Chapter 84 – Sadie's Invitation
During the investigation, Jolan had visited all the major crime scenes and interviewed numerous people.
Yet most of them lacked any real observational skills, making it difficult for him to gather useful information.
Some even destroyed crucial clues through carelessness, which explained why his travels had yielded so little.
In contrast, this young priest—though low in rank—noticed so many details, even confirming some of Jolan's earlier hypotheses.
Compared to some of the "dimwits" back in the Vatican, if the Church had more people like him, Jolan wouldn't have had to toil so long.
Thinking this, Jolan found himself increasingly impressed with the priest.
After asking a few more questions about Ambrose, he got up and walked around the table.
"Father Gideon, you are exceptional."
He extended a hand and patted the young man, slightly younger than himself.
Then he took a badge from his pocket.
"This is an invitation token from the Holy Clergy Corps. With it, you can participate in their selection process.
If you are interested, I look forward to meeting you in the Holy Land."
Gideon had never heard of the "Clergy Corps," but out of courtesy, he accepted the badge.
The four others at the table—including Fabio and Levi—were visibly surprised.
Levi even narrowed his eyes.
Due to the organization's exclusivity, not everyone could enter the Holy Clergy. Only those from bloodline-pure families—witnesses to the founding of the Church in the Holy Land—were allowed, known as the "Witness Lineage."
For a long time, members of the Holy Corps could only come from this lineage.
The Clergy Corps served as a reserve for the Holy Corps, also favoring "pure-blooded" candidates.
Its members were said to possess exceptional theological talent, with limitless potential.
In recent years, the Corps had admitted some "common clergy," but those individuals always had powerful backing within the Church.
Levi had never seen a priest from a local parish gain entry to the Corps.
Could this young man have another identity? Levi wondered.
Fabio thought similarly.
He had already considered bringing Gideon into the Holy Order. Who would have expected the Holy envoy to also take an interest in him?
Truly the one Fabio had his eye on!
Fabio smiled, satisfied with his own judgment.
Bishop Julius, too, felt a pang of awe.
He had lost hope of clearing his name, even believing himself doomed when the young priest appeared.
Yet this man possessed such sharp instincts.
While handling the Holy envoy, he had also managed to shield Sasha.
Ordinary priests, under the pressure of these two factions, could barely remain calm.
A single misstep could make them pawns in the battle for influence.
But this young man moved with ease. Within a short time, he grasped the situation and responded appropriately—a remarkable ability indeed.
On the other side, Jolan had given the badge not just because of talent, but also due to intuition.
As a member of the "Witness Lineage," he naturally felt affinity toward the Holy Order.
He sensed a faint but distinct aura of sanctity in the young priest—something only detectable in Vatican-born, pure-blooded clergy.
This indicated one of two things: either Gideon was of pure, ancient lineage, or he possessed extraordinary theological talent.
Either way, he was more than qualified for selection into the Holy Clergy Corps.
Not to mention, he had already done Jolan a great favor.
Satisfied, Jolan declared the interrogation concluded.
As for Sasha's guilt… he did not care.
He had been instructed beforehand to calm the dispute between factions. Since the sacred relic had been recovered, there was no need to continue.
The purpose of the interrogation, at its core, was nothing more than a tedious power struggle.
Jolan shook his head; such matters were of no interest to him. Taking down heretics was far more rewarding.
Thus, the abrupt power struggle ended with Bishop Julius's exoneration.
Sasha, moreover, was recognized for her bravery during the exorcism and would receive Church commendation.
Inside the bishop's private chamber:
"That's… everything," Sasha said, bowing her head as she recounted the events in Ambrose to her father.
Bishop Julius also recognized the young priest's exceptional ability.
Unlike Sasha, he understood the difficulty of the rituals Gideon had performed—ordinary priests simply could not have done them.
"Could he be from some Vatican family?"
Bishop Julius pondered silently.
Then he looked at his daughter. "Earlier, when you responded to Archbishop Fabio, you did exactly the right thing."
Shortly after the interrogation ended, Fabio had asked Sasha alone about the incident again.
The young nun didn't mention Gideon's extraordinary actions in the town; she simply admitted to having taken the sacred relic.
Of course, Archbishop Fabio was displeased with Sasha's mischief.
But seeing that she had been honest, he only reminded Julius to discipline her more carefully.
Sasha had her reasons for acting this way. Beyond noticing that Gideon didn't want too much revealed—and that he had saved her life—she also remembered her father's constant advice: always leave room to maneuver within the Church.
Although Fabio now stood on their side, any conflict of interest could turn them into pawns in the next moment.
Despite her rebellious streak, Sasha never forgot her father's words:
"This Father Gideon is likely no ordinary priest. We cannot make an enemy of him."
Julius's tone was serious.
Given Gideon's abilities, he might even surpass the Holy envoy.
Since he had intentionally remained discreet and had aided them, Julius naturally respected his decisions.
Knock… knock.
Just after finishing his instructions, someone knocked at the door. Julius quickly moved to answer.
"Father Gideon, please come in."
He smiled warmly.
"Bishop Julius, I'm here to receive the reward for this mission."
Gideon bowed slightly, impeccable in etiquette.
"Oh! Of course."
Julius returned to his desk, picking up an exquisite wooden box.
"Thanks to your help, my daughter and I came through safely."
He handed the box to Gideon and clasped his hand earnestly.
"As a member of the Church, this is my duty," Gideon replied with a smile, tucking the box away.
"All good," Julius said, examining the young man with evident approval.
Sasha also stepped forward to thank Gideon once more. After a brief exchange of mutual praise, Gideon took his leave.
Before he departed, Julius handed him a small paper-wrapped package—his personal token of gratitude. Gideon naturally accepted.
Outside the Saint Yeho Cathedral, Huang Ren accompanied Gideon to the steps.
A female voice suddenly called out:
"Father Gideon, can we talk alone?"
Turning, they saw Sadie standing in the sunlight, arms crossed.
Huang Ren gave Gideon a knowing glance.
"Oh, I just remembered I have something to do," he said, patting his forehead.
"Go ahead and chat. I won't interrupt."
He left gracefully, giving Gideon a supportive fist pump before entering. Gideon shook his head in exasperation.
"Something you need?" he asked, stepping down the steps.
"First, I'm not negotiating about the sacred oil," Sadie said.
"Everything else is up for discussion."
She bumped him lightly with her shoulder. "You're far too ungentlemanly for a man."
"I'm a priest. Please mind your manners."
Gideon stepped back to give her some space.
"I wouldn't want anyone to misunderstand."
Sadie's lips twitched; she half wanted to punch him.
What was it with this man? Being with him felt… embarrassing!
Countless men from the West and South would love to invite her for a drink!
She took a deep breath, calming herself.
"Don't worry. I've changed my mind—I won't bring up the sacred oil."
She jogged a few steps to catch up with him.
"I want to commission you to accompany me on a trip to Louisiana."
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