Chapter 26.2 - Flames of War Rage Everywhere Around Steinbeck Fief (Part 2) (2/2)
“Your Excellency Bishop Nichols, I understand. This is a token of my regard. Please accept it and think of it as a friend’s gift.”
Bishop Nichols leisurely sipped his tea as Clyde opened up several big trunks that had been placed in the drawing-room in advance. Filled with neatly arranged gold bars, they glittered, practically illuminating the hall. The hand of Bishop Nichols that held the teacup slightly trembled, and greed filled his eyes. He didn’t conceal his intentions at all.
“Your Excellency Clyde, you are truly a most sensible young man, perhaps the most talented that I have ever seen. Compared to those few iron roosters (cheapskates) of Adrian Empire’s imperial family, you are a lot more understanding. I will help you deal with this matter. When the time comes, as long as I declare Needham Plain cursed, Adrian Empire will definitely look for a person to buy it up.”
“Bishop Nichols, aren’t only archbishops able to declare this?”
“I have some friends above. There is no need to worry.”
“Then, to our happy cooperation!”
The secret meeting of Clyde and Bishop Nichols lasted for a long time. After sending off this bishop, he met “Punishment Saintess” Tiffany and “Light Saintess” Maria who had come to pay a visit. These two saintesses wore golden priest robes, and Clyde could easily make out their fine figures. They sent a rather disgusted gaze at the direction to which Bishop Nichols had left. They seemed to be very familiar with this bishop’s behavior.
“Clyde, Bishop Nichols is unworthy of having a deep friendship with; you have to pay attention! Be careful, or you will suffer losses. That fellow is a businessman.”
“Maria is right. Bishop Nichols is from Archbishop Edmund’s faction. They are not devout light believers.”
Tiffany and Maria weren’t afraid of spreading this family scandal and bluntly told the circumstances to Clyde. Within Light Church, there were a few factions, but as neutral forces the saintesses didn’t belong to any faction and were usually just symbolic. However, among the larger factions of Light Church, the faction led by Archbishop Edmund liked to interfere in the political affairs of other nations from behind the scenes. In addition, they secretly traded with every nation. To them, as long as there was money, religious doctrines were just decorations.
Clyde could only smile. He expressed that he clearly understood and that he would be careful hereafter. These two saintesses belonged to the pure type and lacked the ability to harbor any complicated schemes. They had never expected for Clyde to have already known of Bishop Nichol’s matters, causing him to intentionally contact this corrupt bishop. If Bishop Nichols were a good person, Clyde wouldn’t have gone to look for him for a secret talk.
“Okay, I will pay attention hereafter. By the way, why are you two looking for me? If it is a matter related to building the churches, you two should go look for Princess Saras.”
“No, no, it’s not a matter pertaining to the cathedrals. Adrian Empire is holding a banquet, and we were invited. We need a male companion. In this palace, it seems that you are the only gentleman here, so…”