Tellussian Temple (1)

I could safely escape from their intense stares and assumptions about my identity. I have no clue how they could presume that I was the saintess because of their captain's remarks, but don't they have any lingering doubts, even just for a little bit?

The Holy Knights departed earlier for the capital because they were clearing the path for us in case demonic beasts remained.

I haven't doubted it because the southern region is where these unfortunate events started, but I never knew that announcing my identity as 'their saintess' would also be the cause.

Despite that, they weren't being pushy, and Sir Jeralia never imposed her beliefs on me. They consider me their saintess for whatever reason, but they don't force it on me. I clearly stated that unless they have solid evidence, they should consider me an average commoner, and they did.

"Contractor, are you feeling ill? Should I heal you?" Pygmy asked, worrying about me.

I smiled. "I'm fine, Pygmy. By the way, what's the difference between a Spiritualist and a saintess? The Holy Knights made a big deal about it."

"Don't compare yourself to that non-existent being, Contractor! A saintess is just what these humans made as a symbol of hope for the unfortunate incidents that they have brought upon themselves!"

Why does it sound like he despises the idea of a saintess? I thought she existed because of how exhilarated those Holy Knights were upon seeing me.

"A saintess is like their symbol of hope that connects them to God, but at the same time, it's the person that these people point their fingers to whenever misfortune happens in this empire. They will blame her for the catastrophic events because she didn't bless them enough and even go as far as to condemn her for being a fake."

I pondered. "It seems like this happened before. As you put it, it appears the people depended on a miracle rather than providing solutions for their problems."

"That's just how pathetic humans are. Instead of striving to survive, they brought the disaster to themselves. Three hundred years ago, a saintess appeared, but she was condemned and banished from the empire because they found out that she had no connection to Goddess Tellus and lied about her origins."

I didn't question Pygmy further because I felt awkward knowing he had quite a bit of beef regarding humans. I understand his judgment of us because that's just who we are.

Humans weren't born evil, but the environment and people they grew up with and how they learned the truths about the world from a different perspective changed them. I learned about the world the hard way.

"Ah, you're an exception, Contractor!" I could hear the panic in his voice as he tried his best to change the topic.

"Right! What did that Holy Knight say to you, Contractor?"

I stood up and looked at the balcony in my room. I thought I would stay in the temple, where people pray and worship their gods, but I didn't expect Sir Jeralia's mansion to be beside the temple, so she invited me to stay there.

"She said that I should stay here for the time being. Of course, just until the emperor asks to meet me regarding the previous events. After that, I need to think about what I will do after all this ends. I can't just rely on the House of Vanidestine forever."

"You have me, Contractor! I'll be by your side no matter what," Pygmy bubbled, reassuring me of his loyalty.

I caressed the ring. "Thank you, Pygmy. I knew I could rely on you."

Pygmy's right. I'm not powerless anymore now that I have God's blessing. Maybe through Pygmy, I could obtain information about my transmigration and learn more about this world.

I heard a knock on my door. "Lady Adel, Mistress Jeralia is waiting for you at the dining hall."

I opened the door. "Then, please escort me to the dining hall."

As we walked by the hallway, Pygmy communicated with me through telepathy.

(Contractor, you should ask that Holy Knight about the concentrated blessing behind the temple.)

(Is it all right for me to ask her that? I thought you disapproved of humans.)

(Well, that person isn't entirely wrong. I don't feel anything weird from her, and her connection to Goddess Tellus is quite powerful for a mere human to achieve.)

(Are you okay with telling her how you awoke from your slumber?)

(Let's focus on finding the right location for the summons. We need to be as discreet as possible, Contractor, so it's best to tell that knight after we have bonded.)

"We have arrived, Milady."

They opened the door for me, and I saw Sir Jeralia waving from the dining table.

(Got it; I should be as discreet as possible.)

******

"Huh? What's behind the temple?" Sir Jeralia questioned.

(Pygmy, I screwed up.)

(You are so terrible at this, Contractor.)

How should I know? I was never taught how to lie! I barely even talk to my peers, so how was I supposed to know that lying requires such tremendous skills?

"I was just curious about its structure since it's my first time seeing such a huge temple."

She chuckled. "There's nothing much. There's just an old cabin behind, used to store gardening tools."

I didn't react much to her response, as I felt it wasn't the truth. Maybe it's the truth, but something doesn't add up. Why would Pygmy feel anything special behind the temple if it was only full of gardening tools? If she's unwilling to say anything, I should see it for myself.

"After this, may I visit the temple? It's rude not to visit when I'm staying in your mansion. After all, I could find a place to stay in the capital because of your benevolence."

She smiled. "Visiting hours in the temple can only be done in the morning, but I'll give you an exception. It is also a way for me to apologize, as I have made you uncomfortable earlier.'

"I know that you mean no harm, Sir Jeralia. I'm already grateful for your hospitality and for volunteering to protect me. As you may know, I don't recall anything from my past, so I'm uncertain about my status in society."

She shook her head, disagreeing with my statement. "Noble status isn't important in front of our Goddess, and we were taught not to discriminate as our services are meant for all."

After that, I could comfortably chat with Sir Jeralia, and I was escorted to the temple.

"Milady, this path leads to the prayer hall. You might have heard from Captain Khestri that we don't separate the commoners and nobles since our temple highly prioritizes the well-being and faith of the people, not because of their social status," the knight explained.

"Is Sir Jeralia a person with high power?"

I can't help but get curious. I don't know much about her, but looking at how extensive her mansion was, she must be a noble with great status. She looked pretty young despite being the Captain of the Holy Knights.

The knight shook his head and replied, "The captain was also a victim of illegal slave trading, but Duke Augustine saved her, and the archbishop was the one who volunteered to let her enroll in an academy to hone her skills in swordsmanship."

So basically, the archbishop has the highest-ranking position in the temple. That makes sense now that I think about it, but why haven't I seen him earlier?

"Where's the archbishop—" I was cut off by the knight loudly opening the doors of the prayer hall.

Did he do that on purpose? Now I'm getting curious about the Archbishop, but I should stop prying—for now. Something fishy is happening in this temple, and I feel that it somehow relates to recent events. I may assume things too much, but my hunches were never wrong.

"You can take your time, Lady Adel. Please call me if you need anything. I'll be waiting outside."

With that, he left. I sauntered, approaching the statue of Goddess Tellus.

(Contractor, I don't feel anything from this statue. It seems like a replica.)

(Huh? What do you mean?)

(I'm not sure, but I don't feel any connection to this statue. It's just a carved statue with the goddess' face without her blessings.)

(So you mean the original statue is behind this temple?)

(I apologize, Contractor. I was mistaken about the blessings behind this temple. I was so sure I felt it, but I could barely feel it when we got back here.)

What's going on? I also felt the same warmth when we first arrived, but now I feel something I don't quite understand. I looked through the window, hoping to see the cabin behind the temple.

"Huh? Why is Sir Jeralia there? She said she was going to the palace."

I saw her looking around before entering the cabin. Now I know that it isn't an ordinary cabin.

Something is going on here, and it's something related to the absence of the Archbishop and Sir Jeralia's bizarre behavior.

"Pygmy, we're sneaking out tonight."