CHAPTER 149: CHAPTER 149 - INVITATION?!

The next morning, Logan woke up feeling extremely refreshed.

’’To think I managed to sleep an entire night for once,’’ he mumbled, jumping out of his bed.

Logan glanced at the time. ’Two hours before the people from the Imperial Church get here.’

Without much thought, he freshened up and dressed himself in a comfortable but respectful suit.

’They shouldn’t be here for anything too bothersome,’ he thought, checking his suit in the mirror. ’Most likely just a check-up on how matters stand.’

Confirming everything looked perfect, he opened up his hologram projector and sent messages to Silas and Edric.

"Guess I’ll wait for them to come get me..." he mumbled, switching off his hologram and sinking into the couch.

He closed his eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath.

’I wonder if Livia will be with them,’ he thought, remembering the last time he’d seen her. ’Doubt it, she’s still in university after all.’

After a few minutes, a soft alarm echoed through his room, indicating Silas and Edric’s arrival.

’’Well then,’’ he muttered, standing up. ’’Time to see what these Church people want this time.’’

Unlocking his door, he nodded approvingly at Silas and Edric’s fancy suits.

’’Good,’’ he said, smiling slightly. ’’Have they arrived yet?’’

Edric smiled and shook his head. ’’Not yet, we are expecting them in around twenty more minutes.’’

Logan gave a nod, heading for the elevator. ’’Have all preparations been made for after their arrival?’’

’’Yes,’’ Edric nodded, walking beside him. ’’Several rooms have been prepared in case they want to stay longer and the other necessities, such as the meeting room, have all been readied.’’

’’Wonder what they’re here for,’’ Silas said as he followed them. ’’Never got a good feeling when those slippery people are around.’’

Logan let out a chuckle. ’’I get that sentiment.’’

’’Let’s just hope they aren’t here for long.’’

Edric also smiled, flicking his hologram off.

Once the elevator came to a halt, all three of them stepped out onto the rooftop.

Several employees stood in formation on the rooftop, Garrick at their head, ready to protect Logan if needed.

It wasn’t long before Logan spotted a large, pure-white air shuttle bearing the Church’s golden sigils as it broke through the clouds.

The wind kicked up heavily as the shuttle descended, landing on the rooftop.

Once the shuttle’s engines powered down, a loud click echoed across the rooftop and the hatch began to open.

Logan narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully observing the entrance.

Out walked two lines of Church attendants wearing pure white clothes and veils. They lined themselves up on both sides of the hatch, bowing slightly.

Then, a man in a white robe with seven interlinked gold-colored rings on it walked out. Four armored knights surrounded him, while several clerics carrying black briefcases slowly stepped out behind.

’He was here last time too,’ Logan thought, forcing a smile. ’He called himself the Holy Envoy last time.’

"In the name of the Divine One, bearer of light and balance, we greet you once again, Mr. Mercer," the man said, his voice calm.

Logan gave a courteous nod. "Welcome back to Denver, Holy Envoy. I trust your journey was without incident?"

The Holy Envoy chuckled. ’’Certainly it was. The Divine One guided us through the skies safely.’’

’’Then let’s go somewhere warmer,’’ Logan said, gesturing towards the elevator.

The Holy Envoy gave a single nod and flicked his fingers before stepping forward. The knights and clerics followed closely after him, while the attendants bowed deeply before heading back into the ship.

’Doesn’t seem like Livia is here this time,’ Logan thought, disappointed but not surprised.

"Your city has changed since my last visit," the Envoy remarked as the elevator descended.

Logan glanced at him, forcing his smile. ’’It’s been a busy year.’’

’’I can tell,’’ the Envoy chuckled. ’’The Divine One seems to have blessed you with prosperity, despite the recent... turbulence.’’

Logan’s expression didn’t change. ’’We adapt fast. That’s why we are still here after all.’’

The Envoy’s gaze lingered on him, a flicker of interest in his eyes. ’’Adaptability is a rare gift... but one the Church values in its allies.’’

Before Logan could respond, the elevator doors shifted open, revealing a grand hallway leading to a luxurious meeting room.

’’This way please,’’ Edric said, bowing slightly as he gestured his arms towards the meeting room.

The Holy Envoy gave a nod with a satisfied smile, stepping out of the elevator together with Logan.

His knights exchanged brief looks of surprise before hurrying after them.

Once everyone sat down in the luxurious meeting room, trusted Mercer staff moved around the table, pouring tea and placing porcelain cups in front of each guest.

After the regular staff left, the meeting room went silent, all eyes on Logan and the Holy Envoy.

Logan took a sip of his tea, maintaining the silence for a few seconds.

After placing his cup down on the table, he finally spoke up. ’’So,’’ he said calmly, ’’what exactly will we be discussing today?’’

The Holy Envoy smiled faintly, resting his hands on the table. ’’Before we speak business, Mr. Mercer, the Divine One has blessed you with an opportunity. One we believe could greatly benefit both Mercer Industries and you personally.’’

Logan raised an eyebrow slightly. ’’An opportunity?’’

The Holy Envoy gave a small nod, his smile faint but unreadable. ’’In seven days’ time, the Imperial Church of Seven Virtues will host the Day of Seven Virtues, our holiest celebration...’’

He paused for a moment, smile widening as he spread his arms.

"It is the day when the Seven Virtues themselves walk among the people. A day of blessings, of miracles... and of unity."

Logan kept his expression neutral, though his mind was already turning. "And you’re inviting me to... attend?"

"Attend, yes," the Envoy said with a faint smile, "but also to stand among us. The world will watch as the Seven Virtues are presented, the next generation of leaders introduced, and the Divine One’s blessings are shared with all. You would be seen by every noble, every faction, every citizen on planet Earth."

Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly. "That sounds like more than a simple invitation."

The Envoy gave a slow nod. "We believe the time has come to show the Empire that we stand together against the Holy Cross Guild. And perhaps... the Divine One may even grant a miracle that day.’’

’’...One that will be remembered for centuries."