The carriage of the archbishop of the North Central Diocese did not make Du Wei wait too long, and arrived early the next morning.

The arrival of an archbishop who was in charge of the religious affairs of several provinces naturally caused a shock among the officials of the party. The identity of an archbishop is only higher than that of Du Wei, the duke. What's more, he has mastered the religious affairs of several provinces, has a large amount of financial taxes in his hands every year, and is also in charge of a holy knighthood, and the millions of believers in the diocese may become the future pope.

Such a person does not seem to be as arrogant as Du Wei imagined. It's different from what the mayor said before. There were not many retinues of this archbishop. In fact, Du Wei had expected a convoy to come, but in the morning, there was only one carriage on the dock.

Surrounded by the officials of the day, the archbishop and several of his entourage boarded the ship and met with Du Wei.

The first meeting was still very friendly, this Archbishop Maximus was a very personable old man, wearing a black sè clergyman's robe, it can be seen that he was dressed very plainly, this robe is also old, the corners are square, as if there are some signs of wear. And his silver hair, standing on end, was very clean, with a warm smile on his face, and his eyes were kind. From any point of view, he did not look like an archbishop who was in charge of the affairs of several provinces, but rather a priest in a small religious institute, and an ordinary appearance. The smile is kind and the old man. The only difference is probably his eyes.

His eyes were clear and deep, flashing with the wisdom and jīng that were characteristic of an old man of his age.

"Your Excellency, Duke. Archbishop Maximus owed a slight debt to Du Wei: "First of all, I want to thank you. Thank you for allowing me to take your boat back to dìdū, and thank you for waiting for me here for one night. ”

Du Wei returned the salute with a smile: "You are too polite." Your Excellency the Bishop. It is a privilege to have a guest like you on my ship. And. Stay here for an extra night, and nothing, you see. The scenery on the river bank is very good. ”

After a few pleasantries, the archbishop introduced his attaché.

In fact, as an archbishop of a diocese, it was strange to Dewey. The attaché of Archbishop Maximus was too few. When he came into the boat, he did it except himself. There were only three of them. A coachman, an old man in a clergyman's robe. Probably the episcopal of the same kind of horn sè. There is also a knight in armor. It's just that the knight helped the coachman to carry the run.

Subsequently, Du Wei sent away the officials who saw him off. Welcomed Maximus into his cabin.

"You may be seated. I, Archbishop. Du Wei smiled and asked his men to bring tea. Then he said, "Honestly, you're the highest-ranking clergyman I've ever met." ”

"Oh?" Maximus moved, "Lord Duke." You were born in dìdū. Although His Majesty has rarely appeared in public in recent years, His Majesty still personally presides over the annual temple ceremony. ”

Du Wei shook his head: "No." Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not a temple believer. So I didn't attend the ceremony of the Temple of Light. ”

This Maximus is really very personable, and after hearing this, he didn't show any strange expression, but just smiled casually: "I hope that Lord Duke can enter the arms of God as soon as possible." In the future if you have a change of mind one day. I am willing to baptize you myself. ”

Maximus then introduced Dewey to the other old man beside him: "This is my close assistant and most loyal friend. Fr. Rams is also one of our vicar vicarships of the North Central Diocese. There was a pause. He smiled and said, "We're rushing back to dìdū this time." Take part in the annual temple festival. At the same time, according to tradition, it is necessary to meet His Majesty the Pope and personally report to him on the work he has done in the diocese during the past year. Pity. Our ship broke down, and we had to go ashore temporarily, and I would have taken a few dozen of my retinue with me, but because the speed of the carriage and horses was too slow, I had to leave the carriage and horses and arrive alone in a light carriage. ”

Du Wei nodded, thinking: You are in a hurry to go back to report to work, but also to curry favor with the Pope, and you can have a little more weight in the competition for the position of successor to the Pope in the future, no wonder you are in such a hurry.

But he smiled and said, "Your Excellency, you don't have to worry, there are still many servants on my ship, and you will be treated as the most distinguished guest in my place." I've had a clean cabin cleared for you to rest in. Well, I guess you haven't had breakfast yet, and I've got it ready. ”

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, but the deputy Rams had been faintly uneasy, compared with the demeanor of this Maximus, this deputy Rams seemed a little more obscene, looking like the most ordinary thin old man, with a pair of eyes that were more white and less black, skinny, and his appearance was quite unpleasant.

Looking at Maximus and Du Wei greeting each other, he seemed to stop talking several times.

At this time, a majestic voice came from outside, and when I heard it through the door panel, it was like a muffled thunder.

"Your Excellency, the salute has been made. ”

When Maximus heard this, a sincere smile appeared on his face: "Ah, this is my escort Rhine, Lord Duke, please let him in." ”

With Du Wei's permission, the cabin door was pushed open, and a majestic man walked in from the outside!

Even Du Wei is used to seeing all kinds of fierce generals in the northwest, including Longbottom and Gaida and others under his own command, they are all burly guys, and after going to the Northwest Army, he has also seen many fierce generals under Lu Gao......

But even so, when he saw this Maximus guard for the first time, Du Wei couldn't help but take a deep breath!

This guy ...... Is he really a samurai?

Judging from the visual inspection, this guy named Rhine is at least two meters tall! And I'm afraid he can be called a little giant! Because he is standing in the cabin, his head is just above the ceiling.

He wears the largest set of knight's armor. It is also the style of a knight of the Holy Knights, with a body as thick as a giant bear, as if it is full of an explosive power! And the parts of his bare armor and knotted muscles are far inferior to the so-called "Mr. Bodybuilder" that Du Wei had seen in his previous life. Such a giant...... Du Wei only made a visual inspection, and immediately determined one thing: this guy's arms are definitely thicker than his own thighs! and twice as thick!

Such a monster...... Is he still human?

His appearance is also very strange, with a square face, and the outline is still like a normal person, but his appearance really doesn't look like a human being. Lion's nose and wide mouth. Coupled with the pair of eyes like brass bells, it looks like a lion incarnated as a chéngrén. Plus he has long brown hair. It looks like a lion's mane!

Such a person, if not seen during the day. But if you meet by chance in the middle of the night, it will definitely scare people into weak legs, thinking that they have seen a lion-headed human monster.

He just stopped in the cabin, and the two of Du Wei's guards beside him looked like dwarfs. Moreover, what does Du Wei think. It's as if you can feel it. This guy named Rhine has a pair of eyes. Filled with an indelible taste of wild xìng.

Seeing that Du Wei was looking at his guard, Maximus smiled: "Your Excellency, this is my guard." And my most loyal subordinate, Rhine. I gave him the name Rhine. He has a strange appearance, and his background is also very pitiful. Many years ago, I found him in the wild, and he actually grew up with a group of wild beasts, as if he was abandoned by his parents in the wilderness and raised by wild beasts because of his strange appearance. I saw that he was pitiful, so I took him back to raise him. Now that I think about it, it's been more than ten years. Don't look at him rudely, he is actually a very good boy. ”

After speaking, he looked for his hand, and his face was full of loving expression: "Rhine, salute the Grand Duke of Tulip." ”

"Yes. The sound of thunder was again, and the Rhine immediately knelt down on one knee and performed the most solemn knight's one-knee salute. Seeing him kneeling heavily, Du Wei was even worried that this guy might crack his ship's cabin board if he knelt.

"I've seen Duke Tulip. The thunderous sound almost shook Du Wei's eardrums. Seeing such a mighty and majestic fierce man, Du Wei couldn't help but like it in his heart, and quickly asked him to get up and ask someone to bring a chair for him to sit on. It's just that he's so big, and there's no suitable chair for him to sit in. The ordinary chair was pressed by his buttocks, and it suddenly clicked and shattered.

Looking at Rhine's dazed look, Maximus smiled: "I, a knight, weighs too much more than ordinary people, his weight is five or six times that of ordinary people, and ordinary chairs can't sit on." Lord Duke, let him stand. ”

Du Wei also laughed and said: "I have a dirty relationship with the steppe people in the northwest, and my favorite thing is a fierce general like the Rhein knight, it doesn't matter if you can't sit on the chair!" Then he shouted loudly, and immediately asked people to bring a short collapse, which made this Rhein sit down. Then he sent a prepared meal, and ate with Maximus and the others in the cabin.

It was especially important to have a large barrel of wine and a pot of beef for this Rhine.

Du Wei was most interested in this Rhine, watching Rhine drink happily, a barrel of wine, he casually lifted the huge wooden barrel, grew and widened, grunted a few times, and the thick Adam's apple went up and down, and immediately poured down a small half barrel. After putting the barrel down, he sighed, looked at Du Wei, and smiled innocently: "Thank you! I haven't drunk so much for a long time." ”

Du Wei was stunned: "Why, don't you have any alcohol to drink?" I remember that although the Holy Knight requires penance, he is not afraid of alcohol. ”

Maximos next to him had a sinking face: "Rhine, have you forgotten my words again? Why don't you pray before eating?"

Rhine immediately put down the barrel, and his sturdy face was full of shame: "Yes." ”

Then Maximus, together with the Bishop of Rams, clasped their hands around each other, closed their eyes to the food in front of them and prayed, chanting the words: "Thanks to the gods, I may have food to eat and clothes to wear......

For this kind of prayer, Du Wei did not think so. But looking at the piety on this Maximus's face, it came from the heart, without pretense, and without saying much. Out of politeness, he also put down his knife and fork and waited for them to finish praying.

Finally, when a few people opened their eyes, Du Wei smiled and said, "Lord Bishop, you are too harsh on this knight, such a fierce general, don't you have any wine to drink?"

Maximus smiled bitterly, and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. whispered: "This ...... You don't know, Lord Duke. Rhine is far more burly than ordinary people, and his appetite. It is also amazingly big, the food eaten every day is worth five or six times that of ordinary people, and the amount of alcohol is probably more than ten or twenty times. Although I am an archbishop, my salary is limited, and I don't usually have much money to buy him drinks. ”

When Du Wei heard this, he couldn't help but be surprised.

Salary?

What a joke! Actually living on a salary?

Although Du Wei also knows. For all the official clergy, the temple paid salaries...... But. What is the status of the archbishop? He is a prince under the Church! He is in charge of the finances and the armed forces of the Church in several provinces!

Such people. Say such things to yourself. Did he want to show his integrity? Du Wei had never had a good impression of the people of the Temple of Light. Because in his opinion. These guys are nothing more than some cheaters of money. In the northwest, he knew several temples of the bishops. But they are all full of brains. There is a compassionate look in front of people. Behind the wine and food. The food is the blood and sweat of the ordinary poor people

It's the same about collecting taxes, but handing over the money to the officials is very different from handing it over to these gods. At least Du Wei asked himself that in the northwest, although the official collects taxes, build a bridge today and a road tomorrow. Pingrìli is also in charge of civil affairs. The so-called taxation is taken from the people and used by the people.

But these brains are full of fat sticks. What did you do after collecting the taxes? Just sit in the temple in the warm winter and cool in the summer and pray a few words to the gods, and then take away the blood and sweat of those believers?

But this ...... Archbishop Maximus. But in front of himself, he showed a kind of integrity that was completely different from other gods?

Such a move. Is it true or false?

Du Wei sees. Such people. Either it is a saint who is truly compassionate and morally noble. Either. It's the great jiān of evil!

Looking at Du Wei's expression. The vicar of Rams smiled. This guy not only looks obscene, but also seems to speak sharply and harshly: "Lord Duke." Probably to our temple personnel. I've always been a little prejudiced. I do not deny that in other quarters, there are clergy who are ashamed of their robes. But in the jurisdiction of Archbishop Maximus. Including ourselves. Every clergyman lives strictly according to his own salary. There is absolutely no deficit in the temple religious tax. There is no ugliness of greed and corruption. ”

As he spoke, the Rams Bishop pointed to the jīng delicacies on the plate in front of him and said with a smile: "Today is also thanks to the blessing of the Duke to be able to eat such delicious food." In the religious center, my lunch with Master Maximus was nothing more than a plate of bean stew. ”

There was a strange expression on Du Wei's face, and Rams continued: "As for the wine...... Mistress Maximus has always advocated frugality, wine is a luxury, and a lot of food is wasted to make it. Therefore, in our North Central Diocese, the Bishop has always exhorted those believers not to drink alcohol. ”

Hearing this, Du Wei looked at these guys carefully and began to be a little suspicious, but seeing that the robes on this Maximus and Rams were half-old and not new, and there were many wear and tear. And this Rhine, the armor style on his body is also very old, and even the leather boots under his feet are obviously worn for a long time.

These guys are temporarily taking their own boats, and they have nothing to do with themselves, and if they are fake, there is really no need to disguise them like this in front of themselves.

Moreover, this Rhine is a scheming person at first glance, and definitely does not look like a guy who can lie.

Don't...... Are these temple people really one in a million, truly compassionate and devout?

Thinking of this, Du Wei couldn't help but have a little respect in his heart, and asked someone to send a barrel of wine up, and said with a smile: "In this case, on my plate today, let this Rhein knight have a good drink." ”

But this Rhine, after drinking a barrel, honestly put down the barrel and said solemnly: "Thank you, Lord Duke, but ...... A bucket is enough. I'm in charge of keeping the godfather safe. Don't dare to get drunk. ”

Godfather?

Du Wei glanced at Maximus, who smiled slightly: "Hmm." That's right, I raised this child since he was a child. I have officially baptized him. He has recognized me as his godfather. ”

Du Wei nodded. Looking at this Rhine, my heart suddenly moved. His eyes fell on the knight's badge on his chest, and he couldn't help but be a little stunned.

Hussein beside Du Wei was originally the chief knight of the Holy Knights, and Hussein had already told Du Wei how to identify the various rank symbols of the Holy Knight identity badge.

Generally speaking. The Holy Knight wears two badges on his chest, one symbolizing the official knightly rank badge issued by the Knights' Guild, and the other representing the knighthood badge of the Holy Order.

But this Rhine's chest. But there is no badge of the Knights' Guild...... That is, he does not have a formal knightly rank?

And even his only badge that symbolizes the status of a holy knight...... Judging by Hussein's badge level that he told Du Wei. The badge on the Rhine's chest is among the ranks of the Holy Knights. The lowest one!

A "Alternate Holy Knight" badge!

Alternate?

Other words. Such a giant. It's not even an official Holy Knight. It's just a waitlist.

Dewey is not a fool based on his appearance. Of course, I don't think that this guy is big, so he must be powerful.

But. This Maximus dared to take such a guard on the road. This can be determined. This Rhine must have the ability to sè.

It's just that. One...... Alternate Knight?

Du Wei's heart moved, and he deliberately asked: "Since Rhine is a holy knight. Then he should also have a salary. I've heard. The Church treats the Holy Knights with great privilege. So it seems. Isn't there any money to drink in the Rhine Knights?"

Rams seemed to be a very good observer, and when he heard this, he laughed and said, "This...... Rhine was not yet an official Holy Knight, and he only put up a name for the convenience of following the Bishop. ”

Maximus smiled and said lightly: "Rhine has been following me for a long time. I don't want him to leave me. You know, Lord Duke, if you want to become a true Holy Knight. You're going to leave me and go to the Knights' headquarters for rigorous training. This child hasn't left me since he came to me 10 years ago. I was reluctant to let him go. So. It's just a name for him. ”

There was a pause. He smiled again: "And." Rhine really didn't practice any martial arts and swordsmanship, and he relied on nothing more than brute force. I'll tell you the truth. He until now. I can't even do basic swordsmanship. So. I'm afraid he's going to go to the Holy Knight training. Most of the time it doesn't work. Rams said yes. Let him hang up as an alternate knight. And just to be by my side. It's just nominally convenient. ”

Here it is. Du Wei didn't want to ask any more. A few people casually chatted about some northwest scenery and some things under the diocese.

After the meal. Du Wei was about to send them back to the cabin to rest, when suddenly the old smoke outside walked in, his face was a little wrong, and after entering the door, he said, "Lord Duke...... Above the river in front. Something quirky. ”

"What's wrong?"

Old Yan hesitated. Du Wei said: "Let's just say it." ”

"Yes!" Lao Yan said solemnly: "The front section is the narrowest part of the river, and there is a big boat in the middle of the river to block our way. We waved the flag and went over. Let them get out of the way. They replied that the ship was broken. ”

"Can't you get around it?" said Du Wei frowned.

"Your Excellency. Lao Yan took a deep breath: "Their ship is not small. And it's across the river. Also laid down a couple of small boats around, our flag bearer told me. They said they were going to have small boats carry the cargo from the big ships to shore. But that's it. The river was blocked, and we couldn't cross it. Moreover, I think those little boats have weird ...... I've slowed people down. Command your brothers to be on guard. Look what weirdness they do. ”

Du Wei snorted, and he didn't see any joy or anger, but just glanced at Maximos and the others around him.

Really. That Rams's face immediately changed, but Maximus looked calm, just glanced at Du Wei, and then sighed: "Lord Duke, it seems that we have caused you trouble." ”

"Trouble?" Du Wei smiled.

Maximus looked a little embarrassed, and muttered: "In this case, Lord Duke, please stop the boat, and then give us a small boat, and we will go ashore." This matter is coming at us, your status is noble, it is better not to be involved. ”

As soon as he said this, Du Wei also muttered in his heart: "What did the bishop say...... As the archbishop of the diocese, does anyone dare to openly intercept you on the way? Is it the Pope's order?"

Bishop Rams snorted: "How could His Majesty the Pope do such a thing! Hmph, Your Majesty has always appreciated our Bishop...... It's just ......"

Speaking of this, Maximus coughed, and Rams quickly closed his mouth.

"Lord Duke, please give us a boat and let us go ashore. Maximus looked sincere: "This is an internal matter of our temple, and if you are involved, it will cause you big trouble." I thank you for letting us get on the boat, but I don't like to let you get into this kind of thing. ”

After speaking, he shouted at Rhine: "Rhine, those guys came the day before yesterday, let's get ready to leave." ”

"Yes, Godfather, you wait here, I'll go out and take care of them first!!" the giant man heard this, and immediately threw away one of the ox legs in his hand, stood up, and was about to go out.

Lao Yan looked at Du Wei and waited for Du Wei to give an order.

Du Wei looked at Maximus, and then at Old Smoke.

That's right, I really don't need to be involved in this kind of thing......

However, when they were on their own boat, they drove them off the ship when something came to them...... If that's the case, how will I be a dignified Duke of Tulip in the future?

Besides...... It seems that it is probably the temple infighting?

Infighting...... It's so good!

Thinking of this, Du Wei said expressionlessly: "Your Excellency, please sit down." Since he is on my ship, he is my honored guest. Tulips are not a great person, but they are not just a coward. ”

Then Du Wei also stood up and ordered Lao Yan: "Go, raise my tulip flag! I want to see who dares to intercept my boat on the road!"

After Lao Yan went out, Du Wei glanced deeply at Maximus and said in a deep voice: "Your Excellency, you don't have to say anything about getting off the boat! Since you are on my ship, whether you get off the ship or not, I can't avoid this trouble." In any case, you are my guest on my ship, and if my guest is damaged in my dish, will my Tulip Duke still be a human being in the future?"

Then, he took two steps closer and whispered, "I think you should need to tell me something about the trouble." ”

A trace of gratitude flashed in Maximus's eyes, and then he let out a long sigh, and did not directly answer Du Wei's words, but said as if lightly:

"His Majesty the Pope's health has been getting worse and worse in the past two years......"

This seemed to have nothing to do with Du Wei's question, but when Du Wei heard it, he suddenly realized something, and his face seemed to smile, and then he turned his head to look at Rams, and asked incomprehensibly: "Is it from the south?"

Rams hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, "It should be the Southeast Parish." ”

When Du Wei heard this, his heart was a little calmer, and he soon had an idea.

Is there infighting in the church?

Since that's the case, this matter, if you let me hide, I won't hide!

He deliberately showed anger on his face, and said loudly: "The people of the southeastern parish have actually stretched out their hands to the north! Do you really think that there is no one in our north!"

With that, Du Wei had already strode out of the cabin.