Two pairs of blue, jewel-like eyes met. One pair wore a kind smile, yet it revealed a hint of arrogance, while the other pair held a serious expression mixed with surprise.
Phil Gray never expected that this imposter would actually reach out to him.
Caroline was about to say something when Eli covered her mouth, leaving her only able to glare reproachfully at the fake Phil who was greeting them.
"Hello," Phil Gray said calmly, forcing a smile.
“I just noticed that this lady threw the flowers I gave her on the ground. Did I do something to offend her?” Fake Phil looked troubled. “I’m not very good at communicating with women, but as a believer of the God of Fate, her behavior was truly disrespectful to my deity. However, since it was my fault, I hope the God of Fate can forgive her unintentional mistake!”
Upon hearing this, Caroline's eyes widened, and she glared at him angrily. However, because Eli covered her mouth, she could not refute him. Although she had indeed been somewhat disrespectful to the gods, wasn't his impersonation of the Pope even more disrespectful to the gods?
Phil Gray stared straight at the person opposite him. He was indeed very well disguised. Every word and action of his was in line with the image of the Pope of Fate. So why was he impersonating him?
Are there other forces behind this?
Since he had taken the initiative to strike up a conversation, why not take the opportunity to find out more? With that thought, Phil Gray looked up and asked directly, "Your name is Phil, and you believe in the God of Fate. Could it be that you are the Pope of the Church of Fate?"
Fake Phil was taken aback, clearly not expecting the person in front of him to be so direct, but he quickly adjusted his expression and said seriously, "Yes, I didn't expect you to guess it. Can you keep it a secret for me? Although the Church of Destiny is the church of the six main gods, there are many hostile forces. If my identity is known to others, the journey may not be peaceful."
Phil Gray thought to himself, "You've already said it outright, and you still say we were just guessing? How interesting."
And you even told us to keep it a secret. After this ball, I'm afraid half the passengers on the ship will know your identity as the "Pope".
But she still showed a look of surprise on her face, "Really? I didn't expect you to be so approachable. My companion was indeed in the wrong just now. I apologize to you and the gods on her behalf. I hope the god of fate will not blame her."
Fake Phil smiled and said, "The god of fate is so merciful that he will not hold it against us. Since fate has brought us together here, I will treat you to a late-night snack."
"Ugh, ugh, ugh." Caroline broke free from Eli's hand. Although she didn't know what Phil was up to, she wasn't stupid enough to ruin their plans. She just wanted to catch her breath.
"It's an honor." Phil Gray smiled, feigning great excitement.
But why invite them for a late-night snack? Phil Gray's eyes darkened.
Fake Phil resumed his arrogant expression and walked ahead as if the people behind him were already his followers.
Eli was suppressing a laugh, but also pretending to be excited, until he heard the imposter in front of him suddenly ask, "Your divine power level is not low, and you also have a strong life force. Are you a chosen one of the God of Life?"
“Yes, you truly are His Holiness the Pope of the Church of Destiny. I am indeed a chosen one of the God of Life. The Church of Destiny and the Church of Life have always been on good terms, and I have long admired you,” Eli said with a smile, though whether that smile was flattery or sarcasm was unclear.
Caroline rolled her eyes dismissively and followed them, lifting her skirt as she went.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the generous Phil booked a private room for them.
Exquisite silver plates were laid out on the round table, and servants served up a variety of delicious food. Fake Phil took out two fine wine jugs from his spatial stone. "These are specialties of the Church of Destiny, wine brewed from the Flower of Destiny. They have a mellow taste. I am happy to be your friend. I am currently traveling, so you don't need to worry about my identity. Please enjoy yourselves."
“Alright.” Eli poured a glass for the boss first, which drew a surprised look from fake Phil. He quickly explained, “Your Holiness, please forgive my rudeness. I am used to taking care of the young master’s daily life and should pour you wine first.”
"It's okay, I can do it myself."
Fake Phil looked Phil Gray up and down again. He had just realized that this man was the key figure among them, which was why he started talking to him first, even though the other man and woman were both chosen by the gods, while he was an ordinary person.
“Okay.” Eli poured himself and Caroline a glass naturally, then handed the flask back to him.
For a moment, Fake Phil's expression turned unnatural, but he quickly regained his dignified and kind smile.
"How is it? Isn't this wine better than the ones you drank before?" Eli asked the person next to him with a smile.
Phil Gray knew he was asking about the authenticity of the wine. In theory, as the true Pope, he should know about it, but he hadn't spent much time at the Church of Fate and had never tasted the wine.
He picked up the cup and sniffed it. It smelled the same as the pastry he had eaten when he first arrived. The ingredient was definitely the Flower of Destiny, but whether it was also poisonous was unknown.
"What's wrong? Don't you gentlemen like to drink?" Fake Phil raised his glass, drank it all in one gulp, and then closed his eyes. "Whenever I drink the wine brewed by the Flower of Destiny, I feel the gaze of the gods upon me. I really enjoy this feeling, although sometimes the power to spy on or even manipulate the fate of others does not bring happiness, but rather sadness for their tragic circumstances."
Eli raised an eyebrow, somewhat curious about what this "His Holiness the Pope" wanted to express.
"I am the Pope of the Church of Destiny, the representative of the gods on earth. I always hope to use my power to change some unjust fates, so that poor commoners can one day have food, clothing and shelter that are within the reach of nobles, so that wanderers can get rid of their wandering and homeless journey, and so that peace can replace war!"
Fake Phil spoke passionately, then added rather "embarrassedly," "I lost my composure, please forgive me."
“No, no, we’ve heard about your kindness before,” Phil Gray said dryly, his tone completely flat.
Fake Phil chuckled and continued, “One of the reasons I travel is to witness the ups and downs of fate, and to help those who are at their lowest point rise back to the top when necessary. I know you must have some troubles too, right? Why don’t you tell me? Since the gods have allowed us to dine at the same table, I’d be happy to help you.”
Help them change their destiny?
Phil Gray was curious about the imposter's true purpose. Was this all for impersonating the Pope and giving such a lavish speech?
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