Alice clenched her hands, waiting for her wise grandfather to give her an answer. A few seconds later, Old Fawley smiled faintly.
"Weren't you planning to build political connections with several of the twelve Auror families and some senior officials in the United States Ministry of Magic? Now you won't have to handle that yourself."
Alice had already guessed as much, but once her grandfather confirmed it, she could no longer hide the disappointment on her beautiful face.
Old Fawley reached out and patted her head.
"Don't be sad. Remember! You're far more important to Shawn than you think. It's a good thing to have someone else take care of these minor matters."
Alice trembled. Forgetting her disappointment, she asked nervously,
"Grandfather, will the Chief really, really go through that? Is there no way to avoid it?"
Old Fawley's eyes were unreadable, and he shook his head.
"In a peaceful age, perhaps. But this is an age in which faith has lost its way. Hearts are restless, and desire fills every corner of the world. People need an evolution of the soul.
"And Shawn must shoulder all of this.
"So, Alice, you must be utterly devoted and loyal to Shawn. Even if one day he tells you to kill me, you must not refuse."
A tear slipped from the corner of Alice's eye. She hurriedly covered her mouth to keep herself from sobbing aloud.
Old Fawley took out a handkerchief and wiped his granddaughter's tears, his voice still gentle.
"All right, that was only an extreme example. Come, follow me to the secret chamber. You still have much to learn."
Italy.
Tom had arrived outside the Church's imperial city. He did not rush in, merely watching the magnificent city from a distance.
His gloomy eyes were full of thought.