Chapter of Bottled Love: Visiting the Spirit Faith

“Yes, just like that, just like that. You’re doing well, Yumi.”

“Am… Am I?”

“Yes, considering you knew nothing about it. And this much should be good enough.”

Wanda nodded, satisfied with my meagre efforts at ‘etiquette.’ If she was fine with it… Far be it from me to say otherwise.

“Haaa… But seriously, is all that really necessary?”

“There are even more rules I didn’t teach you about, you know?”

“There are even more?”

“Yes.”

Jeez, even this was already more than enough. How to give a greeting, how to eat, how to do anything. Okay, maybe not that much. The greeting and the eating part were really the only things. But they were important, according to Wanda. If we didn’t even pay attention to those two things, people might look down on us and therefore the mercenaries as well.

“But they’re not things you really need to worry about. I doubt Korwen would allow too many nobles to approach you girls. And I bet that’s why he figured you didn’t need to know about these things…”

She shrugged her shoulders as if to say how stupid it was.

“Anyway, with this, you girls won’t embarrass yourselves unnecessarily. Hopefully. Don’t do anything stupid and you should be good.”

We would try our best not to do anything stupid. Surely.

With a little bit of uncertainty settling in my heart, I looked down at my body. The black dress that Wanda was working on was now donned by me. It was still not finished but it was already wearable. And I had to say, it was more comfortable than I had expected. Although, I was thankful that the greeting we had to do wasn’t something like a curtsy. But more than that…

“Hehehe.”

“Yumi?”

Karen, standing next to me, looked at me in wonder while I was fully enjoying the view. It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Magnificent. Maybe I should have tried to be a little more clumsy while learning about etiquette, so I could enjoy it a little longer. But Wanda would probably have noticed and I wasn’t brave enough yet to face her fury.

“It really suits you, Sis.”

“You think so?”

Frowning, Karen looked down at herself, twisting her upper body left and right to get a better look.

“Nn, I do.”

“Mm…”

She didn’t seem like she was convinced by my words. Even though I really thought so.

“What, girl, you don’t trust my judgement?” asked Wanda.

“I do. Of course, I do…”

“But? Anything not fitting? Anything you’re not satisfied with?”

“... Nothing of the sort. I just… I don’t know… Does this really fit me?”

Still frowning, Karen turned to Wanda with her question.

“It fits you well. Even the kid says so.”

“Mm…”

“Haa… Anyway, before you continue to ponder about something so pointless, go and change your clothes. I need that back so I can finish it.”

“Pointless, you say…”

“Yes. Pointless. What else is it if not pointless? Now, go and strip. All three of you.”

“Okay…”

Looking a little reluctant, Karen fetched her other clothes and started to change out of the dress. The Elder, who had watched us silently and with obvious amusement, was already changing as well.

Speaking of the Elder, the ritual dress she wore was rather interesting. A mysterious, white-beige garment, adorned with leaves and embroidered with colourful flower patterns. Especially the sleeves and the hem were incredibly colourful. I had to wonder just how much work had gone into this single garment.

“Yumi, you should change as well.”

“Ah, right. Will do, Sis.”

So far, lovely dress. We would see each other again soon but it was still nice for the short while it lasted.

After changing our clothes, we handed them to Wanda.

“Good, good. I’ll have them finished by tomorrow. And, you should come visit before evening so we can do a last check if everything’s fine. You wouldn’t want to be late tomorrow.”

“Nn, got it.”

“Okay.”

“Then, that’s all from me. You’re free to stay here until the weather clears up, just don’t get in my way.”

With that, Wanda returned to her workplace, completely ignoring us.

“Nn… Sis, Miss Elder, what should we do?”

“Well…”

The three of us exchanged glances, unsure about our next course of action. Not like there was much to do anyway. The weather was bad and everyone was hiding in the tents and wagons for now. The wind had already calmed down a little but the rain hadn’t abated at all.

“I guess we should wait and hope for the rain to calm down. At least, I don’t want to get wet again.”

“Nn…”

“In that case, I have a suggestion.”

“Miss Elder?”

Karen and I both turned to the Elder, who held up something in front of her chest. A small ornamental box.

“Wanda has taught me about this humanoid pastime. Wouldn’t it be a good opportunity to play and wait for the rain to pass?”

“A… card game?”

“Indeed.”

Inside the box was a stack of cards. Yes, just cards.

“Well, I don’t mind. Sis, what about you?”

“Neither do I. But… Miss Elder, which game did Wanda teach you?”

“It’s called ‘The Lying Pauper,’ apparently.”

At the mention of the name, Karen’s face turned into a grimace. It took me a moment to remember why.

“Ahh… Isn’t that the game we played with the mercenaries, Sis?”

“It is…”

Right… The game where you placed cards face-down and called out their value. And the point of the game was, that you couldn’t call out a value lower than the previous card that was played, so you inevitable had to lie at some point. And if you were caught lying, you took all the cards. And if someone mistakenly thought you were lying, they would take the stack. A simple enough game, really. Just, Karen nearly placed last at the time.

“So you both know the game?”

“Nn, we do.”

“Perfect! So, how about it?”

The Elder was looking at us with eyes full of expectation. Iv was a bit surprised to see her this excited about a game. Maybe the elves didn’t usually play?

“I’m fine with playing it,” I said.

“... I’m fine too. I won’t lose this time.”

“Great!”

Oh, even Karen was now fired up, huh? Maybe that near-loss back then hit her more than I thought.

“Hehe! I won’t hold back!”

“NN, neither will I.”

“Same here.”

The Elder distributed the cards and the first game of one in many had begun moments later.

---

The storm had passed. Finally. It only took over a whole day. A while after the three of us started playing games, the storm calmed down enough that we could leave Wanda alone and make our way to our wagon, where we spent the remaining evening playing games with the Elder. One thing I learnt from this evening was that Karen wasn’t really good at card games. And she was a sore loser. A bad combination. As for the Elder, she wasn’t really good either but she enjoyed it even though she lost frequently.

All in all, we had a pretty enjoyable day. The storm picked up again after we relocated to the wagon, though. That meant that dinner turned out to be cold food again, just like breakfast.

After dinner, we continued to play and talk and waste time until it was time to sleep. The Elder left and Karen and I spent a comfortable night in bed. A very comfortable one, indeed. And then, the next morning, the storm had passed. Praise be.

Which, however, brought us to the current situation. Karen, Lily, the Elder and me, discussing a certain topic with Korwen.

“An examination? For Yumi and Rina?”

“Nn.”

“Mm…”

Korwen furrowed his brows as he contemplated the Elder’s suggestion from yesterday.

“Mm… He is a healing magician, so he would likely be able to help… But that is assuming he won’t give us trouble when he finds out what you are, Yumi.”

“Nn… But the only other option would be to wait for Yumias to return.”

“If she returns at all. Who knows where that one disappeared to.”

He leant back on his chair, staring at the tent’s ceiling.

“Miss Elder, you really think he is trustworthy enough?”

“That I do, Mr Korwen. I cannot speak for his fellows but the High Priest himself would never divulge such a secret. He is bound by his oath to the Great Spirits and he takes this oath very seriously.”

“That so…”

Falling silent, we waited for him to think about it for a little.

“Lily.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have any idea where Yumias disappeared to?”

“... No. I wish I did.”

“Then, do you have any idea when she returns?”

“I don’t know that either. For all I know, she could stand outside the tent and listen to our conversation right now. Or she won’t show herself for months.”

Lily smiled wryly. It was likely not easy for her either.

“But I think she will definitely return at some point. She always does. I just don’t know when.”

“So it’s just a matter of when…”

“Also, I… don’t know if she would talk about Yumi’s… situation.”

“... Seriously?”

Korwen groaned, holding his head as if he was enduring a headache.

“Is there even any other choice then…”

Probably not…

“At the very least, I believe this to be a good chance, Mr Korwen. The High Priest is skilled in the healing arts and, in my humble opinion, trustworthy. And if the witch herself cannot be relied upon, then I believe there is little choice, indeed.”

“And there wouldn’t happen to be people who know more about Yumi’s… race, right? You told us there used to be others like her, after all.”

“Every Cursed’s fate is unique, Mr Korwen. Their traits manifesting in different ways. Even if there were others like me, who knew about them, it would be doubtful whether they could help.”

In other words, they weren’t an option either.

“At the very least, none of the Cursed I met were alike, sharing only few similarities.”

“Mmm…”

Once more, he fell silent, lost in thought. After a while, he looked up again.

“Yumi.”

“Nn?”

“What do you want to do?”

“... If it’s possible, I want to get examined. If the High Priest really can figure out something about my body…”

“I see.”

He sighed, then straightened his back.

“I’ll allow that examination. But only with an escort accompanying you girls. Also, I’ll have Ria tag along as well. As long as you can abide that, I’ll allow it.”

“Nn, thank you, Captain.”

“Haa… Seriously… Don’t you dare come back with no new insights, you hear?”

“We’ll try our best.”

“Good. Now, Miss Elder, when can she get that examination?”

“As soon as she wants to.”

Korwen blinked a few times, not quite understanding what the Elder meant.

“Miss Elder… Could you repeat that?”

“As soon she wants to. The High Priest told me that we are welcome to visit him at any time.”

“... Miss Elder. What exactly is your relationship with the High Priest?”

“Mm? Why?”

Now it was the Elder’s turn to be confused.

“The High Priest is not someone you can meet so casually, you know?”

“But he came here to treat the injured, did he not?”

“Because it was an emergency situation and the temples got instruction from above to help us. And without the High Priest, they wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the city at the time. The city was under lockdown for the day.”

So that’s why he actually came along?

“That’s why I am curious about your relationship with him.”

“My relationship with him… I think it would be more appropriate to ask him instead of me. It wouldn’t be proper of me to divulge this. But I can assure you it is nothing troublesome. We have simply known each other since he was a child.”

“Hmm… I see.”

It wasn’t proper for her to divulge it? So… it was something regarding the High Priest… Maybe something embarrassing?

“I’ll leave it at that. If I have to ask him myself, asking I will do. Whenever I get the chance to meet him again.”

“Mr Captain, you will not come along?”

“If you wait for a few days, I could. But in a few days, I’d rather be on the road already. There are still some things I have to deal with first.”

When would he ever catch a break? Really…

“More importantly, we discussed Yumi already but what about Rina? She’s… different from Yumi, right?”

“Well… Yes…”

Rina wasn’t here with us right now, mostly because Karen wanted to avoid confronting her about that past more than necessary.

“If I may, Mr Korwen… That girl’s situation is… very unique, to say the least. She is not like the Cursed, neither is she like a monster nor a normal humanoid anymore. Outwardly, she seems to have no issues at all and the mana crystal has no influence. Miss Ria told me that she is the very picture of health, except for her lack of exercise. Considering her situation, that is something… I wouldn’t expect to be the case.”

“Mm…”

Rina was imprisoned for a long time. Even if you ignored for a moment how traumatic such an experience was, it was weird how healthy she was.

“So, you think there might be something more to it?”

“That I do.”

Another groan escaped Korwen.

”Honestly, considering what the girl went through, I’d prefer if she could take some distance from everything that happened… But since this concerns her health… Try to keep an eye out for her, okay? If you can do that, it’s fine to bring her along. Of course, as long as her big sister allows it.”

He glanced towards Karen.

“I do. I am worried about her as well, after all.”

“Then, that settles it.”

So, we got permission to have Rina and me examined by the High Priest.

“That only leaves the question of when.”

“Nn, would it be possible to do it today?”

As long as we were back by the time we had to meet up with Wanda, it should be fine, right? And I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. Before my head had the chance to decide otherwise out of nervousness.

“Today, huh… If you leave immediately after this and make sure you are back at noon, it should be fine… Mm...”

Although he said it was fine, he didn’t exactly look thrilled at my question.

“Haa… I guess the result won’t change whether you go today or tomorrow. I’ll trust you girls on this. Don’t make a mess of things.”

“We won’t.”

“I sure hope so. Haa… If nobody else objects, I’ll call for Ria and your escort. And Rina.”

“That’s fine by me.”

“I do not have any issues with it either.”

Korwen stood up and promptly left the tent, telling the mercenaries outside to go and deliver the message. Moments later, he returned inside.

“And that’s done with as well… Seriously, why did you have to come and tell me this today of all days.”

“Ahaha…”

“That’s not funny, Yumi.”

My deepest apologies.

“Looking at it positively, if we can shed some light on this mystery, it might benefit us in the long run… I can only hope the High Priest keeps to his oath as you say, Miss Elder.”

“He will.”

“Mhm. I sure hope so.”

Korwen was way more conflicted about this than I had expected, to be honest. I would have thought he’d be happy about the chance…

“Captain.”

“Yes, Yumi?”

“Why are you so worried about this?”

“Because we are talking about the High Priest. The High Priest. I know the man and I do trust him in his capacity as a healing magician. But faith and religion are tricky things.”

So, he was worried because the person in question was a priest…

“Furthermore, the High Priest has a lot of influence. He always struck me as very rational despite his eccentric behaviour but in the end, I know too little of him outside of our work relationship. That’s why I can only put my trust in the Elder’s opinion.”

And that worried him only more…

“It’s just pointless worrying about something I can’t change anyway. If you want to make it easier on me, report back to me as soon as you can and give me the results.”

“Nn, got it. Will do.”

“That’ll help.”

If it was just that, then that would be easy enough to do.

“Anyway, I shouldn’t be more worried and negative than the people who actually get examined. Sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine, Captain.”

He was just worried for the mercenaries and for us. And that was his job, after all.

“Mm. I hope you will find out a little about your body, Yumi.”

“So do I…”

I really hoped so as well.

“Also, there’s one question I have. Miss Elder, Karen.”

“What is it, Mr Korwen?”

“Huh?”

Suddenly being addressed, Karen took a moment to respond to him.

“If the High Priest is able to shed some light on Yumi’s situation, do you think he would know anything about Karen’s and Rina’s situation as demonkin? And Sele’s as well.”

“That is…”

The Elder paused, lost in thought for a moment.

“I admit I did not consider asking him about that. And I, unfortunately, don’t know if he could...”

“Is that so… Maybe you should bring Sele along as well and ask him about it. If he examines Rina, I wager the topic will come up anyway.”

“Certainly, that might happen.”

“Right? Then, take her with you. If you can, have him take a look at Karen and Sele as well. Especially Karen should get examined as well, considering that it’s going to be hard to talk it off as dyed hair at some point.”

He glanced at Karen, or more accurately, at the strand of pink hair that peeked out.

“Uhh…”

“It might be better to get that out of the way as well, don’t you think so?”

“... I guess so.”

Karen nodded weakly.

“It seems that the High Priest will have his work cut out for him today.”

“It might. But don’t force the issue. If it is not possible, then leave it be. Rina and Yumi are the most important in this.”

“I understand. Although I doubt it will be an issue.”

“... We’ll see.”

At that moment, the curtain of the tent opened, and Ria strolled in, followed by Rina.

“Captain… You called?”

“That I did. I got some work for you.”

Shifting his attention to Ria immediately, he explained the circumstances to her and to Rina as well. Shortly later, several mercenaries had gathered outside, fully geared and armed to the teeth.

“Mm… I understand…”

“Take good care of them and make sure they get back safe and sound.”

“I will…”

Satisfied with her reaction, he turned to us again.

“Now then, off with you all. And don’t forget to fetch Sele first. I wish you luck.”

“Understood, Mr Captain.”

“Nn, understood.”

“Yes, Mr Korwen.”

“Sure, Captain.”

He shook his head when he heard our replies that were all over the place, eliciting a chuckle from us.

“Seriously… Now, off with you all. Shoo, shoo.”

Only to make us laugh even more.

---

“So… This is it?”

“Seems so.”

A while later, with our escort, Sele and Rina in tow, we arrived at the headquarters of the Spirit Faith in Lafria. Why headquarters? Because I wasn’t sure whether you could this a temple or a shrine. It wasn’t quite what I had imagined this place to be.

It was a large building complex that spread out in front of us. In pure terms of space, it probably dwarfed even the Academy. However, every single building… was only one story tall. One story. Not a single building was higher.

“This isn’t really what I imagined it to be,” I muttered.

And who could fault me? I expected some impressive building or the like. But this was… rather subdued. If Ria hadn’t told us, I would have never expected this to be where the High Priest worked.

“I heard they are building only small buildings in deference to the Great Spirits. Because it would disrespectful to try and reach the heavens where the Spirits are making their home,” replied Lily to my muttering.

“Huh…”

“It coincidentally also helps the ill and injured who are here. This way they don’t have to walk any stairs up.”

Oh, that was true. 

“So, this is more like a hospital?”

“A hospital? You mean like those care centres they have in Aldreigh?”

“... I guess so.”

“Well, they are medical care centres so I guess that’s about right. But it is still a place of faith.”

A place of faith… It didn’t seem like one. The buildings didn’t look much different from everything else in the city. The largest difference was the plant decorations that were hanging down from pretty much every single roof as well as some statues and ornaments depicting what I believed to be the Great Spirits.

“That is fine and all but where do we find the High Priest now…” said Karen.

“Nn, good question.”

There were plenty of people around, some wearing similar animal masks to the one the High Priest was wearing. Admittedly, not one of them was as imposing as the one he wore, but they were still rather… creepy. Sele was already hiding behind me and Karen, peeking out and staring at the priests. We had kind of kidnapped her away from Emily and Maya and since then, she spoke even less than usual, clinging closely to me or Karen.

“There is a reception where you can state your business. It should be right over there unless they changed the place.”

“Oh, that’s convenient… Lily, have you been here before?”

“Long ago, with Papa.”

Lily’s smile disappeared for a second at the mention but soon returned.

“Anyway, let’s go.

“... Nn.”

We entered the building Lily had pointed us to. Considering how large our group was, we were attracting quite a few surprised stares. Some seemed even worried. If I had to guess it was because of how heavily armed our escort was.

There really was no need to send the Dragon Knights along, was there?

Although, they happily volunteered to do it, from what we were told. Didn’t the elite of mercenaries have nothing better to do? Well, as long as it kept us safe...

“Excuse me.”

As I pondered about our escort, the Elder had walked up to one of the animal-mask people.

“Ye— Yes? How may I help you?”

Much to my surprise, there was a female voice behind the mask. Even if it was a little shaken.

“I am the Elder of the elves. I would like to meet with the High Priest, who graciously invited me.”

“The, the High Priest did? Uhm, if you could wait one moment!”

The woman dashed away as if she wanted to flee… The armed men were scary, huh…

“Miss Elder, I heard you gave up the title of Elder, though?”

“I did, Lily, but how else do you want me to introduce myself?”

“With your name.”

“Don’t have one.”

“Lies.”

“I long forgot about it.”

Lily frowned at the Elder’s vague reply.

“Does that really happen?”

“Who knows?”

“...”

“Either way, whether I am or was the Elder, is not important. As long as that brat knows it is me, that shall be enough.”

“That’s not wrong but… Whatever.”

With a shrug, Lily dismissed the topic.

“More importantly, I hope this is going to work.”

“She went to inform him, so shouldn’t it be fine?”

“Seeing how scared she was, maybe she’s calling the guards instead.”

Hopefully not. That’d be exactly the type of trouble Korwen didn’t want.

“For now, we shall wait and see. But let’s move out of the way so that others can pass through.”

“Ah…”

We were blocking traffic. Right. Upon the Elder’s mention, our group moved aside, freeing up the space again.

“Now that I can take a look around… The inside already looks more like a… temple. Or shrine.”

A long spacious hall with dozens of painted statues lining the wall opposite the entrance, each depicting a different creature. A masked priest was currently washing one of them, carefully scrubbing each nook and cranny. Once he was done, he clasped his hands in front of him and gave his thanks, probably to the spirit depicted. After that, he moved to the next statue.

Except for the statues, the room didn’t contain much else. Although, those statues used up a lot of space already anyway. In front of some statues were flowers, maybe meant as offerings or so. As for either end of the hall, they most likely led deeper into this… temple.

“Sis, are all of those statues the Great Spirits?”

“I think so? I don’t know. Lily, do you know?”

“They’re the Great Spirits, you’re right about that.”

So they were…

“All of them?”

“All of them.”

“That’s… There are a lot.”

If I had to guess, maybe forty or fifty statues were lined up next to each other.

“There are… If you want, I can tell you alter about it if you want. Or you ask the High Priest or some other priest here. Because the priest is coming back.”

“Oh? Already?”

I followed Lily’s gaze and sure enough, there she was. The female priest had returned already.

“Excuse the delay. If you would follow me. The High Priest is expecting you.”

The woman bowed in front of us once before gesturing with her arm as if to invite us in.

“Well, that was a lot easier than I expected…”

“Nn.”

At least, she didn’t call the guards.

“Then, let’s follow her.”

Time to meet the High Priest. And hopefully, I would be able to find out a little more about myself.

Rinne

Again, sorry for the delay and thank you for reading!

Everyone, stay safe and healthy!