Chapter 85: Chapter 79: The Archbishop’s Love

Being unable to enter the Holy Land didn’t really affect Li Xin’s mood. Compared to his own encounters and experiences, is this even a thing?

In the afternoon, Li Xin quietly waited on the roof of City Hall with six red koi. The spot was quite comfortable for basking in the sun and offered a good view, allowing him to steal half a day of leisure.

In the past, as long as there was nothing going on, he would stay home on Sundays to accompany Xueyin, which was Xueyin’s happiest time. But not anymore, because Sundays were for tutoring, and Li Xin was driven out. With him around, Xueyin couldn’t focus at all. During their time in the Underground City, Lin Fei was very attentive, but in such an environment, only the basics could be taught. Xueyin was a smart kid, but her grades had nothing to do with being smart.

Lin Fei racked her brains to help Xueyin keep up with the Grace Class. Fortunately, they had the support of the idealistic aunt and plenty of teachers, and with Lin Fei having more resources at hand, dance was just the starting point. Everything was arranged step by step.

As he left, he still saw Lin Xueyin with her pitiful eager eyes, but alas, Li Xin couldn’t help her.

In the morning, he went to the Night Patrol. Although Li Xin’s achievements were not made public, they were known internally within the Night Patrol. To expose Montreal, a big fish, and even to capture Femi beforehand, the real hero was Li Xin. Everyone knew that Li Xin had basically left the Night Patrol, yet no one treated him like an outsider when he came here.

This major case was considered concluded, with Montgomery executed and his clique completely wiped out. The Night Patrol, Knight Order, and City Guard had joined forces to lead the investigation, ensuring no suspect escaped. There was a lot of aftermath work to handle on various fronts.

Everyone was busy working overtime, and excitedly so. This was a thrilling enjoyment for all the Night Patrol members, unlike Luo Jin, who carried a deep-seated bitterness and took job after job.

Li Xin wanted to lend a hand but found no tasks to manage. Kathy had instructed not to assign any tasks to Li Xin. Everyone understood and felt regretful. Li Xin not staying with the Night Patrol was a real waste of talent; he was born for this job. However, on second thought, having such abilities at his age meant he would have a brighter future doing other things.

Luo Jin was on field duty. Old Luo was either working or preparing for work, a typical 007 fanatic. Kathy dressed up beautifully but ended up in vain, and couldn’t help but complain upon seeing Li Xin.

Luo Jin cared little for social niceties. The Pope’s edict for promoting the Chief Bishop to Archbishop had already been issued. The formal church conferral ceremony was scheduled for the year-end performance review trip to Dragon Capital. With the decree, he was now officially an Archbishop. The Archbishop had invited a small gathering of friends and family, which included Luo Jin, who went on field duty, leaving Kathy to represent him.

Not everyone could substitute in such cases. Kathy’s family belonged to the direct line of the Earl of Granfield Clan, which was of sufficient status. However, the Earl of Granfield, as an old nobility in support of reform, needed to maintain a proper distance. While Granfield would not attend, sending Kathy was perfectly acceptable.

Enjoying a free meal at midday, Li Xin dozed off on the rooftop of City Hall, watching the fish and savoring the rare pleasure of a weekend. City Hall doesn’t operate on weekends.

The fish were found by Qi Badao. Li Xin calculated that the guy’s meal debt wasn’t enough to offset them. The flute got another adjustment in the morning. With his current craftsmanship, he did his best; as for whether Miss Aries would like it, that was beyond his control.

Flutes could be made from precious metals like gold and silver, or so he heard.

Near a church, a courtyard was bustling. It was the residence of the Chief Bishop, now Archbishop Matthew. The property belonged to the Church. While not luxurious, it was spacious and simple, with neatly trimmed lawns.

The Moon God’s Court is one of the major religions. It is well-off; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been chosen by Luthor back then. Comparatively, Matthew’s lifestyle was quite frugal, and he personally was not concerned with material possessions.

The carriages outside ranged from luxurious to simple, but not many in number. If held grandly, notable figures from all over the Celestial Capital would attend. Matthew was indifferent to appearances, yet for a promotion, something had to be done. At his level, being reclusive and unsocial was not feasible. The attendees were all quite close, from within the Church or City Hall.

For example, Count Locknan, from the new class of nobility rising with the Church in Li Dragon, shared many common interests. Luo Xue also came. She was very familiar with Archbishop Matthew since childhood. Over the past ten years, the Archbishop hadn’t changed much. In truth, given Matthew’s qualifications and abilities, he could have been promoted to Archbishop long ago.

The Moon God Church was challenged strongly by the Hundred Martial Hall, not just locally but not Matthew’s fault either, as all areas faced it. Certainly, Matthew’s gentle nature was somewhat a point of dissatisfaction for the Church Court.

An excuse for delaying his promotion over the years was his spouse. Matthew’s wife was a widow. While the Moon God Church’s preachers were not forbidden to marry—most churches were the same—the Moon God’s teachings required chastity. From faith to family, widows seemingly contradicted the doctrine. While ordinary followers weren’t held to strict standards, as the Chief Bishop, it was a matter open to critique.

Back then, it stirred considerable turmoil within the high circles of the Celestial Capital, and many were not optimistic. However, years later, those who mocked became the laughingstock, as Matthew and his wife remained deeply affectionate.

Intrinsically, both the current Church and the Night Patrol carried Matthew’s temperament. Luo Jin was Matthew’s most outstanding disciple. They both cared little for external opinions. Through this merit, Matthew finally secured the Archbishop position long overdue.

The people present were all close, and the faithful provided the hospitality. Matthew engaged in official talks with Locknan. At their level, there was no personal time; every move held significance. Certain matters required discussion between Matthew and Locknan, like the assets left by Montreal. Over the years, the Lin Family’s industry had grown significantly, both inside and outside the city. Of those who could take them, aside from the Zhao Family, only the Mayor, Locknan, and Granfield remained. Yet, Matthew held the largest sway on how they would be divided.

Luo Xue was accompanying the Archbishop’s wife for afternoon tea. Mrs. Eliza looked to be in her thirties but appeared to be in her twenties. Her skin was exceptionally fair, and she wore a high-collared long dress, completely covering her. She wasn’t a woman who amazed at first glance but was very pleasing to look at, possessing a quality that Luo Xue couldn’t quite describe, which lingered in one’s mind.

Perhaps because she was aware of her less-than-ideal background, the Archbishop’s wife usually kept a low profile, rarely attending social gatherings, gradually reducing the negative impact on the Archbishop. In fact, everyone in this circle knew Matthew never cared; with his status, he didn’t need to care about others’ opinions. This was probably what you’d call mutual understanding.

Even while discussing matters with her father, she could still feel the Archbishop’s occasional gentle gaze. Just a tacit glance between them would bring joy.

Luo Xue was very confident in her appearance and demeanor, yet compared to Eliza, she felt a bit powerless. Eliza possessed a feminine charm that many girls envied, her gentleness flowing like water, her eyes full of deep emotion. However, her health always seemed a bit frail, her complexion slightly pale, which evoked a protective instinct in people.

Listening to Luo Xue discuss her life at the Canon Law School and the pressures she faced, Eliza said, “Sister, the Four Nations Tournament this time is very challenging. Although it’s on our home turf, I don’t have any confidence in my heart.”

Having Li Xin on their side provided some reassurance, but it could only protect their reputation; winning was still a bit out of reach. Give her two more years, and she’d be much more confident.

Eliza smiled, “Do you know how many people envy you? You are an example for us independent women. As long as you have faith, you can accept any result.”

“But I can’t accept it. I don’t want to lose, and I don’t like losing!” Luo Xue said firmly. Without results, what’s the use of the process?

Eliza was a great listener, and Luo Xue loved talking to her. They spoke extensively about the current environment and opponents faced by Black Rose. Eliza occasionally asked a few questions. She usually spent her days tending to the garden. There were no servants in the Archbishop’s household, which was unimaginable elsewhere. Almost everything at home was managed by Eliza herself, and she relished in it, making the house feel like home.

Occasionally, guests’ families would stop by to greet, adorned in luxurious attire, but lacked any advantage before the modest Eliza. She wasn’t someone who overwhelmed others with her presence or aura, just like a serene and beautiful harbor carrying dreams, irresistibly attracting mature men.

The men present understood this deeply; if it weren’t for her being the Archbishop’s wife, they might have been more impulsive, but always remained polite.

“Sister Eliza, Luo Xue,” a voice came with laughter, making both Eliza and Luo Xue smile.

“Sister Kathy, why are you so late?” Luo Xue asked, “Today’s a big day. Hey, where’s our Grand Wind Discipline Officer?”

Eliza had already poured tea for Kathy. There were only three seats here, with the other one prepared for Kathy.

Kathy sighed, “Old Luo went on a business trip. Sister, can’t you ask the Archbishop to stop assigning him so much work?”

Eliza smiled sweetly, affectionately looking at Kathy, “It has nothing to do with Matthew; you know Captain Luo’s personality best. I specifically told Matthew to invite Luo Jin to create a good atmosphere for you guys, but he still didn’t come.”

Technically, Eliza was a generation older, but everyone mingled freely, especially due to Luo Jin’s connection, making Kathy more familiar with Eliza.

“Kathy, you can’t blame me; I can’t control him as the Archbishop,” Matthew said, walking over as he gently held Eliza’s hand and looked at his wife with concern, “Eliza, if you’re tired, go rest inside. I’ll handle things here.”

Eliza gently withdrew her hand, lightly feigning blame on Matthew for being so affectionate in front of others, and smiled, “I’m fine. It’s rare for Kathy and Luo Xue to chat with me; you go on with your work.”

Matthew nodded, smiled, and said, “Kathy, come more often; I’ve been promoted to Archbishop, yet I haven’t seen you or Luo Jin curry favor a bit.”

Kathy and Luo Xue couldn’t help but chuckle. Kathy was genuinely envious, as she had always been inspired by the love between the Archbishop and Eliza, believing that one day she could melt the wooden Luo Jin.

The Archbishop went to greet other guests, leaving Kathy to sigh, “If old Luo were half as capable as the Archbishop, I’d be grateful to the heavens.”

Luo Xue couldn’t join in; at present, she was focused on her aspirations, uninterested and uncomprehending of such matters. She admired Governor Luthor more, yearning for freedom and glory, and believed women could also create a career of their own.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep