Two priests stopped Lynch's carriage and asked him about the purpose of his visit to this city. As they questioned him, the mage noticed that the priests were sniffing at the smell drifting out from the carriage. Of course, they couldn't identify Zilvra's race by smell—being an assassin, the drow woman was even more adept at disguise than Lynch. The two priests were merely hoping that this was a carriage transporting grain.

"My mistress wishes to perform good deeds in this city." Lynch bowed to the priests, as a coachman should. Since Zilvra was already adopting the airs of the drow nobles, she might as well continue the disguise. The mage kept his head down, staring at the priests' toes peeking from beneath their robes, speaking as a "well-mannered lower class individual" would, as though the toes could "hear" and "speak." "My mistress casually brought some insignificant textiles from her storeroom. This winter is so cold, my mistress believes these items should be put to some beneficial use."

"Wizde!" Zilvra called Lynch by his alias, as previously agreed. "Why did you stop? My order was to head straight to the best inn here. After me, you and the horses can rest! Is it your ears that are failing, or has your brain frozen stiff?"

"Yes!" Lynch bowed slightly to the two priests, then jumped back onto the carriage. "I will depart immediately. Apologies for the delay, mistress."

The priest reached out and grabbed the reins, stopping the carriage before it started moving. Although the carriage didn't carry the grain they most urgently needed, having someone offering textiles at this time was still a good gain. More importantly, this year's Awakening Festival seemed rather sparse, with few people attending besides the local nobles, which would greatly dampen the spirit of the followers. Though they hadn't yet seen the appearance of the "mistress," having an out-of-town noblewoman join the celebration might at least enliven the atmosphere.

Even Lynch couldn't have imagined how many thoughts raced through the priests' minds in such a brief moment. He merely looked frustrated at the priests who had twice stopped the carriage, as if fearing they might cause him to be whipped by his mistress. However, the Pate priest took the initiative to address the matter, speaking to the inside of the curtain: "Esteemed guest, I am a priest of the Holy Pate, and first I thank you for your generous behavior. If you agree, I can direct you to the most comfortable inn here."

The curtain opened slightly and then closed again. Zilvra then commanded: "Wizde, follow these two kind gentlemen, and drive more steadily. Or I'll make your neck as smooth as the road here."

Of course, Zilvra could have expressed her meaning in a more terrifying and cruel manner, but the most appropriate disguise is always more effective than the most elaborate one. The two priests had already taken the person inside the carriage to be some rural noblewoman from a distant land, trying to present herself with the proud arrogance of the city's nobility. However, due to her different education, she could only display an overbearing air more like an upstart.

This also confirmed that this woman had never been to Pate City, a complete stranger, fitting in perfectly with the various activities held here.

And when Zilvra stepped off the carriage outside the inn, revealing her goddess-like perfect charm, the two priests were even more convinced of this idea. To prevent the harsh weather from causing any harm to this beautiful noblewoman, one of them immediately went back to find an officer specifically responsible for reception duties.

After unloading the textiles, Lynch immediately took his leave, wandering alone on the streets of Pate City. Before the sun rose the next day, he didn't need to remain by the "mistress's" side to be on call. This time was the best opportunity for him to gather intelligence. Of course, he couldn't simply walk into the Holy Temple of Pate, grab some bishop, and shout into his face, "Is your archbishop controlled by a serpent? How many others are like him?"

He needed other sources of information. And wherever there is light, there is also darkness. Pate City is the brightest place, so the darkness it harbors is even deeper.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.