Alice in the Land of Steam

Chapter 728 Isn’t this a disguise?
The next morning, Linger took Saint Xia Liya and a group of teammates to the St. Annville Cross Church again through the underground passage. This time, his purpose was to discuss the specific details of the cooperation with Miss Gloria. There were not many people who could play a role in this matter, so except for Saint Xia Liya, the other teammates were sent away. You don't need to do too much today. Just go shopping and appreciate the cultural landscape of Lunweiting City under the guidance of the tour guide.

Linger issued the highest instructions, and Metien expressed her firm obedience. A certain golden-haired maid seemed to have a tendency to disobey orders and rebel, but she was quickly suppressed and failed to stir up much trouble. Since the specific suppression method was somewhat brutal and bloody, it could easily have a bad influence on the underage audience, so I won't go into details.

But before that, something unexpected happened.

"Sister Livia has other matters to attend to today, so I'm afraid I don't have time to lead the way for you." Behind the desk, Brother Mufasa's ferocious face showed a very contrasting apology: "But don't worry, I will entrust other monks or nuns who have free time to assist you, such as Brother Johnson in the confessional and Sister Weiduo in the choir. They have also lived in the Seven Stars for many years. Although they are not as experienced as Sister Livia, they are equally trustworthy."

"Since it is Mr. Mufasa's arrangement, I have no objection." Ling Ge paused and asked with some doubt: "But I would like to ask, what exactly does Miss Livia need to deal with? If we can help, we would like to do our best to repay your kindness yesterday."

After yesterday's interactions, Metien and the others were already very familiar with Sister Livia and got along well with her. If someone else were to come, it would be awkward. Therefore, if possible, Ling Ge still hoped that Sister Livia could be the guide.

"It's not a very difficult task, just a little tedious." Brother Mufasa replied, "You should have heard about this from your sister and other companions: Yesterday, they found a crack in the tunnel of the North Rold Underground Railway that was exposed by geological activities. The crack leads to an undiscovered ancient ruins. This is a precious civilization heritage. If we ignore it, it may go against the teachings of the saints. Therefore, we decided to contact archaeological professionals to carry out protective excavations on the ruins. Sister Livia is busy with this matter, applying for relevant procedures and policy support, and I am afraid she will not be able to take time to receive guests today."

It turned out to be the case.

Linger knew about this matter last night. It was Metine who told him about it at the dinner table. She probably thought it was very interesting and shared it with everyone. At that time, the young man's mind was full of Miss Gloria's affairs, so he didn't take it to heart. He just told her to be careful next time she encountered a similar situation. He didn't expect it to turn out like this.

However, the young man still had some doubts in his heart: In terms of church positions, Sister Livia is the head of the Battle Sisters and the leader of the choir. It shouldn't be her turn to be responsible for contacting archaeologists to protect the ruins, applying for procedures and policy support, right? Isn't there someone in St. Annville Cross Church who is responsible for handling secular affairs?
However, this was an internal matter of the True Spirit Sect, and as an outsider, Ling Ge was not in a position to comment. He nodded to show his understanding, and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and paused for a moment. He said, "Mr. Mufasa, can I ask you something?"

"Please speak freely," the monk replied, "but I will tell you everything I know."

"Thank you for your generosity and tolerance." Linger thanked him politely, and then asked, "Have you heard of the Sherlock Holmes and Watson Detective Agency at 22B Baker Street? It's near Blackwater Lane. The owner of the agency is a or -year-old girl who calls herself Gloria Resbellite. What impression do you have of her?"

The St. Annville Cross Church has been rooted in the Seven Stars District for many years, and its influence has long penetrated into every aspect of residents' lives. Although it has declined slightly in recent years due to the interference of the church alliance, its control over this district has not weakened, which can be seen from the intricate underground passages that run through the entire Seven Stars District. If Ling Ge wants to know any information about this district, asking Brother Mufasa directly is undoubtedly the most appropriate choice.

But this time, he might be disappointed.

"22B Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes and Watson Detective Agency, Miss Gloria?" Brother Mufasa frowned slightly. "I seem to have heard of this name, but I don't know much about it. In the Seven Stars District, there is no shortage of detectives who think they can see through the truth, but they usually disguise themselves and sneak in. Few people will set up an office here directly, not to mention that Miss Gloria doesn't mind the content and remuneration of the commission. Therefore, although she has not achieved outstanding results, the residents of the Seven Stars District still often mention her name. They think she is a good detective and a rare good person. The only shortcoming is that she sometimes says things that are incomprehensible. Is this information enough for you, Mr. Ling?" A good detective, a rare good person.

It is enough to know these two points, at least it can prove that the so-called Sherlock Holmes and Watson Detective Agency is not a cover, and the identity of Miss Gloria is not a temporary disguise. If someone can predict the future and set up this trap several years in advance, it can only be considered bad luck.

Linger nodded in thanks: "Very useful information, thank you for your help, Master Mufasa."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just following Master Pancras's wishes." Brother Mufasa's eyes flashed with a deep light: "Speaking of which, Master Pancras did not travel with you today. Is there something else important?"

Ling Ge's words reminded him of the old man's abnormal behavior last night. He was slightly startled, but soon came to his senses and said, "Yes, he said that he had to stay in the Evangelical Convent to supervise the daily maintenance of the photon curtain, so he had no time to go there, and he just lent me this badge as a proof."

The young man showed Brother Mufasa the badge, which was a pattern of a circle with a slash through it, but the slash did not go beyond the scope of the circle, as if it was firmly trapped inside it.

The tall monk in red standing in front of the window blocked half of the sunlight. His face was bright and dark under the other half of the sunlight. After staring at the badge for a while, he said in a deep voice: "This is the logo of the True Spirit Sect. We call it the Ring of Humanity. The ring symbolizes the truth of the world. It is a cyclical and periodic concept. Different truths will be obtained in different periods, different places and different situations. The slash symbolizes human wisdom, the scope of human exploration of truth, but it is always limited and cannot be crossed. If it exceeds the limit of truth, it will touch the taboo knowledge, those inhuman secrets. It is said that an organization called the Seeking Knowledge Society uses a similar pattern as its logo, but the line of human wisdom they draw has exceeded the limit of the Ring of Truth, implying the determination of those people to pursue taboos."

"Lord Pancras gave you this badge, which means he has great expectations for you and believes that you are qualified to explore the truth. But remember, don't touch the forbidden knowledge like the crazy scholars of the Seeking Knowledge Society. That will lead you to the path of destruction, young man."

Brother Mufasa explained to Lingge the meaning of the badge and old man Pancras's expectations. The young man was silent for a while, then nodded slowly: "I will keep it in mind."

Then he said goodbye and left. Brother Mufasa did not try to keep him, but quietly watched his back disappear outside the door. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded away until they could no longer be heard.

He picked up the bell on the table and shook it gently, making a crisp sound, then said to the void: "Sister Livia, please come to my office."

　Give me some meow
　　
　
(End of this chapter)