"Greetings," Bishop Reyes said, looking at Ethan with a curious gleam.

"Greetings to you as well, Bishop Reyes." Ethan greeted back plainly.

"I have heard of the terrible assassination attempt that happened recently. The Church is willing to assist in finding those vile characters. These fiends are worthy to be erased from the face of the earth. If the Duke requires any resources then I am happy to lend a hand." Bishop Reyes said smilingly looking left and right at Father and Son.

Albaer fell in silence as he contemplated. A look of hesitation appeared on his face before disappearing quickly, "Bishop Reyes, you have my gratitude for offering to lend the church's resources. However, The Shadow Dwellers are known to be extremely cautious and well-prepared. And by now the assassin must be long gone. I only ask that you inform us if 'The Reaper of Shadows' is sighted somewhere."

Albaer did not want to owe the church any favors and so he tactfully rejected any assistance. Anyhow, what he said wasn't false either. The Shadow Dwellers were very hard to track. Their identities and location were unknown and once slipped, it was nearly impossible to catch one of their assassins.

"As you wish." Bishop Reyes said.

At this point, the Stout family had moved closer to the stage. Bishop Reyes saw them from the corner of his eye and narrowed his eyes.

For a moment, an awkward silence fell upon the hall as everyone thought nothing more would occur. Some even thought that Bishop Reyes had no other motives to barge into the banquet hall uninvited like this.

Finally making up his mind on pursuing the topic of Anicia, Bishop Reyes spoke once again, "By the way, congratulations to Young Master Ethan and Young Miss Anicia for their engagement. May God Bless them with happiness."

"Thank you for the good wishes," A voice sounded as Yunugiv intruded on the conversation. Lady Stout and Anicia standing behind him.

"Count Stout, it's a pleasure to meet you. I must say that the medical potions and herbs produced by your family are indeed one of the superior ones out there. It gladdens me greatly that not only The Church but others such as yourself are also carrying the mantle of Healing." Bishop Reyes said.

The church had its own methods of healing, mostly proficient in illnesses and ailments along with unnatural curses. In this regard, the Church competed with Healing Specialist Families such as the Stout Family.

"You flatter us, In front of the benevolence of the church.. How can we compare?" Yunugiv replied seriously.

"Count Stout, now that we have met here.. I have an important matter to discuss." Bishop Reyes finally said as his inquiring gaze went over Anicia.

Yunugiv stepped forward in front of Anicia as if blocking bishop Reyes's gaze and said with a smile, "Oh? Please tell me what it is that you wish to discuss?"

Although Yunugiv's tone was amiable, one could faintly sense the tint of vigilance in his voice. He sneakily shot a meaningful glance at Albaer. In response, Albaer nodded reassuringly.

Bishop Reyes did not say anything. He was hesitating and in truth, he did not want to speak up on this matter in front of the Duke.

But he too wasn't stupid and could sense the unusual air between the two families. Although he had expected some resistance to be there, he still felt bitter and indignant when he had to face it himself.

"Please do speak your mind without hesitation, Bishop Reyes." Yunugiv insisted, hinting that the relation between the two families was quite close and there was no issue.

"Very well then, I will speak straightforwardly. It has come to my attention that Your Daughter, Young Miss Anicia possesses the Blessing of Light. As this is extremely important for the sake of mankind, on behalf of the Church, I would like to invite Young Miss to join the Church."

Bishop Reyes finally dropped his facade and straightforwardly laid out his intention in the open. His demeanor also gained a confident, prideful as well as sharp, and righteous edge.historical

Anicia shuddered slightly as she heard this, although she had confidence that she wouldn't be forced to join the church but in the end, she couldn't help but get anxious.

It wasn't like she had any misgivings about the church. In fact for the most part she thought quite highly of them as the church was a mighty existence at the very least. Anicia simply did not wish to lose her freedom completely. She was a free-spirited girl and wished to live a normal life. She did not care for glory or fame at all.

Her mother had prepared her for marriage and to be a virtuous Lady who would manage the household well and take care of the family. Since her childhood, she was taught according to the usual teachings among the nobility and quite frankly, Anicia had no issue with leading such a life.

In this regard, Anicia and Ethan both were quite similar to each other. Both wished to live a quiet, normal life but while Ethan was forced to act and empower himself to prepare for the future, Anicia was being dragged down by her circumstances.

"So it's this matter.. Bishop Reyes.. My dear daughter is not just the daughter of the Stout Family now, as you know. She has been engaged to the Son of Duke White. So I cannot make this choice on her behalf. You will have to discuss it with the Duke." Yunugiv said in an apologetic tone, washing his hands off of the trouble completely.

What he had said wasn't wrong either, from the moment Anicia was engaged to Ethan, she had become the Lady of the White Family and he had no authority to make choices on her behalf without considering the White Family.

Bishop Reyes narrowed his eyes, feeling bitter and resentful as he snickered inwardly. He felt as if he was being toyed but he was just too late and there was no choice but to negotiate with the White Family.

He only hoped that the encouragement of righteousness and glory would be enough to convince the Duke.

His thinking was not without any legs as the influence of the White Family would certainly increase tremendously if Anicia, being the daughter-in-law of the White family were to join the ranks of the Church.

Even if some Nobles had their misgivings about the Church, the Church's influence and prestige were undoubtedly nonetheless.

A typical Noble Family would probably even consider having their daughter in law joining the Church as a Favored and create more connections through her if it were to be extremely profitable.

And that is why Bishop Reyes still had some hope in his heart. He had no idea that the entire point of the marriage was to avoid the church in the first place.

Bishop Reyes turned around as he looked at Albaer with an amiable smile.

"Duke White, you must have heard right? What are your thoughts? Bishop Reyes asked.

The entire White Family was present and everyone knew well of the circumstances in which the engagement had been arranged.

The White Family was dignified and just, how could they renege on their promise just for some more influence in the Royal Court? And other than that, everyone had grown closer to Anicia during her stay at the mansion. She had already become family. Everyone was fond of her naivete and innocent countenance anyways, so the White Family was united in their choice to not abandon her.

Naenna sensed Alicia's anxiety and held her hand reassuringly with a smile. Seeing this, Anicia felt really grateful and relieved. A slight smile also grew on her beautiful face.

"Bishop Reyes, how could that be possible? The children have yet to marry and I don't have the heart to send my daughter-in-law away to the Church if it's against her wishes." Albaer said firmly.

Bishop Reyes was dumbfounded and finally took note of Anicia who was hiding behind her father like a scared kitten. Seeing that Albaer was very firm in his decision judging from his frosty, unyielding eyes, Bishop Reyes thought to change his approach a bit.

"Miss Anicia, I have heard that you are kind and caring for the weak. The Favored Ones are very important to mankind as with their help the Church ensures that the Allfather receives our prayers and strength. This is a matter of great prestige and honor, you can heal and help countless people by joining the Church as a Favored Child."

Bishop Reyes said with a sense of righteousness as he looked at Anicia, his eyes glowing slightly with an enticing glimmer.

Anicia's eyes grew a bit murky as she hesitated, thinking over what the bishop had said.

At this moment, Albaer's and Ethan's gazes met. Suddenly, Ethan spoke up.

"Aiyoo-! How can I part with my dear Fiancé like this? Isn't this a bit unreasonable? Absolutely no! I don't agree!"

Bishop Reyes was flabbergasted as he looked at Ethan who unlike himself, seemed to be throwing a childish tantrum.

"Young Master Ethan, I understand.. But we can come to some consensus on this matter. How about this? Miss Anicia can join the Church only after you have been married. And she doesn't even have to leave home that often." Bishop Reyes tried to bargain, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes.

"Absolutely not! Don't insist anymore.. Bishop Reyes, This discussion is over. Isn't that right, Anicia? You once told me that you'd rather prefer to stay by my side, no?" Ethan said pouting as he puffed his cheeks. His behavior was childish but wasn't he just a child in the first place?

'Haaa! Brat! Why are you looking at me as if I'm going to steal your wife?' Bishop Reyes thought to himself as he could sense the extreme displeasure in Ethan's voice.

'Since when did this brat become such a playboy?' Albaer thought awkwardly, feeling confused.

Anicia blushed at Ethan's sudden outburst and muttered inaudibly under her breath, You.. ! When did I say that.."

Just as Bishop Reyes was going to open his mouth, seeing Ethan's fuming face Gerhart whispered in Reyes's ear, "Bishop, we're instructed to not offend him. It's best to withdraw for now.."

Hearing this, Bishop Reyes finally remembered that the brat in front of him was very important to the Church if he truly had unparalleled potential.

In this case, it would not be wise to infuriate him.

Lamenting his bad luck and cursing Ethan's childishness, Bishop Reyes sighed regretfully and unwillingly as he said dejectedly, "I understand.. however, do reconsider."

Ethan simply shrugged as the situation was tactfully defused.

Albaer's eyes glinted with a strange light as he looked at Ethan. While Yunugiv looked at Ethan with a face as if he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

On the other hand, Bishop Reyes was frustrated and annoyed.

Since there was no use staying anymore as his mood was dampened, he promptly and politely bid farewell and left.

With his departure, The banquet also ended shortly after as all the guests gave the various gifts that they had brought.