Joanne's Intimacy story

I have heard that this is a place where one may enjoy a private audience with you in comfort. Is that correct?

I-In secret? I would do no such thing. I will always come to you with an open and transparent heart, Master.

That is not what I meant! I apologize if I have caused you any displeasure...

Yes. I would like to pray with you for 100 days, Master. What say you?

You wished to speak with me?

Yes. Thanks to Sister Ner, I am adapting quickly, even though I must continue to apply myself more.

...I do not see it as them giving me a hard time. If they find solace in such actions, I can endure it.

You are already providing me with more than enough assistance. I do not know how I will be able to repay your kindness, Master...

Do you wish for me to get along well with the Apostles?

...I wish for that as well, which is why I would tell them of the world as I remember it... but it felt as if they were slinking away from me...

I understand. It is somewhat difficult to comprehend the Apostles of this new generation... but I shall strive to do so little by little.

Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. The world has changed so much while I have been asleep that it feels quite overwhelming to have to adapt so quickly.

I wish to learn of the benevolence with which you embrace everyone, Master.

Not at all! That power is both warm and reassuring. It is all the more wondrous because it is a power only you can possess, Master.

...I pray that the image of the Master I know was not a mere illusion...

H-How does one do that? Do I just close one eye?

I would like to prove my devotion to you as soon as possible, Master, but I do not know how.

Really? But I have done nothing yet... What made you aware of it? Please, tell me! I beg of you!

I am having trouble forgetting the rebellious actions I have committed against you in the past...

As expected of one who stands at the highest place... such brutal honesty. Very well. I shall apply myself all the more.

How does it feel whenever you look into the hearts of others?

I doubt you mean something like the Queen's picture diary, do you?

...I have realized how lacking I am for being envious of that ability. I am ashamed.

You seem to be enjoying it a bit too much. I trust you are not peeking into my thoughts right now, are you?

There is something on my mind, Master. I keep having the same nightmares lately.

In the dream, I feel a devastating sense of emptiness after gaining divine power and then losing nearly all of it.

Ah, you are referring to that masked phantom? I thought so too, so I interrogated her, but she said it really was not her. Could she have been lying?

This will not do. I must prepare an all-night prayer vigil. You will join me, will you not, Master?

Master, do you also find my lack of expression to be cold?

Yes... I have been working very hard at practicing my smile, but it seems I am still lacking.

Oh, Master... That gives me so much comfort to hear you say that! Thank you so much.

I have noticed that no one ever reaches out and speaks to me first at the Order. ...Excuse me? It may not be my expression that is the issue? Then what could it be?!

You are my one and eternal Master, O Holy One...

It seems you found that distasteful... Ah, is it that you doubt my devotion? Perhaps due to my past transgressions? Oh, no...

I stood at the edge of an abyss, and you were the only one to reach out to me. It is I who am immeasurably thankful to you.

Ah, have I made you uncomfortable? Then perhaps I may combine the two and call you Holy Master? Would that be okay?

Master, you must hold a prayer service so that the faith of the Apostles may grow.

Excuse me? Why is that? ...What? The werebeasts? You wish me to consider the werebeasts? Oh, I see...

Certainly not! It is never enough! There is no end to the depths of faith! Please reconsider!

I have not yet asked her... but surely my Sister would welcome it too. If you grant your permission, I shall consult with her as well!

I shall offer a prayer to you, Master, for providing this daily sustenance.

Wh-Why do you not accept my prayer? Is my faith still lacking?

Sorry? N-No! That is not what I meant!

There is a vast difference between a mere casual remark and a prayer filled with true devotion.

It seemed like there was a commotion at the Banquet Hall earlier. Did someone pass through?

Oh, that band of werebeasts? If they ever cause you harm, you need only say the word. I shall carry out your will and deliver punishment.

Ah, I see you mean the Bee Elementals. Yes, in such numbers, it is only natural that it was noisy.

...Do you speak of that false Head Priestess? How dare she show herself here?!

Master, you must punish those who disturb the Order with falsehoods and restore proper discipline!

Eek! I-I am absolutely not saying that because I almost fell victim to the schemes of a swindling dragon!

Is that truly so? If you embrace the Apostles with such faith, Master, then I shall strive to do the same.

Excellent! May your thunderous fist strike down upon the heads of all sinners!

This Banquet Hall only operates because you are here. is that not so, Master? That, too, is a testament to your blessing.

Of course. I shall offer five additional prayers of gratitude to you each day!

Even if it is a hobby, many Apostles are blessed by it. I only wish everyone felt grateful towards you.

A task...? That sounds like a rather heartless way to put it. Regardless, I know that you do this out of affection for all the other Apostles and me.

Do not ask for my opinion and simply command me. I shall follow your revelations, Master.

Would that really be all right? I shall gladly do it if I can be of help!

Please, I insist! I am one who acts through faith. Please use me as you see fit, Master!

Hehe, a secret from the Head Priestess? It feels as if I have become your most favored confidante.

Master, what do you say to taking a break from time to time and having a meal yourself? I would gladly share some of mine with you.

Good thinking. Whenever the Head Priestess does not grant you a moment to rest, you may always rest here with me.

Oh, no! I apologize...! Next time, I will offer you some first before touching any of it myself!

Y-You have no need for mine...? I understand...

Oh, Master, have you seen the Head Priestess by any chance?

Really? It seems there is a lot of Order business piling up... I hope nothing is wrong.

H-Huh? Again? The Sprite Queen certainly causes quite a bit of trouble for the Order.

What? I was curious where she disappeared to while there is Order work to be done... Do you mean to tell me that she was with you this entire time?

I am a bit late today. There were many weeds growing in the flower garden.

Sometimes the Head Priestess helps... but it is quite all right. I find it easier to tend to it alone.

Excuse me? A weed-only garden...? For what reason?

J-Just say the word! I shall create a magnificent flower garden for this Banquet Hall immediately!

It seems that whenever the Sprite Queen sees me, she always asks me to make her some baked goods.

Vending machine...? I am not sure what that is, but it does not feel like a good thing...

Oh, now that you mention it, the bakery owner sprite has been looking at me rather strangely. I wonder what it could mean...?

If it is your command, of course! What kind of baked good would you like?

I wish there were a way to encourage the other Apostles to offer prayers to you... What might be a good way to do this?

That does not seem like a poor idea. However, it troubles me that you would have to go through such trouble personally, Master...

If that is your will, I shall follow it. However, I cannot help but feel the faith of the other Apostles is still quite lacking.

As long as the Apostles I "encourage" act of their own volition, it counts as encouragement, doesn't it?