The carriage rolled slowly down the boulevard of the noble district, bathed in the soft glow of the artificial sun.

I sat on the left side of the carriage cabin, while Father Sir occupied the center. I was so bored from sitting that my bottom ached, but he remained perfectly still.

I didn't dare talk to him, and the atmosphere was stifling. I had no choice but to turn and gaze out the window at the scenery.

Naturally, the noble district boasted an elegant layout, with green trees and blooming flowers lining both sides, alongside nobles' courtyards. Those of status had servant gardeners arrange small yet exquisitely beautiful gardens.

Within the city, private lands weren't large. Neglecting them made you seem a declining noble; overdoing luxury labeled you a nouveau riche. Thus, tasteful garden care was an art form.

Most Holy Clerics of the Breath of the Sun Church planted special sunflowers and heliotropes in their courtyards. These Church-bred flowers absorbed sunlight, converting it into Divine Power that permeated the grounds.

Our family was no exception. Personally, my only impression of those precious sunflowers was that their seeds tasted delicious.

Now, we arrived before a grand mansion similarly filled with these sunflowers. Its courtyard and house style instantly marked it as a high-ranking Breath of the Sun residence.

I'd visited here before—it was Supreme Bishop Corlmo's home. He oversaw Divine Edicts and descents, and was Father Sir's closest ally in the Church. Rumor said they initially clashed but became sworn brothers on the battlefield.

Bishop Corlmo waited at the door. He looked like an elderly nobleman, but as a commoner by birth, he disliked pomp. Beaming, he walked up to open the carriage door himself.

"Bol, you're finally here! I've waited a while. Come, join me for a late-night snack first. Ah, Vald, you're lucky tonight—you'll be blessed by the Lord."

As he spoke, he helped me down from the carriage.

"Yes, good evening, Bishop Corlmo."

His enthusiasm flustered me. Blushing, I bowed respectfully.

I understood why he and Father Sir didn't get along at first. This old scoundrel was Father Sir's opposite. Both wore bishop robes, yet Father Sir looked majestic while he resembled a swindling charlatan.

Soon, we sat at the dining table. Maids served light tea snacks for the late-night meal. I ate politely. Bishop Corlmo, however, grabbed pastries and stuffed them in his mouth while talking.

"Last time, I told you to do it this way, but you refused. Now you must beg those two old stick-in-the-muds. It's not worth it. If you'd agreed, I had a ready spot."

"I don't want to either, but circumstances changed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought him."

"I wanted to give Weihui a spot. I had high hopes for her. But your brat proved capable. Now he must take it to lay low."

They spoke of things I didn't grasp. An opportunity meant for my sister had fallen to me?

"Seriously, Bol, it's not too late. Ask for Weihui too. Begging once or twice is the same—save no face. Or reserve one next time."

"Give it to Weihui? What about my family? I only have two children."

"Oh, right. Wait—bring Mistflower here."

He called a maid. Soon, a young man was brought in.

I saw he was dressed properly but clearly uncomfortable. His walk and sitting were awkward—he knew no noble etiquette, a commoner.

"This is my nephew. His family suffered misfortunes; he has no one left. He's my candidate this time. Bol, look after him later. Mistflower, greet him!"

"Bishop Bol, it's an honor to meet you."

Mistflower stood up flustered to bow.

"Of course, I'd help anyway. He's a fine lad."

Father Sir glanced at him. "This snack is enough. Shall we see the item now?"

"Alright, still impatient. This time, I have something amazing—guaranteed to shock you. Come."

Father Sir seemed confused but followed him into a large room.

The room held no furniture. Two boxes sat in the center.

Bishop Corlmo gestured at one box. Divine runes danced around it. With a click, it opened.

Pure white radiance shone out. Inside lay a white, spherical crystal.

Clatter! Father Sir's Scepter fell to the ground. He rushed forward to stare at the crystal.

"Th-this... fifth-tier! Impossible!"

Rarely had Father Sir lost his composure like this.

"Hahaha, scared you? I knew it!"

"Hard to scare you. I kept it secret for days. Those old fogeys dropped their jaws. Hahaha, imagining your faces!"

Father Sir ignored him, staring intently at the crystal as if piercing it with his gaze.

"So, Our Lord nearly digested the spoils? I recall the God of Light's highest was only fifth-tier."

"Correct. Last month, Our Lord's Divine Edict said His power would ascend soon. I tried—and succeeded. I spent all my merits. Now, when you aim for Pope, no competition from me."

Father Sir ignored the joke. Solemnly, he bowed bishop-style to the crystal.

"May Our Lord's radiance shine upon the world."

"May Our Lord's radiance shine upon the world. Stop dawdling, Vald. Come here."

I'd been dazed since entering. Involuntarily, I walked forward.

"Wait!" Father Sir's shout startled me. "You want to give this to Vald?"

"Yes! Prepared specially for you. A grand gift."

"You're insane!" Veins bulged on his forehead. "Fifth-tier for Vald? Are you mad? I absolutely cannot accept this."

"What? For you, I brought this treasure. Refusing shames me. It's here—you can't back out. 'Better to obey than be polite.' Accept it."

Father Sir looked torn. He thought a moment.

"Still no. Giving it to him wastes a treasure. I brought him to lay low. This thrusts him into the spotlight."

Bishop Corlmo blushed.

"Oh dear, my oversight. But what now? The item's here; Our Lord awaits results. We can't refuse."

Divine runes surged from Father Sir's hand, projecting onto the other box. It opened, revealing another white crystal.

"Third-tier. Good. Slightly high, but suitable for Vald. Fifth-tier for your nephew. I'll remember this favor."

"Well... alright, so be it."

They reached an agreement. Leading us two young men to the boxes, I knew this might change my life forever.