60. Doctrine

Now tell us what the quarrel was about... You over there, you're the one who started this, right?

, First he knocked into my back, then he started calling us ''bumpkins''... Like I said, St. Jordan urbanites...

Alright. Were you the ones calling names? If you're from St. Jordan, you should recognize me.

Y-you are... the Holy Lady?! I'm terribly sorry. You humbled yourself by coming down here and yet w-we...

As a witness of this incident, I ask that you truthfully explain your hostility toward the refugees and how this quarrel came to pass.

Okay, I'll explain!

Today is the ''Holy Meal Day,'' the occasion when God rewards his followers for their piety. And it was with a pious heart we came here to claim meals.

But those foreign refugees, they have not the slightest loyalty to God! They kept complaining how the Church sat on their hands and didn't help them!

But that's the truth, isn't it? Besides, the only reason I came here was to get a free meal. I wanted no part in any ritual, nor did I want any trouble.

There you go! All you damn rats care...

I said I'm fine!

...My brethren, I trust some of you still remember my teachings. The term ''Holy Meal'' originally meant ''shared food.''

Is there a story behind it?

In its early days, the Church went through a tough time and came close to collapsing. Then one day, God granted us food, but there was not enough for every disciple.

So those who got the food started sharing it around. Later, they went further and designated a day to share food with everyone within the borders, and called it the ''Holy Meal Day.''

, Oh, right! That's true! The purpose of the ''Holy Meal'' is to thank God for his merciful grace and honor those selfless saints!

...You're only partly right.

How do you mean...?

Distributing free food is a time-honored tradition of the Empire, yes, but the very reason this tradition still lives on is to help our brethren in need.

If we forgot that and let arrogance and conceit get the best of us, God would be disappointed.

Oh, I... I'm truly sorry. I shouldn't have treated our brethren like that...

The point is, we believe in the universal grace of God and welcome whoever comes to claim meals for whatever reason.

Ohhh! Praise God! Praise the Holy Lady!

And the best way you can thank the Church and me is by keeping good order. And...

W-what is this...?

I once again apologize for my people's ignorance and lack of decorum. And I promise, the Church will do its best to alleviate your distress.

...Hmph, fine.

(Incredible! She ended the conflict so quickly. Looks like she lives up to being the Holy Lady not only in her looks and combat skills, but also in her persuasive power...)

...That's the last one... All ''Holy Meal'' has been given out. Mission accomplished! Thank you, everyone!

Ugh... I can barely lift my hands now. That was much more tiring than training...

Is that so? Personally, I enjoyed all that fast-paced kitchen work.

Awakener and I also had a great time together. And it was rewarding, too.

Oh? But I remember doing nothing but chasing away troublemakers and keeping people in order...

Oh? Is that so? But I think Vivi was quite enjoying it.

(...That dummy just doesn't get it. But then again... I doubt that Holy Lady understood what she felt when she said that...)

Here's some cold drink for your hard work. Let's all take a break, then we'll get to the final task.

Need my help?

Haha, you guys rest up. By custom, your dinner tonight...

, will be taken care of by the restaurant Fluffy Clouds! Consider it a little reward.

Captain, since dinner is still some time away, why don't you take Vivi for a walk? She looks a bit troubled.

Troubled? How can you tell?

That's a secret. Anyway... it'd be best if you could learn something about the Church from her.

...Prying is not my style.

Not prying. A casual chat will do. Well then, I'll go lead her guardian away.

You want to spar with me?

Spar'' is a serious word. It's just that as a fellow nomad, I'd like you to show me what the Empire-style fighting techniques look like.

In that case, I'm happy to oblige...

Thank you!

Those were some beautiful moves! Just as expected of the captain of the Empire troops.

I'm flattered. You're no slouch yourself. Few in the Empire match your skills. This fight sure taught me a lot.

Now, can you tell me why you led me away so that Awakener and Vivi could be alone?

Oops, you found me out.

If this is to help Viki make new friends, I'm all for it. But that's not the case, is it?

Hmm... I wonder about that myself. But one thing's for sure, Awakener and the rest of us will never put Vivi in harm's way.

I will refrain from further probing your motives. But... you must make sure that no harm will come to Vivi.

We will.

(At least for now.)