Bishop Augustus's gaze fell upon Leylo with tangible weight, as if he intended to see through him entirely, inside and out. He set down his water cup; the soft click of the glass meeting the table rang with startling clarity in the silent hall.
"The Baron's words sound reasonable enough," Augustus said, his voice remaining level, though tinged with an imperceptible chill. "But matters of faith are the foundation of a territory, the anchor of the soul. How can they be delayed for a bit of gold? Poverty of the spirit is far more terrifying than a lack of material goods. Without the restraint of faith, the people's hearts scatter and evil thoughts sprout easily. A young and promising man like yourself should understand this."
The elderly man leaned forward slightly, the pressure following his movement. "Or does the Baron believe that as long as the people are fed and clothed, they have no need for the guidance and solace of Divine Grace?"
The question was dangerously heavy; the slightest slip in response could result in being branded with the label of blasphemy. Leylo sneered inwardly; the old fox was closing in step by step. On the surface, however, he remained impassive.
"The Bishop misinterprets me. I have no such intention. The radiance of the Lord of Light is like the sun and moon, shining upon all things. We mortals bathe in it constantly—how could we dare be negligent?" His tone shifted, becoming earnest. "Blackstone may lack a temple for now, but my people constantly restrain their actions through the Holy Scripture, striving for goodness and lawfulness. Within my lands, doors need not be locked at night and items lost on the road are not pocketed. Is this not a manifestation of the power of faith?"
"Smooth-tongued," Bishop Augustus finally withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and leaned back. "I admire the Baron's eloquence. However, piety in words must eventually be proven by action. A temple is not merely a place for prayer; it is a symbol of my Lord's glory, a lighthouse to civilize the masses, and a sturdy fortress against the erosion of evil." He paused, his eyes turning sharp. "Baron, you claim your territory is pure and your people pious. But from what I know, this land is not entirely peaceful."
Leylo's heart jumped. He knew the critical probe had arrived. He had to handle this carefully, or a bucket of "unjustified" filth would be splashed right in his face. He knit his brows in feigned confusion.
"Oh? Does the Bishop mean... there is something amiss within the borders of Blackstone?" He played the part perfectly—showing concern mixed with the bewilderment of one whose integrity had been questioned.
Augustus watched Leylo, seemingly judging the truth of his words. "Perhaps the Baron is too busy with his many duties to notice certain hidden impurities. My Lord's light shines upon the earth, but shadows always follow. In places without the protection of a temple or the day-and-night prayers of the clergy, evil finds it easier to breed." He paused to let Leylo digest this. "I have heard that near your territory, there are discordant voices. Some fallen souls have turned their backs on the Light to worship... unclean existences."
Leylo's mind raced. Was the old fox "beating the grass to startle the snake," or did he actually know something? He thought quickly, and a plan to divert the trouble toward another target surfaced. He fell into a deliberate silence for a moment, his face growing solemn, then shifting to realization and indignation.
"Does the Bishop refer to..." Leylo lowered his voice and leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a heavy secret. "Are you speaking of those scoundrels entrenched in Poplar Territory?"
He stopped at the perfect moment to observe Augustus's reaction. "I only recently caught wind of this myself, but I lacked solid evidence. I didn't want to act prematurely and alert the enemy, allowing those evil-doers to prepare." Leylo's voice was filled with "hatred" for evil and a hint of "self-reproach" for not handling it sooner.
"Viscount Poplar has been acting increasingly strange in recent years. It is said... it is said he has abandoned the Light and secretly joined some 'Serpent Church', conducting vile sacrifices and deluding his people!" Leylo's voice boomed with "righteous fury." "Such a wretch is a massive stain upon the glory of the Lord of Light! If Blackstone weren't newly established and our strength meager, I would wish to lead my knights to level that foul place and burn every blasphemer to ash in the holy flames!"
His speech was so righteous, paired with an expression of such pained heartbreak, that he looked more agitated than the most devout zealot. Bolin, standing to the side, watched in stunned silence.
Bishop Augustus listened quietly, a faint glint flashing through his grey-blue eyes. The atmosphere in the hall became subtle. After a moment, Augustus spoke slowly.
"The Serpent Church?" His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "That cult follows the Nine-Headed Hydra, Hydra. They are a fallen sect seeking forbidden power, known for human sacrifice and black magic. Their methods are exceptionally cruel." He looked back at Leylo. "Since the Baron knew of this, why did you not report it to the See sooner? Allowing such evil to spread on my Lord's land is a sin of dereliction."
Here it comes, Leylo thought. His face immediately showed "panic" and "grievance." "Bishop, allow me to explain!" He bowed slightly. "I only received vague reports and have yet to confirm them. Viscount Poplar is a landed noble of higher rank than I; without ironclad proof, a reckless accusation would cause unnecessary strife, and he might even counter-claim that I am coveting his lands."
He sighed, looking "helpless." "Furthermore, as you know, Blackstone is newly pioneered. My troops are few and my internal affairs are complex. I intended to continue the investigation in secret and report to the See for Divine Punishment once the evidence was undeniable. I did not expect that the Lord's light truly shines for ten thousand miles, sending you here to rescue the people and purify this sin."
This response explained the delay, hinted at his "proactive" efforts, and skillfully shifted the credit to the Bishop, making his arrival seem "timely."
Augustus stared at Leylo, his sharp gaze seemingly trying to pierce his soul. Leylo met his eyes with a "clear" and "determined" look, the picture of a man with a clean conscience. Finally, Augustus's expression softened slightly, and the oppressive aura receded.
"Hmph, Viscount Poplar..." He let out a cold snort, his voice dripping with disgust. "If it is as you say, and he has turned to the embrace of an evil god, he has brought destruction upon himself." He stood up, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the hall. "This is a grave matter. Since I am now aware, there is no reason to sit idly by."
Augustus looked toward the hall's exit. "The matter of the Blackstone Temple shall be postponed for now," he decided. "I shall personally go to Poplar Territory to investigate. If the situation is true, I will show those blasphemers that no filth is permitted beneath my Lord's light!"
He turned back to Leylo one last time. "Baron, I hope your words are true. Otherwise, the price for deceiving the Holy See is one you cannot afford."
A massive weight finally lifted from Leylo's heart, though he maintained his "respectful" and "sincere" demeanor. "The Bishop's insight is legendary; you will surely uncover the truth and wash away the evil. I am willing to cooperate fully. If there is anything you need, Blackstone will obey without question!"
"Very well." Bishop Augustus nodded and walked out. "Order the men! we depart immediately for Poplar Territory!"
Outside, the knights mobilized instantly. Leylo stood up, watching the Bishop's retreating back, the corner of his mouth curling into an unnoticeable arc. He had finally sent that "Plague God" away.
As for Viscount Poplar...
Heh, good luck to you. Better you die than I.