"Detective Hamilton, what our era lacks are kind and devout people like you."
Bishop Owen smiled as he patted Shade on the shoulder. The passersby around them also smiled and greeted Shade. Then the old bishop gestured for Shade to follow him.
"The Church is planning to build another Public Welfare Home in the city this winter to take in homeless children. How about naming it after you? Would you prefer 'Hamilton' or 'Leijed'?"
"That won't be necessary. No, Bishop Owen, I'm not just being polite. Please don't name it after me."
By the time Shade finally said goodbye to the enthusiastic Bishop Owen and met Priest Augustus, it was nearly lunchtime.
Priest Augustus did not seem idle either. Even though fewer Believers came to worship around noon, he was still leading the choir children in rehearsing the hymns they would sing that afternoon.
Shade waited nearby until the children went to lunch, then approached the Priest. Priest Augustus gestured to him, and twenty minutes later, the two met in the basement Magic Potion Workshop not far from the church.
Priest Augustus had changed out of his usual robe and was, unusually, dressed in ordinary clothes. His trousers were black, and his brown jacket had tasteful silver buttons. He even held a cane in his hand, making him look like an old-fashioned gentleman.
"This afternoon, I'm attending the funeral of an old friend. He did not believe in Mister Dawn, so wearing that robe would not be appropriate."
"Was he a close friend?"
Shade asked curiously. Though this touched on the Priest's privacy, they were very close, and Priest Augustus was happy to share details of his life.
"Not particularly close, but we exchanged gifts every Year-End Festival. You know, at my age, the friends I knew in my youth