New Gods of North America

To be honest, Wayne hadn't expected to witness the warships of this world at this time.

The size of ships in this era should theoretically be inferior to those modern steel behemoths, but Wayne had only ever seen pictures of large ships online, knowing what they looked like but never seeing the real thing.

So when he arrived at the harbor and saw this warship with several layers of decks and many unopen cannon ports, his first impression was—this thing is really big.

Getting closer, he had to 'look up' to see it.

Lina, who had only wanted to hitch a ride to the city but was inexplicably brought to this strange place, seemed rather indifferent to it:

"Why are you still using all-wooden warships? And without a smokestack, it shouldn't be very fast, right?"

Tsk,

No need to argue with a worldly foreigner like her.

Lina's comment made Wayne realize that this sailing ship seemed a bit outdated.

Even people from a small town in the West knew that America already had steamships. This ship looked half-new, suggesting that the navy was probably in a transition phase.

After getting off the carriage, the friar who led the way saw Wayne curiously examining the ship and gave him a simple introduction while leading him onto the ship:

"This offshore warship was decommissioned from the navy. It is said that it originally carried 20 ship-borne cannons. After being managed by the church, the corresponding military facilities were dismantled. Now it is mainly used to train sailors and sometimes provides convenience for bishops traveling to and from St. George's Cathedral."

So it was a retired warship...

That's not surprising. Although America isn't a strong country, it shouldn't be too far behind the strong countries of the Old Continent.

Feeling that this friar seemed relatively knowledgeable in this area, Wayne casually asked about the current state of the latest warships in America and the Old Continent.

Unexpectedly, the difference sounded even greater.

Although America has now popularized "steam plus sail" fast ships, ironclad warships with integrated steel protection outside the wooden hull, rather than scattered iron plates, are still in the engineering research stage.

And the Windsor Kingdom has already passed the "wooden ship with iron plates" stage. According to reliable sources, they are officially building warships with "all-iron hulls," which should be launched in the next two years.

Well, that's how it is when steel production and industrial level are not as good as others.

However, sailing ships are not without their advantages, especially after being used by the church as a coastal training ship. The interior seems to have been改造, feeling quite spacious.

After climbing three floors from the deck, Wayne finally met Bishop Corleone in a room similar to a reception room.

In terms of private space inside the ship, this should be quite spacious. It was well-decorated, even with carpets.

The room was also filled with desserts, smelling of sweet baking aromas. Even the friar pushing a small cart covered with cloth, who was walking out, looked like a familiar face seen in the cathedral.

Bishop Corleone, sitting in a large chair, waved to Wayne after seeing him, motioning him to sit on a chair next to him. His hoarse voice was as unhurried as ever:

"I have read your report. I think you have missed the point."

Um...

So it's a criticism session.

Bishop Corleone's tone didn't sound like he was criticizing anyone:

"You and Tom are both smart people, but smart people are often more likely to go astray. I let you participate in the investigation, but from what I understand, your detective agency doesn't seem to have gained anything in this matter."

No, I think we've gained a lot from our investigation...

Wayne was wondering how to answer this, but Bishop Corleone continued:

"Involving Windsor people is not a good idea either. If you can't shoot, don't put up extra targets. No matter how many crimes a criminal commits, he can't be hanged twice."

"And the church is neither the federal government nor the military. As long as a person's words and deeds mostly comply with the rules of the church and never openly violate them, the harm he can cause is limited. Some things may not be appropriate to say, but even 'traitors', couldn't they really be 'lost sheep' in the eyes of the church?"

"So what I want to tell you is that many times the so-called 'truth' may just be different perspectives seeing different viewpoints. They are all facts, but often not all of them."

Hiss...

What you said sounds like it's getting further and further away from solving the case...

At most, I can help you stab someone. Why don't you just tell me who's bad in the report.

Wayne was considering how to say this in a way that would sound better,

But before he could speak, Bishop Corleone raised his hand to stop him:

"This matter is temporarily over. I can still give you one more chance. I hope you can seize it this time. Don't come back empty-handed."

Wayne then returned to the "listening honestly" state, pricking up his ears to take notes carefully.

At this moment, there was a knock at the door. After waiting for two seconds, a friar opened the door:

"Bishop, Pastor Tyrrell has arrived."

Then Wayne and Pastor Tyrrell, who was led into the room, looked at each other, and instantly felt that he had already received the answer he wanted to ask just now.

Pastor Bazzini, Bishop Corleone held another small meeting today. Guess who didn't receive an invitation this time?

Bishop Corleone's attitude at this time seemed more "businesslike."

He beckoned Pastor Tyrrell to find a seat, but he stood up from the large chair:

"I don't have much time. I'm leaving for New York City later. Maybe I'll be back soon, maybe not."

"Since you two are here, then I'll get straight to the point. During this time, I need you to help me find out who hurt Tom."

What?!

I was wondering why I didn't see Tom Hagen this time. He was actually murdered?!

Wayne was still in shock, and glanced at Pastor Tyrrell next to him, feeling that if he had to guess blindly, this guy would seem to be the most suspicious. He seemed to have a ready-made "insider" to use by Tom Hagen's side.

However, Bishop Corleone didn't seem to intend to listen to the two of them discuss in detail. As soon as he finished speaking, he shook the bell beside him and turned to look out the porthole, indicating that he had finished speaking and the two could now leave.

A friar quickly walked into the room, handed over two copies of the dossier, and then led the two out.

Pastor Tyrrell was probably not even warm in his seat. Bishop Corleone's treatment of an "old man" was actually somewhat neglectful.

However, after leaving the room, the expression on Pastor Tyrrell's face was almost overflowing with joy.

Walking off the ship and back to the dock, Wayne quickly understood as Pastor Tyrrell voiced his proposal.

Pastor Tyrrell's original words were: "I have enough manpower now and I don't lack funds. After finding the murderer, you can have all the gains, I just want the result. What do you think?"

The "gains" that Bishop Corleone mentioned before, is that what he meant?

Thinking about it a little more, what kind of "truth" does Bishop Corleone want to see?