The inside of the bishop's room looked like an office. Windows from two sides provided light in day time while candelabras were lit in night time just like now as the sun has set while they waited in the waiting room. A big desk was put on the other end of the room with the bishop sitting behind it writing on a piece of paper. The walls were covered with book cases and shelves filled with books and scrolls of different sizes.
The bishop was a middle aged man with short black hair and beard, dressed in a fancy robe that had golden lining and jewels sewed into it while he was decorated with all kind of jewelry. His look was a contrast to Matthias who was dressed in a simple manner.
When they entered he stood up from the desk and walked closer to greet them with a bright smile.
- Welcome mister Soul Master! I'm glad that you have come! We were having so many issues lately that we were about to send someone to a higher level to get help from them!
His bright smile broke for a moment when he noticed Bertha standing behind them, but quickly returned like nothing happened.
- My name is Bishop Barley and I'm in charge of the clergy on the first three levels.
Mamon smiled back at him thinking about how good it would feel if he would punch him.
- It is an honor to meet you sir. I'm Mamon a Soul Master. And this is my temporary assistant Bertha. I have already noticed some of the issues in the villages and my assistant here also had the same information in one I have not travelled to. Though I came for a different reason as I have received an oracle from our gracious God that I will have to help you with something more important while you deal with the minor issues.
He was putting pressure on the bishop so that he understands that they have a job to do as well.
- Of course! We will also do our part. If you have anything to report it you can tell it to Matthias and he will handle it with pleasure.
He held out his right hand toward the guy who was confused about the situation, but didn't want to interrupt it.
- But we have a more important issue at hand here in the city.
The bishop walked back to the table and grabbed one of the parchments and gave it to Mamon who checked it. It was a simple map that was depicting the Royal Crypts.
- A huge amount of undead have risen in the Royal Crypts. We have purified the grounds and banished them, but some of them came back. Multiple times in fact. We are keeping it under surveillance at the moment, but we can not have the people in the town know about it as they might lose their faith in the temple if they think we can not purify some undead. This is why I would like to ask for your help to deal with the undead and secure the crypts once again.
Just as he finished speaking a blue window appeared in front of Mamon which stated the description of the quest and the reward, which was an upgrade to his blessing, giving him 50% reduced damage from undead as well.
Just when he wanted to answer the bishop continued on.
- But I trust you to keep the matter as a secret from the towns folk. This also applies to you.
He pointed at Bertha, who bowed politely because she was so scarred her voice gave away. Instead Mamon replied for her as well.
- Of course! We are on the same sides and don't want to cause any troubles for the temple sir! I will gladly solve this problem for you. But can I also have a request that requires immediate attention?
The bishop raised his eyebrows in surprise.
- Yes! Please do!
- Thank you sir!
Mamon smiled at him naturally.
- The surrounding villages have a really big issue going on. Plague rats have invaded the farm lands and I'm afraid if they are not purified in time all the food that has been planted this year will be destroyed and then the rats will start attacking the villagers making it a disaster. I want to request a group of priests to be sent out. I know you have told me to tell this to priest Matthias, but I'm afraid no one has the authority or the insight to make such an important decision, but you sir!
The bishop puffed his chest and smiled hearing that he was held in such a high importance even by someone of high rank.
- I see you can pay attention to details so I will pardon you for making the request and see to it that it happens as soon as the people from the crypt are free.
- Thank you very much Bishop. Now if you'll excuse us, we had a long journey so we will retire for now.
- Of course. Have a pleasant stay and might the light lead your way.
They left the room with Matthias leading the way.
They were led out of the building and to a house next door. It was a small guest house that had simple furnishing and three rooms for sleeping.
They sat down in the living room when he started talking again.
- That went a lot better than I have expected. He usually is not this friendly with people that go against what he said.
Mamon was surprised that he is talking about something like this openly, but just shrugged.
- He doesn't really have a choice so he doesn't want to make me angry. Not the first person I have met that behaved similar. But you are different. I can see you take your job a lot more serious than him.
Matthias shook his head.
- He also does his job seriously, but he has... Let's say a special personality. Though in his position people can't be too amicable so it fits him well.
They nodded at the realization. When Mamon looked at Bertha who was dozing off after she was finally released from the social anxiety's hands.
- On another note. Can I ask you for a personal favor?
Matthias was surprised but smiled at him with a warm smile nonetheless.
- If it's something in my power.
- It is something very simple. You see my assistant's father is ill and I would need someone to help him get back on his feet. You see I'm indebt to her for helping me out earlier and I want to repay her.
The priest adjusted his glasses and looked at the girl.
- I can help with that myself for you. But it will have to wait until tomorrow. By then I will also get you a certificate that will let you both move around in the city without issue. On another note when do you plan to enter the crypt?
- I will have to prepare and visit some shops in the daytime so I'm not sure. Hopefully I can get in there by the afternoon, but might take a day just to prepare.
Matthias nodded understanding the situation when Mamon's stomach rumbled.
- Excuse me. I have barely eaten in the last few days.
- It is alright. I took up your time for long enough. I will order some of the servants to bring you food.
He stood up and then they said their goodbyes for the day.
Mamon woke the girl up and explained to her what they were talking about.
- He will check out my father? Really?
- Yes! Take it as a gift from me.
- Thank you! Ask me anything and I will help you with it!
The girl hugged him crying happily.
- You are welcome and don't worry about it.
After that they exchanged a few words and decided to wait until tomorrow morning to leave for her house because they couldn't just leave the area in the middle of the night.
Not long later a few servants who were working at the guest houses and parish have brought them some food.
It was a simple meal of grilled meat and bread, but for them it was the most wonderful food they have ever eaten. Given neither of them have had anything for quiet a while.
After eating they have prepared some bathing water and cleaned themselves then went to bed.
It was a simple straw bed which was pretty uncomfortable, but after two days of constant moving Mamon didn't care about it anymore. He slept in right after his head hit the pillow.
They woke up to the morning bell that rang next door. It was really loud and annoying for them, but they decided to start the day even if they are still tired.
Not long after they were up a few servants brought some bread and sausage for breakfast and then they waited for Matthias to arrive to get the permit he promised to bring with him.