Early morning, 160 Böklund Street.
After getting up and washing up, Klein didn't rush to Door Opening and go out. Instead, he took four steps backward and entered the Gray Fog.
He immediately conjured up "The World" Gehrman Sparrow, and had the dummy pray devoutly:
"Great ' The Fool,' please pass on two messages to Danitz:"
"I need him to provide information on West Balam, preferably with his network of contacts as well."
"Also, warn him to be careful of the Church of Evernight lately."
On the Golden Dream," Danitz, who had seen the Sun even earlier than Backlund, was sitting in the shade, holding a glass of ale beer, trying to avoid the harsh sunlight.
In a quarter of an hour, class will start again. The captain said that a qualified treasure Hunter must have sufficient mathematical knowledge... Ugh, this is such a headache, but I'm also kind of looking forward to it. Bullshit! Danitz put one hand on his knee and gulped down a beer.
Just then, Gray Fog filled his vision, revealing a blurry figure overlooking everything, while the voice of Gehrman Sparrow echoed in his ears.
Information on West Balam? Although we've been there searching for lost ancient treasures and met a few indigenous tribes, that's about it. We can't say much more... What a hassle, another trip ahead Gehrman Sparrow have so many problems! Danitz silently complained, then glanced around warily, afraid that the Lunatic might suddenly jump out.
Taking a breath, thinking about how he needed to become stronger so that he wouldn't be completely helpless when the captain was in danger and could only shamefully hide behind him, Danitz slapped his face a few times with the hand that wasn't holding the wine glass, and then suddenly stood up.
He immediately left the shadows and found his companions, " Iron Sheet " and " Bucket," asking them who he should consult if he wanted to learn more about West Balam. He received almost unanimous answers:
"Captain Edwina Edwards, or Anderson Hood attended the bonfire party on board earlier."
Would directly asking the captain raise suspicion, making her think I had a secret, that I was secretly working for someone else...? But then again, Anderson had vanished without a trace, damn it! Danitz was caught in a dilemma, and couldn't help but shift his thoughts, considering Gehrman Sparrow's later warning:
Beware of the Church of Evernight!
Danitz wasn't stupid; he knew that something the mad adventurer had specifically emphasized wouldn't be simple. In other words, he believed he would most likely become a prime target for the Church of Evernight, relentlessly pursued by the " Red Gloves "!
Besides the Church of Evernight, the Church of Storms and the military are also targeting me, reportedly each sending an entire team... Danitz thought with a tremor in his heart.
He quickly revealed a mixture of confusion and bitterness on his face, and muttered to himself:
"But I didn't do anything..."
After relaying the message about gathering information on West Balam to " Admiral of Stars " Cattleya, Klein left the Gray Fog and returned to the real world, where he ate breakfast and attended tutoring lessons as usual.
When he woke up in the afternoon, with the help of his personal valet Richardson, he changed into his formal attire and boarded the carriage that was already waiting at the door.
"To Saint Samuel Grand Cathedral," Klein instructed the coachman, leaning against the side of the carriage.
Considering that he still retained the identity of Dawn Dantès, he thought it best not to easily change his previous persona. Therefore, he could not reduce the frequency of his visits to Saint Samuel Cathedral, nor could he reduce the amount of money he donated.
Moreover, this could effectively clear him of some suspicion. After all, it was hard for anyone to imagine that the " Criminal " who had sneaked into the Chanis Gate not only didn't escape, but instead swaggered back to the church as if nothing had happened... Thank goodness for Emperor Roselle, thank goodness he didn't plagiarize criminal psychology and didn't point out that many highly intelligent Criminal like to return to the scene of their crimes to admire their masterpieces and the helplessness of others... Klein muttered a few words to himself, picked up the black tea that Richardson had prepared, and took a small sip.
After moistening his throat, he glanced at his personal male servant and asked casually:
What are your strongest impressions of East Balam and West Balam?
Richardson, sitting next to him, didn't ask why, but thought for a moment and said:
" East Balam is more stable, West Balam is more chaotic."
After giving his brief answer, Richardson turned to look at his employer and saw that Dawn Dantès had half-closed his eyes, giving him a "go on" look.
Richardson scratched behind his ear, carefully choosing his words:
"There is also poverty, hunger, and flogging. Uh, the original people of East Balam and West Balam used to worship the Death, but later, because they were favored by the gods such as the goddess, the ' Lord of Storms,' and the ' Eternal Blazing Sun, ' they were able to gain higher status and protection from the church, which led to a large-scale conversion."
"However, as the number of converts increased, that special status quickly disappeared, and many people at the bottom of society secretly began to worship Death again."
"This is even more evident in the more chaotic West Balam, where the descendants of Death always garner a large following..."
"These are things my father mentioned occasionally when he was drunk."
Klein listened quietly, neither interrupting his personal servant nor asking any further questions.
Soon, the carriage arrived outside Saint Samuel Cathedral. Klein first admired the white doves flying in the square before entering the Great Prayer Hall, removing his hat, and handing it, along with his cane, to his personal valet Richardson.
He casually found a spot to sit down, and in the dim light, he looked at the altar, at the scattered "starlight" and the Sacred Emblem of Darkness, and a sudden feeling of unease, embarrassment, and insecurity welled up inside him.
If his guess was Error, ever since he came into contact with the Holy Sword and swore an oath with it, he should have been watched by the goddess. Every time he entered the church to pretend to pray, he felt like he was parading through the streets in the emperor's new clothes.
I don't know what the goddess's attitude is... or what position the church is on... Hmm, let's test the waters first... Klein clasped his hands together and placed them in front of his mouth and nose, seemingly praying earnestly.
After seven or eight minutes, he slowly got up, walked to the offering box, took out a 50-pound note, and devoutly put it in.
Having done all this, Klein turned toward the confessional on the side and pushed open the door to enter.
Unlike the oldest confessionals, which were large wooden chests with two doors, modern confessionals are independent rooms with more spacious interiors. The Confessor and the bishop listening are separated by a wooden partition, and each has their own seat.
Using the dim light, Klein sat down in the chair, and then heard the bishop's deep voice, resonant and clear, speak from behind the wooden partition:
"What do you want to say? The goddess blesses every one of her believers."
Klein then raised his right hand and tapped his chest four times clockwise, saying:
Praise the goddess.
"I want to confess that two days ago, people from the military approached me, hoping to sell a batch of guns and artillery to West Balam, adding fuel to the fire of chaos there..."
After he finished speaking, the bishop behind the barrier did not respond for a moment, seemingly shocked by the matter of smuggling arms and momentarily at a loss for words.
An awkward silence fell over the confessional.
"You're scared already? Haven't you ever met Confessor as frank and direct as me? If I told you I was plotting the murder of Demigod and was hiding from the ' Mother Tree of Desire ' and the ' True Creator,' wouldn't you jump up in shock?" Klein muttered to himself, then continued:
"When I was young, I did enjoy the adventurous life, seeking fortunes in iron, blood, and fire, but now I'm tired of it and long for a peaceful future."
"I should have refused, but I couldn't overcome my Greed. It was a tempting deal that would help me gain a foothold in Backlund's high society."
"I confess, I ultimately chose noise and chaos."
The bishop behind the wooden partition finally responded, speaking in a gentle voice:
"Do not be afraid, do not hesitate. There is no need to feel guilty about Greed within a certain limit, as long as you do not harm the innocent or commit the sins recorded in the scriptures."
"Go ahead and follow your heart. Make the choice you truly desire. Only in this way can you gradually and truly understand the doctrine and the true meaning of those words."
"Don't be embarrassed. Just remember this: at any time, sincerely admitting your mistakes and repenting is worthy of praise and forgiveness."
May the goddess bless you.
"Praise be to the goddess!" Klein once again drew Crimson Moon clockwise on his chest.
His purpose in coming to Saint Samuel Cathedral was to use the opportunity of confession to inform the church about his plans to enter the arms trade, to see how they would react, and to gauge the goddess's attitude towards him.
Without saying anything more, Klein slowly rose, left the confessional, and walked down the corridor toward his personal valet Richardson.
Just then, he saw a woman sitting in the corner of the Great Prayer Hall. She was wearing a hooded black robe, with blue eyeshadow and blush, and had an eerie beauty. She was none other than the former " Spirit Medium," Daly Simone.
Daly raised her head and noticed Dawn Dantès. Her expression became slightly dazed, as if she had fallen asleep and entered a dream while praying.
Klein nodded almost imperceptibly in a polite greeting, then took the hat and cane from his personal valet Richardson and walked out of the Great Prayer Hall at a leisurely pace.
Daly withdrew her gaze, looked down at the back of the chair in front of her, and slowly closed her eyes again.
As he stepped out of Saint Samuel Cathedral, Klein stood at the edge of the steps and paused for two seconds.
In the large square ahead, all the white doves suddenly took flight, blocking the view of the onlookers.
Less than 15 minutes later, Leonard, underground, heard that Dawn Dantès, was about to become a merchant who would cooperate with the authorities to smuggle arms to West Balam.
What exactly was he trying to do? Leonard frowned slightly, completely unable to comprehend the thoughts of that immortal Monster.
P. S.: Thank you so much, Loyal Servant Wangcai, for the Golden Alliance reward! It's such a waste of your money. I'll add an extra chapter to express my gratitude after I return from my Travel and take a few days to rest.
Lord of Mysteries