Watching the three earthbound angels appear before him so suddenly, Ebner couldn't help the twitch at the corner of his lips.
He had merely reported the contents of Bornova's proposed "deal" to Lilith, the Goddess, and the Two-Five Dragon during his prayers and requested their support — he never expected three angels to come personally!
This was… this was honestly fantastic!
There was no need to even mention "Servant of Concealment" Arianna — a figure who had already appeared in the original events. As the abbess of the Night Monastery, she was second only to the Pontiff of the Church of the Evernight Goddess.
The name "Desolate Matriarch" Annie was also familiar to him — he knew she was one of the three Matriarchs of the Church of the Earth Mother, ranked just below the church's supreme seat, Matriarch Roland.
As for "Wisdom Angel" Dwyer, Ebner had heard Edwina mention him before. The angel's story was legendary — and in many ways similar to his own. If Dwyer hadn't still been alive, Ebner might have mistaken his experiences for those of another "Liu Bo."
All three were top figures within their respective churches, and now they were gathered together in his home. If the Intis government learned of this, they'd probably lose sleep for months.
Fortunately, with Her Excellency Arianna present, the house was now under the state of "Concealment."
After tracing three sacred symbols in the air and saluting respectfully to the angels, Ebner carefully asked, "Regarding the 'God of Steam and Machinery's' proposed transaction… do the deities have any instructions?"
However, as soon as the question left his lips, he realized what a blasphemous thing he had just said. He opened his mouth again, but no words came to explain himself.
"Wisdom Angel" Dwyer smiled and said, "It's fine. I've done the same thing myself before. I believe Lady Arianna and Lady Annie won't mind."
Neither "Servant of Concealment" nor "Desolate Matriarch" spoke, which counted as tacit agreement.
"As for the deal with the 'God of Steam and Machinery,' since the three of us are standing here, you need not agree to any terms yourself…
"Hmm, when you meet His Excellency Gustav later, he — and the deity behind him — will feel our sincerity," Dwyer said with a gentle smile.
You're calling this sincerity? It looks an awful lot like intimidation to me! Sure, the Goddess and the God of Knowledge standing together makes sense… but bringing in the Earth Mother as well?
Or perhaps that's intentional too?
Ah, at this point, the plot's gone completely off track — I can't even tell what the Goddess and Lilith are scheming anymore.
Still, if he could gain the Steam Church's cooperation without having to promise anything himself, that seemed like a pretty good deal.
I just wonder what price the three deities will pay behind the scenes on my behalf… But well, since I'm already neck-deep in divine "gifts," one more doesn't make much difference.
Having reasoned it through, Ebner relaxed completely. After sending a messenger to the "Gustav Cathedral" to deliver a meeting invitation to Bornova, he took the chance to consult the three earthbound angels on various subjects while waiting for Old Roselle's son to arrive.
Among these discussions, he focused particularly on asking "Desolate Matriarch" Annie about the mythical form of the "Mother" pathway. After all, of the twenty-two Beyonder pathways on Earth, this was the last mythical creature form for which he hadn't yet constructed a model.
Annie, clearly having received the Earth Mother's oracle, didn't refuse his request — instead, she demonstrated it in full detail.
Before long, even Arianna and Dwyer had joined the discussion.
Thus, when Bornova arrived — just as before, surrounded by three floating puppets — he was greeted by the sight of this lively, harmonious scene.
Even though he lacked true human emotions, he froze for several seconds, stunned. It wasn't until one of his puppets, serving as his relay station, received some unknown signal that he snapped back to his senses.
After a brief hesitation, he stepped into the area of Concealment and bowed toward the three angels:
"Your Excellency Arianna… Your Excellency Annie… Your Excellency Dwyer…
"My Lord already knows of your visit… and accepts the proposal from the Evernight Goddess, the Earth Mother, and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom…
"So, please, leave Trier as soon as possible."
As expected of the inhuman Bornova — even with his graceful demeanor, he has absolutely no sense of tact when he speaks!
Ebner grumbled inwardly, then glanced toward the three earthbound angels.
To his surprise, they simply nodded and said, "Very well."
That's it? The negotiation's over? Just like that? So abrupt? You didn't even discuss anything!
This isn't the fierce, godlight-flashing confrontation leading to mutual compromise I was expecting!
Seeing his thoughts written plainly across his face, "Wisdom Angel" Dwyer chuckled and explained,
"Exchanges between deities are not for us to intervene in.
"And as I said earlier, we came here only to display 'sincerity.'"
I get it — it's like when someone tries to invest a small amount of money to buy a big stake in my company, only to discover that behind me stand representatives of multiple financial giants.
That's… quite a display of 'sincerity.'
I just wonder how the 'God of Steam and Machinery' will deal with the problem of the 'Mechanical Emperor' later on…
While Ebner was lost in these scattered thoughts, the three angels completed their business. Apart from Matriarch Annie, who would remain temporarily in Trier under the pretext of a formal visit — residing at "Wheat Sprout Cathedral," No. 18 Montien Avenue, Sauron District — the other two prepared to leave immediately.
Only then did Bornova finally turn to Ebner and speak calmly:
"Charles Delien will, at next week's assembly, propose the Western Military Region's reform bill. He intends to use the Prime Minister's authority to force it through, thereby inciting the western army to revolt — to conceal the massive sacrificial ritual that will cause countless deaths…
"The Church will not immediately remove him from office but will prevent his evil actions in the western region. If you wish for the young lady of the Surrey family to gain sufficient political capital, send her west. In the coming turmoil, she will likely earn the Western Army's respect."
After saying this, he pulled open a "portal" with his three puppets, vanishing swiftly from the balcony — just as he had last time.
The remaining three angels also departed one after another, leaving Ebner alone in the room within moments.
They won't remove the Prime Minister right away? Seems like the Steam Church really intends to use this as an opportunity to reform the political system!
What kind of system will it be? A return to monarchy? Or an attempt at a truly elected emperor?
Still, aside from Fanny gaining political influence, my film company could profit greatly from the upheaval if things are handled well. Even Elaine might end up winning herself a seat in Parliament.
After mentally calculating all this, Ebner took a step forward — teleporting directly into the detached house where Fanny was renting her lodgings.
Last time, since it had been well past midnight, he hadn't wanted to disturb her rest or discuss work. This time, arriving earlier, it was just right for him to talk with her about the situation in the west.
(End of this chapter)