“Young Master Watson, you said you have something important to announce to us. What is it?” Annie looked at Watson and asked curiously.
Just a moment ago, Watson had called for them and Miss Nightingale into the room. He said that he had something important to announce to them. Leon stood beside Watson, his face full of joy; it seemed like he had encountered something happy.
Everyone had learned from Miss Nightingale that Leon had summoned Watson to the church that morning, and it was already noon. While Watson was absent, Annie had been pestering Nightingale to teach her about gold-tier mages. Meanwhile, Arthur and Clyde were listening on the side.
They already knew that Nightingale was a platinum-tier elite, even stronger than the swordmistress following the incident from the previous day. They would benefit tremendously from listening to an elite. Even if they received no rewards, it would be prudent to have a positive relationship with Nightingale, as her friendship with Watson was nothing average. Fawning over Nightingale was equivalent to fawning over Watson. Perhaps Watson would be pleased about that and provide them with more rewards.
“My reason for summoning everyone here is quite straightforward. We are about to attack the labyrinth. Prepare yourselves; we may remain in the maze for a few days to prevent running out of food and water,” Watson looked around and said in a loud voice.
He had killed a god’s projection in St. Antilles Cathedral half a day ago, bringing the entire country’s belief system to a halt. Even though it only lasted a few hours, it did inspire a widespread alarm in the city. He felt as though he had created a bit of a stir. It was preferable to accomplish Master Antonio’s objective quickly and leave the City of Steel.
“We’re going to the maze so soon?” Annie’s eyes flickered, and she clenched her fists. Her expression was more excited than nervous. She was a gold-tier warrior; she did not know how many levels she could clear in the maze.
Arthur and Clyde had similar expressions; only Nightingale remained calm. She had seen Watson do many great things. It was nothing for Watson to clear the entire maze. She would not be surprised if he used magic to fuse the entire maze, excavate it, and take it all away with him.
“Of course, before we go and make the relevant preparations, I have one more thing to announce. Leon has advanced to the peak of gold-tier,” Watson said as he pointed at Leon.
“Peak of gold-tier? It’s only been a day; how did that happen?” Annie and the other two men exclaimed at the same time.
Leon was only an ordinary gold-tier elite when he drank the potion the previous day. It was impossible for him to advance to the peak of gold-tier in just one day. Watson must have done something for him. The three looked envious and jealous; if they had known earlier, they would have kicked Leon aside and accompanied Watson to the church.
“I have reached the peak of gold-tier, indeed. This is all thanks to Great Master Watson. As his humble servant, it is great to receive his blessing.” Leon took a step forward and spread his hands as if he made a hugging gesture. He looked at Watson with reverence. “It is great to believe in Young Master Watson—it’s like believing in the sun.”
“Leon, what’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind? Why are you speaking so strangely today?”
Arthur hugged his shoulders and shivered because of Leon’s inspirational words. Even though Leon usually spoke like a fake priest, he was not as exaggerated as that day.
“Arthur, you’re really stupid! Can’t you understand Young Master Watson’s greatness? You want to become stronger? I converted my faith from the Holy See’s seven gods to Young Master Watson, who had given me the knowledge in his mind. That profound knowledge was originally something that I could never understand in my entire life. I have only praises for Young Master Watson.”
Everyone felt strange when they heard Leon’s incessant cheers.
“Young Master Watson, did Leon eat something wrong at noon, like a poisonous mushroom, or maybe someone cursed him?”
The corner of Annie’s mouth twitched. She felt that Leon was behaving too strangely.
“Annie, it’s rude of you to say that. I’m just too excited and don’t know how to express myself.”
Leon defended himself, but no one, including Nightingale, believed him.
“It’s hard for me to explain to you why Leon became like that. Why don’t you experience it directly? Nightingale, please give us a demonstration.”
“Yes, Young Master Watson.”
When Nightingale heard Watson’s command, she moved toward him and gave him a questioning look. “I am curious as to what you intend to do to me, Young Master Watson.”
“It’s very simple. I need you to pray to me and treat me as a god you believe in! Leon, please teach Nightingale the prayer.”
“Miss Nightingale, you must remember the following prayer. It’s something that clerics spend a lot of time researching, and it can strengthen the probability of establishing a connection with the god!”! This is the prayer—I, Leon, the humble servant of the gods, am willing to offer my faith to Great Master Watson. My eyes, nose, mouth, arms, torso, and soul belong to Great Master Watson. He has the most beautiful appearance in the world, his words equally as impressive, his breath is flavorful, and his leftover food is the best delicacies. I am willing to offer everything to Great Master Watson. I hope that he can give me the key to the Kingdom of the Gods.”
“Flavorful breath and leftover food delicacies? Does Leon usually pray to the gods so openly?”
“It’s tough being a priest. That prayer is too embarrassing. I will never say it out loud.”
The three of them discussed their opinions at the side.
Nightingale listened to the entire prayer, and her face was a little red. If the target of that prayer were a god, it would be fine. However, she had to say all that to Watson, and it felt like a declaration of love—perverted love.
Should she say it?
It was too embarrassing to say that in front of everyone, and she did not know if Watson would misunderstand her.
Nightingale was in a dilemma. Suddenly, she felt Watson’s gaze and met it. She felt the anticipation and encouragement in his eyes, and her heart pounded inexplicably.
‘As a maid, I must fulfill my master’s request. I’m Watson’s maid. So how can I refuse his request? Yes, that’s right; I’ll say it. I’m doing this because I am a professional and it has nothing to do with personal feelings.’
Nightingale comforted herself in her mind. She clenched her fists and closed her eyes. She bit her lips before she repeated Leon’s words. She was so shy that she looked very pitiful. It made Clyde and Arthur, who were watching from the side, a little stunned.
After she said her prayers, Nightingale felt relieved. Just as she was about to let out a sigh of relief, she felt a tender hand touch her forehead as she heard Watson’s voice.
“Excellent, Nightingale. I have received your prayers. Now I will bless you.”
As soon as she said that, a chunk of knowledge-filled memory fragments rushed into her mind.
