Chapter 1419 - 603: Alfred’s Report (Part 1)

Chapter 1419: Chapter 603: Alfred’s Report (Part 1)

Judging by the feedback, the results seem promising. After entering, Alfred quickly received Archbishop Vicma’s summons, requiring him to report at the Justice Cathedral. If all goes well, the Justice Church will grant him the position of Shepherd Leader of the Freya Ancient Church District. It’s a highly prestigious reward for a Temple Knight Commander to also hold the position of Shepherd Leader.

Opening his room’s door, preparing to depart, Alfred hesitated for a moment, seeing the female Norsca Ingrid also appear at the door. Her long brown hair, strong physique, and tall stature—with muscles accentuating the leather attire inside and the fur cloak outside—made her presence before Alfred quite commanding, with sturdy legs tucked into thick-soled boots: "Where are you going, my boss?"

Ever since being hired by Alfred, Ingrid naturally assumed the role of his subordinate. Her handling of security in the Freya Ancient Church District was exhilarating for this female barbarian warrior. She was satisfied with the status quo; her needs were quite simple: to work as a mercenary, make money, and then find a way to acquire a noble title to change her fate.

"I need to go to the Justice Cathedral to report." Upon seeing Ingrid’s attire, Alfred nodded slightly. The Temple Knight Commander shrugged, his hand naturally resting on his ceremonial dress’s pocket: "You are free today. You can wander around Brunswick; go shopping on the commercial street, visit bars, or explore the Temple District, but remember to bring enough money. This is not Nord; money is essential here."

"I know, I know." Ingrid impatiently waved her hand: "I want to accompany you to visit the Justice Cathedral. I’ve heard of this cathedral for a long time but never had the opportunity! Now that you need to report, take me along!"

"You? A Norsca?" Alfred furrowed his brow. The branches of the Justice Church are spread throughout the Old World, with presences in all provinces of the Empire. However, Ingrid, as a Norsca, had strikingly distinctive facial and body features. Isn’t she worried about encountering trouble?

"Why not?" Ingrid furrowed her brow, her attitude somewhat domineering: "I am your subordinate; can’t you bring even a single subordinate while reporting?"

"...Alright, come with me. But remember: don’t listen where you shouldn’t, don’t speak when unnecessary, don’t look where forbidden." Alfred ultimately gave in, shaking his head: "If you promise, then follow."

Ingrid was eager to see the interior of the Justice Cathedral, so she consented readily. A peculiar scene ensued: a roughly 1.8-meter tall Temple Knight and a roughly 1.85-meter tall barbarian warrior manifested together on the streets, heading towards the Justice Cathedral.

"Not entering through the main gate?" Ingrid soon noticed Alfred wasn’t leading her to the main entrance but was heading towards a side street. She, out of habit, spoke bluntly: "They let you use the side entrance? You, a Temple Knight Commander and hero of conquering Musillon, should be using the main entrance! It’s not like this where I’m from!"

"The main entrance isn’t freely accessible." Alfred shook his head. As they approached the Justice Cathedral, his demeanor grew serious: "I am not qualified enough."

"Not qualified enough? You’re a Knight Commander!" Ingrid felt thoroughly embarrassed, thinking that her boss Alfred should be a significant figure in the Old World. Yet these Southern Men were stingy with even opening a main gate?

"This is Brunswick, Ingrid." Alfred, for reasons unknown, patiently explained: "This is the Empire’s capital, the heart of the Old World! It houses the largest number of nobles. In the wealthy district, you might encounter a baron every three steps, a viscount every ten, and could hit three knights with a thrown brick. This city contains several renowned knight corps, and Rick Territory has over ten. Here, a Knight Commander isn’t remarkable at all!"

"Oh? Knight Commanders aren’t remarkable?" Ingrid, curious, stood with hands on hips, a rather crude gesture that caused many nobles and noblewomen on the street to frown, wondering where this barbarian savage, who lacked manners, came from.

"What about Lord Laine? Is he also a Knight Commander?" Ingrid persisted in her chatter: "Would the great cathedral open its doors if he came?"

"..." Alfred was left speechless. If Laine were to come, not only would the Justice Cathedral open its main doors but there might even be a cardinal welcoming him. But Laine’s status was beyond comparison.

It was too cumbersome to further explain to Ingrid at this moment. Alfred felt he could clarify but deemed it unnecessary.

Luckily, the side entrance of the Justice Cathedral was already in sight, and Alfred led Ingrid through with broad strides.

A cardinal greeted them, appearing quite aged with white hair and a slightly portly build, wearing a circular cap and ceremonial robes. He approached: "Is it Alfred Damian Veen?"

"Yes!" Alfred immediately performed a salutation.

"Welcome, welcome!" The cardinal nodded, but then shifted his gaze toward the Norsca behind Alfred: "And who might this be?"