Chapter 46: Bishop of Light (For Bo's Collection and Continued Reading)

“Miss, you haven’t truly fallen for that boy, have you?”
At this moment, Modo’s expression was grave.
Isabella’s eyes flickered as she softly replied, “Is that not allowed?”
Modo’s gaze grew solemn as he spoke in a low voice, “I always thought you were merely indulging in a passing fancy... A young man with such extraordinary talent, if he could be brought into the family, would indeed be a considerable asset to you...”
Isabella’s delicate features turned icy, her tone sharp and stern. “A passing fancy? Uncle Modo, when have you ever seen me treat any man as a mere pastime? Who would dare to suggest such a thing?”
Realizing his misstep, Modo changed his tone, “Then I shall assume your feelings are genuine. But you must understand, as the future head of the Golden Wing family—”
Modo’s voice took on the gravity of a loyal adviser fulfilling his duty to his future lady, offering sincere yet harsh counsel:
“As the family head, your partner must be capable of helping you manage such a vast clan! He must possess a strong background and influence to secure our standing within the Pale Wings! We are not the only family there. If your future husband cannot provide substantial support, I doubt not only the lord and lady but also the other members of the Golden Wing family will accept it!”
Isabella’s frosty countenance betrayed no emotion. Modo sighed deeply, his tone softening considerably.
“Everyone believes the Golden Wing family shines brilliantly atop the continent. But who knows how much sacrifice we have made to maintain that honor? Moreover, the pinnacle is rife with chilling winds and thorns, one misstep plunges you into an abyss! Miss, as the primary heir, you must not let emotions cloud your judgment...”
Isabella waved her slender hand gently, cutting off Modo’s remaining words.
“I am sensible, Uncle Modo. Once we return to the family, speak no more of this matter between me and him.”
Knowing further persuasion was futile, Modo sighed deeply and agreed to her request.

...

Korn sat in a private room of a renowned hotel in Florence, awaiting the appointed Bright Bishop.
He toyed with a communication stone taken from Silver Medal 207.
In the contacts list, an unfamiliar name appeared.
The stone had automatically labeled the contact as “Order 063653833 Client.”
This was the order for the assassination of the “Shadow Lord.”
In other words, the person on the other end was the client who commissioned the “Black Tomb” to kill him.
The client had proactively reached out during the day to notify the suspension of the mission.
Korn was certain the client must have been present at the scene then.
Perhaps it was because of his extraordinary profession or formidable combat ability that made the client hesitate.
“No need to overthink it. Since he reached out himself, I’ll arrange to meet him and find out the truth!”
Quickly resolved, Korn pocketed the communication stone just as the sound of confident footsteps approached outside the corridor.
The door slowly opened, and a tall, dignified middle-aged man stepped in.
Draped in a pristine white robe, the hem swayed gently, as though bathed in sacred light.
The bishop’s broad face bore strong features softened by kindness. Upon seeing Korn, he made a gesture of blessing:
“Young man, may the Goddess of Light bless you!”
Korn bowed deeply, his voice heartfelt:
“Thanks to the merciful and generous goddess! May light illuminate all things, may it cleanse all evil, and may it endure forever!”
Korn’s devout demeanor pleased the bishop, who settled down slowly.
“Shadow Lord, your recent notoriety is considerable. I was quite surprised when I heard from Mr. Modo. According to our church’s records, no one has succeeded in performing the summoning ritual for at least five thousand years.”
“Ha! Perhaps none have been as audacious as I am. Facing the pressure of a legendary rank, I could only gamble with my life. Unexpectedly, the war god was merciful and did not punish my disrespect and offense.”
The bishop gave Korn a meaningful glance and softly asked,
“Is there a reason you summoned me here?”
Korn cut straight to the point:
“Your Excellency, in two days, I will require two Holy Rank assistants. More precisely, I am cooperating with the Pale Wings to besiege all ‘Black Tomb’ forces in the northwest continent. I hope the Church of Light can participate and provide two Holy Rank reinforcements.”
Upon hearing this, the bishop’s expression betrayed his feelings, his tone intense:
“Do you realize what you’re asking? Two Holy Ranks? To besiege Black Tomb? Are you joking with me?”
Korn’s voice was resolute:
“I am fully aware, Bishop, that I am not joking. Please trust my resolve—Black Tomb must be expelled from the northwest continent!”
Suppressing his anger, the bishop stood and said,
“For Mr. Modo’s sake, I will overlook your offense and pretend we have never met.”
Unfazed, Korn replied softly,
“Would Your Excellency like to recover the lost Light Cross of His Holiness the Pope?”
At this, the bishop’s face suddenly changed, his eyes first flashing anger and shock before settling into deep contemplation.
He sat back down, refilled his tea, and while sipping, observed the mysterious masked man opposite him.
Korn said no more, deliberately prolonging the silence.
He wanted to see how long the bishop could endure.

...

“To retrieve the lost Light Cross of His Holiness the Pope!”
Such glory and merit would surely earn him promotion to Cardinal.
The bishop could no longer restrain himself and cautiously inquired,
“Do you have a lead?”
Korn slowly held up two fingers,
“Two Holy Ranks, arriving the day after tomorrow. Can it be done?”
The bishop pursed his lips tightly, absentmindedly stroking his chin. His face twitched as he wrestled with a difficult decision.
He replied dryly,
“The saints usually spend their time in strict seclusion at the Sacred Academy. They are not easily summoned. Two Holy Ranks is too much—I cannot take such a risk based on uncertain information... Could we negotiate other terms?”
Korn poured more tea for the bishop and whispered,
“This time, the Pale Wings will also dispatch two Holy Ranks to the siege against Black Tomb’s northwest headquarters. Moreover...”
He paused deliberately, lowering his voice further:
“They’ve promised to take none of the spoils.”
Suddenly, a gleam shot through the bishop’s eyes, his breath quickened unconsciously, then he cleared his throat and said with measured tone,
“Praise the Goddess of Light, those cunning merchants are surprisingly generous this time!”
He added with a hint of sentiment,
“If I agree, the Church will gain a substantial fortune.”
A faint smile played on Korn’s lips as he said enigmatically,
“Of course. I will only claim what is rightfully mine. The rest—whether the Church benefits or... well, in the official reports, whether the Pale Wings share the spoils and how much, that will be entirely up to Your Excellency.”
The bishop’s gaze suddenly deepened profoundly.
The wealth amassed at Black Tomb’s northwest continent headquarters was undoubtedly staggering.
He stood slowly, his expression solemn:
“To purge evil and dispel darkness is the inescapable duty of the followers of light!”
Forget recovering the Light Cross!
Forget promotion to cardinal!
Nothing compares to filling one’s own coffers under the guise of official duty!
This deal—he was in.