Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 169 A Threat from the Church (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

Lionel glanced at their faded collars and spotless shoes, feigning a puzzled expression: "The 'Saint Martha Society'?"

I don't think I have any connection with you guys. Is there something you need?

The older man's lips twitched slightly, revealing a typical fake smile: "It's about a novice nun named Alice-Clemence Rorschach."

The old lady believes that a face-to-face meeting would be more appropriate than correspondence. Perhaps you could offer some…valuable insights.”

Having said all that, Lionel had already guessed some of the truth.

His heart sank slightly, but he remained calm.

The problem must lie with the letter from Sister Massella of Notre-Dame de Lourdes—he sent it to the General Order of Saint Martha in Paris before returning there.

In theory, Sister Marcella should not have mentioned her relationship with Alice in the letter.

The fact that the "Saint Martha Society" came to her door indicates that she mentioned it—whether in the letter to herself or in a later letter.

Lionel quickly weighed the options. Refusing or avoiding the situation would only put him in a passive position, so he might as well test the waters.

He nodded, his tone calm: "I see. Please wait a moment while I change my clothes!"

After saying that, he closed the door and went back inside.

He quickly gathered his thoughts and then hid Alice's identity file in a hidden compartment of the drawer.

There's also a stack of manuscripts for the second part of "The Decadent City," and these documents alone would have been enough to send Lionel to the stake twice in the Middle Ages.

However, since the other party did not directly attack or bring the police, but instead "invited" them, it means that things are not too bad yet.

As Lionel put on his coat, he took a deep breath, went to the door, and followed the two visitors downstairs and into the carriage.

The carriage carried them through the streets of Paris and finally stopped in front of a large complex of buildings on the left bank of the Seine, which was unassuming in appearance but covered a vast area.

Unlike Notre Dame Cathedral, this place is understated and solemn, with high walls and deep courtyards, exuding a sense of tranquility and majesty that is isolated from the world.

After passing through several quiet corridors, Lionel was led into a simply furnished but very clean reception room.

The room contained simple wooden tables and chairs, and a plain cross hung on the wall.

The wait was not long.

A nun who was around sixty years old walked in.

Her face was serious, and her steps were steady. Behind her was a younger nun who stood quietly by the door after entering.

After a brief greeting and sitting down, the older nun spoke up: "Mr. Sorel, I am Sister Anna Maria, the vice-principal of the St. Martha's Order."

Thank you for accepting our invitation.

Her voice was steady and indifferent, and her back was ramrod straight; she was a completely upgraded version of Mother Massera.

Lionel hesitated before speaking, "Sister Anna Maria, do you have any news of Alice?"

He decided to bring up Alice first, forcing her to reveal her hand.

Sister Anne Maria didn't mince words: "Not long ago, we received a letter from Sister Massella of Notre-Dame de Lour."

In her letter, she stated that after a long and fruitless search, she was inclined to believe that the poor girl may have met with misfortune.

And suggested, out of mercy, that we cease the investigation and allow her soul to rest in peace.

Lionel remained noncommittal: "Oh... 'misfortune'... 'rest in peace'... is this really bad news? Ha..."

Seeing Lionel's reaction, Aunt Anna suddenly changed the subject: "Mother Marcela also specifically mentioned you—"

He mentioned your immense influence in your hometown, your exceptional care for Alice, and the authorization you obtained from her parents…

Mr. Sorel, your kindness is indeed touching, but if I may be so bold—

Although Alice hasn't officially become a nun yet, your enthusiasm as a young, unmarried man, even if she's a childhood friend, seems excessive.

Her gaze was like a torch, as if trying to illuminate Lionel's inner thoughts: "Mr. Sorel, I need to remind you that although you have achieved some success recently, and it seems to have given you quite a bit of influence in Paris..."

However, if certain matters involve fundamental moral boundaries, then even Mr. Hugo, and even Le Figaro, would find it difficult to protect your reputation.

Lionel felt a slight sweat trickle down his back; he somewhat regretted going to Notre-Dame de Lour to get that letter. He had underestimated Sister Massella; she was clearly not as helpless as she had appeared that day, and had even been questioning his motives then.

The information from the "St. Martha's Society" was clearly much more reliable than he had expected.

Although Alice rarely went out, the people in the apartment building—especially the building manager—had seen her before.

Although Lionel repeatedly told Alice not to tell anyone her name.

But when an “unnamed maid” enters and leaves the apartment, someone with a keen eye will always notice.

He also had little confidence in the administrator's professional ethics.

I'm afraid that for just one franc, he would vomit up everything about my daily routine, from what time I left home to what time I returned home.

As for whether this Aunt Anna, or the "St. Martha's Guild" behind her, is certain that the "maid" in their household is Alice, it's hard to say.

Lionel remained outwardly calm: "Paris is a huge city, and there are countless rumors."

Any speculation about a missing girl is unlikely to be reliable evidence.

He wasn't afraid—Alice wasn't at 64 Lafitte Street, and he could simply write another letter to the Mayton Villa and hide her away for a while longer.

If you are honest with Mr. Zola about the reasons, I believe he will be happy to show his compassion and generosity.

The fact that the "Saint Martha Society" is only looking for him to "communicate" rather than questioning him or calling the police directly indicates that finding Alice is not their primary objective.

As one of the largest nunneries in France, a runaway country girl is nothing.

As expected, Aunt Anna did not press further, but softened her tone: "I invited you here today not to accuse or interrogate you, Mr. Sorel."

However, the church has been going through a turbulent period lately, with constant public debate... just as you and Sister Marcella said—

The disappearance of a novice nun, followed by her reappearance in a place she shouldn't be, would be a major scandal that would shock France and even Europe.

This would shake the very foundations of our reputation, both for the St. Martha's Order and for any individual, wouldn't it?

This obvious hint allowed Lionel to vaguely grasp the other party's intentions.

Having ascertained the other party's trump card, Lionel relaxed and smiled slightly: "Oh? Aunt Anna, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Aunt Anna was surprised that Lionel could actually laugh, and for some reason, she began to feel uneasy.

Did he not understand? Impossible, writers are most sensitive to language... So what makes him so confident?
Remembering the new archbishop's instructions to her, she forced herself to continue: "We are considering Sister Marcella's request—"

The search for Alice-Clemence Rorschach has been completely discontinued.

Lionel nodded, his tone nonchalant: "Oh...that's a good thing."

Seeing that Lionel didn't react, Sister Anna gritted her teeth: "We could even... revoke her nun status and truly regain her freedom..."

And not merely accepting her disappearance. For a young life, this might be the most merciful ending…

Lionel didn't speak, staring intently at the other person.

Aunt Anna twirled her rosary beads faster and faster under the table: "Of course, all of this is on the premise that we need to see... some degree of friendliness."

For example, if Mr. Sorel would be willing to use your talent occasionally to support works that promote traditional virtues and soothe people's hearts..."

Lionel sneered: "You want me to sing your praises?"

Aunt Anna quickly denied it: "You don't need to publicly express your support for or opposition to anyone."

Simply show a little understanding or even appreciation of the values ​​of faith in your work or within your sphere of influence.

This wasn't a transaction; it was more like... a tacit understanding.

The room fell silent, save for the regular ticking of the small clock on the fireplace; the few minutes of silence felt like an eternity.

Finally, Lionel raised his head, looked at Sister Anna Maria, and slowly curved his lips into a truly sincere smile:

"it is good!"

"However, I need the church to give me some support..."

(End of this chapter)