Mystery: But the Witch's Path

Chapter 69 Archbishop Antony

After the clergy lead the chant, the choir begins singing hymns in a dual-track configuration of "children's voices + adults' voices".

As Altair listened to the choir's ethereal voices on stage, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, as the Church of the Night choir had few elves among its members.

The most prestigious choir has to be the Storm Dove. Their ethereal, melodious, and beautiful voices are magical, capable of striking spirits and influencing their emotions and spirits.

It's a pity, she'll most likely never hear again. Thinking about it, Altair couldn't help but hear it.

"Strike, strike, strike! O sea, crash against the gray, cold rocks! Strike, strike, strike! O sea..."

Regarding this song, Altair could only say: His... singing voice is quite magical, um... magical influencing people.

After the hymns were performed, the pastor ascended the pulpit to read from the Bible, specifically the "Wisdom Book" and the "Letters of the Saints" from the Book of Revelation.

After the explanation, most people began to stand up one by one and put varying amounts of gold pounds into the offering box.

When they reached Altair's row, Audrey's father, Earl Hall, was the first to stand up and set an example for her.

Altair took 50 ten-pound notes from the maid Irene and followed Earl Hall's lead to complete the donation.

As time passed and the donations drew to a close, the clergy brought out communion. Everyone, regardless of status, lined up in order to receive their meal before the altar.

After receiving the communion, Altair returned to her seat with it. Looking at the communion wine in her hand, she could clearly feel the faint spirituality emanating from it.

He held up the "spiked wine" to his nose and smelled it. Altair immediately determined that a trace amount of evening primrose juice had been added, which would have a sleep-inducing and spiritual-soothing effect after consumption.

As he finished his glass of wine, he remarked, "This feels like a good communion; looks like I'll be getting a good night's sleep tonight."

The end of Holy Communion marked the near conclusion of the Mass. People in nearby seats began to greet each other and prepare to leave together.

Altair, however, did not choose to leave the prayer hall with the others, but instead chose to stay where he was.

After everyone left, an old man with deep-set eyes, a clean-shaven face, wearing a black archbishop's robe with red patterns and five dark holy symbols on his chest, walked towards Altair from the side door of the prayer hall. He had a peaceful demeanor but also a hidden sense of intimidation.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Altair immediately stood up, tapped his chest four times clockwise to draw a crimson moon symbol, and said:

"Praise be to the goddess. Good afternoon, Archbishop St. Anthony."

The old man, after tapping his chest four times, calmly replied, "Blessed Goddess. Good afternoon, Earl Sheffield."

Please come with me.

Altair nodded, turned to look at Eileen, indicating that she could wait where she was, and then followed Archbishop Anthony away from where they were, heading deeper into the Cathedral of St. Samuel.

After winding through the streets, we arrived at a quiet, unnamed study deep within the Church of St. Samuel.

Archbishop Anthony gestured for Altair to sit down. He then walked to the bookshelf behind the desk, along the edge of the wall, and took out a thick book.

After casually flipping through the book, Anthony looked at Altair and asked, "Earl Sheffield, are you sure you want to worship the Goddess of Night? It's not too late to change your mind now, but once I register you, you'll have to bear the consequences of any future attempts to convert."

Altair nodded, looking at him with a resolute gaze, and said, "I am certain of Archbishop Anthony."

Looking at the man before him, Archbishop Anthony nodded silently. He then sat down, turned to a blank page in his book, picked up the pen that had been prepared on his desk, and began to record Altair's name, family, date of conversion, and other information, thus entering the diocese's register of believers.

After everything was written down, Archbishop Anthony presented Altair with a silver ornament with a star and moon design and a copy of the Book of Revelation of the Night.

According to Anthony's explanation, Altair also learned about the amulet's function; it has a slight calming effect on the spirits and can help her ward off minor nightmares or spiritual agitation at night.

Archbishop Anthony then routinely inquired, "Are you planning to leave Backlund soon? How is your family's safety? Do you need the church to arrange security personnel?"

Altair smiled and explained to Archbishop Anthony, "I will be returning to my ancestral lands for the winter soon, and will likely return to Backlund next spring."

"As for security, you don't need to worry about that. My father left behind a family guard, and there are still some guards left, enough to protect me."

After thinking for a moment, Anthony nodded and said to Altair, "If you encounter any extraordinary matters that you cannot resolve in the future, you can contact the Church directly for assistance. The Church can also provide you with appropriate help..."

"I remember your ancestral home is in the county of Akhova, the city of Tingen, and the town of Morse. If you go back there for the winter, you can go to the Church of St. Serena in the nearby city of Tingen for worship."

"I will write to the bishop of St. Serena's Church soon and ask him to provide you with as much help as he can."

After Archbishop Anthony finished speaking, Altair smiled and thanked him, saying, "Thank you so much."

After exchanging pleasantries for a short while, the two said their goodbyes and left the study.

Altair said he could understand why Archbishop Antony hadn't assigned him any security personnel after he made a polite remark.

After all, even though Backlund is a core parish of the Church of the Night in the Kingdom of Rune, the number of Extraordinary beings is estimated to be only around one hundred.

These people are becoming increasingly rare; if someone is to protect Altair long-term, it signifies that an extraordinary individual will be away on official business for an extended period and will no longer be able to perform church duties.

When Altair returned to the prayer hall, he led Eileen toward the door, preparing to leave the church.

As soon as she stepped out the door, she saw Audrey and her family. When they saw Altair emerge, Earl Hall himself immediately stepped forward and invited her in.

"Good day, Count Altair. I wonder if you have some free time this afternoon? My daughter would like to invite you to lunch."

After hearing Count Hall's words, Altair turned slightly to look at Audrey behind him and noticed her "aggrieved mood".

Turning back to Earl Hall with a smile, he said:

"In that case, I shall respectfully accept your offer. Please forgive me for disturbing you this afternoon, Earl Hall."

"You're too kind," Earl Hall said with a beaming smile. "Then I'll take my leave first. See you at the manor later."

"See you later," Altair replied with a smile.