The Lich of Glory Knight Spirit: Moving towards Krimasha!
Chapter 73 - 08: Pearce Cathedral (3)

Chapter 73: Chapter 08: Pearce Cathedral (3)

On the balcony, the elderly Lord Bishop smiled while looking at Gray. His open hands paused in mid-air, waiting.

Ordinarily, Gray was expected to give a comment, and it couldn’t be a negative one, then the bishop could proceed with his speech. Ultimately, the conclusion would push towards requiring Gray to pledge loyalty to the King and move from White City to Lion King City.

At least, that’s what he thought.

However, Gray didn’t say anything. He just quietly made eye contact with the bishop.

The atmosphere became a bit awkward.

"*He seems to be waiting for me to say something,*" Gray whispered to the Black Cat.

"*He’s waiting for you to comment on what he just said.*"

"*Should I tell him?*"

"*No, Catherine said not to speak recklessly. If you have any questions, ask her when you get back.*"

"*But he’s still waiting for my comment.*"

"*Just stall him for now. I’m afraid if you start talking, you’ll expose your lack of common sense. We need to leave a good impression on the bishop, right?*"

So, Gray said, "I’ll go back and think about it, and then tell Lord Bishop what I think, alright?"

"Need to... think about it?" The bishop’s smile froze. After a moment, he had no choice but to force a reply, "Actually, my point was to ask you if you’d be interested in playing a bigger part in our great mission of spreading faith?"

"*Can I say yes?*" Gray whispered.

"*Uh... maybe. That’s the standard answer. But it’s better to wait and confirm with Catherine when we’re back,*" the Black Cat whispered.

So, Gray said again, "I’ll need some time to think about that, too."

"You need to think about that, too..."

The atmosphere became even more awkward; the conversation could no longer continue.

Dean wanted to interject but didn’t dare.

Shelley’s gaze darted between the two, her grip on Gray’s hand tightened secretly.

After a long deliberation, the bishop could only say, "Holy Knight, can you tell me why you need to think about such matters?"

Gray righteously said, "As a Holy Knight, my every word and action represents the Church. I must treat it with caution! At all times, we must remember the trust that the Holy Spirit places in us!"

"Fantastic!" The Black Cat patted its paw inside the armor, "This sounds exactly like something a Holy Knight should say!"

"Really?" Gray was overjoyed.

"Of course it’s true, it’s practically glowing with Holy Light! It shows Catherine’s teachings were very effective!"

"That’s wonderful!"

Grinning from ear to ear, Gray remained motionless, staring at the bishop, prepared to continue this silent standoff.

The bishop’s recently stiffened scalp was now starting to tingle. He glanced with the corner of his eye at Shelley holding Gray’s hand, seemingly understanding, or perhaps misunderstanding something.

So, he smiled and said, "Alright then, please, do go back and think it over seriously, and give me your response. I’m looking forward to it."

"Mm! I will!" Gray replied earnestly.

Great, the negotiation had ended before it even began.

The bishop took a sip of water, silently drinking while occasionally stealing glances at Gray.

Negotiation is an art. Why do so many people prefer face-to-face discussions rather than exchanging letters or using intermediaries? Because face-to-face conversations allow you to accurately gauge the other party’s thoughts through their facial expressions, ultimately facilitating the deal. But if the other party wears a mask during the negotiation... then it’s no different from negotiating through letters.

At this moment, the bishop suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness.

After a simple and fruitless meeting, they went downstairs to attend worship, presided over by the bishop.

The process was, of course, solemn and dignified.

Afterward came the visits from a large group of clergy, many of whom had come from neighboring regions. The bishop briefly introduced Gray, then dismissed everyone.

Next, someone was assigned to show Gray and Shelley around. Of course, the bishop himself did not accompany them.

Gray showed great interest in Pearce Cathedral. Although his responses were just "oh, oh, hmm, hmm," he lingered at each spot, listening to the clergy’s detailed introductions.

Shelley also showed great interest, but it was in Gray. Her eyes almost sparkled with stars.

As for the Black Cat, it had fallen asleep and was snoring.

Standing on the balcony, the bishop looked down through the gap in the glass at Gray and Shelley surrounded by a group of clergy in the garden, a look of helplessness on his face.

"It seems we guessed wrong," he said softly, "The King must have talked with Duke Beisher last night and was rejected. Duke Beisher must have informed him. So, he knew what I was about to say and used those strange words to reject me. You’ve had more contact with him than I have, what do you think?"

"Uh... not much, honestly," Dean said softly, "In fact, he’s only been in White City for a few months. I only see him during weekly services. But I think him bringing Miss Shelley today was meant to express something. And his behavior just now, you saw it too. Should we adjust our strategy, perhaps discuss with the King about dropping the demand for him to annul his engagement to the Gruglu family?"

"That’s impossible." The bishop sat down next to the tea table, "The King needs the prestige of the Holy Knight. But if the Holy Knight brings along a family that might threaten his power in the future, it makes no difference whether he gains the Holy Knight’s support or not."

"That makes things very difficult."

Tilting his head, the bishop sighed softly, "During the Battle of White City, when I saw the fifth Holy Knight besides the four from the Church, saw the miracle, saw the Angel, how could any clergyman not be moved? When the Pope finally decided to accept him as the fifth Holy Knight, I even felt that the King’s invitation for me to watch the battle at White City was a divine arrangement from the Holy Spirit, containing a mission. But now... we have a problem."

Dean bowed quietly, listening, occasionally glancing up at the bishop.

Spreading his hands, the bishop continued, "A Holy Knight with immense prestige and power but not raised in the Church, nobody knows him, nobody is familiar with him. The closest to him is a duchess. And a stubborn one. There isn’t any other Holy Knight on the continent who serves a duchess. Should we really have the Pope order him on this matter?"

Dean’s eyes widened, his gaze flickering with hesitation, "Would that be very difficult?"

The bishop turned his face to look at Dean, sighed, "It would make the Pope think we have no control over the Holy Knight we recommended. The significantly increased trust the Pope had in the clergy of the Isaac Kingdom because of the birth of the Holy Knight would vanish. Do you understand the gravity of this?"

"I understand." Dean quickly bowed.

"That’s why you were transferred here. You’re the only one who knows him, even if not very well. When he goes back, find another opportunity to talk to him. Persuade him, or see if there’s another solution. We can’t force demands on someone we don’t know. His prestige is currently very high; if our differences become public, it could put us in the same awkward position as the King. Do you get what I mean?"

"Understood." Dean bowed again, respectfully said, "Please rest assured, Lord Bishop, I will handle this."

"Alright then, it’s up to you. Hopefully, you’ll bring us some good news soon."

"Yes."

By noon, Gray and Shelley had already left the cathedral on horseback.

Gray was still relishing the experience. As soon as they left the cathedral, he suddenly became talkative, "Pearce Cathedral is really an interesting place. It has a history of over a thousand years. If we trace back further, it can reach over seven thousand years. The most important thing is, people age and die, but they always manage to pass their faith to the next generation. Generation after generation, they go through so much, but there will always be new people continuing the path. That’s heritage. If it’s just one person, it doesn’t matter much. But over seven thousand years, with everyone holding the same belief, advancing towards the same goal, that’s truly remarkable. The Holy Spirit is truly great."

"*If it’s just one person, how can it last over seven thousand years?*" Shelley whispered with wide eyes.

"*Uh... I mean, if.*"

"Actually, I’ve never read the whole Bible completely. That book is really thick," Shelley tilted her head, "But hearing you say this, I also think the Holy Spirit is incredible. From today on, I’m going to read it thoroughly."

"Really?"

"Of course! As the fiancée of a Holy Knight, how can I not be a devout believer?"

"Then let’s make this world a better place! Spread the message of peace and love to every corner of the world! Make everyone honest and kind!"

"That goal seems too big... maybe we’ll never achieve it," Shelley clenched her fist and said seriously, "But for you, I’m willing to aim for it! I’ll hold myself to virtue and faith, keeping up with your steps!"

"We’ll be the greatest Holy Knight couple in history!" Gray clenched his fist.

"Yes!" Shelley raised her hands high.

In any case, on this rather warm sunny noon, the pretentious Lich Knight and his love-struck fiancée reached a new consensus.

Riding their horses, they moved on slowly and soon returned to the Lion King Palace.

...

Seeing Gray and Shelley riding and chatting happily through the window, Yilin and Count Gruglu breathed a sigh of relief, "They must have passed."

...

Seeing Gray and Shelley riding and chatting happily through the window, the King’s face darkened, "No word from the bishop yet?"

"Not yet."

"Send someone to urge him. We need an answer."

"Yes."

...

Opening the door, Gray suddenly found four people sitting in his room.

Jones and Dora in their armor, Catherine crossing her arms, her face stern.

And of course, Vivian, smiling like a sweet date.

"Hi! Holy Knight, from today, I am your Guardian Demon. Nice to meet you, I’m Vivian, please take care of me."

With a "clang," Gray drew his sword.