What witch? The Deadly Pharmacist!

At this moment, the two walked straight towards them, seemingly heading towards one of them... No, after seeing what just happened, it's pretty clear who they were looking for.

Leon turned around upon hearing this.

“It’s been a long time, Judge Seth.” When their eyes met, Weiss greeted Leon.

“Greetings, Bishop Weiss.” Leon bowed to Weiss.

They had been in contact privately many times and were quite familiar with each other, but in this kind of situation, it was still necessary to be polite in public.

“This is Archbishop Kuric, the deputy director of the St. Rosalia Institute,” Weiss introduced Leon.

"You must be the Judge Seth who proposed the nuclear model of the atom? I've heard so much about you!" Before Leon could bow, Archbishop Kuric stepped forward and shook hands with him.

Chapter 146 The Earl's Friends and Enemies

Archbishop Courric's enthusiasm was no less than that of Archbishop Miller; he and Leon started by discussing atomism and then moved on to the latest theories in the field.

Fortunately, after learning that his theory had unexpectedly gained attention, Leon studied the academic journals of this world and, with the help of the blessing, memorized them. He then combined this with some knowledge from his previous life to manage to deal with Archbishop Kuric's conversation.

Finally, Archbishop Kuric offered to exchange contact information with him before leaving satisfied.

Then, standing to the side, Weiss said to Leon, "Archbishop Curiq has been studying atomic theory for many years. He is very interested in the theory you proposed that time and has said a long time ago that he wanted to meet you."

“It is my honor,” Leon replied.

Then Weiss lowered her voice slightly: "So this afternoon..."

She was checking if there had been any changes to Leon's previously mentioned schedule for attending the speech. After this gathering, the sermons and speeches by various churches would begin at 3 p.m., which was still three hours away.

Leon nodded.

“Alright.” Bishop Weiss nodded and replied calmly, “Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Thank you, Bishop Weiss.” Leon bowed politely.

After Weiss left, Leon turned around and saw Enrique and Bella standing side by side. Their expressions didn't seem to change much, but their eyes were full of disbelief.

When Leon chatted with those important figures, it was also an opportunity for them to get acquainted with them.

However, when Archbishop Kuric and Leon discussed academic terminology at length, they all realized that this topic was completely outside their reach. When Archbishop Miller had come earlier, they could at least exchange a few pleasantries based on their brief encounter during the assessment, but they couldn't get a word in edgewise during the subsequent academic discussion.

In the end, they not only didn't go forward, but also wisely kept a little distance from each other and chatted for a while.

"Mr. Leon, do you know Bishop Vess?" Bella's tone had become cautious. The way Bishop Vess had introduced Archbishop Kuric earlier clearly indicated that she knew Leon.

“We’d met twice by chance before. Then, during the assessment, my writing on the final free-response question was published in a journal by Archbishop Miller, which piqued their interest a little, so…” Leon explained, “it was just a simple academic discussion.”

“No, for a scholar of that caliber to pay such attention, it must be extraordinary,” Enrique corrected calmly.

Leon smiled and changed the subject, chatting with the two about their recent situations. After a while, he saw familiar faces again.

It was Bishop Beckett. He had just finished talking to someone in the distance, and then his gaze turned over, meeting Leon's.

A calm smile appeared on Bishop Beckett's face. Seeing this, Leon raised a hand to greet Bishop Beckett. This gesture also drew the attention of the two people beside him to Bishop Beckett, who was looking over from a distance.

Bishop Beckett nodded in response to Leon, but did not immediately look away; instead, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

Leon realized that Bishop Beckett was gesturing for him to come over and talk things over, so he excused himself to Enrique and Benedict and strode over.

Enrique and his companion were not as surprised this time that Leon knew Bishop Beckett. Leon had mentioned to them that his recommender was Bishop Beckett, who was temporarily serving in Hamel.

Bishop Beckett's position in the Church of War was not very high; his rank was only one level higher than these newcomers, though he was more senior.

However, Enrique had heard that although Bishop Beckett did not come from a very high social class, he was surprisingly well-connected in the elite circles of the East.

Leon approached Bishop Beckett and bowed: "Long time no see, sir."

"You've really made a name for yourself since taking office. Not bad, you haven't let us down," Bishop Beckett said meaningfully.

Leon had not accomplished much since becoming the head of the Inquisition, so Bishop Beckett was referring to their cause.

"It's thanks to your excellent cultivation," Leon replied politely.

“I just saw that Bishop Weiss and Archbishop Kuric came to find you. Did you know that they are both members of the Rose School?” Bishop Beckett said in a low voice.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of Archbishop Kuric’s situation. He was also interested in my previous conjecture, so Archbishop Weiss helped him find me,” Leon explained.

After all, he only had a name in the journal, and it was not surprising that Archbishop Kulik did not know what he looked like and needed someone to introduce him.

“I see.” Bishop Beckett’s reaction was unexpectedly calm. Leon had expected him to warn him again not to associate too much with the Rose School.

“He exchanged contact addresses with me, should I…” Leon asked tentatively in a low voice.

He didn't say the second half of his question, "Should I keep my distance from him?", so as not to be overheard.

“Archbishop Kuric is quite prestigious in the Church of the Creator. It’s not that you have any issues with associating with him, but it would be helpful for your development,” Bishop Beckett gave Leon a reply that surprised him.

Just as Leon had thought, the Rose School, which didn't have much influence in the church, didn't pose much of a threat to the Earl's business. Bishop Beckett wasn't actually that concerned about the Rose School, but he strictly required Leon to keep his distance from Weiss.

The main reason lies with Archbishop Rogers, but Archbishop Beckett only revealed this much.

Bishop Beckett scrutinized Leon for a moment, then suddenly said, "After this gathering, you don't have any plans, do you?"

Leon was taken aback by what he heard. He had planned to go and see Weiss's speech, but he felt it was inappropriate to bring up the matter with Bishop Beckett in this situation.

Attending a speech at the Church of the Creator isn't a big problem in itself, as it doesn't involve direct social contact with Weiss, but explaining his reasons for going is a bit tricky.

After thinking it over, Leon took the initiative to ask, "Is there anything you need?"

“At three o’clock this afternoon, go to the common lounge area of ​​the club at 66 Clock Avenue in the Archdiocese and wait for me. I have something to tell you afterward,” Bishop Beckett said.

"Three o'clock?" Leon asked, somewhat surprised.

Isn't that exactly when the speech is about to begin?

“If you’re planning to attend the Prophet’s Church speech, then put it off for now,” Bishop Beckett said, as if he had already made up his mind.

"Is there some kind of mission?" Leon asked in a low voice.

"We'll discuss it in more detail later," Bishop Beckett said, not revealing the details easily.

What exactly is going on? Leon was completely bewildered by the arrangement that Bishop Beckett had suddenly put his way, but given his position, it seemed difficult for him to refuse if the arrangement was related to the Earl.

In that case, he probably won't be able to attend Weiss's speech as agreed...

While he was still pondering how to handle the situation, Bishop Beckett suddenly said, "Alright, you stay by my side and get ready?"

"What preparations?" Leon asked instinctively.

As soon as he finished speaking, a commotion broke out in the crowd. Leon and Bishop Beckett looked in the direction of the voices and saw a large crowd suddenly gathered in one corner of the meeting hall.

"They've arrived." Bishop Beckett smiled slightly.

Leon looked closely and saw that the crowd was actually escorting a guest who had just entered the venue into the meeting hall.

The distinguished guest who was surrounded and watched by these church personnel was none other than Count Frey, dressed in knight's attire and leaning on a cane.

"Could it be... Count Frey?"

"Did he come here specifically for Holy Spirit Festival?"

Leon heard surprised murmurs around him.

He himself was also surprised. Count Frye was once the vice-chief knight of the church, but now he had been retired for a long time and was a lord of his own. He could attend such events, but he was not required to come.

Count Frey's position in the church wasn't particularly high, but as a lord, he wielded immense power and was one of the most powerful lords in the East.

Many church members in the Southeastern Archdiocese are themselves Eastern nobles. The nobles of the East and West of the Empire tend to form their own groups, and this trend is also subtly present within the church. Count Frye is undoubtedly one of the leading figures among the Eastern nobles. In this respect, it is not surprising that the count receives such attention in church settings.

Although Leon knew that the Count was probably the most blasphemous heretic in the entire empire, without exception, and that the rumors that some high-ranking members of the church knew this were probably true, this information was not made public, and those within the church who knew this had no intention of taking action against him for the time being.

In fact, not many people know that the underworld "Earl" of the Zongheng Empire is actually Earl Fulei.

Leon could sense the eagerness in the eyes of the people present as they looked at the Earl. The Southeastern Archdiocese was also part of the East, and most of the dignitaries present certainly wanted to establish connections with the prominent figures of the East.

But that doesn't seem to be the case for all of them.

Leon secretly observed the group and found that not everyone was looking at the Count with eager eyes. Some people were very indifferent, glancing at the Count from a distance while talking to each other with very cold expressions, which fit Leon's impression of them as people who talk badly about others behind their backs.

He recognized them as representatives from other parishes. If they were important figures from the central and western churches, they were most likely old-school nobles from the west.

“Alright, follow me.” Bishop Beckett suddenly said to Leon, then strode toward the Earl.

Leon was a beat slow to react and, somewhat surprised, followed Beckett all the way to the Count.

The count, who had just finished chatting with an archbishop, turned around at the opportune moment and smiled at Bishop Beckett: "Bishop Beckett, my old friend, how have you been?"

“Of course, thanks to you, Your Excellency!” Bishop Beckett shook hands with the Earl with a broad smile.

In the underworld, Bishop Beckett is the Earl's loyal subordinate, but on the surface, Bishop Beckett and Earl Frye are former superiors and subordinates within the Church of War, old friends, and the Earl is also a great benefactor who once funded and recommended Bishop Beckett.

Leon watched the two exchange a few words, when suddenly the count seemed to turn his gaze toward him intentionally or unintentionally.

Bishop Beckett then introduced him, saying, "Oh, Your Excellency, this is a young man I recommended when I was on a mission in Southport County a few days ago. He has great potential and can be considered my student."

"Oh, nice to meet you, promising young man. What's your name?" The count greeted Leon with a polite gesture, as if they were meeting for the first time.

“Leon Seth, Intermediate Judge, it is my honor to meet you, Your Excellency.” Leon shook hands with the Earl and bowed politely.

At that moment, many eyes were on him, and he finally understood what was going on.

The Count, leveraging his prestige in the eastern region, had long cultivated a network of close associates within the church, including Bishop Beckett, who secretly pledged allegiance to him. Leon, recommended by Bishop Beckett, was, in a sense, already part of this circle. The Count and Bishop Beckett's actions here were a public declaration that he was a member of this group.

From then on, the count's friends within the church would also be his friends, and the count's enemies... would also become his enemies.

Of course, this matter had already been decided long ago, and there was no need to ask for his opinion.

The count didn't draw too much attention to him; he offered a few words of encouragement and then continued chatting with the others.

For a fleeting moment, the count glanced into the distance, seemingly unintentionally.

Saint Weiss Rogers of the Church of the Creator was not drawn much attention to the commotion and was still discussing the details of her upcoming speech with her colleagues.

The elegant smile that lingered on the count's lips never faded.

Three more hours!

Chapter 147 Saintess? Witch!

At 2:45 p.m., the squares in front of the four major churches in the Southeastern Archdiocese were already packed with people.

This is a traditional event of the Feast of the Holy Spirit. On this day, in the afternoon, the four major churches will hold a public sermon at the same time in the square in front of their respective churches, with each church's chosen saints giving their own sermons.

After the speeches, the bishops of the church will jointly perform blessings and demonstrate divine miracles to the people. These choreographed programs will ensure absolute visual effects, striving to leave everyone in awe.

Therefore, during each speech, the squares of the four churches would be filled with pilgrims and residents from the surrounding area, making it the most solemn event the church would hold for the public on Holy Spirit Day.

In response to the crowds, the major churches in the Southeastern Archdiocese sent people to maintain order and also joined forces to patrol the area.

At this very moment, the square in front of the Church of the Creator is also packed with people, the largest number among the four major churches.

When the four major churches preach and give speeches at the same time, there is also a competition among them, with the aim of improving the level of their speeches and performances. It is not a big deal if there are fewer people than other churches in such an occasion, but it would be quite embarrassing if too many people were taken away and the gap became too large.

Most of the time, the Bishops of Creation are the most popular in terms of the number of people they attract.

The Creator is the origin god of creation, the patron god of artisans and craftsmen, and the god who also controls the climate. Therefore, farmers and sailors often pray to him, and there are many people who have the Creator as their main believer.

However, the main reason that so many people could gather was that the miracles performed by the Church of the Creator were the most spectacular. The Creator's blessing could manipulate various phenomena of matter, such as burning, shining, and discharging electricity. With the help of many bishops and knights, they could create incredibly dazzling visual effects.

Last year's Holy Spirit Day program at the Church of the Creator featured the creation of the aurora borealis, which is said to only appear naturally in extremely cold regions. The program also used the sky as a backdrop to display the illusion of the Creator wielding a hammer, accompanied by lightning and thunder, which deeply moved the audience.

With the help of a nun, Weiss applied light makeup and styled her hair at the lookout tower at the church entrance.

She got up and went to the window, glanced at the dense crowd in the square outside, and looked at the stands on both sides of the square. Dozens of bishops and knights in formal attire were already seated, mostly members of the Church of the Creator who had come to show their support.

The crowd gathered in the square, while the seats in the stands were reserved for church members, and only those who held official positions were eligible to go up there.

She saw many familiar faces from the church in the stands, but she didn't see Leon.

The speech was about to begin, was he delayed by something? Or did he have other arrangements at the last minute?

Weiss was unaware that Leon had been trying to tell her at the party that he couldn't attend the speech, but after he had spoken to Count Frey, many people who knew the count started to chat with him.

By the time Leon finished dealing with these people and tried to find Weiss, Weiss had already left to prepare for her speech.

For a moment, Weiss's attention was drawn to the small pouch hanging from the corset of her monastic robes, where the tiny magic mirror was kept.

As the creator of the magic mirror, she has the ability to control whether the two mirrors display her own image or each other's reflection. Therefore, she doesn't need to worry about privacy leaks, can carry it with her at all times, and can also use it as a regular mirror.

However, she immediately dismissed the idea of ​​contacting Leon using the magic mirror. First, it was not convenient to do so under the current circumstances, and second, even if Leon brought the other magic mirror to the Grand Parish for the convenience of leaving messages, he might not always have it with him.