Tristan put down his wine glass, sat up straight, and his face showed an unprecedented longing and fervor: "My master, his wisdom and knowledge are beyond the imagination of ordinary people! He traveled to many countries in search of knowledge and truth, lived in the San Sidlow Monastery for three years, and together with his friends built that room underground."

Todd, recalling the ingenious and ingeniously designed alchemy laboratory, asked eagerly, "May I ask, who was your master?"

“Father, no need to rush. You will see him when you arrive in the Papal States.” Tristan picked up his glass again and said with a smile, “Let’s change the subject. How about we talk about that instrument I saw this afternoon? I have a few questions for you…”

Then, the man raised a series of basic optics and materials science questions. Todd was amazed by the man's ability to apply his knowledge to new situations, and carefully answered them without giving himself away.

The two, who shared the same topic, quickly struck up a conversation under the influence of alcohol, occasionally bursting into laughter and exclamations that drew the attention of onlookers.

Just as Todd was enjoying his drink, a figure out of the corner of his eye made his brow twitch a few times.

A flustered Rachel stood outside the window of the side aisle of the church and waved to him.

Using the excuse of needing to urinate, Todd went outside. Looking at the nun standing by the wall, he cautiously glanced around and whispered, "Did you need me out? If it's not urgent, how about we talk about it tomorrow?"

Rachel looked anxious, her eyes fixed on the darkness, her usual composure gone. Her words sobered Todd considerably.

"Remember the alien refuge I mentioned? The first group of refugees arrived, and they're hiding outside the town."

————————————

Pretending to have something to do, Todd hurriedly bid farewell to Tristan and, guided by the nun, arrived at a secluded thatched hut outside the town.

Rachel lifted the straw piled up under the shed, revealing four figures in the darkness.

Two adults and two children, a young couple with their son and daughter, dressed in linen clothes covered in dust and mud, looked at the priest in his holy robes with fear and unease.

“I only received the news this evening. This family of four are all heretics, but they have never done anything evil. Right now, they are being hunted by the Inquisition.” Rachel turned to Todd and said anxiously, “If we don’t help them, this family will definitely be caught and executed. Todd, what should we do?”

Todd scratched his head, growling angrily, "God! Rachel! Why today of all days?! The Papal States' envoys are in town. If we bring them in, the Church might find out! Besides, their arrival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Muxi Town... but..."

He lowered his head and glanced again at the family of four huddled together, trembling. He was torn between his inner turmoil and his expression was a mixture of emotions.

"They must have gone that way! Everyone spread out! Don't miss a single corner!" A voice from afar interrupted the priest's thoughts.

Todd used his "Eagle Eye" ability to look closely and saw a dozen or so men in black with blood-red crosses embroidered on their chests, carrying torches and fanning out towards the thatched hut to search for it.

The Inquisition is almost here; there's no time to think!

At this moment, Rachel stamped her foot anxiously and suddenly suggested, "How about I distract those people from the Inquisition, and you take these aliens and head south?" After saying that, she turned around and was about to leave.

Almost instinctively, Todd grabbed her hand.

He pursed his lips, sighed, and his words were now devoid of hesitation or reservation. Looking firmly into the woman's eyes, Todd said, "Ratchet, since I promised you, I will naturally keep my word. Besides, I can't sacrifice someone else to save myself!"

Holding the nun tightly, Todd gestured to the fleeing alien family, signaling them to follow him. He led the group, avoiding the search routes, and fled towards Twilight Town.

Looking at the priest in front of her, who was five years younger than her, and feeling the sweat gradually seeping from his palms, the woman felt a strange sense of calm.

After passing through a field overgrown with weeds and winding around a bustling night street, the camp of Huggins's men's guards lay ahead.

This was probably the most secluded and safest place in the entire town of Muxi. Just as Todd had seen the camp gate, a wandering black figure appeared at the end of the street and slowly walked towards him.

"Father! That's wonderful! I've been looking for you!"

It was Tristan, the Holy Envoy of the Papal States!

Todd looked up at the sky, wanting to cry but unable to.

Heavenly Father! Did you take away all my good fortune because you saw that things were going smoothly for me lately?!

Todd glanced discreetly behind him, then strode towards Tristan and greeted him warmly, "Your Excellency, aren't you going to rest so late?"

Tristan didn't answer his question at all. He turned to Todd, but his gaze was fixed on what was behind him: "Father, aren't you going to rest so late?"

Todd gave an awkward smile, gesturing for Rachel to hurry up with his hand hidden behind his back. He lowered his voice and offered the reason he had just come up with: "The family you see are refugee serfs. Because of the labor shortage in Muxi Town, I've been secretly taking them in. You may not know, but because of this, my relationship with the nobles isn't good..."

“It’s just taking in a family of serfs, yet it requires a priest and a nun to come forward together. That’s quite interesting.” Tristan winked at Todd, and continued with a smile, “Speaking of which, I need to bring back some local specialties for my master since I’m in Muxi Town. Do you have any recommendations, Father?”

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!