Binary Soul

> Ellie PoV <

I try to recall Kira's lessons while we walk.

This world's religion is split in two.

On one hand is the Church of Enuri.

Don't be mistaken though.

Enuri itsn't a god.

It’s the name of the sun.

That's what’s being worshiped.

The priests of Enuri care for the living.

Blessings, healing, orphanages, soup kitchens for the poor.

Charitable things like that.

On the other hand is the Church of Khamis.

Ah, but Khamis isn't a god either.

It's the name of the bigger, yellow-ish moon.

The smaller white one is called Khamis Jr.

These people worship this world's two moons.

The priests of Khamis care for the dead.

Funerals, exorcisms, lifting curses, purification.

Grim things like that.

Since their duties hardly ever overlap, they get along quite well.

We reach the Church of Enuri.

The entrance is a big door with a regular hallway, but the main hall is round.

The domed roof is made mostly of glass.

There are also plenty of windows.

Since the sun is starting to set, the whole place is dyed red.

There's a 3 meter high pedestal in the middle, directly under the glass dome.

On the pedestal is a golden globe with elaborate decorations.

That's obviously the sun.

There are soft carpets arranged in a circle around the pedestal

There's a few people prostrating themselves.

It's unquestionably a dogeza, but the form is sloppy.

They're probably praying.

Kira approaches one of the priests.

His face is wrinkled and his hair and full beard have more than a few traces of white.

"Good day, father."

Kira says in a hushed voice.

"Good day, my child."

The priest responds in kind.

"I need the assistance of the church."

"Very well my child, right this way."

"Thank you father."

The old priest leads us to a side room.

It's some sort of office.

He sits down behind a heavy desk, and me and Kira stand at the foot of it.

The priest starts rubbing his temples with both hands while furrowing his brows.

This pattern is familiar.

I realized what was going on in the adventurer's guild.

Kira has been trying to tease me all day.

Otherwise Kira would warn me properly about all these weird people and procedures.

However, I will not surrender quietly!

I scan the room quickly, I notice a nameplate on the desk.

'Ernest Quasse, Bishop of Enuri'

So they are an actual father and daughter.

But Kira is adopted.

In this country, 'mil' has the meaning of 'taken in by'.

Apparently it has meaning when it comes to inheritance.

Since the church of Enuri is responsible for orphans, it's not uncommon for priests to adopt them.

This is usually done with the hope the orphan will become a priest.

However, Kira is an adventurer, clearly going against her father's wishes.

Therefore, they must be on bad terms.

Fufufufu, you shouldn't underestimate adventurers!

Yes!

I finally got to say it!

With this vital piece of information, Kira's plan is ruined.

And so, after making a sigh, the priest starts things off.

"Alright Kiressara, what is it this time?"

"There's no need for that, father.

I'm here as a resident, not a daughter. It really is church business."

Kira glances sideways at me.

Kira must have been looking forward to my reaction.

But this time is different.

I make sure there is no surprise on my face.

"... Alright, so what can the church do for you?"

"I want to book the main hall two months from now, from dawn until noon."

The priest checks a calendar quickly.

"Okay, there's an available spot. What's the occasion?"

"It's for a marriage ceremony."

The priest starts scribbling something down in a ledger.

Someone's getting married huh?

"Who's the couple?"

The priest asks matter-of-factly without lifting his eyes.

Kira gently embraces me from behind and with the biggest smile I've ever seen-

"Me and Ellie here."

Declares our engagement to the world.

When did that happen?