Chapter 93 Chapter 93 Bella/Sir Jarvis? ...
Haddonfield, Mechanics' Association Hall.
The table was slammed loudly by the angry Gryffindor, and the black-clad believers lowered their heads and dared not speak.
After the announcement of the opening of flights to China, most of the merchants defected, and the church had a major gap in the redemption money. Not to mention repairing the new church, even maintaining daily expenses was difficult.
"Atonement money! More atonement money! Tell His Holiness that Haddonfield won't be able to pay the atonement money on time this year!" Griffin's voice was hoarse. "No, not just Haddonfield, but all of Ceylon's tax revenue will be reduced by half!"
Spencer joined forces with the White family to break the technology monopoly. It is conceivable that they would not miss this opportunity to promote the technology to Mellenvic, and the Queen would not refuse such a good thing that came to her door.
Harbin is the wealth center of Ceylon, where almost 80% of the country's speculators and businessmen gather. In their eyes, profit is an eternal belief.
How they submitted to the Mechanicus in order to open factories, so now they are willing to side with the White Family and the Duke's Palace for more advanced and lower-cost improved technologies.
Trying to use religious brainwashing in Kent is totally useless!
At this moment, a believer clutched the corner of his clothes, huddled out from behind the crowd, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Excellency the Bishop... there is one more thing..."
Gryffin's eyes were cold: "Speak."
"After the princess opened a new school on the outskirts of town, she teamed up with the workers' leaders to start a newspaper. The articles published in it... I... I dare not read them."
The cultist bowed his head and handed the newspaper to Gryffin.
Griffin took a quick look and saw that the headlines were all words like "freedom" and "science".
Unlike those underground organizations that were once eradicated by the church, this one simply published lengthy articles of instruction. Instead, it allowed school students and factory technical experts to share scientific stories in their own words, or to dispel rumors about scientific knowledge that was mistakenly believed to be miraculous.
The newspapers did not say that the gods were fake, and even offered free donations on prayer days in the name of blessing. As a result, the church could not even find a reason to ban it.
Staring at the newspaper, Gryffin clenched his fists suddenly, his eyes sinister - he finally understood that what the woman wanted was not just a temporary advantage, but to shake the foundation of the Holy Light Church.
He looked outside the church and through the news in the newspaper, he seemed to have seen another scene of Kent.
In the factory, Kevin, who had recovered his health, waved his fist and shouted to the surrounding workers in a loud voice: "Guys! Science can free us from illness, and freedom can let us hold our heads high! We are not tools of the church!"
In town, little Polly darted through the crowd like a nimble little bird, stuffing newspapers into the hands of every passing worker, looking up and saying, "Uncle, take a look! The latest issue of 'Workers' Voice'!"
By the river, Rose, who had just finished washing clothes, shared her fiancé's recovery story with the women. Taking advantage of everyone's curiosity, she took out a job advertisement and said, "Girls, the Duchess has opened a textile factory for women. I'm planning to apply for a position. Would you like to try together?"
The women working in the fields hesitated: "If we leave, what will happen to the children without anyone to take care of them?"
"Don't worry, the textile factory has a school and hospital. Children can go to school in the factory, and we also have welfare benefits if we get sick." Rose carefully explained the relevant regulations.
Some people waited and watched, while others decisively followed Rose.
When the first group of female workers received their wages and went home, the rest of them could no longer sit still.
A new trend in Haddonfield began, but people at the time did not realize that they were standing at the node of historical change, nor did they anticipate what earth-shaking changes would occur in the future.
At this moment, Gryffin clutched the deformed newspaper, but seemed to be able to sense the coming crisis.
Yes, as the article says, gods themselves are the embodiment of human fantasy, harmless mascots, and comfort in times of lows. As long as humans exist, the gods in our hearts will also exist forever.
The Holy Light Church was established in this way from the beginning. It made the "person" on a high platform become the incarnation of God, and was revered by all.
But now, these new trends are subtly spreading a message: that everything in your eyes can be a god, a spiritual sustenance, a source of peace and strength. But in other words, they become gods because you have given them faith. You are willing to believe that the gods benevolently love everyone, including you. This gives you the courage to rise from the trough, to forge ahead through the thorns, and to live a new life.
At that moment, it is God who saves you, but more importantly, it is yourself.
You are one with the gods, and their will is your will—not by placing your faith in the temple of Morpheus on Mount Morpheus.
Once such an idea takes root in people's minds, that will be the moment when the Holy Light Church completely loses power.
Gryffin understood very well that the woman's methods were extremely clever.
He was silent for a long time, breathing heavily, and said, "Listen to me, we must teach this woman a lesson. Otherwise... all of us will fall off the platform!"
-
On the other side, Chengzhishe Girls' School.
The new campus was built in a beautiful manor. The afternoon sun shone through the windows onto the desks. The children gathered around Isabel, chirping like a group of sparrows.
The questions they asked were varied and full of the innocence that is unique to children. When Isabel saw these children, she had the illusion of being back in her childhood and seeing the follower Otti.
After all these years, Isabel is still not a good teacher in the traditional sense.
Elementary school students, having just finished their physics lesson, asked if anyone lives on the sun. They also asked if it were possible for humans to grow wings, fly up to the sky, and touch the sun with their own hands.
Isabel lied seriously, saying that a god lived in the sun, named Apollo because he loved eating pineapples. He had a very bad temper and hated children playing in the river in the summer. He would get angry at the sight of children, which was why the summer was so hot.
It is also said that there is a mysterious tribe of elves living in the forest. They will secretly observe which child is the most obedient, and then lend her wings on the day she comes of age to fly to the sky to meet Apollo. But be careful, the sun is very hot up there, so if it is convenient, you can bring two eggs and fry them, preferably with some salad.
The thoughtful instructions made the children fascinated. They rushed to swear that they would never play in the water and patted their chests to promise to be obedient.
Only the study committee member in the corner wrinkled his nose and glanced speechlessly at his classmates and the adult who lied to the children without batting an eyelid - humph, the smart children already knew that there are no gods in the world, let alone an Apollo who loves pineapples, and it is impossible to borrow the wings of elves to fry eggs in the sun!
After Isabel lied to the child, she prepared to leave the school and end the inspection.
The children didn't know that she was a major shareholder of the school. In their world, Isabel was just a beautiful teacher they saw on campus every month. She often brought them gifts and told them fresh fables. Of course, when they grew up, the children realized that these stories were all made up, which was why they were so different.
But at this moment, in their hearts, no one is more interesting than Teacher Norman. She inspired the children's wild imagination. So one day in the future, humans can really fly into the blue sky with wings.
"Teacher Norman, where is the other Teacher Norman?" A child with pigtails tugged at her clothes, his eyes full of longing.
Isabel knew immediately that she was talking about Audrey.
Isabel smiled and patted the child's head. "The other teacher, Norman, has gone to a faraway place called China. When he returns, he will bring you gifts, as well as a lot of new knowledge and stories."
"Huaxia? Oh! It's in the far, far East!" the children exclaimed. "How cool!"
The study committee member also showed his joy, and the children chattered and discussed until the bell rang, then they reluctantly ran out.
As the sun sets, the classroom becomes quiet instantly.
Emily walked forward and helped Isabel pack up. Thinking of what she had just said, her eyes moved slightly, and she suddenly asked, "Miss, is something going to happen?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You sent all your family away, and you assigned Edith a mission, so she hasn't appeared in a long time." Emily paused. Living with Isabel in Chalvey for so long, she had developed a certain sensitivity. "So I guess you predicted the crisis?"
Isabel picked up the book on the table and said in a casual tone as if she was talking about today's weather: "It's not a big deal."
As early as the day Jessica appeared, Isabel realized that the mines she had bought in the past would explode one day.
Rather than waiting for it to explode without any preparation, it is better to plan ahead.
She wasn't a true god, and couldn't predict how everything would turn out. She could only evacuate the crowd and try to minimize the explosion.
It would be great if she could be safe and sound, but if she had to get a minor injury, she had nothing to be afraid of.
"No matter what, I'll stay with you." Emily lowered her eyes.
Isabel raised her head, a faint smile on her lips. She didn't answer, but whispered, "Aren't you afraid?"
She still remembered Emily's initial appearance - innocent, timid, and noisy.
Now she has transformed into a calm and determined lady.
Emily looked up and smiled, "With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."
-
A few days later, at the Mechanical Society Church.
The black-clad cultist walked out slowly, clutching a crumpled piece of paper in his hand, his face solemn. "Lord Gryffin, I've found the clue you're looking for. The Duchess of Spencer attended Sophia's funeral, and just before Sophia left, a worker named Jessica visited her. Jessica was originally from Brunswick Shipping, but later joined the Duchess. Now... she's gone."
"Gone?" Gryffin's pupils shrank suddenly.
"Yes, not only did she disappear, but the entire Norman family of Losen County left Ceylon," said the believer.
Gryffin's face darkened. He pondered for a long moment, then sneered, "Is it really a coincidence? The whole family was transferred away at this time..."
He paused, his expression sinister: "Investigate, keep investigating. There's something wrong with this Jessica, Audrey Norman, and their whole family!"
"Yes!" The believers took the order and left.
Ten days later, it was still the church hall.
The cultist broke in again, this time with an excited look on his face.
"Your Excellency the Bishop! We found it!"
"Did Jessica catch it?" Gryffin asked coldly.
"No, it's not Jessica!" The believer stumbled and turned around and said, "It's... it's..."
Gryffin raised his head suddenly and glanced towards the entrance of the hall - behind the believers, a familiar figure slowly appeared.
The hook-nosed gentleman took off his hat and nodded, saluting in a low voice: "Good evening, Your Excellency the Bishop. Please allow me to pay my sincere respects to the Holy God."
A strange excitement flashed across Gryffin's eyes. He stood up suddenly, the corners of his mouth curved wider, and he spoke slowly, "Sir Jarvis?"
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Author's note: I haven't finished writing the next chapter yet, dear friends. I've been busy packing these days, so there's not much to write.
It's almost finished. I originally wanted to finish it in one go, but I was afraid that if I delayed too long, a typhoon would come and it would be difficult to drive on the highway.
Strong winds are coming in Hubei Province, so friends along the coast please be careful!!
Anyway, I'll see if I can finish the main plot quickly, and then take a two-day break after finishing the main story to move. If the weather changes too quickly, I might have to move first and then write.
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