Chapter 857 Request
"No, not this time." Lin Wuming shook his head and refused Fanqi Lize's self-recommendation—the oddly dressed man, the flame-shaped long sword; the characteristics were already very obvious: Itsuwa, the acting Pope of the Amakusa-style Cross Rosicrucian.
That guy isn't an enemy, so there's no need to hire another bodyguard...
"Alright then... Our will head back first." Fanqi Lize wasn't surprised; she had only mentioned it casually and never expected Lin Wuming to hire her.
After all, Lin Wuming's "Unnamed Faction" is itself one of Academy City's largest violent organizations. For combat-related tasks, they have more than enough internal capacity, so there's no need to trouble others unless they're looking for cannon fodder.
"Then... Our will withdraw first," Fanqi Lize said, waving her hand. "See you later, Lin Wuming-dono."
"Goodbye, Unnamed Senior." Tsurigane Saryou bid Lin Wuming farewell individually before leaving with her companions.
The Corpse Eater Squad members are now experienced Anbu, so they instinctively realized that a deeper secret was hidden behind this commission—something beyond the reach of minor characters like them. To avoid getting embroiled in trouble, the best strategy was, of course, to leave quickly and escape the predicament.
"Sister Orsola Aquinas." Lin Wuming looked at the black-haired nun who remained.
The latter also carefully observed Lin Wuming, seemingly comparing him to the image in her memory.
"Mr. Lin... Lin Wuming?" After a moment of hesitation, she called out somewhat uncertainly.
"It's me," Lin Wuming nodded, then added, "For some reason, I'm not using a wheelchair today."
The nun's expression suddenly showed realization: "...I see."
She had been hesitant to confirm because she felt that the man she saw before her was somewhat different from the one in her intel, and it turned out a crucial Item was missing.
"He really doesn't know her..." Koura muttered to himself, his expression crestfallen, as if his world had collapsed.
Lin Wuming paid no attention to his reaction and continued to ask the nun in front of him: "Sister Orsola, why did you specifically come to find me?"
"I..." Orsola hesitated again. "I want to seek your protection. I am currently being pursued by the Roman Orthodox Church, and because Cross Religion forces cannot enter Academy City, so..."
Koura, standing nearby, turned even paler upon hearing this—Cross Religion, forces, pursuit...
With those keywords, as a middle-level cadre managing border defenses, how could he not know that this seemingly young and beautiful nun was actually a huge source of trouble!
—When she came for help yesterday, she didn't mention she had pursuers, and even 'forces'-level pursuers!
Otherwise, no matter how bold Koura was, he wouldn't have dared to unilaterally decide to bring in such a source of trouble!
Shirai Kuroko also rolled her eyes—the fact that this woman was troublesome didn't come as a surprise, after all, nothing Unnamed Senior got involved in was ever not troublesome.
However, their reactions further confirmed that Unnamed Senior and this nun truly didn't know each other.
Because he already knew the relevant plot, Lin Wuming wasn't surprised in the slightest. Instead, he felt that Sister Orsola was quite frank, not wasting words and directly stating that she came to seek protection.
"But why did you think to come to me?" Lin Wuming asked again. "We don't know each other, do we?"
"..." There was another brief silence; Sister Orsola's reaction seemed a bit slow. "Because the Roman Orthodox Church's power is vast, with followers all over the world. The only place I can think of without Roman Orthodox Church influence is Academy City. And in Academy City... the only name I know is Mr. Lin Wuming."
More accurately, among those with sufficient strength and influence to protect her, only Lin Wuming was an option.
In any case, from the information obtained from Orsola Aquinas, it was clear that Lin Wuming had at least had contact with the Cross Religion. Although his dealings were mostly with the British Puritan Church, it at least meant he had some understanding of the Cross Religion.
"I see..." Lin Wuming nodded. "If you're seeking protection, I can find a place for you to stay for a day or two. However, for a longer period, I cannot make the decision myself; I would need to consult with Chairman Aleister."
As he spoke, Lin Wuming pointed in the direction of the No Window Building.
If it were a matter between nations, Orsola Aquinas's actions would be more akin to seeking political asylum, as it involved the complex relationship between the two major factions of the "Science Side" and the "Magic Side."
Given Lin Wuming's current strength and position... he wasn't entirely unable to make the decision, but it would indeed be very troublesome. He would not only have to deal with pressure from the Roman Orthodox Church but also face inquiries from the Board of Directors.
Therefore, it would be better to leave such matters for Chairman Aleister to decide.
Although Lin Wuming only guaranteed "two days of shelter," Orsola Aquinas showed no disappointment; instead, she looked surprised.
"You... you are willing to offer me protection?"
"Just for a day or two," Lin Wuming said. "I can still make decisions for matters of this degree."
Seeing Lin Wuming make such a decision so casually, Koura couldn't help but let his imagination run wild—rumor has it that Chairman Aleister intends to make Lin Wuming the Vice Chairman; it seems it's not entirely groundless!
"...Gao Ping-sensei!"
A voice suddenly called his name, and Koura jolted awake, quickly regaining his composure: "What did you say, Lin Wuming-dono!"
Lin Wuming asked, "Things here are settled. Now you can tell me what you need."
"Huh?" Koura looked confused. "What do I... need?"
Lin Wuming nodded: "You went to great lengths to bring Sister Orsola in and even paid out of your own pocket to hire Anbu. You're not doing this purely out of kindness, are you?"
"It could also be out of kindness..." Koura wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Ever since he realized he might be embroiled in major trouble, he had no interest in trying to curry favor with the Nameless Board Member. He would be thankful enough just to avoid being held accountable and prosecuted...
"Oh, that's right," Koura suddenly remembered and quickly said, "There is something, something I really want to ask of Lin Wuming-dono!"
"Speak," Lin Wuming nodded, then added, "Of course, don't mention anything that violates the law or public order and morals."
"This..." Koura looked troubled, but he couldn't afford to worry about that now. "It might indeed be a little illegal... It's about me making the decision on my own to bring in Sister Orsola this time. Please, you must forgive me and not hold me accountable!"
