Chapter Ten

The next morning, I woke up with the intention of putting in a proper day of work. Those plans went in the trash bin as soon as I walked downstairs. Iris and Rafe were both dressed up. Iris wore a slimming one piece purple dress with clasps on both shoulders. The color was richer and the material much higher quality than anything I'd seen worn around town. Rafe wore an unadorned blue vest over a black shirt and trousers made of the same rich quality. He had on actual town shoes instead of boots.

"Did I miss something?" I asked.

"Oh!" Iris gasped in surprise, then clasped her hand over her mouth as she stared at me. "We forgot to tell you. I'm so sorry. If only I'd been thinking—"

Rafe clasped his hands gently on her shoulders, calming her. Then he looked at me and explained, "It's the day mother usually goes to the temple."

"Just her?" I asked.

Rafe's gaze averted in shame. "I haven't went since father's rebirth."

"Got it," I replied. He didn't need to say more. It must have been hard after his father's rebirth, knowing it was something one of the Gods or Goddesses had done.

"I'm going today," he added. "I have many reasons to be grateful recently."

"Would you and Jason like to join us?" Iris asked. "It'd be a good chance for Jason to get his status read."

I couldn't say no when she put it like that. "Give me a minute to get dressed and we'll go."

Running back upstairs, I knocked on Jason's bedroom door and told him to dress for church, then I went into my own room and dressed in my best set of clothing. I didn't have much variety to choose from, so I just went with a purple shirt and my usual deerskin trousers. The purple was much more faded than Iris' richly colored dress, but I didn't think anyone would care once they saw the white belt at my waist.

There was a chauffeured horse-drawn carriage waiting outside for us. When I raised my eyebrow at it, Rafe explained, "An old friend of my father's sends it every seventh day so mother doesn't have to walk to the temple. Without it, she'd have to go to a chapel in the town's outer ring instead of the main temple where she's gone her whole life."

Jason was excited to get to ride a carriage. He'd never been in one before. Neither had I, but I didn't jump around like Christmas had come early.

"Behave," I warned him as he climbed in after Iris. I went next and Rafe climbed in last, pulling the door closed behind him.

The interior was cramped with four people. I sat on one side with Jason while Iris and Rafe sat across from us. The padding on the bench seats were worn and apparently spring-loaded. I grimaced as one poked me in the butt.

The carriage took off. It was early in the morning, only a few minutes past dawn, and hardly any people had left their homes yet. The only time we slowed was as we approached the gate separating the outer ring of the city from the inner residential ring where the working class citizens lived.

The gate guard waved us through.

Townhouses. The other side of the wall was covered in two and three story townhouses lined up in a neat row. The construction wasn't exactly what we'd have seen back on Earth. These were all wood crafted and the smaller architectural details were too different in places for these to have been mass produced. Even so, they were the most familiar thing I'd seen since arriving in this world.

These weren't bright, cheery townhouses, however. The lack of paint on the outer walls and the amount of junk accumulated around the front doors made the entire place feel like a ghetto. Even Jason fell silent, staring at them as we went by.

We went through another gate.

The homes became fancier, the buildings were detached from one another, and they were often framed with turrets on either side. This area had more of a suburban feel. One in three house had either a push-cart, a wagon, or a carriage parked out front. The style themes were often outrageous compared to the simplicity seen in the working-class ring. These were people who could afford to buy things for the sake of appearances.

Not everything was picturesque. Many homes were showing signs of disrepair where architectural features had been removed and no one knew how to replace them, paint had been caked on improperly, and additions were made with less skill than the original workmanship.

There were front yards and trees, though. And, on the other side of the street, there were also tiny high-end shops and boutiques and classy cafes. None of them were open this early in the day, but I could imagine they sold daintier versions of the goods sold in the public market.

I prayed this wouldn't turn out to be a world where class warfare existed. If I found out the middle-class and upper-class were enjoying seasonings and rich soups while everyone else didn't, I was going to lose my shit. I could understand only nobles having sauces—a good sauce could be hard to make—but there was no excuse for hoarding cooking knowledge to the point where people thought boiled cabbage was soup.

Another gate.

We entered the area where the upper class lived and my mental picture of Alisfar's overall size increased. Huge fenced mansions with luxuriously trimmed lawns took up so much space there was only room left over for the street to run up against the ring's inner wall. It was the first time I'd seen anything resembling a park since coming to this world and the sight made me sigh.

Several of the lawns had horses grazing, pet animals chasing each other, and servants scurrying around to prepare things for the Lords and Ladies of the house before they woke. It was such a waste of good farmland.

"What are you thinking about?" Rafe asked.

"Food, of course," I said with a laugh. "If I had a house like that, I wouldn't waste so much of the outdoor space on a horse. I'd cultivate a garden so I wouldn't have to send someone all the way to the dungeon for ingredients. I could just go into the yard and pick some. My Uncle Valentino was an urban gardener, so he taught me a few things about gardening in a city. Actually, now I think about it, his garden was about the same size as the back yard at the boarding house."

"Could we build a garden?" Jason asked, latching onto the idea with enthusiasm. "I want to grow watermelons."

"You'll have to ask Miss Iris," I replied. "It's not our house."

"I have a feeling you're not talking about cutting the grass," Iris said.

I shook my head. "Some of the plants growing in the dungeon can be grown outside of it, too. You can either grow them from seed or you can dig up the roots and transplant it whole."

"And they'll still bear fruit?"

We discussed the basics of gardening for some time, covering everything from annuals to perennials and the need for fertilizer. It was fun for me to try and see how many of Uncle Valentino's lessons had stuck. It also kept everyone entertained for the long ride around the upper class ring. The closer we came to the city center, the fewer gates were available to provide access.

I was in the middle of telling her about the benefits of growing flowers and attracting bees when we passed through the gate into the noble district. I stopped mid-sentence, catching sight of an actual stone castle. The massive fortification sprawled over a grassy, rolling hill. It had stables for not one horse, but multiple ones, a carriage house, a reflection pool, and a knee-high hedge garden surrounding a gazebo.

There were many trees in many varieties. Some were so large, I thought they might be as old as the founding of the city.

"Look, look!" Jason cried. "Do you think an actor lives there? It's someone famous. Right?"

"That's the home of Lord Martial Stonemire," Rafe said. "He's the man in charge of the peacekeepers who patrol the streets and the knights who guard the walls. He's an S-Rank Adventurer and one of the few nobles who answers directly to the Grand Duke."

"What's a Grand Duke?" Jason asked.

"The Grand Duke answers to the King," I said, although my knowledge of monarchies was sketchy at best. "It's hard for me to explain, but you can think of this whole region as a state. And this state is controlled by the Grand Duke. He's not like a state Senator or a mayor, though. The people in charge aren't elected and the Grand Duke has more direct influence over the area he rules. He's the top of the food chain and the only person higher is the King, so it's really important you don't offend him if you ever meet."

Rafe and Iris didn't correct me, so I supposed that was a decent description. Of course, they didn't know what a Senator was, but the rest of it should have made sense.

"Would you want to live in a place like that?" Rafe asked, pointing to another castle as our carriage passed in front of it.

I instantly shook my head. "Hell no, it's way too big. I'd feel out of place. I grew up in a townhouse that wasn't much bigger than the boarding house. I think I mentioned before I came from a large family, so I'm used to being in a situation where everyone was always on top of each other. Besides, a big castle like that probably means you'd have to throw fancy parties and you'd have to invite people you don't know or like, because you'd get a bad reputation if you didn't. The whole lifestyle has misery written all over it. If I had a choice, I'd probably pick a place in the middle class ring. The houses are big enough for a large family and I could see myself inviting friends over for dinner. The front yards weren't big, but having one at all would be nice and I'm willing to bet they have decent back yards for gardening. The working class ring would work, too, but they're not quite big enough to have a lot of visitors during the holidays."

"What about the upper-class area?"

I wrinkled my nose. I'd gotten a very 'keeping up with the Jones' feeling from there. "That's like this area, I think, but on a much pettier scale. It seemed like it was more about appearances than substance. I don't think I'd be happy living around people like that."

"We used to have a house in the third district," Iris said with a twinkle in her eye. "It was very much like you describe. I can't tell you how many times neighbor women stopped by just to show off their husband's latest gift or introduce me to their newest sister wife. I found it all very droll after the initial shine wore off. It was something of a relief when we moved to the outer ring."

I made a face, as did Jason. "Sister wife?" I asked.

"Yes, dear," she replied as if it were nothing. "That's what wives call each other when there's more than one in a household."

I needed clarification. "And they're married to the same person?"

She paused, realizing from my tone this wasn't something I'd seen before. I'd heard of it, of course, but polygamy was a big no-no where I grew up. "It's something very common among Lords, even merchant Lords, and upper nobility. You don't see it much in the working-class and middle-class quarters since most men can't afford the cost of supporting extra wives." She glanced over at Rafe and her lips curled with a knowing smirk. "Or extra husbands."

"Mother," Rafe growled in warning.

"I have trouble imagining such a relationship working long term," I commented worriedly. I hoped Rafe didn't imagine me as being one of many husbands. "In America, it's illegal to marry more than one person. Some do it anyway, but—" I shrugged, helpless to explain. "I don't think I'd be able to marry someone who might want more than one husband. I'm way too jealous for that."

Of course, mentioning jealousy sparked Jason's memory. "Remember that time you were making me grilled cheese after school and your cousin Camilla came bursting in all steaming mad and then her boyfriend showed up?"

I remembered. I hurried and tried to shush him. "We don't need to talk—"

"And Camilla started screaming at him for cheating on her and started throwing things. And you started screaming 'go to your own home to fight', but they ignored you and she broke her boyfriend's nose with your television remote and the neighbors called the cops and someone sucker punched you—"

"Enough!" I shouted, my face turning beet red at the excited recitation of events.

"It was funny," Jason added with a cheeky grin. "Camilla and her boyfriend were kissing when the cops showed up."

I put my hands over my face to hide my embarrassment. "My family isn't always that crazy."

"Yeah, they are, but mom said they're the good kind of crazy. Would you do something like that if Mister Rafe cheated on you? Can I watch?"

Now he was just taunting me, the cheeky little asshole. I reached over and goosed his side, then tickled him until he was crying for mercy.

"Children," Iris admonished with a smile. I immediately stopped messing with Jason and straightened up in my seat. "We're almost there," she said. "Jason, please be on your best behavior inside the temple. If you want to ask something, you can, but keep your voice low to respect the other worshipers."

The coach slowly turned and came to a stop outside the final gate. Apparently, only royal carriages were allowed beyond this point. I didn't understand why until Rafe helped me step out of the carriage.

If that was the Grand Duke's castle, I didn't want to imagine what the King's castle looked like. The castle complex was huge, bigger than any building I'd ever seen in my life, and the highest turrets rose higher in the sky than a city skyscraper. Low-flying clouds actually broke around the tallest steeples. It wasn't only one single castle, either. It looked like three or four different ones gathered together behind yet another wall.

For some reason, it reminded me of an amusement park.

We weren't going to the castle, however. Iris led us past four guards in stiff black and gold surcoats and over to a small booth next to the gate. The uniformed guard-clerk at the booth took our Guild cards and waved a crystal wand over them.

"Name and reason for your visit?" he asked.

"Lady Durham, Lord Durham for the temple," Iris answered. "We have two guests. Master Russo and his younger brother Master Jacob."

The clerk's brows furrowed as he looked over our cards and I thought I knew what was making him hesitate.

"It's actually Lord Albert Russo, but my surname is hidden," I corrected. When everyone raised their eyebrows at me, I shrugged. "The Lord title showed up on my status yesterday when I updated it. I think it's because Takahashi told the Guildmaster I used to be a Lord back home." It was a lie, but I didn't mention that part.

The clerk perked up at Takahashi's name. His gaze flickered to my white sash belt so quickly I might have imagined it. "Ah," he said as he handed our cards back. "You're one of Lord Takahashi's brethren. We were informed you might come through at some point. My apologies on the hold-up. We have to be thorough. You can go on in. Make sure to come through here when you want to leave and I'll call for your carriage like usual, Lady Durham."

"Thank you, Oliver," she said, giving the man a warm smile. The guard left the booth and personally escorted us through the gate.

On the other side, between the noble residential ring and the Grand Duke's castle, there was a ring that hadn't been marked in my primer. It was the temple ring. Tall marble statues had been erected at regular intervals around the inner wall with smaller temple buildings erected near their feet. I had a moment of vertigo when I tried to make sense of the proportions. From a distance, the temples looked like birdhouses. It wasn't until I looked at the buildings closer to me I could see, no, the statues were just that damn big.

The wide, barren area between the gate and the castle walls gave me an eerie vibe. There was nothing growing there. Everything had been paved over with stone, leaving the only the statues and temples and the walls on either side of the ring. Logically, I knew it was an extra layer of protection for the Grand Duke's Castle—guards could see enemies coming and fight in the open before they reached the actual castle.

On the other hand—there was nothing moving.

"Where is everyone?" I asked in a near whisper. It didn't feel safe to talk too loud.

"Nobles don't get up this early," Rafe replied in his normal voice. "And commoners usually prefer to visit a chapel rather than walk all this way. If we'd come closer to noon, this area would be full of people, but mother prefers quiet for her worship."

As we started walking in the direction of the closest statue, Jason tugged on my sleeve. "We're not going to see all of the statues. Are we?"

I sure as hell hoped not. It'd take us days to go around to every temple in the ring. I glanced at Rafe for the answer.

He chuckled and shook his head at Jason. "We only do that once a year at mid-Winter. The temples are interchangeable and they all have the same things inside, so we can go to the nearest one for general worship. But if you're hoping to get the favor of a specific God, most people choose to go to a temple dedicated to them. That's especially important if you're lucky enough to get a Patron God."

"What's that?" Jason asked.

This one, I felt comfortable answering. "Patron Gods are like big brothers or sisters. They'll watch over you and help you out. Getting one means they have faith you'll do big things in the future."

"That's close, but not quite right," Iris murmured. "Having a Patron God means you've sworn allegiance to a specific God and become one of their children. It's true they'll support you and help you, but you'll also be expected to fulfill certain duties. For some of the Gods, that could be as easy as delivering a cask of wine. For others, it can be as difficult as subjugating an ancient dragon."

I didn't remember swearing allegiance to Persephone. Then again, maybe it didn't have to be anything official. I had agreed to stay in the city like she wanted. Had that been enough to make her my Patron and fulfill my duties?

My feet were aching by the time we actually reached the temple at the foot of a statue of a person I didn't recognize. It was an elf woman wielding a set of weight scales, much like the Lady of Justice back home. The exterior of the temple itself reminded me a lot of the Parthenon in Athens with all its tall columns and triangular roof. As we made our way past the columns, I was surprised to see there weren't any actual walls or an interior building. The entire temple was open to the outside world.

At the center of the building was the altar—or whatever it was called. It was covered in realistic renditions of the Gods dancing and furling around each other in unmoving marble. None stood above the others. Their hands interlocked with each other in random places, forming a tangled web instead of the circle I expected.

"They're naked," Jason hissed. And they were. The Gods and Goddesses certainly had nothing to be ashamed about. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were in the middle of an orgy.

At the base of the altar, there was a narrow ridge with bowls where offerings could be left. Only half were full—a dagger here, a pear there. A little higher up, there was a narrow ridge covered in coins, which made a lot more sense. Nobles and the upper-class worshiped here. Goods-based offerings probably happened more often at chapels. I'd need to find somewhere closer to home to offer up my cooking.

Iris led us over to one of the pedestals surrounding the altar. It was set low to the ground, so she had to kneel in front of it to access it. On the surface was a ring of zodiac symbols.

Rafe gestured for us to stand back as she pressed her hand over the symbol for Virgo, passing her magic into the crest, and bowed her head to pray.

A woman appeared on the other side of the pedestal. It almost looked like a hologram, except she became extremely lifelike as the magic coalesced. My initial instinct said she was evil—she had pitch black hair and the kind of willowy form you'd expect to see in an evil witch. She was even wearing a dress that left the impression of a black spider.

My impression changed as I saw the love and warmth in her eyes. There was sadness, as well. This Goddess wasn't evil. She was mourning.

The Goddess laid a hand on Iris' head and smiled softly. Then she looked in our direction and gave us a small, slow nod of acknowledgment. Next to me, Rafe let out a startled gasp. I assumed that meant this wasn't what usually happened.

"Who's that?" Jason whispered as the Goddess faded.

"Virgo," I answered.

At the same time, Rafe said, "Lilith, the Goddess of Growth and Fertility, Protector of the Innocent. It's necessary to pray to her if you ever want children."

"Is it really?" I asked in the same hushed tone everyone else was using. "Necessary, I mean?"

Rafe bobbed his head, his gaze still locked on where the Goddess had appeared. "It's said, in the early days of mankind, Lilith's daughter Eve grew into a beautiful woman who seduced her father into laying together in ways a father shouldn't with their daughter. Lilith's heart broke when she learned of it and she cursed all mankind so their seed wouldn't bear fruit until she could look into their heart and judge them worthy. Lilith judged both her daughter and her husband equally guilty, so women aren't immune to her judgment either. Those who seek a child for the sake of entrapping the father or wielding them as tools will be forever barren. My mother said She appeared once, when she was praying to have me, but I didn't think it was true until now."

I was flabbergasted at the retelling of the story of Adam and Eve. I was also horrified at the thought of Eve herself being the 'forbidden fruit' of legend. It was seriously fucked up. Then again, so were most Greek myths, but—I didn't know what to think. I'd heard once that Lilith was mentioned in the Bible as existing prior to Eve, but most people painted her as some kind of demoness and most churches preferred to ignore her existence entirely. According to them, Eve was the first woman and Adam's wife. That was the story I'd always been told in Sunday school.

I immediately decided never think about it again. It was too much for my brain to handle.

After about ten minutes of silent prayer, Iris slowly climbed to her feet and Rafe rushed forward to help her up. He whispered something in her ear, probably telling her Lilith had appeared, and her eyes widened in surprise.

She walked over to stand by me and it appeared Rafe intended to go next. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, then knelt down on one knee instead of both. He pressed his hand over the symbol for Aquarius and added a touch of magic.

Before he could bow his head, a young man appeared in front of him, making all our eyes widen in awe. We were two-for-two on deities appearing. This one was a slender, nymph-like boy with blond curls and a joyous expression. He totally reminded me of that kid in a boy band, although I couldn't remember his name.

Aquarius giggled, the sound ringing in our ears, and he leaned forward to speak in Rafe's ear. Rafe bobbed his head frantically, agreeing with whatever he was being told. When the God was done, he rocked back and looked in our direction.

He winked at me and disappeared. I didn't know how to take that.

Rafe immediately stood up and walked over to us. Iris rushed up to him and clasped his arms. "Did he—?" she asked.

"Yes," Rafe said. I crossed my arms over my chest and tapped my foot, hoping someone would start explaining. Rafe laughed at my impatience. "I'll tell you later. Now isn't the time. Do you want to try?"

The answer? Not really. However, I knew I'd probably hear it from Persephone if I came all this way and didn't say hello.

I knelt on one knee in front of the zodiac and pushed some of my magic into the crest for Pisces, remembering Rafe had told me they symbolized the cycle of life and death. I didn't bow my head. Persephone appeared anyway.

"Good work," she said aloud, reaching out to ruffle my hair. I rolled my eyes. "As you already guessed, you've earned my Patronage simply by doing what you're already doing. However, if you'd feel better if you were given a task, I would like to ask you to pass a message along to the Grand Duke for me. Tell him—"

Her voice disappeared from my ears and echoed directly into my head. "—the message has been received. The gold airship is coming."

"He'll understand," she said, her voice returning to normal. "Tell no one the message, no matter how much they bully you, until you stand before the Grand Duke himself."

I made a face at her. "How do you expect someone like me—"

"Your beloved knows the way. Also, a little advice, but you should tell him the truth sooner rather than later. He won't disappoint you. Your relationship has Ganymede's approval. There's no problem, even if you agree to accept his half-assed marriage proposal."

"Does that mean Rafe is my happily-ever-after?"

"If you're expecting everything to be smooth sailing for the rest of your days, you're setting the bar way too high. I can only tell you the fiery passion you've seen others experience, you can have it with him. I know this world is new to you and you're hesitant to put yourself out there, but it's okay to be yourself. He'll bring you all the happiness your heart desires. His mother is good in my books, too."

I started to respond—I didn't know with what—but she interrupted me. "Time's up. Bye bye for now."

She disappeared.

"What was that?" Jason exploded. Iris quickly shushed him and Rafe grabbed his shoulder to hold him back.

I climbed to my feet and shrugged. "My Patron Goddess is Persephone and she wants me to pass a message for her."

"We heard that part," Rafe said, his tone gruff. "We couldn't hear anything afterward."

"Do you think you can help me meet the Grand Duke?" I asked.

"Yes, but I'll need to send some messages to ask for an audience. While I'm waiting for a response, you should have Jason's status read. It's the reason the two of you came here. And considering everything else that's happened—"

I nodded. "We might not get a chance once the ball starts rolling."

Rafe headed out of the temple while Iris led us toward the back of the temple where several small alcoves filled with candles covered the back wall. Here, for the first time, I saw a Priest. Using an incense stick, he moved flame from one candle to another, murmuring prayers as he went.

There was a loud, echoing clink. I glanced over to see Iris had dropped a coin into a small, nearly invisible box on the wall.

The Priest blew out the flame on the incense, calmly set it down, and turned to her in askance. She smiled at him and gestured to Jason. "This young man needs his status read for the first time."

The Priest changed his focus to Jason. "You have the choice of going alone or being attended by a family member."

He reached out and grabbed my hand. "Can Al come? We're not blood related, but he's my big brother."

The Priest glanced at me, then back to Jason again. "The God Ganymede teaches the family you hold in your heart is as precious as the one of flesh and bone. Your big brother can certainly go with you."

We didn't go far. Several alcoves over, there was a small room with a stone door the Priest shut behind us. Inside was another zodiac pedestal placed at standing height for a child and a second pedestal with a status reading orb built in.

"May I ask how old you are?" the Priest asked as he came to a stop near the pedestals.

"Fourteen," he said.

The Priest's face filled with sorrow. "So young, yet I see from your belt you've already been reborn once."

Jason shrugged. "Stuff happened."

"Well, this is completely painless, so you don't have to worry. All you do is put your hand on the orb. I'll put my hands over yours and say, ' Aperito Status' and your status will appear on the wall in front. It'll tell us all kinds of interesting things about you. If you have any questions, just ask and I'll be happy to answer."

I was surprised. The Priest had initially come off as standoffish, but I wasn't sensing any of that now. He moved Jason into position and I watched as he stepped up behind him, helping to guide his hands onto the orb. Jason shot me a concerned look—the intrusion into his personal space probably wasn't comfortable—and I gave him an encouraging nod.

"Aperito Status."

Just as the Priest claimed, Jason's status appeared scrawled across the wall.

Name: Lord Jason Horizon

Age: 14

Race: High Beastkin (Hare)

Affiliation: Earth, Alisfar School for Craftsmen

Job: Engineer, Explorer, Tinkerer, Journalist, Programmer, Fabricator

Level: 19

Vitality: 115 (+500)

Strength: 45 (+500)

Dexterity: 278 (+500)

Intelligence: 209 (+500)

Wisdom: 223 (+500)

Constitution: 16 (+500)

Skills: Analyze, Auto-Translate, World Map, Lifestyle Magic, Greater Enchant Magic, Lesser Fire Magic, Lesser Water Magic, Lesser Wind Magic, Lesser Earth Magic, Lesser Metal Magic, Lesser Lightning Magic, Lesser Spirit Magic, Lesser Holy Magic, Lesser Spacial Magic, Enhanced Magic Circuit, Greater Healing Magic, Greater Barrier Magic, Greater Combination Magic, Novice Throwing Skills, Novice Wrestling Skills, Novice Brawling Skills, Novice Archery Skills, Novice Knife Skills, Novice Sword Skills, Novice Staff Skills, Novice Hammer Skills, Novice Makeshift Weapon Skills.

Blessings: Item Box (Infinite), Oracle (Major), Accelerated Learning (x3), Enhanced Senses, Natural Outdoorsman, Patron: Persephone, Patron: Crotus, Patron: Cerus, Patron: Ganymede, Patron: Ares, Patron: Crios, Patron: Orion, Patron: Castor, Patron: Pricus, Patron: Astraea, Patron: Asmodeus, Patron: Lilith, Divine Protection (all), Divine Immunity (all), Boost All (+500)

Titles: Sanctuary Reborn, Younger Brother, (social) Prodigy, (social) Bunny Boy, Loved by the Gods

I'd thought my status was incredible, but Jason's left me speechless. The Priest didn't seem to know how to react, either.

"Is it good?" Jason asked quietly.

"Looks great," I replied in an upbeat voice, trying not to let him see I was slightly freaked out. What in the world was the Gods of this world thinking? Had it really been necessary for every single one to offer patronage? And that Boost! Jason already had better base attributes than me. Those kinds of numbers meant he was undoubtedly higher ranked, too.

"H-How—" the Priest began to stutter.

"Are we done here?" My tone was sharp enough to cut steel.

The Priest stiffened, remembering his duty. Children had their status read in private for a reason. No matter what the man thought, he was sworn not to reveal what he saw.

His voice shook as he said, "One moment while I prepare his Temple card. It's the equivalent of a Guild card and can be used to access various places until Jason is old enough to decide on a career path."

"Your voice sounds funny," Jason commented as the Priest moved around to tinker with the base of the pedestal. I wasn't surprised he said something. It was hard to miss how rattled the Priest was.

"My apologies, young Lord. I was startled by your status. It's not often we see someone so young with so much potential. I have no doubt you'll do many great things in the future."

Jason instantly perked up. "Really? It's that good?"

"It's magnificent." The trembling in the Priest's voice was a little much. Thankfully, Jason didn't notice. He was far more interested in the silver card the man handed him.

"What does the 'A' mean?" Jason asked.

"It's a good grade, just like in school," I answered before the Priest could. There was no telling what he might have said. "The only thing better is 'S', so good job, kiddo. Don't go around showing it off, though. No one likes a braggart."

Jason shrugged and stuck it in his Item Box. I prayed he didn't pull it out again until he was older—much, much older.

"Anything else?" I prompted the Priest.

He nodded and gestured to the Zodiac. "I-If he wishes, he can offer a pray to the Gods and one might... uh, no... considering his status, one will most definitely respond."

I tilted my head at Jason. "How about it? Is there one you'd really like to meet?"

"Is a hologram going to appear if I do?"

"Probably, yes."

Jason's eyes suddenly grew watery. "Is there one who can tell me if my mom is okay?"

"Your mother?" the Priest asked curiously.

"She's back home," I explained with a grimace. "She couldn't come with us, so Jason hasn't been able to see her."

"In that case, Ganymede might be the best choice. He's the God of Love. If anyone can connect your heart with your mother's, it's definitely him."

"Do you want to try it?" I asked. Jason nodded and wiped his eyes.

"Put your hand here," the Priest said, putting Jason's hand atop the symbol for Aquarius. It surprised me. Rafe had used the same one. Did that mean—? I blushed, even though it really wasn't the right time.

The Priest's directions to Jason continued. "Now make a wish with all your heart and imagine those feelings pouring through your hand and into the stone."

The flood of magic was so strong, I could feel it across the room. "That's enough," the Priest yelped as he backed away.

The twink, boy band God reappeared in front of the pedestal. "Hi," he said to Jason.

"Hi," Jason said back. "Are you the God of Love?"

"I sure am. I'm really surprised you called me out first. I thought Crotus would have been on the top of your list. That's why all of us love you, though. You keep managing to surprise us."

"Can you help me talk to my mom and let her know I'm okay?"

"Sorry, no can do. All contact with Earth is forbidden. I'd get in big trouble if I broke the rules, even for you. I can tell you she's sad right now, she misses you, and losing contact with you hurts, but she's going to be okay. She's a really strong woman. She won't ever forget you and, in a few years, there's a chance she'll adopt another kid who needs her, just like she adopted you."

Talk about a shock. I had no idea Jason had been adopted.

"That's good," he replied with a weak smile. "She was a good mom. I don't want her to be sad."

"If it makes you feel any better, I worked a little magic when we brought you here and set up an awesome life insurance policy. It means your mom is going to get a ton of money soon so she can buy that house she always wanted. She's going to plant watermelons in the back yard in honor of you, too."

"That does help," he said, his smile gaining strength.

"I'm glad," Ganymede replied happily. "It's always better to see you smiling. I noticed you've been smiling a lot since you got here. You've made some good friends and you managed to get yourself a doting older brother. There's lots of love going around, which is something I always like to see. Hmm, there's something missing, though. I know! You need a pet you can love on. Now that you have a registration card, you should visit the dungeon and use the Lifestyle Magic 'Taming' to get one."

"Can I?" Jason's eyes widened in excitement as he turned to me. Ganymede winked at me and disappeared.

I groaned. "Let's talk it over with Rafe when we get home later. He has experience with the dungeon. I don't."

After confirming Jason didn't want to contact another God just yet, the Priest escorted us out to Iris. Rafe was with her, as were two other men in black and gold uniforms. I couldn't tell if they were servants or guards.

"Jason," Rafe called out, waving him over. "Mother is going to take you back home, just the two of you, while your brother and I meet with the Grand Duke."

"Can we go to the market?" he asked. "My friends probably already opened the lemonade stand without me."

I nodded. "That's fine, but I want you home before dark like yesterday. Hopefully, we'll be back by then. Don't worry if we're not. Just eat your dinner, take a bath, and go to bed like usual. We'll definitely return before morning."

Jason narrowed his eyes at me. "Why is it going to take so long?"

"Did you ever go to the DMV with your mom? Stuff involving the government always takes forever."

Jason's expression cleared. "Oh. Okay."