Just before dusk fell, they reached the town of Grünheim without encountering so much as a carriage on their way. In the town, Mortis and Helga first admired the impressive castle, which indicated that Grünheim was ruled by its own baron and everything here seemed new and clean.
They decided to go to the first inn they found to have a hot meal and refresh themselves. After stowing their belongings in their rooms, they headed for dinner. Afterwards Mortis, Helga and Julia took a walk through the main street. Julia explained everything to them as she had grown up in this city.
Julia also led them to the city's temple, which was built of white stones and appeared impressively large. Mortis curiously asked the reason for the choice of color. Julia explained that they worship Luxia, the goddess of light, which means more than just physical light. Mortis wanted to know if praying would do any good, as he associated light more with natural sources like the sun or fire.
Julia patiently explained that Luxia is of great importance to paladins and priests. She not only provides light, but also symbolizes spiritual awakening and blessings. The statues of other gods in the temple are used to help worshipers with specific goals.
Mortis looked at Julia and asked if she would like to become an adventurer herself. She declined, as she had heard that journeys to Franconia were fraught with great danger, both from monsters and from mad humans.
That night they found themselves at the inn, ready to rest. Mortis and Helga made a cozy camp of blankets and pillows, while the others also came to rest. The darkness of the night surrounded them, and the stars shone in the sky.
The next morning they woke up, and Mortis noticed Helga next to him in bed. The fact that she was naked pleasantly surprised him. However, he also realized that her body hair was accepted differently in this world. He quickly got dressed and explained that he was used to seeing women hairy in only a few places.
Helga was amused at his reaction and tried to tease him. Mortis explained that it was probably common in this world for women to have more body hair. Nevertheless, he suggested that if she removed it all, she could surprise him. Helga accepted the offer and they arranged to do her shopping.
In front of the inn, Mortis and the former prisoners, who had found a ride to Bamberg, said goodbye. Mortis secretly pressed gold coins into Julia's hand to make sure she arrived safely.
Julia was touched and grateful that he had helped her again. They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Meanwhile, Mortis went about his own business.
He sold metallic items at the blacksmith and cloth at the tailor. He visited the tanner, where he had his equipment repaired and cleaned. After that, he went to the adventurers' guild.
Mortis planned to pick up Helga from the temple and go shopping together. However, he noticed that Helga seemed a bit sad when he met her at the temple. She told him that she had been thrown out by a priest while trying to get the blessing.
But Helga had failed three times and each time was thrown out of the temple by a priest. Without hesitation, Mortis entered the temple and faced the priests. He raised his finger threateningly against the statue of Luxia and roared throughout the temple:
"You harlot, who do you think you are? Show yourself, you harlot! How dare you deny my wife's blessing to become an adventuress? You cheap goddess, think you're a big shot? I'll drag your ass over the washboard! Show yourself, you dirty bitch!"
His words triggered unexpected consequences. A huge thunderstorm came up, the sky darkened, and thunder echoed. Even in the divine realms, the situation was followed with great attention. Even the dark deities were startled.
Before the situation could get out of control, a mysterious letter appeared before Luxia. This letter carried the command of a powerful deity and instructed Luxia to give Helga the blessing and at the same time point out that Mortis had better not have a hair on her head.
Luxia connected with her statue in Grünheim to look at the young man who dared to humiliate her in such a way. The statue opened her eyes, and an inner conflict raged within her in the face of Mortis' outburst of rage.
Finally she said, "All right, I'll give your wife the blessing, but this is an exception. Normally you would die at the first insult. But you are lucky that I am kind." Mortis nodded in understanding, and he called Helga to him. She stood before the goddess, humble and prostrate. Mortis bowed as well, but his look showed neither apology nor humility.