Although Abel was unable to obtain a formal position within the Knights due to his conflict with the vice-captain, his status as both a knight apprentice and a merchant's son garnered him much support.
Abel's confidante said to him:
"We couldn't find any information on Lite's identity, but after he arrived in Furse, he has spent a significant amount of money on seemingly pointless things and deposited large sums in several banks."
He paused.
"We don't have exact numbers, but conservative estimates are between £20 billion and £50 billion."
Aside from a few capitalists who have exploited countless workers, hardly anyone could possess so much wealth alone.
It seems that there is a force or a hidden organization behind this person, wanting to come to the surface.
It seems that Abel has already deeply offended him, and clearly, if he waits for him to come to his own teacher, there would be no chance for any reconciliation.
"What do you think, Magi?"
His most trusted Knight suggested:
"Perhaps we could provoke conflicts between other knight's apprentices and him; then, we can join forces with them to deal with this Lite. Even if we fail and are punished, it will only involve all the apprentices, reducing the risk for Lord Abel."
Abel smiled, his supporter's perspective was still too narrow:
"You go and spread the word that Mr. Lite has openly shown disrespect for the Pure White Knight. But do not mention his wealth, make it natural, and let them feel they have found it out."
"But some people might ignore this. If only half of the people deal with him, Lord Abel will still be conspicuous."
Abel laughed:
"Who said I want to deal with him? You're still too narrow-minded. What's the point of a temporary conflict? I'm going to apologize to him personally, and also apologize on behalf of my ignorant junior."
Abel reached out his right hand, as if grasping something:
"I'll take him to my teacher, and by then, they'll be the ones who actively offended a wealthy person, while I'll be the good elder brother mending their mistakes."
Abel revealed his teeth with a smile:
"Everybody wins."
"No wonder you are Lord Abel, you will certainly inherit George's skills." Magi lowered his head, secretly admiring his insight.
Outside the Primordial Flame church.
The Furse Chief Bishop, wearing a red and white robe, was sending a beautiful woman with golden curls on her way.
"Thank you, Miss Marianne, for your support."
Marianne covered her face with a light chuckle:
"Oh, it's nothing, Chief Bishop, you're too kind. This is just what we devotees should do."
The Bishop's eyes glanced past Marianne, looking towards her rear right.
The lady was somewhat surprised and subtly turned her body to glance at the back with the corner of her eye.
A young man in formal attire with brown hair approached the two.
The Bishop stepped past Marianne and spoke gently to the newcomer:
"Today the church is closed, and we cannot entertain guests for the time being."
Hewitt nodded apologetically:
"Really? I didn't know, because I was quite anxious, so I came straight here."
Chief Bishop Alec showed a kind smile:
"Oh, I am Alec, the bishop here. If you have any urgent matters, you can speak directly to me."
Hewitt nodded:
"When I ran my business in my hometown, I received much help from the Primordial Flame, so I have always wanted to repay the church and also hope that Goddess Gavyn would continue to bless my business."
Alec had seen many merchants who sought church protection and tacit consent through donations. If it was ordinary, he would have been in the mood to chat with him. However, now he just wants to quickly deal with this guy.
Though that being the case, he couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the devotees' donations. Alec put on a grateful look and asked:
"May I ask how much you would like to donate?"
Hewitt glanced at Marianne by his side.
The Chief Bishop said:
"Miss Marianne, like you, is a devout believer."
Hewitt immediately showed an excited expression:
"In fact, as soon as I arrived in this city, I found something that made me furious."
"What's the matter?" the Chief Bishop asked, puzzled.
"Our Holy Church happens not to be the tallest building in this city. Such a thing has never happened in other cities. Moreover, the church is somewhat dilapidated."
Alec's smile became a bit stiff. Wasn't this just saying that they weren't doing a good enough job? But how could this nouveau riche know the effort he had spent to fit in with this city?
"What do you mean?" The Bishop's tone was less polite than before.
"I think the church needs renovation. I plan to invest £500 million in the initial stage to renovate and expand the entire church. Also, there must be rubies and gold. I see many places only have gold-plated surfaces..."
Alec's smile completely froze, but this time it was because of excitement.
"How much did you say?"
"£500 million."
Alec hastily took two steps forward and grabbed Hewitt's hand:
"I haven't asked the name of this kind gentleman, devout believer, and generous benefactor?"
"Lite."
Alec held Lite's hand and didn't let go:
"Mr. Lite, I think this matter is not suitable for discussion here. Please come with me to my personal confessional now."
He also looked at Marianne:
"Lady, I apologize, but we'll discuss that matter next time."
Although Marianne wanted to continue listening, she knew it was impossible, so she nodded her head, smiled reservedly at Lite, and turned to leave.
Alec pulled Hewitt into the church and found a seat for him.
"You just said that £500 million is for the initial investment?" The Chief Bishop regained his composure and asked with a smile.
"Yes, I plan to expand this place on a scale only second to the Holy Church. After all, we have no saints nor apostles here, or do we?"
Alec almost said they did.
"Haha, of course not! How could we possibly have a holy person here? But speaking of which, do you have any troubles? As the humblest servant of the Lord, I will guarantee the interests of our believers."
Alec was waiting for Hewitt to state his demands. After all, he didn't believe that a big businessman, who could come up with £500 million, would really donate the money for his faith.
But Alec would not let the money escape his grasp. Due to the lack of foundation here, unlike other Chief Bishops, he could not earn nearly £100 million in a few years, and the entire church had already fallen into a financial crisis, limiting his actions.
It even affected the Pope's perception of him.
He was determined that as long as he wasn't asked to overthrow Bergland's rule or to assassinate the Pure White Knight himself, he would gladly agree to any unreasonable demands Mr. Lite might make.