Chapter 121: The Elders and Fellow Villagers

He looked nothing like an old man; rather, he resembled Father Barin, an old acquaintance of Lin Qi’s. Father McGregor swiftly snatched the gold ticket from Lin Qi’s hand and examined it closely. With practiced fingers, he traced the special markings etched upon the ticket, then inhaled the faint, fragrant scent of the unique ink. Satisfied, he nodded and smiled warmly at Lin Qi. “God will bless you.”

Lin Qi bowed deeply, his voice humble and respectful. “May the light of God shine upon us all.”

Father McGregor’s smile grew even brighter. From within his sleeve, he produced a small crucifix badge carved from ancient oak wood and handed it to Lin Qi. Lin Qi’s eyes flickered with interest. The badge was no larger than a baby’s fist, its craftsmanship simple yet weighty, and it emitted a strange, profound white glow—as if a deep, radiant light seeped from within. Holding it, he could feel a subtle yet pure power contained within.

A black silk cord was attached to the badge. After a moment’s thought, Lin Qi hung it around his neck and bowed again to Father McGregor in thanks. He sensed that the power emanating from the badge was of the same source as the faint white light surrounding the priest. It was clear that Father McGregor had crafted the badge himself.

Though Father McGregor’s strength was modest, he was evidently a man of unwavering faith. His divine power was weak, yet of exceptional quality and purity. Such a crucifix, forged by a devout clergyman, possessed various wondrous effects. Lin Qi knew he must wear it at all times—at the very least, the dreaded encounters with ghosts in the dead of night would likely no longer trouble him.

Father McGregor chuckled as he slipped the gold ticket back into his sleeve. He raised both hands in delight and cheerfully chatted with Lin Qi and Enzo about everyday matters.

One thousand gold coins were but a trifle in Dunkirk, where idle aristocrats might squander tens of thousands on a single meal or card game. The real nobles in power could lose hundreds of thousands in a single wager. Yet, in the simple town of Lightford, one thousand gold coins was an immense fortune.

For instance, the modest timber-framed chapel Father McGregor tended could be completely renovated come spring, transformed from fragile wood to solid stone, with its size tripling at least.

At present, the church housed only a prayer hall, a confessional, and a small courtyard where Father McGregor lived. With this sum, the prayer hall could be expanded, the confessional made more solemn, and additional functional buildings added. Even the priest’s modest courtyard could be enlarged with several rooms to accommodate more residents.

With the church’s growth, Father McGregor could petition the higher clergy to assign three to five young priests to Lightford, thereby greatly amplifying the church’s influence. The light of God would then shine upon many more humble souls.

This thousand gold coins represented a tremendous opportunity for Father McGregor and his chapel. Without hesitation, he gifted the crucifix badge he had worn since joining the clergy to Lin Qi. Though unsaid, the meaning behind this gesture was unmistakable.

After speaking with Father McGregor for a solid ten minutes, Lin Qi and Enzo hoisted their cases and entered the town. Father McGregor watched their tall, upright figures with a smile, rubbing his slightly reddened nose. “That little rascal Enzo has found good friends. Hmm, God will bless you both. Come spring, I’ll need to find a reliable crew to help me rebuild the church!”

Clutching six bottles of rum, Father McGregor hummed a hymn as he stepped into the small chapel. In that moment, his heart brimmed with satisfaction and joy. For a simple, humble priest like him, a thousand gold coins was more than enough to fulfill his dreams.

Lightford was neither large nor small, with a population of five to six thousand. Over three thousand lived in the town center, the rest scattered among the surrounding hills, farmlands, grasslands, and forests. The town’s heart was marked by two intersecting main streets—Lightford’s busiest and most prosperous area.

As Lin Qi and Enzo trudged through the snow along the main street, their footsteps crunching loudly, curious townsfolk peered out from windows and doorways. Some greeted Enzo with mere nods, while others came warmly to meet him.

Those who regarded Enzo coldly, their eyes tinged with jealousy, were residents of well-maintained homes, their clothes neat and new. By contrast, those who welcomed him enthusiastically were plainly dressed in worn, patched garments, their homes small and dilapidated.

Before long, a dozen middle-aged men and women gathered around Enzo, greeting him warmly and asking why he hadn’t returned to Lightford for the New Year. Several snot-nosed children clung to his legs, babbling excitedly.

Enzo’s usually stern, icy expression melted instantly. He answered the adults’ questions eagerly, his hands gently ruffling the children’s heads. Setting down the large case from his shoulder, he produced fine firewood, sausages, and fragrant wine, distributing them generously.

“Uncle, auntie, these are small gifts from me. Take them, please. Surely you won’t refuse a gift from Enzo?”

The adults accepted the offerings gratefully, without pretense. When Enzo pulled out a large bag filled with milk and cocoa candies, the children burst into cheers. Enzo laughed heartily as he handed out the sweets, their joy erupting like fervent worshipers greeting a divine presence. Their laughter shattered the quiet of Lightford.

Especially when Enzo produced handfuls of gleaming silver coins, distributing them among the children, not only the kids but also the adults smiled nervously and happily. Their faces flushed with delight and a shy unease, overwhelmed by Enzo’s generosity.

Enzo had not given the children much—this was not the imperial capital nor Dunkirk. Each child received only five silver coins, but in Lightford, even five silver coins were valuable. Had he given them gold coins instead, it might have brought unwanted trouble.

Laughter and joy filled the air as Enzo, accompanied by the crowd, visited the homes of those who had once fed and clothed him, distributing the gifts he had brought.

Today, Lightford was destined to be a town filled with laughter.