The Good Samaritan Wayne[335]

Wayne looked at the priestess standing before him, then offered a polite smile and said:

"No need to apologize, Sister Paletress. You may call me Wayne. As you said, I am indeed here to collect a significant number of books."

"A noble friend of mine has tasked me with building a grand family library. This is the primary reason I traveled specifically to Stormwind City."

Paletress face, slightly flushed with nervousness, softened into a warm and radiant smile as she heard his reply. "You are a true and loyal friend, Mr. Wayne," she said, her voice sincere.

After hesitating briefly, Paletress added:

"Actually, if you are interested in acquiring books, our church also has a collection for sale. However, these are handwritten manuscripts, not printed books. I wonder if your friend might consider acquiring such items."

Wayne raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had learned that, since dwarven printing technology was adopted by humans, handwritten books had become increasingly rare. The process of copying books by hand was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and far more expensive than printing. Manuscripts were now more commonly regarded as collector's items or heirlooms.

He voiced his curiosity: "Are these manuscripts in the church's possession ancient texts? If so, collectors here in Stormwind would undoubtedly have shown interest."

Paletress appeared momentarily embarrassed but recovered quickly. As a seasoned representative of the Church of the Holy Light, she had ample experience navigating delicate conversations. Her gentle tone carried an air of reassurance as she explained:

"It's a little more complicated than that, Mr. Wayne.

"You may be aware that the Church of the Holy Light took in many orphans left in the wake of the Second War. We established orphanages across various towns to provide these children with shelter and education."

"In these orphanages, as part of their learning, the orphans were taught to read and write by copying texts under the guidance of the church's priests. Over time, we accumulated a significant number of handwritten manuscripts. Most of these are educational in nature, covering humanities, history, and general knowledge."

"Should you be willing to purchase them, we can curate a selection of the best manuscripts, including unique works that reflect insights and knowledge painstakingly collected by the church over the years—books that are rarely found in the market."

"And, of course, you can rest assured that the Church of the Holy Light is an institution that values honesty and integrity. The price we offer will be far more reasonable than what you would find elsewhere."

Wayne's attention sharpened at the mention of the church's accumulated knowledge. He had been seeking an opportunity to establish contact with the Cathedral of the Holy Light in Stormwind City, hoping to find a master of Holy Light who could aid him. This seemed like an excellent way to begin.

After a moment of consideration, Wayne met Paletress hopeful gaze and said: "Very well, Sister Paletress. I have great respect for the charitable work of the Church of the Holy Light and am willing to support its endeavors. I'll gladly purchase the manuscripts you mentioned."

"However," he added with a thoughtful pause, "given the scale of this transaction and the sensitivity of the funds involved, I must ask—do you hold an official position within the Church of the Holy Light? I would like to ensure that my dealings are conducted with the approval of the church's leadership."

Paletress face lit up with a delighted smile upon hearing Wayne's agreement. "Thank you, Mr. Wayne! This means so much to us," she said earnestly.

Her initial approach had been tentative, with little expectation of success. She had assumed Wayne would prefer printed books for a noble's library, yet he had agreed without hesitation.

If it weren't for the financial difficulties of the Church of the Holy Light, Paletress wouldn't have considered resorting to such a forward approach.

Hearing Wayne's question, Paletress gracefully smoothed her long, golden hair, her gentle smile unwavering. Once again, she raised her slender hand in a gesture of Holy Light blessing. A soft golden glow emanated from her palm, radiating warmth and comfort. The light reached Wayne, and to his surprise, it soothed the infernal magic power sealed within him, providing a rare moment of relief.

"Mr. Wayne, please rest assured," Paletress said, her tone calm yet filled with conviction.

"I currently serve as a senior priest of the Church of the Holy Light and am responsible for overseeing orphan rescue and welfare programs."

"I have the authority to handle this transaction with you directly," she continued. "Furthermore, I will report our arrangement to my mentor, His Grace Alonsus Faol. He is a compassionate and wise leader and will undoubtedly support this endeavor."

Alonsus Faol?

Hearing the name, Wayne's expression shifted slightly, his thoughts racing. He scrutinized the young priestess before him, reassessing her identity.

Alonsus Faol was far from an ordinary figure in Azeroth. He was the revered Archbishop of the Cathedral of Light, the founder of the Paladin order, and one of the most influential leaders in human history. The first generation of Paladins, including Uther the Lightbringer, all regarded Faol as their spiritual guide.

For a priestess to refer to Alonsus Faol as her mentor meant she had received instruction and guidance from one of the most pivotal figures in the history of the Holy Light. Even if she wasn't a direct disciple, her association with Faol spoke volumes about her standing within the church.

Recalling Paletress name, Wayne suddenly pieced it together: Argent Confessor Paletress.

She was not just any senior priest. She would later rise to prominence within the Argent Crusade, eventually serving as a high-ranking figure in the Trial of the Champion during the Wrath of the Lich King era. As an NPC of considerable renown, she had a key role in guiding and aiding adventurers during that tumultuous time.

Understanding her identity, Wayne quickly adjusted his approach.

He saw a golden opportunity—not just to secure assistance in dealing with the infernal power within him but also to build a meaningful alliance with the Church of the Holy Light. Paletress potential influence, both in her current position and in her likely future prominence, made her a valuable ally.

Wayne's thoughts crystallized: he would present himself as a great benefactor to the church—a philanthropist aligned with its noble mission. Not only could this solidify his rapport with Paletress, but her connections within the church could open doors to other skilled practitioners of the Holy Light.