They all call me Great Master

Late night, outside Port Pult.

The sound of the Inland River's waters was clear, and the members of the 'Inland River Cult' were patrolling their posts under the arrangement of their leaders. Some elderly believers, despite having 'privileges' to rest early, refused to do so. On the contrary, they were the most active and steadfast.

It's not just about faith, but also because...

They feared being called old.

The older they got, the more they were like this.

However, one person was an exception.

Mr. Gwen.

This so-called 'historian', at this moment, was half-reclining on a soft couch, letting his feet out of his boots stretch fully by the brazier. Having traveled and hidden away before, even if Mr. Gwen's boots were made of leather, they were already soaked through.

The cold river water gave the old gentleman a taste of what 'bone-chilling cold' meant.

"Liza, do we have any hot cocoa?

I still feel a bit cold."

Mr. Gwen asked his wife, with a tone that somehow carried a tiny bit of a childish plea.

Mrs. Gwen rolled her eyes at her husband.

"I told you, there's no need to come, yet you insisted."

Though she complained, Mrs. Gwen quickly brought the hot cocoa — as early as when the fire was lit, she had brewed the cocoa outside.

As for why not on the brazier in the tent?

Mrs. Gwen remarked that the cocoa with a smell of foot odor was indeed inedible.

Even if some people pursued coffee that tasted like dung, it's still the same.

Mrs. Gwen claimed she was just an ordinary person with very common tastes, and the most adventurous thing she did in her life was join the 'Inland River Cult' with her husband.

Anything more?

There really was nothing else.

"Thank you, Liza.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

In the next life, let me meet you again, okay?"

After taking a sip of the cocoa, Mr. Gwen joked playfully.

Mrs. Gwen poked Mr. Gwen a few times before adding more firewood to the brazier — brought just now by the young members of the congregation.

Along with the delivery, there were also jerky, corn, and fresh vegetables including hot cocoa.

Seeing the fresh vegetables, Mrs. Gwen was quite surprised.

In her view, the 'Inland River Cult' initially was just a group gathered to keep warm, to resist river pirates and rivals, and to have more room to maneuver under the nobility's taxation. But now, it had changed, and grown stronger and stronger.

What about the future...

Unknowingly, this lady felt worried.

The next moment, her hand was held by her husband.

Mr. Gwen still smiled, but his voice lowered —

"Don't worry, nothing will happen.

That gentleman and that master are far greater than we imagine.

The 'Devourer' Imola in the river was slain by that master with one sword, I can't think of anything that could hinder him.

Moreover, that master's mercy is enough to let everyone know what to do.

What's more…"

Speaking of this, the old gentleman did not continue, just pointed to the fresh vegetables in the corner.

Those seemingly ordinary vegetables represented too much by appearing here.

They signified the complete alliance with the 'local brothers'.

It was also the reality of 'unity'.

As long as the next step succeeds, the 'Inland Church' will take a big step forward again.

'Marquess of Ainhars!'

Mr. Gwen silently recited in his heart.

The old gentleman could see that the Southern Lost Spirit Medium stood up and moved to the front stage, which surely had full preparation and ideas.

The former, he did not know.

The latter?

He could speculate.

It must be allying with Marquess of Ainhars.

Or taking down the Marquess of Ainhars.

Only in this way can the 'Inland Church' become more open and aboveboard, and more 'handy' — the old gentleman didn't like to use the word 'ambition', so to fit with the Southern Lost Spirit Medium's 'mercy', he chose the term 'handy'.

Very tactful.

Just like the words he told his wife.

That tactfulness was both about concern and a strategy.

He didn't know if his words could be heard by someone now.

But being cautious was never wrong.

Unconsciously, Mr. Gwen moved his boots closer to the brazier.

Dry boots can walk further.

Of course, a firearm, medicine, and provisions are also indispensable.

Walking along the Inland River had too big a target.

And South Los wasn't easy to return to.

So, just in case, taking the land route to the Inner Bay was better.

As for more?

The old gentleman also thought of it, like borrowing a bit of the most basic coins from the surrounding fellow believers.

However, that was the worst-case scenario.

What if such things didn't happen?

What if it pointed in the best direction?

The old gentleman thought in his heart, sipping the hot cocoa and waiting for the news, while signaling his wife to eat more food.

"Those fresh vegetables aren't bad.

Let's make vegetable porridge."

The old gentleman said.

Mrs. Gwen hadn't thought of much more, but had no objection to showing off her culinary skills to her husband pleading.

Watching his wife's silhouette, Mr. Gwen next moment lowered his eyes.

'Need to find a cart, a donkey cart would be best.

Otherwise, Liza might not reach the Inner Bay.

But, too big a target.

The road won't be too safe.

Need to draw in allies?'

Mr. Gwen pondered.

And just then, footsteps appeared outside the tent, followed by a youthful voice —

"Mr. Gwen, the High Priest asks me to inform you, Mr. Grindelwald has arrived."

Suddenly, Mr. Gwen opened his eyes.

Light appeared in his eyes.

The worst didn't happen.

The best did.

If it were the worst, Mr. Grindelwald definitely wouldn't have shown up; it would be the cavalry of Marquess of Ainhars appearing instead.

Involuntarily, the old gentleman let out a breath.

Then, he gulped down the hot cocoa, put on his boots, and walked out.

"Liza, I'll be back in a while."

The old gentleman walked to the tent flap, detoured back, embraced his wife and planted a kiss heavily, received a light slap from his wife, then continued out.

The tent flap fell back down.

Mrs. Gwen, chopping vegetables and rinsing rice, started selecting jerky,

some went into this meal.

The rest was hidden in the luggage.

Her insight wasn't as sharp as her husband's, but she knew her husband's habits.

She understood his reassurance.

The earlier joy, she understood that too.

She knew things will develop for the better.

But, if there are twists and turns?

So she needed to prepare more for her husband.

At any time, being over-prepared can never be wrong.

Thinking this, Mrs. Gwen also hid more salt in the luggage.