But the connections are still there.
The Calculating Pearls and Generation Three and a Half Core Beads you're using now were all obtained through their connections. Don't underestimate the Church of the Machine Spirit. Even though they aren't officially recognized by the Steam Lord, they have significant influence in Charldo Harbor and the Ligurian Peninsula.
Besides, my junior Minkus is also suspected to be an important member of the Church of the Machine Spirit.
Of course, like me, he uses an alias.
After all, we are students of Professor Old Bach. We are devoted materialists, and our engagement with the Church of the Machine Spirit is merely to understand their technological route. To truly join them... uh, we can't afford to lose face like that...
This practice of turning technology into mysticism and knowledge into faith is seen as quite absurd by us orthodox mechanics."
