The carriage sped through the streets, and Travis, on another carriage, also wore a grim expression. He, too, noticed the clues, suspecting it was the work of the Inquisitors. In the workplace, feigning ignorance is also a survival skill. From Li Xin's expressions and demeanor, he guessed the latter had also sensed something.

In the Great Cathedral of the Metropolitan, Werner and Finel were observing the scene. The Inquisitors were still examining the scene, and another batch of tracking experts had arrived.

"Lost them?" Werner frowned. Such a significant event, and he didn't even know about it. Now, amidst the tracking process, they've lost the trail of the intruder.

The Inquisitors report directly to the First Red-robed Archbishop and indeed have no direct subordination to the Metropolitan here. However, the event happened under Werner's jurisdiction, and doing so without informing Werner beforehand naturally irked him, though he wouldn't easily show it from his position.

"The intruder vanished after leaving the Church, utilizing a power we're unfamiliar with. It might be someone who has activated the special Fifth Life Star," Finel said leisurely, as if nothing was urgent to him.

Werner frowned. They made a mess of his place and didn't accomplish anything. He looked at Finel, who showed a slight apologetic expression, "I might have mishandled this, mainly not wanting to trouble Lord Metropolitan with such a minor matter. How about this, I owe you a favor."

Werner knew he couldn't do much to Finel over such matters. Finel offered his sincerest apology already.

"Who is this intruder? Even if he's bait, the actions taken were too lenient," Werner asked.

"We underestimated these clowns, won't happen next time. Lord Metropolitan, we can confirm they are targeting us. Let's work together to find the culprit before the Glory Battle, or it could adversely impact the celebration. Please promptly notify us of any new intel from the Night Patrol," Finel sighed softly.

Werner looked at Finel; he knew Finel well enough. To remain unscathed within the Inquisitors' ring, besides being a confidant of the First Red-robed Archbishop, one needed skill, both being significant powers within the Church. "Of course, the Glory Battle concerns the nation's destiny; we cannot allow anyone to sabotage it."

"My personnel might need to linger a bit longer; I apologize again."

Finel left, with an impeccable demeanor. Werner knew he surely acquired crucial information but just wouldn't disclose it.

Within the Church, sigh, the midday sun became scorching, yet Werner felt no warmth. For unknown reasons, Your Majesty seemed to have lost trust in the Church, as evident from favoring the Celestial Sect. The once feeble Celestial Sect, bolstered by national fortune, birthed a demigod, triggering severe divisions within the Church…

Back at the Funeral Man Base, Travis secretly sent a messenger to warn Didia to be cautious, using the secret gathering spots of the Funeral Attendants. As a seasoned Funeral Attendant, he knew why Prince sent these few people; solving the case was just one aspect, and he didn't really expect them to solve it. Safety was paramount; if something happened to Didia, a good deed could turn bad.

In his position, amid this swirling event, Travis was treading carefully. Had it not been for Metropolitan Werner, Secretary Finel would likely not have let him off easily. In the eyes of the Inquisitors, the Funeral Attendants barely counted as human. It wasn't that Finel suspected him, just habit.

Three strategists in the archive room looked at the stacks of dossiers. Simmons and Celestia grew intrigued, quickly learning and attempting to emulate Li Xin in spotting leads in the documents. Li Xin was also perusing, but absentmindedly.

He seemed overdoing things. Back in the Celestial Capital, it was a small place, only sheltered because of Luo Jin, truly sheltered. In Hedan, the Bird Society was like duckweed, lacking any reliable backers, requiring adjustments. He had no doubt that ghostly being released by Finel, reeking of non-human aura, would act immediately if it discovered anything.

The foresight of Hidden Power was crucial. Just now, in the restroom, Li Xin made an assessment, and fortunately, nothing was left on him.

After a whole day of document review, the trio found no clues.

"Brother Li, should we still go to the Holy Land this Sunday?" Simmons asked during a meal.

Li Xin considered this question. His seamless dice usage now heavily relied on Simmons, but after what happened, he was uneasy. What if he was noticed again going in? He felt certain the other side couldn't enter Dao Yuan, but what if they broke through the fog?

"He's truly an eagle-like man, I'll think about it," Li Xin replied.

"Want to see my Holy Land?" Celestia suddenly suggested, "Let Simmons stand guard outside."

"That's actually a thought," Simmons nodded.

"Alright, let's study it over the weekend."

He needed the dice's power right now. Visiting other Holy Lands might also give a better understanding of their nature. Allegedly, they differed from person to person, curious about what Celestia's might be.

Heading to the Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant via Simmons' carriage, Li Xin wanted to book a Saturday dinner to meet with Christie and the elder of the Gourmet Association, hoping for a cooperation. Although unclear why the Night Patrol was so proactive in this matter, Li Xin, being a Night Patrol himself and freeloading at the Bird Society, should contribute.

The staff there didn't know Li Xin's identity but remembered past visitors. Immediately, they notified the manager, Ansel.

A few minutes later, Ansel arrived, quite enthusiastic upon seeing Li Xin. Li Xin took out Bocuse's spoon, "I'd like to reserve a dinner for tomorrow night and wish to meet Mr. Bocuse. Is there still an opening?"

Ansel didn't take the spoon, saying, "Mr. Li Xin, reservations are filled until year-end. However, your request is not an issue. How many guests will you have? Any special occasion?"

"Just two, the other being a lady. A bit of ambiance would suffice," Li Xin deliberated.

"Understood, sir. I will arrange it," Ansel responded. "Please keep the token; you typically won't need to show it in Hedan, but it's useful for traveling afar."

Are the Gourmet Association's services this attentive? Li Xin gazed at the inconspicuous spoon, resembling the material of Miss Aries' harp. "Is it necessary for the owner to use it, or can anyone but with diminished results?"

"It's best for the owner to use it. It's less effective when used by others. Transfer is not recommended," Ansel explained patiently.

"Alright, thank you, see you tomorrow." Transferring wasn't an option, but Li Xin dismissed the notion of selling it for money.

Receiving a definite affirmative, Li Xin breathed a sigh of relief. During last night's passionate work discussion with Christie, she wanted an early engagement with the Gourmet Association. Li Xin readily agreed, for men always have a bit of vanity, a slight ostentation.

"You're too kind. Serving you is our honor," Ansel bowed respectfully.

Li Xin boarded the carriage, while Ansel stood at the entrance until the carriage turned the corner before returning inside.

Meanwhile, in the finest room upstairs, Princess Amosa, disguised in men's clothing, stood by the window, observing Ansel's deferential behavior. Curious who could be so important, she wondered, as Ansel abruptly left while introducing dishes to her. Who could be more prestigious than her?

Judging from the carriage's emblem, it seemed to belong to the old bird of the George Family, a mere fallen Count?

Amosa was hosting core members of the Hunting Enjoyment Club, the only ones eligible to meet her, all core scions of royal and noble families. Prince Oliver was exceedingly liberal, granting Amosa great freedom to pursue whatever she wished.

"What's with this Gourmet Association? Their standards don't seem that exceptional," she remarked.

"I agree. Many nowadays are titled fraudsters, mostly bluster," another chimed in.

"Last month, I tried to reserve but was told no space, just a tease," another young voice joined.

A group of young nobles were offering critiques while relishing the dishes, asserting their taste by critiquing the experience.

"Sally, dispose of those pets of yours. The petty issues are already troubling Father," Amosa remarked indifferently, withdrawing her gaze.

The girl addressed as Sally wore provocative clothes, her chest seemingly on the verge of spilling out. With a face of grievance, she responded, "Your Highness, they're just my little hobby."

Amosa arched an eyebrow, smiling, "Sally, come here."

Sally hesitated, her expression shifting subtly. With a forced smile, she approached, "Your Highness, I spent a long time training those pets. If you like them..."

Pa~~~

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