The tension in the air was thick enough to be cut with a knife.
What Layla had asked for might not seem like much. It might seem positive, and the temple should have no reason to block her.
But that was only on the outside.
The temple did not want anyone to grow its influence or diminish its authority. It was afraid to lose its hold on people.
Cardinal Bishop was not concerned about fame or influence but was a member of the temple's higher authority.
He might not have been interested in what others around him did, but he was not blind to what was happening.
The Cardinal was well aware of the corruption around him; he was just too busy (uncaring and lazy) to care.
"Hmm, if you offer me something, I can get you the necessary permissions. But it cannot be a bribe, or it will be against my morals. If you surprise me enough, I will make this decision quickly."
