He changed Tiwat

Speaking of which, Rosalia used to be a member of the treasure-hunting gang.

"This organization really does harbor all sorts of 'sinners'..." Yura couldn't help but sigh softly.

Han Fulai was not surprised by Gianna's identity—Gianna, who came from a treasure-hunting gang, did not seem to have received any theological education.

The clergy of the Church of the West Wind are usually devout believers who grew up in convents, like Sister Grace. They have received systematic theological education, are able to preach scriptural doctrines to believers, and must pass a theological thesis review before being appointed to their positions; they are definitely professionally trained.

Given Gianna's resume, which barely allowed her to find a decent job, how was she able to join the Church of the West Wind and become a nun? The Church of the West Wind certainly didn't value her weight, right?

Adding the prefix "combat" to "nun" would be more suitable for Gianna.

Such organizations actually exist in many countries of Teyvat.

Things that cannot be solved by the "humanities" approach of law often need to be solved by a more "science" approach, such as physical solutions.

In Mondstadt, it's the "Night Hero" Diluc and the "Thorn Crown" battle nuns; in Liyue, it's the "Rock Tea House." He's also heard that Inazuma and Fontaine have quite a few "vibrant civil society organizations" that solve problems privately... The people recruited by these organizations are certainly not the kind of weak, bookish scholars who sit in offices.

From this perspective, Gianna is a very suitable candidate to become the "Crown of Thorns".

Kaiya smiled and continued, "Actually, Sister Giliana doesn't only have one option: to deal with the treasure-hunting group herself... If nothing unexpected happens, she'll go to Sister Victoria for confession when she returns to the church today. According to their rules, only those who are completely open with the Wind God can become 'Crown of Thorns,' and Sister Victoria has probably been waiting for this confession for a long time... With the power of the 'Crown of Thorns,' what difficulty would it be for her to wipe out a treasure-hunting group?"

"Moreover... 'The Crown of Thorns' has always believed that forgiving the souls of sinners is Lord Barbatos's business, and their job is to send the souls of sinners to see Barbatos..."

Han Fulai twitched his lips upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "Barbatos just met with you, why are you talking like he's some kind of 'spirit in heaven'..."

Yura nodded, fully understanding Giliana's role in this matter—she was actually just a trigger to lure "The Crown of Thorns" into action, and the biggest advantage of getting "The Crown of Thorns" to act was that no one would be left alive.

Calvin wanted to eliminate the group of treasure hunters who might have something on him, but he didn't want to make a big fuss about it, so he took this roundabout approach to achieve his goal while remaining uninvolved.

"As for your second question..."

At this moment, Kaiya's expression also became unusually serious.

"My role in this matter has not yet been determined."

"What do you mean?" Yura frowned.

Han Fulai interjected at the opportune moment: "Captain Kaiya means that what specific role he plays in this matter... depends on what you want to do, Yura."

“…Me?” Yura’s eyes were even more puzzled.

Han Fu glanced at Kaiya, who slightly raised her hand and gestured for him to enter.

Han Fulai nodded and took over the responsibility of explaining to Yura: "Although what happened to Miss Giliana today was an unexpected event for us, for Giliana herself, the thieves of the treasure-hunting group, and the Cardinal and Captain Kaya, this matter has actually been going on for a long time."

"To put it more clearly, Captain Kaia's detailed knowledge of this matter indicates that he has been paying attention for a long time. I believe that the treasure-hunting group has never escaped Captain Kaia's control. You can imagine that Captain Kaia has woven a large net to capture all these people, and can close the net at any time."

Kaiya remained silent, indicating his agreement.

Yura crossed her arms, her tone laced with sarcasm: "Then why isn't he closing the net? Is he waiting for my orders? I don't recall having the authority to command this cavalry captain. In fact, he probably wanted me to do his work for him."

Kaiya touched his nose somewhat awkwardly, knowing that Yura was holding a grudge against him for "using" her... Of course, she should hold a grudge. If Yura really slaughtered that group of treasure hunters without any mercy, she would have been completely involved in this matter without even knowing it.

Seeing this, Han Fulai quickly changed the subject: "Yura, try to recall—when Sgroch threatened Miss Giliana, did he mention anything about church relics?"

Yura nodded slightly, deeply impressed by the audacity of Sgroch's group. Although the treasure-hunting gang was always lawless and would do almost anything for money, their audacity in targeting such a heavily guarded church relic was truly excessive.

Even with Kaiya's involvement, it's hard not to wonder what madness drove them to do something so reckless.

Han Fulai continued, "Now it seems that their audacity is probably not solely due to the powerful figures in the church backing them... Perhaps they actually have experience in reselling church relics..."

"Huh?" Yura's eyes widened immediately.

Han Fulai pointed in the southwest direction.

“Remember the treasure-hunting group we encountered in the snowy mountains? They said that the Fools were collecting items containing the power of demons—the sacred objects kept in the church, such as the ‘Lyre of the Sky’, which is hailed as the treasure of Barbatos, are of course their target.”

"Calvin is actually working with 'The Doctor'!" Yura suddenly realized.

The group of thieves they captured in the snowy mountains who wanted to steal the "Sword of Corruption," and the group of Fools they caught in the "Gate of the Eagle," were both collecting demonic remnants and related items for the Fools' executor, "The Doctor."

Furthermore, Y'Rock, who should have been "purged," had undergone human modification by the "Doctor," and his activities within Mondstadt were also done for the "Doctor"...

All signs point to a conspiracy by a group of fools.

While it's unclear what the "Doctor" intends to do with these things, it's certainly not for anything good. And Cardinal Calvin, taking advantage of his position, has likely helped his son remove many sacred relics preserved in the church.

This has probably gone unnoticed for quite some time now—at least not by anyone other than Kaiya.

But now it happens to be the "Badminton Festival" celebration, and the "Sky Harp" is going to be used in the celebration. It is likely that the church will also conduct a comprehensive inspection and inventory of the sacred relics in the church's custody at this time... So Calvin began to plan to silence those who knew about it.

If Han Fulai and Yura hadn't just recently wiped out Irok and his gang of fools, they might be the ones attacking the treasure-hunting group right now...

Even though Yura had seen a lot, her face turned pale when she finally understood this.

The fact that the acting archbishop of the church was colluding with the thieves and the Fools was already a very serious problem. If we add the fact that clergy were stealing and selling church relics, it would be a shocking scandal that could bring down the Church of the West Wind!

Chapter 351 He Can Be Replaced

A look of anger appeared on Yura's face.

It would be better if she didn't know about this, but once she found out, there was absolutely no way she would sit idly by.

"Kaiya! You knew Calvin was betraying the Knights, why didn't you stop him?"

Kaeya, the "cavalry captain without a horse," wasn't staying in Mondstadt just to stare blankly at the empty stables every day.

Although outsiders may not understand Kaeya, as a captain in the Knights of Favonius, Yura is well aware of Kaeya's abilities and methods as his "Minister of Intelligence." Just like Han Fulai's analogy, Kaeya had long ago woven a dense intelligence network in Mondstadt, and when he wanted to close it down, few could escape his control.

Moreover, it is quite obvious that Kaia discovered Calvin's collaboration with the Fools at least before the "Badminton Festival" began, but he did nothing about it... In Yura's opinion, Kaia's behavior of turning a blind eye is not much different from being an "accomplice".

Faced with Yura's accusations, Kaya only gave a wry smile and said softly, "Because he is the acting archbishop of the Church of the West Wind."

Yura paused for a moment, then remained silent for a long time.

Although the reason given by Kaeya sounds like an excuse, it is the real reality—in terms of rank, Cardinal Calvin, as the acting archbishop, is only below Lord Simon.

Although the Church of the Westwind is no longer as high and mighty as the former Church of the Wind God, and has been downgraded in structure to the "Religious Affairs Bureau under the Knights of the Westwind," its actual status is still quite detached—at least its finances and personnel are entirely under the control of the church itself.

The Church of the West Wind is, after all, the "state religion" of Mondstadt. The annual donations from believers are enough to support the church's operations. In addition, the church has accumulated assets and land over thousands of years, making the Church of the West Wind quite robust.

Furthermore, the Church of Favonius also serves as a part-time provider of most of Mondstadt's medical, educational, and welfare functions. The church priests' medical skills and healing magic, along with the Sunday schools for children and the monasteries that shelter the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, are all essential and vital social foundations of Mondstadt.

In addition, the archbishops of the Church even have the authority to represent Mondstadt on foreign visits or to receive diplomats from other countries. In the "Blackfire Case" a year ago, when the "Doctor" visited Mondstadt, it was Archbishop Simon who received him, which shows his status.

The second most important figure in the church, and currently only Jean, the acting leader, holds a slightly higher position in the entire Mondstadt city. She is not someone that Kaeya can easily touch.

What's more troublesome is that Calvin comes from a long-established noble family, supported by old nobles who have now become "enlightened gentlemen" and "local luminaries." Even Jean, the acting Grand Master from the Gunnhildr family, must consider the impact if she wants to launch any investigation into Cardinal Calvin, and cannot disrupt Mondstadt's "stability and unity."

“Unless there’s a high-ranking decision from the Knights’ leadership signed by Grand Master Falga, or if Archbishop Simon personally issues an excommunication to excommunicate Calvin… but both of those are on expeditions. As for the Inquisition, which is responsible for internal oversight within the Church, it’s currently under the jurisdiction of Cardinal Calvin, the acting Archbishop…”

Han Fulai nodded silently. The referee must be referring to the Church's "Crown of Thorns," right? They almost became Calvin's accomplices... Reporting them to the Church would be like asking Yelan to investigate Ningguang...

Kaiya sighed softly, his voice filled with helplessness: "I sent letters to the Grand Commander and Lord Simon a while ago, and judging by the time... the letters have probably only just reached them. By the time they've discussed it and replied, we might already be preparing to hold the 'Returning Breeze Wine Festival'..."

Yura clenched her fist and then relaxed, relaxed and then clenched it again, but she still didn't say anything.

Han Fulai, of course, saw Yura's actions.

He understood Yura's personality and knew she was unwilling to accept it... So what could she do about it?

He was deeply moved by the reasons Kaia gave.

Taking Liyue as an example, in terms of organizational structure alone, the "Seven Stars Council" is the highest authority in Liyue, and only the Seven Stars themselves can supervise them.

Although Tian Shu Star is in charge of supervision, what if Tian Shu Star also takes sides?

His process of acquiring supreme power in Liyue was actually a process of redistributing power among the seven stars of Liyue. In essence, it was still a political struggle between the seven stars, and had nothing to do with right or wrong.

If the Seven Stars don't fight amongst themselves, who in Liyue can control them unless the Emperor and the immortals intervene?

Let's assume, without the constraints of a contract, that Han Fulai also used his position to seek personal gain, and then was discovered by Uncle Tian or Ye Lan, what could they do to him...? "Who here accuses this official?"

The same principle applies in Mondstadt.

Kaeya is now in this awkward position of being "below the throne," and Yura has fallen silent because she has noticed this. If Kaeya is in this predicament, what can she do?

Of course there are things to do, and they are very important things.

Han Fulai spoke up: "That's why Captain Kaiya specifically asked for your opinion, Yura."

Yura looked up at him.

"If such a thing were made public, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar..." Han Fulai paused, then glanced at Kaiya, "So, Captain Kaiya made two preparations—to continue to maintain the status quo, that is, to silently cover up the matter, pretend that nothing happened, and wait for the superiors' decision; or, to give Mondstadt a 'new look'."

"The people of Mondstadt are mostly very devout in their faith in the Wind God, and the Church of Favonius is their spiritual anchor. If this spiritual anchor were to be embroiled in a major scandal like the 'Church of the Wind God' a thousand years ago, it would not only hurt the feelings of the people of Mondstadt, but also affect the stability of the city's morale and even their perception of the Knights of Favonius..."

Yura continued to look at Han Fulai, as if she knew what he was about to say.

"So..." Han Fulai carefully chose his words before slowly speaking to Yura, "Captain Kaiya actually wanted to ask you whether you would be willing to replace Cardinal Calvin?"

Kaeya also looked at Yura, her eyes full of anticipation.

This was the real reason he waited at the city gate today.

"To become the 'Saintess of Mondstadt'..."

Facing their gazes, Yura murmured the word.

On a secular level in Mondstadt, it is indeed difficult to punish Cardinal Calvin, but the gods can.

Just as the Geo Archon and his followers can subdue the Liyue Seven Stars, the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt and his retinue can certainly subdue the Archbishop of Favonius Church.

If she truly becomes the "Saintess of Mondstadt," then she certainly won't have anything to worry about.

But... does she really deserve it? Will Lord Barbatos really acknowledge her as a "familiar of the wind god" of the Lawrence family at the celebration?

Chapter 352 It Has to Be You

Yura has her reasons for such concerns.

Despite having just ridden in the Dvalin-branded "East Wind Express" yesterday, met Wendy who claimed to be a member of Barbatos's family, and visited the two ruins of the "Temple of the Thousand Winds" closely associated with the wind god, and even experienced a trial in a dream... she still doesn't really feel like she's a member of the wind god's family.

Ultimately, she never saw the legendary Lord Barbatos with her own eyes, nor even heard his voice, and no one assured her that Lord Barbatos would appear at the festival.

Well, this is also partly the fault of that mysterious bard. Venti did grant her the "Ice Seal" enhancement last night, but Yura was still in the Dream Trial and had no idea she'd received even the reward for passing the trial…

But for Yura, this turned into "the Wind God is unwilling to even show himself."

How can there be a "Family of the Wind God" that can't even see Lord Barbatos?

Did the wind god Barbatos truly acknowledge her as a "sinner"?

Or was it that she was able to pass that dream trial only because of someone else, and that she herself wasn't qualified...?

Han Fulai's mention of the "Mondstadt Saintess" again today undoubtedly stirred up Yura's recently calmed emotions once more.

When faced with important life choices, people often feel confused, and Yura was no exception.

Even if the Wind God were to truly accept her, could she truly fulfill the role of "Saintess of Mondstadt"?

It was true that she wanted to punish Cardinal Calvin, but that was based on a simple sense of justice, and she had no intention of "taking his place" whatsoever.

She was a little envious of Jean and Amber, as well as that "Mondstadt icon" Barbara, envious of their many friends, envious of their popularity... but if she were in their shoes, she really doubted whether she could do as well as them.

To become a servant of the wind god, to stand in the spotlight... just imagining it made Yura feel a little breathless.

When she agreed to Han Fulai's proposal to become the "Saintess of Mondstadt" in the tavern, it was in a way a result of his provocation that "what the daughters of the Gunnhilds can do, the daughters of the Lawrences can do too."

When the moment came, Yura realized that she was not mentally prepared at all.

So she asked the question aloud.

"Do you... really think I'm suitable?"

As soon as she said it, Yura regretted it.

...She realized that she seemed to be really too dependent on someone lately, and would subconsciously seek his approval.

Having lived in Mondstadt for four years, she had become accustomed to an independent life. Even her best friend Amber rarely heard her thoughts, let alone helped her make decisions.

But now she's actually begging someone to make a decision for her?

Yura quickly shook her head, wanting to take back what she had said.

But that person had already answered.

Han Fulai nodded seriously to Yura.

"The title of 'Saintess of Mondstadt' belongs to you without question, I guarantee it."

If someone else had said this, it would have seemed like boasting—he wasn't the Wind God, so what right did he have to make a guarantee on behalf of a deity?

But Yura believed it so easily, as if Han Fulai's guarantee had the same effect as a divine oracle.

Her beautiful, pale golden eyes brightened instantly.

"Haha, then it's decided in a pleasant way." Kaiya clapped her hands lightly, drawing the attention of the two back to the present. "Next, let's discuss the specific plan."