During the investigation, Jolan had visited all the major cri scenes and interviewed nurous people.
Yet most of them lacked any real observational skills, making it difficult for him to gather useful information.
So even destroyed crucial clues through carelessness, which explained why his travels had yielded so little.
In contrast, this young priest—though low in rank—noticed so many details, even confirming so of Jolan's earlier hypotheses.
Compared to so of the "dimwits" back in the Vatican, if the Church had more people like him, Jolan wouldn't have had to toil so long.
Thinking this, Jolan found himself increasingly impressed with the priest.
After asking a few more questions about Ambrose, he got up and walked around the table.
"Father Gideon, you are exceptional."
He extended a hand and patted the young man, slightly younger than himself.
Then he took a badge from his pocket.
"This is an invitation token from the Holy Clergy Corps. With it, you can participate in their selection process.
If you are interested, I look forward to eting you in the Holy Land."
Gideon had never heard of the "Clergy Corps," but out of courtesy, he accepted the badge.
The four others at the table—including Fabio and Levi—were visibly surprised.
Levi even narrowed his eyes.
Due to the organization's exclusivity, not everyone could enter the Holy Clergy. Only those from bloodline-pure families—witnesses to the founding of the Church in the Holy Land—were allowed, known as the "Witness Lineage."
For a long ti, mbers of the Holy Corps could only co from this lineage.
The Clergy Corps served as a reserve for the Holy Corps, also favoring "pure-blooded" candidates.
Its mbers were said to possess exceptional theological talent, with limitless potential.
In recent years, the Corps had admitted so "common clergy," but those individuals always had powerful backing within the Church.
Levi had never seen a priest from a local parish gain entry to the Corps.
Could this young man have another identity? Levi wondered.
Fabio thought similarly.
He had already considered bringing Gideon into the Holy Order. Who would have expected the Holy envoy to also take an interest in him?
Truly the one Fabio had his eye on!
Fabio smiled, satisfied with his own judgnt.
Bishop Julius, too, felt a pang of awe.
He had lost hope of clearing his na, even believing himself dood when the young priest appeared.
Yet this man possessed such sharp instincts.
While handling the Holy envoy, he had also managed to shield Sasha.
Ordinary priests, under the pressure of these two factions, could barely remain calm.
A single misstep could make them pawns in the battle for influence.
But this young man moved with ease. Within a short ti, he grasped the situation and responded appropriately—a remarkable ability indeed.
On the other side, Jolan had given the badge not just because of talent, but also due to intuition.
As a mber of the "Witness Lineage," he naturally felt affinity toward the Holy Order.
He sensed a faint but distinct aura of sanctity in the young priest—sothing only detectable in Vatican-born, pure-blooded clergy.
This indicated one of two things: either Gideon was of pure, ancient lineage, or he possessed extraordinary theological talent.
Either way, he was more than qualified for selection into the Holy Clergy Corps.
Not to ntion, he had already done Jolan a great favor.
Satisfied, Jolan declared the interrogation concluded.
As for Sasha's guilt… he did not care.
He had been instructed beforehand to calm the dispute between factions. Since the sacred relic had been recovered, there was no need to continue.
The purpose of the interrogation, at its core, was nothing more than a tedious power struggle.
Jolan shook his head; such matters were of no interest to him. Taking down heretics was far more rewarding.
Thus, the abrupt power struggle ended with Bishop Julius's exoneration.
Sasha, moreover, was recognized for her bravery during the exorcism and would receive Church comndation.
Inside the bishop's private chamber:
"That's… everything," Sasha said, bowing her head as she recounted the events in Ambrose to her father.
Bishop Julius also recognized the young priest's exceptional ability.
Unlike Sasha, he understood the difficulty of the rituals Gideon had perford—ordinary priests simply could not have done them.
"Could he be from so Vatican family?"
Bishop Julius pondered silently.
Then he looked at his daughter. "Earlier, when you responded to Archbishop Fabio, you did exactly the right thing."
Shortly after the interrogation ended, Fabio had asked Sasha alone about the incident again.
The young nun didn't ntion Gideon's extraordinary actions in the town; she simply admitted to having taken the sacred relic.
Of course, Archbishop Fabio was displeased with Sasha's mischief.
But seeing that she had been honest, he only reminded Julius to discipline her more carefully.
Sasha had her reasons for acting this way. Beyond noticing that Gideon didn't want too much revealed—and that he had saved her life—she also rembered her father's constant advice: always leave room to maneuver within the Church.
Although Fabio now stood on their side, any conflict of interest could turn them into pawns in the next mont.
Despite her rebellious streak, Sasha never forgot her father's words:
"This Father Gideon is likely no ordinary priest. We cannot make an enemy of him."
Julius's tone was serious.
Given Gideon's abilities, he might even surpass the Holy envoy.
Since he had intentionally remained discreet and had aided them, Julius naturally respected his decisions.
Knock… knock.
Just after finishing his instructions, soone knocked at the door. Julius quickly moved to answer.
"Father Gideon, please co in."
He smiled warmly.
"Bishop Julius, I'm here to receive the reward for this mission."
Gideon bowed slightly, impeccable in etiquette.
"Oh! Of course."
Julius returned to his desk, picking up an exquisite wooden box.
"Thanks to your help, my daughter and I ca through safely."
He handed the box to Gideon and clasped his hand earnestly.
"As a mber of the Church, this is my duty," Gideon replied with a smile, tucking the box away.
"All good," Julius said, examining the young man with evident approval.
Sasha also stepped forward to thank Gideon once more. After a brief exchange of mutual praise, Gideon took his leave.
Before he departed, Julius handed him a small paper-wrapped package—his personal token of gratitude. Gideon naturally accepted.
Outside the Saint Yeho Cathedral, Huang Ren accompanied Gideon to the steps.
A female voice suddenly called out:
"Father Gideon, can we talk alone?"
Turning, they saw Sadie standing in the sunlight, arms crossed.
Huang Ren gave Gideon a knowing glance.
"Oh, I just rembered I have sothing to do," he said, patting his forehead.
"Go ahead and chat. I won't interrupt."
He left gracefully, giving Gideon a supportive fist pump before entering. Gideon shook his head in exasperation.
"Sothing you need?" he asked, stepping down the steps.
"First, I'm not negotiating about the sacred oil," Sadie said.
"Everything else is up for discussion."
She bumped him lightly with her shoulder. "You're far too ungentlemanly for a man."
"I'm a priest. Please mind your manners."
Gideon stepped back to give her so space.
"I wouldn't want anyone to misunderstand."
Sadie's lips twitched; she half wanted to punch him.
What was it with this man? Being with him felt… embarrassing!
Countless n from the West and South would love to invite her for a drink!
She took a deep breath, calming herself.
"Don't worry. I've changed my mind—I won't bring up the sacred oil."
She jogged a few steps to catch up with him.
"I want to commission you to accompany on a trip to Louisiana."
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