Chapter 91: The Prudent Pope
Time flowed slowly, and before anyone knew it, another few days had passed, and the weekend was upon them once more.
Many factions turned their eyes towards Waltonka, as if they were looking forward to some pending event.
After a week’s worth of word spreading through various channels, they had become well aware of the information about the Rising Sun Theater Group. They no longer felt the initial panic and chaos.
Sure, the Rising Sun Theater Group was incredibly powerful and terrifying, capable of destroying anything in its path.
But it seemed like they wouldn’t make a move, as they were principled members of the Star Eclipses organization. For Waltonka and all other forces within the Free Country, this was the best news ever.
From the reports, the Rising Sun Theater Group only appeared on the first day of the weekend, putting on a short show, and leaving for the remaining six days.
Under such circumstances, those fond of causing trouble need only avoid that one day.
Even the cautious leaders dared not test the waters. Taking risks with one’s life requires real guts.
It was now early Saturday morning at eight o’clock.
Members of the Rising Sun Theater Group were preparing for their performance, like applying makeup and so on.
Even though Night Star often wore masks, her face still needed to be made up by the makeup artist.
Though unnecessary, it seemed to be the star’s hobby or a personal preference.
Moreover, the hairstyle and whatnot were also handled by the makeup artist, ensuring Night Star looked just right for the stage.
Qing Liao watched with a smile, wearing dark clothing that fit perfectly with the group’s vibe.
She would be accompanying the theater group for this performance but wasn’t scheduled to perform herself.
After all, she was still getting used to their style, and would need to observe closely before fully understanding their performance form.
Though people might think she was a new member of the Rising Sun Theater Group, what did that matter?
Let them misunderstand, as it wouldn’t affect the group’s existence anyway.
Kong Yu Bai sat beside Qing Liao, similarly prepared.
“Nervous?”
This inquiry came from Kong Yu Bai.
Qing Liao nodded slightly.
“Yeah. I’ve been on big stages many times, yet I feel quite nervous now.”
“It might be because you’re not performing as Qing Liao the Songstress. Instead, you’re here merely watching, right? That must be a lot more challenging.”
“Uh…”
Kong Yu Bai had nailed it.
That was indeed how things stood for Qing Liao.
It was like someone discovering an unknown side to the glamorous public persona.
It sounded strange to say it that way, but being on a different side of the curtain, she’d be surrounded by many prominent figures.
If her true identity were exposed, her career as a world-famous songstress could well come to an end.
Though no single country or faction would pressure her, assassination attempts might ramp up.
Living under constant threat would give anyone headaches and make them feel insecure.
Nevertheless, Qing Liao couldn’t change her mind about joining the performance.
As long as she trusted Night Star, that’s all that mattered.
At the same time…
In Waltonka, within the Order of Sequence’s church.
A Vatican emissary was sent down to observe the Rising Sun Theater Group, actually trying to confirm whether the group leader was the true Demon King.
While the basic features were similar, a mere resemblance wasn’t enough.
He hadn’t shown any unique Star Eclipses effects aside from the black feathers and outward appearance. It would be too hasty to reach a conclusion based on that alone.
Thus, high-ranking officials sent someone to observe without interfering, to avoid any major disaster.
After all, even if the group leader weren’t the Demon King, the Rising Sun Theater Group itself was no pushover.
The Order of Sequence wanted to focus on expanding their religious influence and spreading divine glory worldwide.
To have it all fall apart halfway would be too disappointing.
Although many within the Church didn’t believe the Rising Sun Theater Group would annihilate the current Church, the Pope decided to take a “hands-off” approach based on experiences from Huaxia, which seemed overly cautious.
This decision quickly reached the ears of the Order of Sequence in Waltonka.
Some found it wise, while others felt it would tarnish the Order’s reputation.
The Order of Sequence was essentially the largest law enforcement body in the Free Country, intimidating countless factions and individuals.
Yet, this prestigious institution seemed afraid of the Rising Sun Theater Group, almost as if cowering.
Once this rumor spread throughout the Free Country, the Order’s credibility would likely plummet.
But this was the Pope’s decision.
As the second-in-command under the divine authority, no one dared question his judgment, else they’d be seen as disloyal to God.
Back at the church, Tifureka and company were returning from Qing Liao’s side.
They were talking with the bishops sent over, gaining insights into various matters.
“So that’s what the Pope meant. I see now, thanks to the bishop’s explanations.”
Being a Holy Knight for the Order of Sequence, Tifureka deserved more transparency.
For instance, learning historical events about the Holy Church.
Upon realizing the suspected history between the Rising Sun Theater Group’s leader and the historic demon king, she elevated her perception of the group.
She also concurred that the Pope’s decision was right.
Regardless of whether the Order feared the Rising Sun Theater Group’s strength, the possible link to the Demon King was sufficient reason for the Church to sit on the fence.
Although this might seem cowardly to others, knowing the once-feared Demon King plunged half a nation into desolation changed everything.
His terrifying power could frighten any living soul.
Tifureka also recalled the announcer who once invaded the church.
Knowing the announcer belonged to the Rising Sun Theater Group, redemption was out of the question.
That was truly regrettable.
On the other hand, in Chinatown,
a restaurant was eerily quiet with zero customers.
A sign outside declared it would remain closed indefinitely.
This place served as the Night Hunt organization’s base.
Four people were gathered here—Claire, Mo Xiao, Noya, and He Li Xia.
Last week, they finished protecting Qing Liao, leaving them with idle time since then.
He Li Xia lay sprawled over a table.
“Absolutely zero commissions lately. Bored to d*ath. When will we finally have enough to travel the world?”
Mo Xiao prepared cocktails at the counter, effortlessly mixing two drinks for Claire and Noya in seconds.
Claire took a sip appreciatively, “You won’t get rich overnight. You’re young; plenty of time for that.”
He Li Xia muttered under her breath.
“Come to think of it, did Night Star and Kong Yu Bai forget about us Night Hunteers? Surely forgotten, right?”
“Can’t blame them. Night Star and Kong Yu Bai are Qing Liao’s friends with important statuses. Naturally, they shouldn’t mingle with us low-key organizations. It’s mutual ignorance,” Claire reckoned clearly.
Others shared the same view.
Suddenly, Claire suggested, “Seeing as we’re not doing anything today, why don’t we check out the Rising Sun Theater Group’s show?”
