Creating a believable lie often requires a substantial amount of truth as its foundation.
And coincidentally, ninety percent of what Ethan said in his lie was the truth.
For example, he truly did fall into the sea and did hear the call from Sea God Isis.
This put the Sea God Church people in a position where they had no choice but to believe it.
Especially since Ethan's words and Johnny Blackbird's were strikingly similar.
Two people with no connections, brought together by divine guidance.
No, it was three people, including Priest Maurice.
That must be an important revelation from the divine.
From the current evidence, that's exactly how it seemed.
They had to consider why the divine was so eager, issuing commands in quick succession.
"Gentlemen, please wait here a while longer; we need to report this matter to the Pope."
After thinking it over, High Priest Heigen had to make this decision.
Once Heigen left, Maurice was the only one left to accompany Ethan and the others.
Maurice was still very excited, especially after listening to Ethan and Johnny, becoming more convinced that he was chosen.
Historically, such people often achieved great things in the Church.
"Gentlemen, we are all chosen by the divine; let us join forces together!"
His eyes were bright and penetrating.
Ethan glanced at Johnny Blackbird, amusement in his eyes.
The latter subtly gave Ethan a thumbs-up.
However, the truly crucial part lay with Heigen.
Heigen and another High Priest, Yelit, walked down the road; once isolated from others, Heigen asked, "Do you think what they're saying is true?"
"It doesn't seem false."
"The situation in the Royal Capital has been chaotic recently; it feels like a bad sign."
"Silence, Yelit. No matter what, the awakening of the divine is always a good thing. Perhaps because the Royal Capital is in chaos, it's the perfect time. In any case, let's report to the Pope first. Speaking of which, this Ethan... he's an acquaintance of Carlos. I think I heard Charlie mention that this person is quite divine, and it seems true now."
Ten minutes later, Heigen had completed the report.
Originally, it was thought that complex verification would be necessary, at least with the Pope needing to meet the three individuals personally.
Unexpectedly, the Pope immediately acknowledged the matter.
"Cooperate with them fully. I need to pray through the night; perhaps the divine will provide guidance tonight."
Heigen couldn't understand why the Pope was so certain, but it might be that after the divine's brief awakening, a connection was established with the Pope.
After all, only those closest to the divine can become the Pope.
And coincidentally, the Villantis surname is the closest to the divine.
Heigen and his group quickly returned, and with the affirmative response, no one was more excited than Maurice.
Just as he predicted, he was stepping towards legend.
Since Johnny Blackbird hadn't specified the divine instructions, he was asked to stay in the Church to await new guidance.
The same went for Ethan.
However, Ethan said he had many trivial matters to handle and needed to go back first. If there was really any new news, he would proactively come to the Church.
In light of his relationship with Carlos and the Pope's directive, he was allowed to leave.
The Pope specifically mentioned that Ethan was trustworthy.
Ethan was indeed trustworthy; after all, from the Pope's perspective, he should know that Ethan had been developed by Ned. Charlie should have communicated this to the Pope.
As for Johnny Blackbird, he couldn't leave. He was now the most crucial person.
The Sea God Church expressed their willingness to offer tremendous benefits to him.
Johnny Blackbird agreed and gave Ethan one last look.
The meaning was clear: the matters outside were left to you.
With the Sea God Church taking this step, Ethan's perspective suddenly expanded.
His most important task now was to escalate the situation, thereby drawing out the true masterminds behind the scenes.
He realized that in a place like the Royal Capital, you have to choose a side.
Without a stance, you'd be completely overturned by an unexpected wave.
Previously, that was the case.
He seemed to be handling situations smoothly, making them significant.
But ultimately, it was all insubstantial.
If the people behind the scenes were willing, overnight, he would be left with nothing, even requiring him to flee in the night.
Fame, art, in the face of true power, were still too fragile.
Even Pupol could only privately advise Ethan: "The situation is too big; go back to the hometown and wait until it blows over. Everyone will help you come back then."
So, choose a side to stand on.
The Eldest Prince wanted him dead, so he had to find a place that wouldn't let him die.
Back at his temporary residence, on a boat Carlos had left for him, Ethan first changed his clothes, then brewed a pot of coffee and watched the sea on the deck.
The night sea was nothing visible, even here at the Golden Coast; it was equally pitch-black.
Ethan stared at the sea, thinking about tonight's play. Would Isis hear those lies?
Would a wave come in anger and completely overturn him here?
While he was lost in thought, a figure quietly moved onto the boat, light like a cat.
Or like a feather.
In the darkness, her presence was almost unnoticeable.
Anya.
Anya had returned.
After sending Sofia away, Ethan and Anya were unburdened.
They each had their own tasks to accomplish.
Ethan went to find Johnny Blackbird.
And Anya...
Anya's responsibility was surveillance, observation.
Surveillance of whom?
Naturally, the enemy, the Kingdom Defense Bureau, Tefula.
Though it was only a second-tier true name existence, derived from the 'True God's Name', Anya actually possessed near third-tier strength, combined with her rigorous childhood training and exceptional talent.
The city was her hunting ground.
She was a natural city hunter.
That's why in the battle of the great rain in Wenster, she could directly snipe Vito, whose true name level far exceeded hers, from a distance.
Trafford and the others were inferior to Vito, so they didn't discover her.
"Young Master, I'm back."
Anya showed a hint of fatigue only in front of Ethan.
But she restrained herself.
Ethan lightly patted her head and said, "I made some coffee, have a cup first."
"...I should be the one making it."
She lowered her head.
"Afraid I made it poorly? Try it; it's quite good."
Seeing her lower her head, Ethan suddenly felt the urge to mess up her hair.
Anya seemed to sense Ethan's thoughts and quickly retreated inside the cabin, practically fleeing in haste.
Ethan laughed silently.
No matter what, in the deep, dark night on the sea, there was still someone to share a hot coffee with him.
Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.