Chapter 3989 Photos
Chapter 3989 Photos
Chapter 3989 Photos
On one side of the factory was a separate apartment building, which was Mr. Finch's living area. He led Shad to a seat in the second-floor reception room, and then Shad recounted the appearance of the Holy Son Alliance on Sunday afternoon and the "Spark Source".
Although Shad trusted the Order of Light, he did not claim that he had created a "Spark," but only that he knew through special means that the Church of Creation was likely researching and creating such a thing.
"Edmund told you about the [Alliance of the Holy Sons], didn't he? That's not really that important. Ambitious people and madmen emerge in the material world every moment. What I'm more concerned about is the 'Spark.' If the spark of life we saw in the Tower of Miracles is truly a manifestation of calamity, how can the [Church of Creation] study it?"
"Judging from the fact that [reactive metals] are being regulated, my guess should be accurate."
Shad emphasized that Mr. Finch wasn't disbelieving; he simply couldn't imagine the consequences.
"Actually, there are ways to verify what you said. Currently, the Church of Creation has gathered three thirteenth-ring sorcerers, which is absolutely impossible under normal circumstances."
While local rumors suggest this is due to the emergence of a 12th-circle warlock within the Church of Creation, I'm skeptical. Based on the current situation, it's likely related to the 'Spark'.
The sparks of life have appeared in Arcadia and Tobesk. I've also heard that this phenomenon has begun to appear in other cities in the Old World. However, the Church of the True God in smaller cities is short-handed and cannot yet determine what is wrong with those out-of-control machines.
At this time of year, the Church's 'scientific research on the fire' is likely also affected, which is why the three thirteen-ringed priests are needed to oversee the Vatican.
Shad sat on the sofa, while Mr. Finch paced around the room, seemingly more concerned about the matter than anyone currently aware of the conjecture.
“No, I need to confirm this. Mr. Watson, I have a good acquaintance in the local Creation Church. Although even if he knows the truth, he can’t tell me the facts, I think I can go and test him.”
As he spoke, he looked in the direction of the city church:
"I'm sorry, I still can't treat you to lunch today, but I'll definitely find an opportunity later. I'll leave now; it's Monday, and my old friend should be at the local church."
"If you have time, Mr. Watson, please come again this evening, and I will give you my answer then."
Shad admired people who acted decisively.
"Alright, but you should be careful. I don't doubt the [Church of Creation], but this kind of thing..."
“I understand, young man, I understand very well.”
Then, embarrassed, Xia De said again:
"Now that I know the special properties of [active metals], I might need them in the future, so I want to stockpile as many as possible before these relics are completely controlled. Mr. Finch, do you have any way to help me get these?"
The excuse that Shad came up with was quite reasonable, and Mr. Finch, who was in a hurry to visit his church friends, did not suspect anything:
"I'll ask around for you in the next couple of days. Muñoz might have a way. But it's not certain that we can find it again, so you should be prepared."
"Alright, then I won't bother you any longer. I'll contact you again this evening. Please be careful."
Shad had a bad feeling, so as he got up to say goodbye, he warned him again. Mr. Finch said he understood, and then told Shad:
“If you come looking for me this evening and I am not here, and the apprentices in the workshop do not know my whereabouts, then do your best to inform the other members of the Secret Order that something has happened to me. Although our organization cannot compare with the Church of the True God, we have many friends.”
With lunchtime approaching and no prior appointment, it wasn't convenient for Xia De to visit Mr. Lei Borui directly. So, Xia De went home for lunch that day.
It's Monday, and everyone's busy, so only Mia is home. Winnie prepared lunch as usual, and Shad was curious about why Winnie always seemed to know when the family needed her; there must be some secret to it.
When Shade returned home, he casually placed the "Spark" on the dining table. While waiting for lunch, the cat also went over to take a look.
Shad was sitting at the table, so he didn't stop it. The curious cat just reached out a paw and touched it, watching it roll around on the table a few times before losing interest and turning its attention to Winnie in the kitchen.
Since only Shad was home, the maid stayed for lunch, and Shad then shared his worries with her:
"In my opinion, although I have seen some people in the Church of the Righteous God go astray in areas such as Moon Bay in the past, this is the first time I have ever suspected that the entire church is in trouble."
The Five Churches maintain the most fundamental order of this era; I never imagined this would happen.
Winnie's understanding of this era is limited to the last few months, so she takes a longer-term perspective on the matter:
“No organization is completely righteous; that only exists in storybooks. But I don’t think the entire Creation Church is problematic. After all, the true God still exists, and God will not allow His followers to go too far down the wrong path.”
Xia De nodded:
"In the past, have there ever been instances where gods intentionally punished believers?"
Winnie sat opposite Shad, tilting her head as she thought for a moment:
"Yes, but very rare. Most great beings don't really care about the affairs of mortals. Unless something is done in a very blasphemous or wrong way that would endanger the world, the gods usually won't punish it on their own initiative."
Xia De nodded knowingly, wondering if he would have the chance to witness divine punishment.
After lunch, Shad went to Arcadia again. The morning's dark clouds finally turned into spring rain in the afternoon, but compared to yesterday's heavy rain, today's rain was obviously much lighter.
Mr. Finch went to visit a friend, Viggo was not at home, and Shad could not contact Mr. Bernhardt, who was hiding somewhere. So he thought he would take advantage of the time he finally had to go and see Mr. Leberi again.
Unfortunately, the old man wasn't home, and with the rain falling, Shad had nowhere to ask anyone where he had gone. So, Shad, who felt he had many things to do in the city, suddenly found himself with nowhere to go.
"If Miss Sabel could also show up today, I might go with her to Madame Bovary's teahouse for another visit."
Unfortunately, the mysterious blonde woman did not reappear. So, Shad stood at the alley entrance with his umbrella for a while and decided to go to the "Strange Tower" to see if Mr. Munoz was there.
But this gentleman was also absent; everyone seemed to have their own things to do on Monday.
However, since they had already arrived in the upper city, Shad eventually went to Fragrant Mansion. Although Viggo was definitely not home, Shad could still kill some time there.
Miss Rowling, the housekeeper of the mansion, received Shad, who had come from the rain. Because Shad had saved her, Miss Rowling had a very high opinion of him.
She informed Shad that Vigo had sent people to the black market to spread news of the Blood Spirit School and the Holy Son Alliance. She also said that Vigo seemed unhappy when she returned last night after the Witch Council meeting.
"What's wrong?"
Shad asked curiously, "Megan didn't mention this when she came back from her meeting yesterday."
Miss Rowling then revealed some of Viggo's "privacy" within permissible limits:
"The young lady said she wanted to find a witch who was close to you, but everyone else was behaving normally."
After all, apart from Claire, none of them were experiencing this for the first time, and they now knew that they were the "majority," so it would be strange if Viggo could see through it so easily.
"If Wei Ge asks me, I will tell her."
Shade then stated that although Galina forbade him to speak first, if Viggo insisted on asking, then it wouldn't be Shade taking the initiative. Although this would disappoint Galina somewhat, the Duchess would also consider it Viggo's way of "admitting defeat."
Miss Rowling clearly didn't believe her master wanted to know the truth through this means:
"Although the master was physically weak since childhood, he has always had a very strong personality."
She also intended to facilitate her master's "good deed":
"But it's rare to see someone so devoted to something, even for those of us who are around her almost every day. Mr. Watson, you'll treat your master well, won't you?"
“We’re just friends for now. What’s with that look? Okay, although I like more than one girl, I would never hurt Wei Ge, I can guarantee that.”
Miss Rowling smiled:
"Should I get some old photos of Miss for you to see? Miss was very beautiful when she was a child. I first met her when she was only ten years old. She was like a little angel back then."
Miss Rowling wields considerable authority in this mansion; she can even access Viggo's private photo album without permission. However, the housekeeper believes her mistress will likely praise her for this.
And so, that afternoon, amidst the sound of rain, Xia De indeed saw Viggo's photograph. Most aristocratic families had the custom of taking photos of their children every year, and Viggo's photos were particularly numerous.
Miss Rowling is right. Even before Viggo came into contact with witch powers, her appearance was already top-notch among her peers. So Shad speculated that, as the most beautiful witch of this generation in the truest sense, her advantage in appearance might not be due to her special position, but rather because she was inherently very beautiful.
She was also frail and sickly as a child, which can be seen from the black and white photos.
Miss Rowling practically grew up alongside Viggo; her parents worked for the Astley family and were practically family. Therefore, as Shad flipped through the photo album, Miss Rowling would occasionally recount amusing anecdotes about the pictures.
Xia De also learned that Vige had never liked drinking bitter medicine since she was a child, and always insisted on eating candy before taking the medicine. Furthermore, during her rebellious phase at the age of thirteen or fourteen, she wanted to cut her beautiful black hair short for a while, but later she dreamed that she would go bald because of cutting her hair short, so she was so scared that she never dared to cut her hair again.
OBS