Chapter: 615
The incident of prayer theft that will forever leave a mark in the history of continental religions.
“I regret not hearing the direct response from the plants, but prayer is fundamentally about pouring your conviction and sincerity into it without expecting a reply from the divine. It’s unusual for the heavens to respond directly, indeed.”
Despite that legendary theft incident, Tannian opened his mouth with a gentle smile.
He’s not wrong. If gods responded every time someone prayed, Enen would need a 24-hour call center to handle the volume. With countless believers praying from all over the continent, there’s no way to keep up! Even an automated response system would break down after handling millions of calls each day.
So, although Tannian didn’t hear a reply from Constantina, he found value in his prayer before the World Tree—
“I must head north now.”
“Hmm?”
– Huh?
He declared he would go to the northern region, the original home of the Eternal Blue Sky.
“Didn’t you say the sky responded? There’s no need to go all the way north just to pray.”
– True. Plus, it’s gonna be a bit cold up there!
The north, as the name implies, is located at the northern part of the continent. Even in summer, it can be quite breezy, making winter’s chill feel like biting winds. Though not as cold as the frozen seals, it can be downright freezing.
“I’ve spent a winter in the north, and, believe me, the cold there makes even the locals shiver. No need to push yourself.”
It’s a concern if the next saint catches a cold within the Empire’s borders. So, I genuinely tried to dissuade Tannian.
“It’s fine. I’ve already visited the Winter Triad, so why should the north be different?”
But I had to admit, that response made sense.
Indeed, if he could manage to visit the northeast corner of the continent, he could also manage a trip north.
“Besides, even if the sky has responded, the prayer must proceed as planned. Though it may seem a bit irreverent, praying isn’t solely for the deity.”
I held my tongue for a bit; that was indeed a rather irreverent comment.
Prayer is purely an act of worship and praise for the divine. To claim that it’s not just for the gods is something even the next saint shouldn’t casually speak about.
“Prayer is also for the followers. It’s a testament to our faith and that our lord is always watching over us.”
Seeing my silence, Tannian deepened his smile and continued.
“Prayers for the lord can be offered quietly in solitude, but to provide psychological comfort to the followers and locals, it must be a grand affair.”
“Faith isn’t too different from public sentiment, huh?”
I nodded, as he emphasized the importance of the performance in prayer.
I get it. Even secular nations often hold grand festivals to display the solidity of royal authority. In a religious context, that showcase is akin to prayer.
“I’ll make sure to talk with the great lords of the north for you.”
“Haha, thank you! In fact, none of us have ever been to that region, so I was a bit nervous.”
His humorous comment drew a smile from me.
Tannian is a distinguished guest from the Holy Kingdom, a benefactor who has blessed my children. While I might hold a little grudge for being in the interspecies protection area, I can easily overlook it for Tannian’s sake.
Besides, Tannian heading north is an action for the followers and locals.
‘If he skipped the north, rumors would surely fly.’
If Tannian didn’t go north, folks would think the Dawn Sect looked down upon the heavens. This could lead the nomads of the north, who are influenced by the skies, to think they are still being shunned.
Thus, Tannian stepped up to prevent that anxiety and unease personally. As a noble of the Empire and overseer of the north, such a gesture is greatly appreciated.
…
‘Why’d I say there’s no need to go?’
Eventually, a fundamental question arose. Why would the god of the north leave the next saint of another religion to worry about such things?
– Don’t try to understand nomads from the viewpoint of settled people. They’re not the kind to fret over what others say.
The response was a firm trust in his followers.
– …The priest he spoke of has no faith to begin with. It’s rare for anyone to be fervently worried about passing through the north.
Wait, is that a lack of faith rather than trust?
That was such a tear-jerking statement that I decided not to press further.
I didn’t accompany Tannian to the north. After all, Barandi, the marquis, was already a powerful figure stationed there, so he was more than sufficient to welcome Tannian and the pilgrimage group.
Barandi the marquis is one of the thirteen marquises in the Empire, and he also serves as a priest of the Eternal Blue Sky. There couldn’t be better conditions for welcoming the pilgrimage.
Of course, just like the Eternal Blue Sky said, our priest’s faith may be weak, but his political acumen and instincts are exceptional. That’s more than enough.
“Chuka! Have some fun while you’re here!”
Even though I was already planning to follow Tannian, I wouldn’t be able to go since I got caught by the Wise Duke.
After gracefully seeing off the pilgrimage group as they disappeared into the horizon, I was dragged away to the duke’s residence.
I made my case that since the VIPs had departed safely, I thought I could leave too and I was technically on vacation, so there was no need for more work, but it fell on deaf ears. Instead, I got hit with the logic of “Since you’re on vacation, aren’t you just going to mess around with your aunt!?”
– Can’t argue against that.
While sipping the special alcohol (a mix of whiskey and brandy) the Wise Duke had concocted, I sighed deeply.
Yeah, it’s not strange for a nephew to enjoy himself with his aunt while on vacation. You can’t pin someone down if they’re working, but catching a free-loader during their vacation is fair game. I had momentarily forgotten that.
“Ehehe, how does it taste, Chuka!?”
“The burn in my throat is thrilling.”
“Heh! If you like it, it’s a win!”
Weird. Just what part of what I said indicated I liked it? My poor esophagus and stomach are crying out in protest!
‘This is where my stomach was…’
I felt the heated esophagus and the position of my stomach and rubbed my belly.
To discern the location of my stomach in a world without X-rays—how miraculous the Wise Duke’s ability is.
“Then, another one!”
The giggling Wise Duke continued to pour whiskey and brandy into my cup with both hands.
Good grief. I just emptied my glass, and now I’m being forced to drink again. At this rate, one would drown drinking water at such a pace!
“It’s fine. I can stop drinking now—”
“Scared?”
“Please give me more.”
Despite not feeling any sign of intoxication, my clear reply sprung forth.
But I had no regrets. I could survive everything else, but being considered a pathetic loser when it came to alcohol was something I just couldn’t take.
“I’m Chuka! The best in the continent!”
At my declaration, the Wise Duke looked satisfied and poured even more drinks without holding back.
The Duke’s onslaught ceased only when my glass was reaching critical overflow.
“Aunt.”
“Huh? Why?”
“I’ll let them know I’ll return to the mansion tomorrow.”
At those words, the Wise Duke’s eyes widened in surprise, and he burst out laughing while patting my shoulder.
“Yeessss! Chuka, that’s the spirit! I wanted to see you enjoy some time with your aunt!”
The powerful pats made the liquor that had formed a surface tension in my cup spill over and drench my hands.
‘Crap.’
I felt that overflowing alcohol symbolized the gastric juices that would rebound the next day.
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