260: Chapter 257 The Church in the Royal Capital, Attending a Banquet

The Second Prince came and went quickly.

He solemnly pulled out an invitation, handed it to Zhang Mu, and disappeared into the stairwell at the end of the corridor.

Zhang Mu tossed the invitation onto the nightstand, told Pavlina and the other to stay in the room and not run around, then closed the door and wandered the hotel alone.

The hotel had twelve floors in total.

Aside from the first floor used for reception and the top floor, which was off-limits and had an unknown layout and purpose, the remaining ten floors were all guest rooms.

After spending half an hour running up and down the floors, he was surprised to find a purple-red crystal hanging on every door—indicating that there were guests.

Coming to the open space outside the main entrance, Zhang Mu stood in deep thought.

There were twenty-six rooms per floor, and with ten floors, that made two hundred and sixty rooms, all of which were full.

Strange. Wasn't it said that the Lake Kingdom is currently in a precarious state, and city lords from all over have rebellious intentions? Yet over two hundred city lords actually came; aren't they afraid of losing their lives here?

He shook his head, unable to come up with an answer.

Tsk, my forces are still too meager; I don't even have an intelligence department.

It just so happens I'm going to the Second Prince's banquet tonight; I'll take the opportunity to ask him for some news.

Speaking of the Second Prince... he isn't as incompetent as he claims to be.

I had just entered the hotel, and he showed up right after me, not five minutes later.

It meant that as soon as I stepped onto the main road leading into the Royal Capital, he had received word.

When the Second Prince pulled out the invitation earlier, Zhang Mu had agreed decisively precisely to gather intelligence.

Blova was indeed quite easygoing, but Zhang Mu would never believe that a Grand Duke of a kingdom would be some coarse, careless, and simple-minded pushover.

If he tried to fish for information from him, and once too much was said, it would be hard to tell who was playing whom.

But the Second Prince was different.

Although he was also a meticulous and capable fellow, it was understandable for a city lord like Zhang Mu, who rarely visited the Royal Capital, to be concerned about the kingdom's current turmoil.

Of course, Zhang Mu did not intend to reveal everything at once; there would always be a process of mutual testing and maneuvering.

“I'll go take a look tonight.”

Muttering to himself, he looked up at the sky.

The sun was high; it was still early.

“I just happen to have time...”

Narrowing his eyes, Zhang Mu returned to his floor, picked the lock to the room shared by Domit and the others, and called Soren to go out with him.

He stopped a passerby to ask where the cheapest place for daily necessities in the Royal Capital was, then hurried there.

The straight street was paved with smooth stone slabs, with street vendors pushing carts on both sides, and those with simpler setups just spread a piece of coarse cloth on the ground, filled with various handmade works.

The townspeople either squatted or stood in front of the stalls, engaging in a heated argument with the vendors in bold voices over the difference between the asking price and the actual value of the goods.

To put it simply, they were bargaining.

Zhang Mu had changed into commoner's clothes, and Soren followed behind with his hands tucked into his sleeves.

“Lord City Lord, what... are you doing here?” He looked around, occasionally stepping aside to make way for a woman coming toward them.

“The living conditions of the people at the bottom are the most direct reflection of a kingdom's strength.”

Looking at the not-so-broad back in front of him, Soren asked in confusion, “I am glad you care about these things, but... why do you care?”

In his mind, Zhang Mu was not exactly cold-blooded, but he couldn't be called merciful either.

He spent his own money to take in refugees in Gur City because it served his own interests, not purely out of pity.

Of course, Soren did not think this was despicable; after all, demanding selfless devotion from others was the most wretched form of shamelessness in the world.

What he was curious about was why Zhang Mu, who prioritized his own interests, would care about something completely unrelated to himself.

Turning his head, Zhang Mu raised an eyebrow. “Can't your Lord City Lord have some noble ideals?”

Soren: “...”

“True, I don't even believe it myself.” Turning around with a smile to continue forward, he said, “I really don't care what becomes of the Lake Kingdom.

But if it changes masters... I'll tell you later.”

Zhang Mu cut off the conversation and didn't speak again. He led Soren through the entire street, turned right at the corner, walked for half an hour, and arrived at the Royal Capital Church.

Looking up, Soren gazed at the cathedral before him.

As the headquarters of the Lake Kingdom branch, the overall construction of the cathedral was well-suited to its status.

The outer walls were painted pure white without a hint of other colors, and they were carved with strange-looking, unrecognizable beast-shaped reliefs.

And the main entrance—the main entrance of such a building within the city actually gave Soren a subtle sense of towering height.

“What are you standing there for?” Having reached the middle of the stone steps, Zhang Mu noticed the man was still in place and called back.

Snapping out of it, he quickly caught up and asked in a low voice, “Lord City Lord, I don't recall... you being a loyal Believer of the gods.”

In the past six months or so, Zhang Mu had never specifically talked about his attitude toward the gods.

But from the few words mentioned occasionally, he could sense that his Lord City Lord did not revere the gods; the fact that he had never visited the Gur City church was proof of that.

“What, can't someone come to a church if they aren't a Believer?”

What's wrong with... Lord City Lord today?

Soren's eyes showed confusion; he felt... very excited, as if some long-held wish was finally about to be fulfilled.

Thinking to himself, he responded, “People who come to the church are all here to worship the gods, you...”

“I'm looking for a friend.”

A friend?

His expression softened; that wouldn't be strange then.

With his doubt resolved, Soren fell silent and followed slowly.

The two of them walked up the stone steps to the main entrance. Passing through, Zhang Mu smiled and spoke to a Believer passing by: “Excuse me, is Bishop Haige in?”

The Believer's charitable expression suddenly turned dark, and they hurried away without a word.

“Did we find the wrong place?” The two looked at each other in confusion when a voice suddenly came from behind.

Turning around, they saw a woman in linen clothes approaching, explaining with a smile: “The Bishop of the Royal Capital cathedral is Bishop Jarvis.

You even got the Bishop's name wrong, so that's why the Believer got angry.”

“No wonder.” Zhang Mu rubbed the back of his head and glanced at the few strands of white hair peeking through the woman's dark hair. “Auntie, I don't think I have the wrong place.”

“Is that so? But here...”

“My friend was transferred from another city; I guess he doesn't serve as a Bishop here anymore.”

“I see.” The woman looked around, then quickly approached a Believer in a white robe. After a brief conversation, she returned. “Is your friend named Haige?”

“Yes.”

“Hoho, Haige is now Bishop Jarvis's deputy. You can just go directly to the Main Hall.”

“Thank you.”

“It's a small matter.” The woman politely returned the gesture and walked toward the main entrance.

Zhang Mu led Soren through the foyer, along the empty corridor to the end, and came to a pure white door.

Today was not a day for audiences with the god, so there was no one in front of the door.

Looking around, he called out softly, “Is Mr. Haige here?”

“Creak—”

The door panels split open from the middle and swung inward.

Zhang Mu gestured for Soren, who didn't seem to intend to enter, to follow him as he stepped through the door.

The style of the Main Hall was the same as the one he had seen in the Kas Town church, though of course, it was much more magnificent.

The ceiling was a dome made of crystal glass panels, with colorful paintings of strange-looking beast-like creatures. The surrounding walls were painted white and featured exquisite reliefs.

Before them was an aisle covered with a red carpet, with neatly arranged pews on either side.

Reaching the end of the aisle, Zhang Mu looked up at the statue of god.

It was towering, its head almost touching the ceiling. Its posture held no deep meaning, simply standing there. The only thing that drew attention was that smooth, featureless face.

“Strange gentleman, I heard that you are my friend?”

At the foot of the statue of god, a strange yet familiar back turned around.

It seemed that members of the Church had their own exclusive way of communicating.

Interesting. With a smirk on his face, Zhang Mu moved forward. “If I hadn't said that, you might have refused to see me.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Because I indeed do not know you.”

Haige was wearing a pure white robe and holding a staff in his right hand. He showed no anger upon hearing this, calmly waiting for an explanation.

“I am the Lord of Gur City, here in the Royal Capital to report on my duties,” Zhang Mu said slowly. “I have a friend who settled in Bala City, and he told me that Mr. Haige is a kind Believer.

He said that if I came to the Royal Capital, I must get to know you.”

As he spoke, he pulled a drawstring cloth bag from his Storage Pouch and handed it over.

Behind him, Soren's eyes widened. Lord City Lord, what are you doing?

This is the Main Hall of the cathedral, the statue of god is right in front of you, and you are bribing a Believer in such a place?

How could he possibly...

The storm in Soren's mind came to an abrupt halt when he saw Haige calmly take the cloth bag and stuff it into the sleeve of his robe.

“Well then, my friend.” Haige flashed a friendly smile. “Is there anything you need help with?”

I knew it. Would a piece of scum who could disregard commoners' lives for a few dozen gold coins suddenly become clean once he reached headquarters?

Mocking him silently in his heart, Zhang Mu said with a warm expression, “My friend heard some rumors that there is treasure in the woods outside the Royal Capital.”

“Lord City Lord, I hate being deceived.”

“Alright... actually, it's my friend's family inheritance.”

Haige remained silent, pondering in his mind.

Family inheritance? In those woods outside the Royal Capital?

It would likely be a rumor in any other kingdom, but in the Lake Kingdom...

Hmm... I don't know him; there's no reason for him to set a trap to harm me.

Unless his friend was someone I... hoho, to provoke the Church over a friend's grudge? On the Saul Continent?

His last bit of doubt dispelled, Haige spoke: “Lord of Gur City.

I have heard some of your heroic deeds recently. If the rumors are correct, you should be a Magister?”

“Yes.”

“A treasure that even a Magister doesn't dare to excavate alone... Sir, this price isn't enough.” He pulled the cloth bag from his sleeve and weighed it in his hand.

“This is a deposit.”

“And what about afterward?”

“Half of the treasure.”

“What if...”

“I'll pay extra gold... hmm, how about fifty Master-level magic potions? It's all my savings.”

Haige gripped the cloth bag tightly. “Deal.”

“You won't regret your decision. See you outside the North City Gate tomorrow night.”

With that, Zhang Mu turned and led Soren out of the cathedral and onto the street.

After walking a distance along the street, Soren frowned and leaned toward his shoulder. “Lord City Lord, do you really have fifty Master-level magic potions?

I am not a Professional, so I am not sure of the exact price, but that is at least over a million gold coins.”

“I do have them.” Zhang Mu scanned the shops along the road with interest. “Besides, fifty Master-level magic potions are worth far more than a million gold coins.”

Aside from their dazzling appearance, the most expensive value of gold coins on the Saul Continent was that, when ground into powder, they became a universal potion ingredient.

It's not needed for low-tier ones, but once they reach high-tier—which includes Soldier-level and above—they cannot do without gold coin powder.

Hearing this, Soren's furrowed brow did not relax at all. “To pay so much for a treasure of unknown value...

Lord City Lord, do you know what is in the treasure?”

“Huh? What treasure?”

“?”

After a moment of daze, Zhang Mu realized and laughed heartily for a few moments before lowering his voice: “There's no treasure at all. What I just told Haige was an excuse I made up to lure him out of the city.”

Soren's eyes showed shock. “You, Lord City Lord, you want to...”

“Otherwise, why would I go to the cathedral? To worship? I don't believe in that stuff either.”

“But... but...” Soren's mouth opened and closed, unable to speak for a long time.

“Calm down, it's just a Believer.”

Taking a few deep breaths, he pulled Zhang Mu into a deserted alley on the left. “Lord City Lord, that is not just some Believer.

Being the Bishop's deputy means he is the Bishop's student, and the Bishop of the Royal Capital Church is a Saint-level Professional!”

“Oho, you actually know about Saint-level?” Zhang Mu leaned against the wall with his hands behind his head. “Where did you hear that?”

“It was Mr. Mi He... now is not the time for this!”

“Alright, alright.” Zhang Mu waved his hand. “Haige is definitely going to die.

If you're worried about being implicated, I'll have Damu take some people to escort you back to Gur, or we can find a quiet, peaceful little town for you to settle down in.”

“Lord City Lord!” Soren became unusually angry. “I swore my loyalty to you, please do not...”

“Yes, yes, I understand, I understand.”

“You don't understand!” His cheeks were flushed, his emotions more agitated than ever before.

The playful smile on Zhang Mu's face faded. “Sorry.”

This time, it was Soren's turn to be stunned.

“You know, I come from a distant land, so I don't really... care much for your chivalry and such.”

“Lord City Lord.” Soren sighed. “I am not a knight, and I don't care about chivalry, it's just... forget it.”

Putting on a solemn expression, he said, “After realizing that your enemies are Professionals, I sincerely consulted Mr. Mi He for knowledge on the subject.

Therefore, I know that the Bishop of the Royal Capital Church is a Saint-level Professional, and the statue of god in the cathedral is enchanted with a True Word Spell.

Even if you lure Haige out of the city, as long as he can hold out for a while under your sneak attack, the Royal Capital Bishop will arrive at the scene immediately!”

“Don't worry, he won't last even a moment.”

Seeing Soren's determined expression of 'I must persuade you,' Zhang Mu said helplessly, “He harmed people; he must pay with his life.

Probably... well, definitely more than a thousand people.”

“Why did he harm them?”

“For gold coins.”

“How much?”

“Let me see... 200 copper coins per person, so a thousand people is 200,000. Hmm, 20 gold coins.”

Soren tilted his head to the left. “20 gold coins?”

“It wouldn't be far off.”

“The annual salary of the Captain of the Gur City Guards?”

“Yeah.”

After a moment of silence, he nodded. “I understand.

Lord City Lord, when will you act?”

“Didn't I just say? Outside the North City Gate tomorrow night.”

“Can I go?”

“What would you go for?”

“I want to stab him once.”

“Let's go together then.”

“Thank you, Lord City Lord.”

Zhang Mu laughed in spite of himself and returned to the hotel with Soren.

Waiting until three in the afternoon, the group went out again to find a clothing store to purchase formal attire for the banquet.