"Grot mentioned me to you?" He Xi realized.
A gentle smile appeared on Bishop Kolfus's face. "Arcane scholars always possess astonishing insight."
"Grot told me that if not for Mr. He Xi's Wisdom, he might never have discovered that the curses lurking within the mycelium had originated from the distant Underdark."
So that was it. He Xi immediately understood why the analysis panel had displayed a notification of increased Favorability the moment they met.
This must have been the bishop who had previously sent Grot to investigate the mutated mycelium and the disease cases.
Seemingly noticing the fleeting, subtle movement from Trist behind He Xi, Kolfus nodded toward the face hidden beneath the hood.
"Hey, didn't Grot tell you about me?"
The gruff voice from below made Kolfus lower his head, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes spreading with an even warmer smile.
"Mr. Ulag, Grot mentioned you even more often than he mentioned Mr. He Xi."
Seeing Ulag's red face seemingly redden further, the old bishop added, "Never doubt a priest's perception. I noticed you the moment you stepped into the square."
"Ahem." He Xi hurriedly changed the subject. "Bishop Kolfus, may I ask what injury Grot suffered?"
"No need to worry." Kolfus waved a hand. "Grot has not suffered any wounds caused by blades or spells. He has simply been overworked these past few days, so I told him to rest for a while."
He Xi nodded. Though he did not know much about the Church of the Sufferer's specific doctrines, it was good enough that Grot had not encountered any danger.
"Your Excellency, I'd like to ask about the recent murders in the city. Does the temple have any clues?"
Kolfus froze for a moment, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes. "Which murder