The First Vampire

Chapter 550: 548 Falcon City (Lower)_1
 

The wooden door collapsed with a bang, raising a cloud of dust.

The people inside the church could no longer play ostrich. A chubby middle-aged priest reluctantly came out, greeting Colin with a cold expression.

“You must be Count Angler, right? Please refrain from being disrespectful in front of the church where we worship our Lord!”

“Worship our Lord?” Colin sneered, “Does your ‘Lord’ accept your worship?”

The priest’s pupils shrank, a look of panic flashed briefly across his face before being quickly hidden as he reprimanded sternly:

“Count Angler, don’t talk nonsense! The consequences of blasphemy against the Divine Being may be more than you can bear!”

Viscount Benson obviously didn’t fully understand the hidden meaning in their words. Seeing the situation getting out of hand, he hurriedly tried to mediate:

“My lord, this before you is Pastor Danny of Falcon City, a devout believer, kind and good-hearted. Upon hearing of Duke St. Hilde’s misfortune, he also expressed great regret…”

“Is that so?” Colin sneered, “Then, Pastor Danny, what do you think of Pope Gregory’s actions? Isn’t it thoroughly blasphemous?”

Pastor Danny knew that Count Angler was forcing him to take a stand.

He took a deep breath, ignoring the constant signaling by Viscount Benson, responded righteously:

“Count Angler, the Pope as the spokesperson of our Lord, could not possibly commit blasphemy! I believe you have been misled, thus misunderstanding the Pope.”

“Misled? So, you think Cardinal Turennes and Archbishop Agani of the North Territory are making false accusations, deliberately framing Gregory?”

Pastor Danny hesitated for a moment, then said, “That is a possibility.”

Colin surprisingly nodded in agreement, appearing to have an epiphany, “I understand now, your Pope, being the spokesperson of the Lord, naturally can’t make a mistake. However, the cardinals and archbishops beneath him may indeed commit blasphemy.

So, Pastor Danny, what about you?”

Pastor Danny declared without fear, “I am undoubtedly devout to the Lord, never committing any acts of blasphemy!”

“Is that so?” Colin sneered sarcastically. He then turned his gaze to the group of priests behind Danny, “Is there anyone who can prove Pastor Danny has committed blasphemy?”

Pastor Danny snorted and said, “Count Angler, do you really think your little trick can make the faithful followers of the Lord lie?”

“Why are they going to lie? What I need is solid evidence.”

“Then you are bound to be disappointed.”

“Really?” Colin looked at the confident Pastor Danny and added, “The Lord is not just fair, but also generous. Hence, anyone who can provide evidence of Pastor Danny’s crime will receive his position as the Bishop of Falcon City.”

At this statement, Pastor Danny could no longer maintain his composure and immediately retorted: “Count Angler, by what right can you appoint a diocesan priest?”

“True, I indeed do not have the direct right to appoint a bishop.” Colin’s smile carried endless allure, “But to decide the tenure of a mere bishop through negotiation, that is nothing difficult for me.

If any of you wish to test my abilities, feel free to step forward.

Oh, and I’d like to impart some news.

I have just received the formal invitation from Cardinal Mensai. He will arrive in Falcon City in the near future, I believe he has the power to decide the Bishop of Falcon City, right?”

Pastor Danny’s face changed, exclaiming, “How would Cardinal Mensai listen to your slanderous words…”

Colin interrupted him with a sneer, “I’m not slandering. Instead, I want to provide solid evidence! Pastor Danny, if you’re truly innocent, why be so alarmed?”

“I’m not alarmed!” Pastor Danny defensively shot back.

Colin looked slyly at the somewhat flustered Pastor Danny, then addressed the group of priests once more:

“Fellow pastors, is your high priest truly a saint without fault?”

The priests glanced at each other, evidently hesitant.

Meanwhile, Pastor Danny eyed them menacingly, his intention to warn clearly evident.

But faced with such a temptation, one of the priests stepped forward:

“My lord, I know that Pastor Danny has embezzled some of the tax money… ”

Pastor Danny immediately started as if someone had stepped on his tail, “Damn it, John! When have I embezzled tax money!”

Colin laughed out loudly and encouraged promptly, “Pray, Pastor John, you need not fear. Bring forth the evidence. I believe Cardinal Mensai would not tolerate a corrupt bishop continuing to lead the falcon city diocese.”

Pastor John became hesitant, “My lord… umm… I don’t actually have any proof…”

“See, I knew it was slander! Slander!” Pastor Danny immediately began to crow triumphantly.

However, Pastor John interjected: “My lord, while I don’t have direct evidence, I know that Pastor Danny’s suburban manor is extravagantly built, well beyond the means of a common bishop’s salary. If your men were to investigate, I’m certain they would make some findings!”

“Bullshit! That manor was built with my years of savings…”

“Very well! Pastor John, thank you for providing such valuable leads. Indeed, an investigation is needed.” Colin said with a gleeful smile.

“What rights do you have to search my manor!” Danny immediately objected.

But his guilty demeanor affirmed Colin’s suspicion of wrongdoing in that manor. He patted Viscount Benson next to him and said:

“Viscount Benson, Falcon City is ultimately your territory. Why don’t you lead the search of Pastor Danny’s manor?”

“This… doesn’t seem appropriate. It is after all a private manor…” Viscount Benson hesitated.

He well understood that Count Angler was pushing him to choose a side.

“How can it be inappropriate?” Colin didn’t let Viscount Benson off the hook easily, “This is undeniably an excellent opportunity for Pastor Danny to prove his innocence. How could you refuse?”

Danny, cornered by Colin, could not argue back. If he persisted in refusing, it would seem like he had something to hide.

Viscount Benson felt the aura of Count Angler by his side continuously strengthening, making it hard for him to catch his breath.

Across from them, Pastor Danny was also constantly signaling to Viscount Benson, as if warning and pleading at the same time.

Seeing Viscount Benson unable to make a decision, Colin added coldly:

“Viscount Benson, I’m quite patient. However, when Marquis Garcia arrives later, he won’t be so amicable.

Don’t forget, he just murdered a Cardinal.”

Viscount Benson shuddered, then immediately shouted:

“Fine! Let’s see if there is anything hidden in Pastor Danny’s manor!”