In the name of the true god

The answer to this question is not difficult to obtain.

Jude himself came with a purpose.

Montorus Men's Heavy Duty Prison is unique in that it is the only prison in the entire Kingdom of Florence, and even in the whole world, that holds "heretics".

and so.

Judging others by one's own standards, the fact that one would forgo a comfortable life to work at the capital's heavy prison suggests that one is only after these "heretics."

Could it be that Connor is also "one of us"?

His claim that he came to work at the capital's heavy prison was to rescue his fellow human beings?

That's not right...

How could a heretic become a priest?

These two are naturally opposed.

Otherwise, the Church wouldn't need to remain wary of the wizards and resonance sorcerers involved in the defection, nor would it need to swiftly execute high-ranking "heretics." Why not simply appoint these recruited "heretics" as priests, subjecting them to constant divine supervision? Wouldn't that ensure complete peace of mind?

Surely Connor couldn't simply be trying to suppress "heretics," could he?

What untold deep-seated hatred does he have with the entangled wizards and resonance sorcerers?

"Mr. Steele," Jude asked after a moment's thought, "do you know why my brother came to work at the Royal Capital Heavy Prison?"

"He said he wanted to stay in the capital to develop his career, and that the prison environment was secluded, so working there wouldn't attract attention. If I went with him, I could try to persuade the family to back down," Steele said. "Later, I felt it was actually quite feasible, so I did as he suggested."

"Just to stay in the capital and develop your career?"

"Yes."

"Was it his own initiative to become a priest, or was it arranged by you?"

"He wanted to climb higher in prison. But... he lacked experience, had no special skills, and was very young. My patronage alone wouldn't be enough to command respect, so I thought of recommending him to become a priest, which would make the appointment of the warden more justifiable. He agreed, and then it all fell into place—second-level warden, then first-level warden..." Steele sighed, "To be honest, this is the thing I regret most. Now that he's under the church's jurisdiction, he can't just leave with me..."

That's really tricky.

The pressure from the family was imminent, and the shackles of the Holy Church were impossible to break free from.

Connor's decision to stay and work at the prison, suggesting that Steele take over the family's arrangements, was indeed the best option they could make at the moment.

"You want me to..."

Steele leaned forward and said earnestly, "If he's willing to leave, and with my family lobbying on his behalf, the church still has a good chance of giving us face. So, I'd like you to persuade him to resign from the church, at least to take that first step."

Should I do my own ideological work with Connor?

Jude really had little confidence that he could persuade them.

But then I thought, why did Connor voluntarily come to work at the Royal Capital Heavy Prison? And why was he so determined to stay?

Since I'm carrying out a request from my brother and sister-in-law Steele, I should be able to openly and honestly ask him for clarification: "I'll give it a try."

"Thank you for your hard work," Steele said, pulling a check from her inner pocket. "Keep this money. If you want to stay in the capital, you can buy some property. As long as you don't squander it, it should be enough for you to live on for a while..."

Jude looked at the amount on the check.

Many zeros.

It seems to be... 100,000 gold!

How long would that be equivalent to working as a stevedore at the dock?

No, I can't figure it out...

"No need." Jude steadied himself and pushed the check back. "It's what I should do, and besides... I might not be able to persuade him."

"These are two different things," Steele insisted. "You don't need to feel pressured. It would be best if you could persuade him, but if you can't, I'll think of another way."

Jude still refused the money: "Have you forgotten what you said before?"

"What did you say?"

"We are a family."

Emotional Steele's eyes reddened, and not wanting to lose his composure in front of Jude, he got up and left, choking back tears as he said, "Please, Jude."

After seeing Steele to the door and watching him walk away wiping away his tears, Jude leaned against the doorframe with one hand, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

The situation is becoming increasingly complicated.

Another group of their kind was arrested, and their leader, a fourth-rank wizard, could be executed at any time.

The Descent of Gods has been slow to formulate a reliable plan to carry out the rescue.

Warden Melanie was convinced that the Church faction was deliberately releasing prisoners to put pressure on the Royalists.

Connor, the older brother, and Steele, the "brother and sister-in-law," also ran into problems.

I……

What can we possibly do...?

Jude asked himself this question.

It's 7 p.m.

The sky was almost completely dark.

Jude drove to the prison, changed into his uniform in the guards' temporary break room, and was about to go out to see his brother Connor when Melanie blocked his way.

"Is there something you need?" he asked.

Melanie crossed her arms and walked into the lounge: "Connor didn't say why he couldn't help me?"

Jude closed the door, turned around and replied, "Firstly, he doesn't want to get involved in this mess, and secondly, he doesn't have the energy to help you."

"Name your terms," ​​Melanie said, not giving up easily. "As long as I can do it."

"It's no use telling me this." Jude couldn't make the decision for Connor.

"Just pass on my message."

Seeing Melanie's persistence, Jude asked in bewilderment, "Since you haven't been demoted and have suffered almost no loss, why completely break ties with the church faction?"

"You're treating me like a tool to be used at will. Today I'm a scapegoat, but what about tomorrow? My dignity and career will be trampled underfoot. You expect me to put up with this? Ha, I don't have that kind of temper." Melanie wasn't intimidated by the church faction's background.

"Understood." Jude nodded.

Melanie's temper is indeed explosive.

But knowing she was not someone to be trifled with, the fact that they still made a fuss about the ordinary prison ward she was in charge of shows that the church didn't take her seriously at all.

Melanie was well aware of this, which made her even more intolerant.

"Of course, I have another consideration," Melanie said. "Steel should be leaving soon, right?"

Jude did not reveal: "I don't know."

"After he leaves, who do you think should fill the vacant deputy warden position?"

"You want to be the deputy warden?"

"If it were before, I might not have been qualified. But as long as I can prove that the breakout from the ordinary prison block was the work of the church faction, the position of deputy warden is mine for the taking," Melanie said confidently.

Why?

After a moment's thought, Jude had his answer.

It's not that Melanie has erased her professional stains; her resume is simply more impressive than that of the other first-class wardens.

Rather, she made her stance clear, signaling her willingness to confront the church faction head-on.

Compared to other first-class wardens who preferred to protect themselves and avoid getting caught up in the vortex of the two factions, the royalists in the prison clearly needed someone like Melanie who dared to "charge into battle."

and so.

If she can prove that the prison break was carried out by the church faction, the position of deputy warden will most likely be hers.

Jude reassessed the situation.

If Steele really leaves, and Connor follows, Connor's connections in prison will be wiped out instantly.

Planning ahead and befriending Melanie beforehand, and helping her become the deputy warden, might prevent him from finding himself isolated and helpless.

that……

help?