Gilberto nodded slightly. "I know my limits."
Father Alessio sighed. "…I can only protect you for so long."
"But now, some forces and voices can no longer be suppressed."
To outsiders, his words might sound cryptic, but Gilberto understood perfectly.
"So, our two forces must seek 'unity' and 'integration.'"
"Our faith has already been unified—this is the path He desires."
Father Alessio waved his hand wearily.
Gilberto bowed slightly again and quickly left.
…
In the Cathedral of Mercury of the Order of the Deep stood a statue of the Sentinel, open for all to revere.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Ragunna City, the Order of the Deep, separated by a stretch of water, was quiet and solemn. Its ornate stained-glass windows and massive statues gave it a classical, sacred, and dignified air.
Upon entering the gates, the first thing one saw was the Sentinel statue at the far end.
It differed slightly from the Sentinel statue they had passed by on the gondola earlier.
This statue's wings were even larger, like a broad, warm embrace, silently guarding every citizen of Rinascita.
The cathedral's overall blue tone lent it a somewhat cold ambiance.
Phoebe led the group inside.
On either side stood massive sculptures, like silent guards watching every visitor.
As the group passed by, the statues raised their instruments and played, sounding like trumpets.
The awe-inspiring sound echoed through the Cathedral of Mercury, instinctively quieting those present.
But Lucian was no ordinary person. He dared to challenge even Jinzhou's Sentinel, so what were Imperator and the Order of the Deep to him?
Amid the silent footsteps of the group, Lucian raised his hands and pressed them downward, glancing at the trumpet-playing statues with a friendly smile.
"Comrades, you've worked hard."
Phoebe, Rover, & Zani: "?"
The solemn atmosphere was instantly shattered by Lucian.
Zani pursed her lips, stifling a laugh. "If we're talking about disrespecting the Sentinel, this guy's worse than me, right?"
"Miss Phoebe, before you ask me to respect the Sentinel, you should figure out how to make Lucian respect Him."
Phoebe shook her head slightly. "Miss Zani, Mr. Lucian isn't from Rinascita, so it's normal for him not to respect our Sentinel."
"But I must remind Mr. Lucian not to go too far in the Order of the Deep."
"While Imperator might not do anything, the priests around here won't let you off."
Lucian chuckled. "My favorite thing is testing human limits."
"I'd like to see what the priests can do to me."
Rover patted the back of Lucian's hand. "Stop messing around. Finish the task first, then do whatever you want."
Lucian's eyes lit up. "Anything I want?"
Rover paused for a moment. "On second thought, never mind."
Recalling how he'd hinted at wanting Zani's black stockings, Rover decided she couldn't let him act unchecked.
Otherwise, who knew what he'd do next?
Beneath the massive Sentinel statue, a person in the Order's uniform stood devoutly gazing up at it.
Phoebe spoke first. "Father Alessio."
The man turned, revealing a monocle on his nose—it was indeed Father Alessio.
Father Alessio smiled. "Oh, Priestess Phoebe."
He then looked at Lucian and the others.
Phoebe introduced them to the priest, who nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by their arrival.
Still, he feigned confusion. "May I ask what brings these esteemed guests to the Order?"
In that person's predictions, their arrival had been anticipated.
Rover spoke first. "We'd like to meet Mr. Gilberto."
Father Alessio took a sharp breath. "Hiss… Mr. Gilberto?"
He paused, pretending to think. "Ah! From the Fisalia Family…"
"He's a devout man, often coming here to pray… but I haven't seen him today."
It was obvious to everyone that the priest was lying.
They had just seen Gilberto enter the Cathedral of Mercury with their own eyes.
Knowing the Order might be collaborating with the Fractsidus, Phoebe's face darkened instantly.
She had never known Father Alessio to be so hypocritical.
It was completely at odds with the kind impression she'd had of him.
Just as she was about to confront him, a warm hand rested on her shoulder.
Lucian said with a smile,
"This… Father Alesshit, was it?"
"We just saw Gilberto enter the cathedral with our own eyes. How can you say you didn't see him?"
"Could it be your old age and failing eyesight?"
Father Alessio froze. What did this man just call me?!
He even thought his old age had made him mishear.
Realizing Lucian had indeed called him that, the priest's face flushed with anger, and he pointed at Lucian.
"You… what did you just call me?"
Phoebe had never seen Father Alessio like this and quickly tugged at Lucian's sleeve, whispering,
"Lucian… it's Alessio, not that 'Alesshi…'"
Lucian acted as if he'd just understood. "Oh, I see, I see…"
With a playful grin, Lucian grabbed Father Alessio's outstretched finger, pulled his hand open, shook it, and secretly applied pressure.
"My apologies, my apologies. So it's Father Alessio."
"You know, I'm from the New Federation, and our languages don't quite align. You understand, right?"
Father Alessio felt the immense force on his hand, his wrinkled face turning the color of liver.
As a priest, when have I ever endured such humiliation?
Zani couldn't hold back her laughter but quickly coughed to stifle it, realizing this was the solemn Order of the Deep.
Lucian finally released his grip, and Father Alessio angrily yanked his hand back.
"You! Do you know where you are!?"
"This is under the very eyes of the great Sentinel Imperator!"
"Even if you don't believe in Imperator, you should show proper respect!"
Lucian looked puzzled. "Imperator hasn't said anything, so why are you so worked up?"
Father Alessio choked. This Lucian was truly a master of stirring trouble.
He didn't believe Lucian was unaware that no one in Rinascita had ever seen Imperator.
And yet he used that as an excuse.
Lucian chuckled. "You have your rules, and I have mine."
"All my life, I've hated people pointing fingers at me. That's my rule."
"So you should respect me too."
"If you point at me again, beware—I'll have my good brother Calcharo, whom I've never met, teach you a harsh lesson!"
Father Alessio: "???"