CHAPTER 473: CHAPTER 241 BROKEN ISLAND CHAIN/SOUTHERN CROSS

Balazs would occasionally share information he knew about certain people in the Four Divine Seas. Based on these names, Alka and the others would recall intelligence they had gathered while in the Four Divine Seas. Learning about the pasts of these legendary figures made their exchange more enjoyable.

After all, Balazs himself was just a minor figure, with only a little fame in this small area. Learning about the legendary pasts of those distant figures, who seemed like characters from a storybook, intrigued him and felt novel.

The exchange between the two parties was extremely pleasant.

Laughter could be heard from the house from time to time.

The conversation continued until over half the food on the table was in Pororo’s stomach.

Only then did they prepare to say goodbye.

"It’s been a pleasure talking to all of you. You’re truly hard-to-find friends. If you plan to leave this island, remember to come to Southern Cross Island. It’s important to have a clear destination."

As he spoke, Balazs waved his hand, and a male member standing behind him stepped forward and handed something to him.

Balazs took it and handed it to Alka.

"A little gift. Don’t refuse. It’s important for you, but it’s not unusual for us, just a token."

Looking at the item wrapped in cloth in his hand, Alka nodded and did not decline.

Since he said so, it must be something helpful. To refuse further would be too insincere.

"Thank you. We will always remember your kindness."

"Haha, we’re friends now. Helping friends is only natural."

Hearing this, Alka also smiled.

"Indeed, that was my bad, haha."

"It’s already late. Thank you very much for your hospitality. We’ll take our leave now."

Balazs didn’t insist on them staying, smiling as he nodded, "Of course, if there’s a chance, do come to Southern Cross Island, and we’ll meet again."

"We surely will. May the Holy Mother bless you."

Alka crossed his arms over his chest and said.

"May the Holy Mother bless you all too," Balazs replied in kind.

Then Alka and the others left, heading towards the port.

Even after Alka and the others had left the house, Balazs stood there with his hands behind his back, seemingly lost in thought.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?" the first mate who had been standing behind him asked.

"As expected of people from the Four Divine Seas, they’re truly impressive."

"Impressive?" The first mate scratched his head, somewhat confused.

He really hadn’t seen anything impressive about Alka or his companions. Though, these people certainly had a way with words.

Balazs glanced at him sideways.

"If you could see through it, you’d be the captain, wouldn’t you?"

"I really look forward to our next meeting to see how long you’ll take."

With that, he left the room.

Watching his captain’s back, the first mate sneered.

"Putting on the captain’s airs again."

...

At this time, Alka and the others, having bid farewell, walked the streets of the town, the cool night breeze blowing.

"What do you think of that Balazs?" Alka suddenly asked.

"He’s not a true believer of the Holy Mother. He was just pretending," Chadite suddenly said.

"Why do you say that?" Alka was slightly surprised. He truly hadn’t seen through that.

After all, Balazs had merely crossed his arms and performed the Holy Mother’s gesture.

"When he crossed his arms in prayer for the Holy Mother’s blessing, he didn’t receive it," Chadite explained.

"Huh?" Alka let out a puzzled sound.

What did that mean? Could a random gesture praying for the Holy Mother’s blessing truly result in her blessing? And could one actually tell?

Even Simon beside him looked at her with some surprise.

Isn’t this a very common thing? How could one conclude from this that Balazs wasn’t a believer of the Holy Mother?

Chadite explained, "I used to be a preparatory Saintess of the Church, you know that, right? I was close to becoming a Saintess."

Alka nodded. Chadite was being modest. She could indeed have become a Saintess; she just didn’t want to bear the so-called responsibilities of one.

Then he silently grumbled in his heart: If it weren’t for the punch you gave the Archbishop, maybe you’d still be a preparatory Saintess now.

This somehow reminded him of Chadite’s dark past.

But it also indirectly proved that Chadite truly had once been a core member of the Church.

"I don’t know about other deities, but as long as you truly cross your arms and sincerely believe in the Holy Mother, you will receive her blessing during prayer."

"It’s just that this blessing is invisible to you and quite subtle, but it’s very obvious to clergy members. So back in the Homeland Sea, many who didn’t believe in the Holy Mother would just fake it, and many clergy members turned a blind eye. When a true believer in the Holy Mother needed help, the clergy would not hesitate to assist."

Hearing this, Alka finally understood and nodded.

Simon, standing next to him, said with some envy, "Is the Holy Mother really that merciful?"

This was something a follower of the Holy Machine Church wouldn’t even dare to think. How could it be possible to casually make a gesture, pray to a deity, ask for a blessing, and truly receive it?

Alka knew nothing of these things.