had been watched by the Goddess. Every time he entered the cathedral and pretended to pray, he felt like he was parading the streets in the emperor's new clothes.
I wonder what the Goddess's attitude is … What stance does the Church have … Hmm, I'll probe first … Klein clasped his hands and placed them in front of his mouth and nose as he prayed in a seemingly serious manner.
After seven or eight minutes, he slowly got up and walked to the donation box. He took out a fifty-pound note and devoutly threw it in.
After doing all of this, Klein turned to the confessional by the side and pushed open the door.
Unlike the earliest confessional, which was a huge wooden box with two doors, the modern confessional was an independent room. It was relatively spacious, and the confessor and the listening bishop were separated by a wooden partition. They each had their own seats.
With the help of the weak light, Klein sat on the chair. Then, he heard the bishop's mellow voice from behind the wooden partition.
"What do you have to say? The Goddess cares for every believer of 'Her'. "
Klein raised his right hand and tapped his chest four times in a clockwise manner.
"Praise the Goddess.
"I want to repent. Two days ago, the military came to me, hoping to sell a batch of guns and cannons to West Balam to add fuel to the chaos there …"
After he said that, the bishop behind the partition didn't immediately respond. It was as though he was alarmed by the smuggling of firearms. He was momentarily at a loss for words.
There was an awkward silence in the confessional.
You're frightened just like that? Have you never met a penitent as frank and direct as me? If I were to say that I'm plotting the murder of a demigod and am avoiding the attention of the Mother Tree of Desire and the True Creator, wouldn't you jump up? Klein lampooned inwardly before continuing, "Don't worry.
"When I was young, I really enjoyed the adventurous life, seeking wealth from iron, blood, and fire. But now, I'm tired of it. I hope for a peaceful future.
"I should have refused, but I couldn't overcome the greed in my heart. This was a tempting enough business, and it would help me gain a foothold in the upper class of Baekeland.
"I confess. In the end, I still chose noise and chaos."
The bishop behind the wooden partition finally responded. He said in a gentle voice,
"Don't be afraid. Don't hesitate. There's no need to feel guilty for a certain level of greed. As long as you don't harm the innocent and don't commit any of the crimes recorded in the Holy Bible, you will not be punished.
"Do it. Follow your heart and make the choice you want the most. Only in this way can you truly understand the teachings step by step and understand the true meaning of those words.
"There's no need to feel troubled. Remember this. No matter when, sincerely admitting one's mistakes and repenting is worthy of praise and forgiveness.
"May the Goddess bless you."
"Praise the Lady!" Klein once again drew the crimson moon clockwise in front of his chest.
He had come to Saint Samuel Cathedral to use the opportunity of confession to inform the Church of his plans to do an arms business. He wanted to see how they would react, so as to pry into the Goddess's attitude towards him.
Without another word, Klein slowly got up and left the confessional. He walked down the aisle and walked towards his valet, Richardson.
At this moment, he saw a lady sitting in the corner of the prayer hall. She was wearing a hooded black robe and had blue eyeshadow and blush. She had a bewitching beauty to her. She was none other than the former Spirit Medium, Daly Simone.
Daly looked up and similarly noticed Dawn Dantès. Her expression immediately turned a little dazed, as though she had fallen asleep while praying and had entered a dream.
Klein nodded almost imperceptibly as a polite greeting. Then, he took the hat and cane from his valet, Richardson, and walked out of the prayer hall at an unhurried pace.
Daly retracted her gaze and looked down at the back of the chair in front of her before slowly closing her eyes.
After walking out of Saint Samuel Cathedral, Klein stood at the edge of the stairs and paused for two seconds.
In the square in front of him, the white pigeons flew up, blocking the view of the spectators.
…
Less than half an hour later, the underground Leonard heard that Dawn Dantès, whom he had previously investigated, was about to become a merchant who was working with the officials to smuggle arms to West Balam.
What does he want to do? Leonard frowned again, unable to understand the undying monster's thoughts.
PS: Thank you, loyal servant, for tipping the Gold Alliance. It's just too expensive. When I return from my travels and adjust for a few days, I'll add another chapter to express my gratitude.
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