Alice in the Land of Steam

Chapter 705: Has the stage already begun?

"Leaving the small door of the church's side courtyard is Reiter Street. The tallest building you can see here is the famous Hundred Years' War Monument. It is said that it is engraved with the speech made by Marshal Napoleon in the May Wreath Square. Going east from the Hundred Years' War Monument, crossing the White Flower Road is Vincent Garden Market, where you can buy meat, vegetables, flowers, bread, desserts, fish and various seasonings. In addition, there are some strange things: feather buttons, scissors, silver combs, buttons, nails and fine wool. If you are interested, you may want to go around and take a look. Oh, by the way, if Miss Rolena and Miss Medien want to buy medicinal herbs, it is best not to go to the shops on the street, but go directly to the convenience market set up by our church on Zollite Street. You can buy many cheap medicinal herbs there, but it is a bit far away and you have to walk three streets to get there..."

The girl's chirping voice is as clear and pleasant as a yellow oriole. It does not sound noisy, but rather seems very energetic.

Sister Livia is a petite, blonde, blue-eyed Senene. This nation was once known as the "Golden People of the Blue Sea", so she also inherited the golden shining hair color and the blue eyes of the sea. She is only about 17 or 18 years old, and her appearance is not particularly beautiful, at least not as beautiful as the beautiful girls with different personalities in Linger's team, but she always has a sincere smile on her face, and her temperament is cheerful and optimistic, so she reflects a unique charm. In layman's terms, she is very friendly and makes people want to get close to her. Perhaps this is why Brother Mufasa gave her the task of receiving guests?

If she took off her black nun's uniform, Livia would be no different from an ordinary girl of the same age. No one could tell that she was the chief of the Combat Sisters of the Cross of St. Annville and the leader of the choir - both titles were quite intimidating, especially the former, which sounded almost as high as the leader of the Knights Templar. Alice excitedly grabbed Livia's hand and asked her if she could give her a second-in-command position. Although she was not a nun, it didn't matter, she could be one when necessary.

Then, Saint Shallia, who was already prepared, gently and skillfully stroked her neck.

In this way, Sister Livia's first meeting with the guests ended in a way that was not very satisfactory but definitely impressive.

……

Let's get back to the point. The nun who was entrusted with the important task was preparing to lead Ling'er and his party on a tour around the Qixingpan area. It seemed that she was very concerned about her task, or she was very enthusiastic about these guests who came from afar. Therefore, as soon as they left the church area, she couldn't wait to introduce the nearby streets to everyone. While talking about the local customs, she did not forget to advertise the convenience market run by her own church. Maybe she was worried that Rolena and Medien would go to the cheap herbal medicine market run by the herbal garden to buy medicine. After all, the variety of herbs there is more complete, and the prices seem to be lower - but in fact, this worry is unnecessary. Judging from the current situation, Ling'er should be thankful that the church alliance does not take the initiative to come to him. How could he fall into the trap?

However, it is not convenient to reveal these situations to the nun. It is best not to let her know that the guests she is receiving are actually the mortal enemies of the united sect. Anyway, even if she doesn't say it, the nun will take the initiative to retreat when she meets people from the united sect.

This is the current reality of the Qixingpan area: the Spiritual Prayer Society still retains a strong influence, but local residents are not willing to fight against them and the church alliance, and at most they will not add insult to injury; in order to better manage this neighborhood, the church alliance chooses to turn a blind eye to the moderate True Spirit Sect, but if they find out that St. Annville Cross Church is actually secretly sheltering the group of outcasts in the Evangelical Convent, they will probably tear their faces off immediately and repeat the tragic "1778 Incident".

Based on this sensitive situation, both sides reached a consensus, that is, non-interference and maintaining the balance and stability of the Seven Stars are the most important. Of course, it is said that they do not interfere with each other, but in reality, the believers of the Spiritual Prayer Society always take the initiative to give in. After all, their power is too weak to compete with the powerful religious group.

Leaving the small door of the church's side courtyard, there is a deep and hidden three-way alley, surrounded by tall and old stone houses, and few people pass by. To the left of the alley is the Rhett Street mentioned by Sister Livia. The Hundred Years War Memorial, Vincent Garden Market and King's Coach Station are the few attractions worth visiting in this neighborhood; going straight ahead leads to Calla Lily Street and the Harbor District, which is also the hiding place for sailors, coolies, beggars, nightingales, smugglers and stowaways. It is said that there is a "Gray Street" underground in the Harbor District, which is not on the city map of Lunwiting and specializes in selling all kinds of stolen goods and contraband. Of course, it may just be a ridiculous rumor; to the right is Blackwater Lane and Suburban Green, which is the poorest and most backward place in the entire Qixingpan District. The name "Blackwater" comes from the smelly sewers blocked by domestic garbage and animal carcasses. Although it has improved after repeated rectification by the municipal government, the environment is still not optimistic.

"Let's separate here."

The young man's words made everyone stop. Sister Livia even blinked her big blue eyes and didn't react for a moment: "What did you say, Mr. Ling?"

"I say, let's split up here." Linger repeated word by word: "Miss Livia, please take Miss Rolena and Medien for a walk around Ritter Street, and the others will go with you; as for me, Alice and Saint Shallia, we have other things to deal with, please allow us to act alone, but don't worry, there will be no accidents, we will return to the church on time before dusk, please don't worry about us." Saint Shallia stood quietly behind Linger, Alice had an impatient expression on her face, and the other companions were not surprised after hearing this, because this was something they had discussed halfway.

Firstly, acting separately would be more covert and avoid unnecessary trouble; secondly, Rorona has to collect alchemical materials, Medien has to buy medicinal herbs, Ovira has to submit her work, and Shemi is just here for fun. The things they have to deal with are basically small matters, and with Livia's company, there won't be any big problems. However, Lingge and the other two have to look for the whereabouts of the next young queen, and this matter is not convenient for outsiders to know, so it is better to find a way to avoid it; finally... uh, there is no end, aren't the first two reasons enough?
Of course, even if they were divided into two teams, the number of people on Metien's side was still too large and would easily attract attention. Therefore, Countess Nevill also requested to act alone.

"I'm going to the harbor to meet up with my old friends." The countess looked towards the pier with an intriguing smile on her face. "I just hope they are smart and not killed by the Night Watch. Otherwise, I'll make a wasted trip and be disappointed."

"Then I'll go with you, grandma!" Leticia shouted quickly.

"No need, Leticia. The harbor area is too chaotic and not suitable for a child like you. You should go play with your new friends." The countess reached out and gently stroked her granddaughter's head: "They are all waiting for you, don't let them down, okay?"

When Leticia turned around, she saw the expectant eyes of Metien and Shemi's expectant (doubtful) eyes, then looked back at her grandmother's gentle and encouraging eyes. After hesitating for a moment, she hummed softly, turned around and ran to the pink-haired girl and took her hand (at this time Shemi was so angry that he stood up from above Metien's head).

The lively team just now parted ways in the blink of an eye. Sister Livia, who had never been accompanied by so many people in the deserted cathedral for many years, seemed a little regretful, but she knew that she could not force the guests to satisfy her own selfish desires, so she quickly showed a hearty smile: "I understand, then let's separate here first. Don't worry, Mr. Lingge, Miss Nevill, I will definitely take good care of Miss Medien and Miss Leticia, I swear in the name of the saint!"

How should I put it? Although these words sound very powerful, swearing in the name of a saint casually makes people feel that the value of this oath is no different from what Alice said, "I'll go to bed after finishing this game."

With a delicate mood, Linger said goodbye to Medien, asked her not to cause trouble to everyone, and then took Saint Xia Liya and Alice and turned to leave in the direction of Blackwater Lane.

Afterwards, Nevile also disappeared deep into the alley leading to the harbor area.

Finally, Livia led the rest of Metien and his group to Reiter Street not far away.

The stage has been set.

Next, it's the actors' turn to appear on stage.

　Give me some meow
　　
　
(End of this chapter)