“But now they’ve all been open about it. That old fox Wendell doesn’t hide his intention to become pope at all. He even pretends to others that he just wants the Papacy to develop better, and that it is only right for a high-ranking chosen one to be pope.” Patrick clenched his fists.
“While I have no attachment to the papacy, I will never let him become pope. One day, I will kill them with my own hands to avenge my dead friends.” A cold glint flashed in Phil Gray’s eyes.
"But cousin, don't worry. Our Gray family isn't to be trifled with either. If they make any moves, our family's high-ranking chosen ones will fight to the death to make them suffer. Father said that the families are still negotiating, and there will be a formal negotiation meeting in a few days. We'll know the outcome then. Father and the others will always support you."
"Uh-huh."
“I also told my father that you have become a chosen one of the gods, and he was very happy. However, my paper cranes are now ruined, all because I used them too often before…” Patrick patted his head in annoyance.
"How do I contact them after that?"
“I told my father our temporary address; he should be able to help.”
"This is the only way."
Phil Gray once again felt the urgency to improve his skills.
After going down the stairs, they had a simple breakfast, and soon the others arrived one after another.
"Good morning, boss." Eli was wearing a different outfit today, a green suit and a black hat.
"What's up? Is something wrong today?" Patrick asked him.
“I need to go back and pack some things. I haven’t brought my flower seeds and jars yet. Who knew you guys would drag me here after the competition?” Eli then looked at Phil Gray. “Boss, can I take the day off?”
"sure."
Eli's figure receded into the distance.
"This guy's acting all mysterious," Patrick remarked.
"By the way, when I went for a walk this morning, I saw the apostate symbol on the wall on the street again. Cousin, should we go to participate again tonight?"
He seemed inexplicably excited about being an undercover agent, but it wouldn't hurt to go and gather some information; that's how they learned about Ernest last time.
"Can."
"They're still searching for the exiled knight, unaware that he's already one of ours." Patrick chuckled, glancing at Ernest.
"Oh, right, we had another mask that day. We originally planned to give it to Gene, but he's an ordinary person and it's inconvenient for him to travel with us. There's no need for him to hide it either. So let's give the mask to Ernest. He looks too much like the Duke of Surrey. It would be bad if someone with ulterior motives recognized it."
“Okay.” Ernest took the mask.
They never asked Ernest about the Duke of Surrey, even though Phil Gray had seen with the Eye of Fate that he was indeed the Duke of Surrey's son. But why would he rather wander than go back?
However, considering that this was a knight's family matter, they could not presume to speak up.
"You guys are here. I didn't expect you to actually come to have a drink with me so soon." A familiar voice came from behind.
When I turned around, it was Captain Morey.
"What's wrong? Is your team so free? Coming here for drinks so early in the morning?" Patrick laughed.
“Of course not. Yesterday, the Commercial Church accused me of breaking their rules and disrupting the trade fair. They went directly to the Holy See and even threatened to force the two shops here to leave Duer City and stop serving it.” Morey shrugged helplessly and ordered a bottle of wine.
“What? What about the trade fair?” Phil Gray frowned.
"So I was suspended for a week, but it's just for show. So what if it's the Commercial Church? Don't they need the Church of Life to treat them?" Morey laughed. "Don't worry, they won't withdraw from their shops. They just want an explanation from the Church of Life."
"It's a good deal for me, I got a week off for free. Hmm, I can visit old friends in the remaining days."
The tavern was instantly filled with the smiles of several young people.
The daytime passes quickly, and the children of night soon cover the earth with darkness, leaving only scattered stars to wander slowly.
Phil Gray and Patrick, carrying lamps, walked down the empty street, their destination the red door at the end of the alley.
There were more people attending tonight, including some new members.
Mr. Allen and Mrs. Dean had also arrived long ago and were chatting nearby.
Phil Gray went up to greet Mr. Allen as a gesture of gratitude for the carriage ride he had given him last time.
“Oh, Mr. Kane, how have you been?” Mr. Allen asked with a smile.
Mrs. Dean smiled and greeted him.
"Fortunately, Mr. Allen seems to be in good spirits," Phil Gray smiled.
After a brief chat, the middle-aged leader from last time entered, and everyone's attention turned to him again.
"Good evening, everyone. I have gathered you all here today for an important matter. I know that you have all suffered persecution at the hands of the Church of Destiny, and in this situation, our gods have not protected us," the leader said slowly.
"The god of fate has not descended for a long time. Many people say that he has abandoned us. Although we resent him, we have been searching for reasons. Why did he abandon us? And where is he now?"
The leader's voice was calm, but Phil Gray could detect a sense of resentment and confusion in it. The apostates here seemed different from those in Kao City, where they were focused on destruction, but here they were exploring why the gods had abandoned them.
“We are stationed in the Dur City region of the Church of Life because there is a relic left by the God of Fate a thousand years ago nearby. However, the exact location of the relic has never been clearly recorded. Of course, those of you who joined later may not know this.”
“The exact location of the ruins has now been determined. Although a thousand years have passed since the gods descended and lingered there, divine power must still remain. In addition, other forces may also learn of this and come to get involved. This operation is extremely dangerous, so I will not force you to participate.”
He scanned everyone present.
“Whoever wants to stay after the meeting, I will tell you the time and place in detail.”
Phil Gray lowered his eyes, while Patrick tugged at his clothes, asking in a low voice about his decision, seemingly interested as well. But then he added, "Cousin, while I'm quite interested, safety comes first. We..."
“We absolutely must participate,” Phil Gray said firmly.
He always remembered the contents of the original owner's letter: "In every place where the god of fate has lingered, the god and I have prepared a generous gift for you. This is your reward and also a gift from fate."
Since the god of fate once lingered here, could he find the gift the god had given him?
Phil Gray curled his lips into a smile.
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