Archbishop Link swept his gaze over the people below. After a moment's silence, he said evenly, "Now for another matter. Saintess Xiweina Ye's behavior has been highly unusual of late. His Holiness and I are both concerned, and we intend to invite her back. Which of you... will make the trip?"
The council hall fell silent the moment he raised the subject. Everyone lowered their heads.
Only Archbishop Platin, who had just accepted another assignment, felt secretly relieved. This thankless job certainly wouldn't fall to him.
"What's this? None of you is willing to go?" Archbishop Link asked after waiting several minutes. His voice betrayed no emotion, but anyone who knew him could tell he was angry.
And when the First Archbishop was angry, the consequences were severe!
But this concerned the choice of the next Pontiff. Besides, was Saintess Xiweina Ye someone they could deal with so easily? Assigning the task to someone was asking rather too much.
Whatever the Archbishops and Senior Clerics below thought of it, none dared say a word.
Archbishop Link's sharp gaze swept the hall and finally settled on someone behind Archbishop Platin.
He had expected this. No one would volunteer for the assignment; he would have to name someone himself.
"Phipas, you go," Archbishop Link said. "Remember to treat Her Highness the Saintess with respect. Understood?"
Phipas was a tall, middle-aged Archbishop and one of the Holy Light Church's leading figures. He had both strength and followers. But because he had come from the Inquisition, his chances of becoming the next Pontiff were slim, and he had signaled long ago that he wanted to side with Archbishop Link.
By sending Phipas to deal with Saintess Xiweina Ye, Archbishop Link was also asking him to prove his loyalty.
Archbishop Phipas stepped forward without expression