It was decided yesterday that I would stay in the Tellussian Temple. Aside from the reality that I don't have any places to stay in the capital, it's also safe to remain where demons can't linger—allegedly.
Logically, I get to stay at the Tellussian Temple, not because Sir Jeralia kneeled and begged me to, but because it's within her jurisdiction. If I disagreed immediately, the Holy Knights would have to delay their departure because of her stubbornness.
"Hiya!" The carriage rattled as it moved.
As I stared at the carriage window, I could feel my ring vibrating. Shoot! I forgot about Pygmy!
"Pygmy? Are you there?" I whispered, hoping that he would answer.
"How can you be so cruel, contractor?" Pygmy whimpered.
I can already tell that he's sulking. How could I have forgotten him? I was so preoccupied and overwhelmed by Sir Jeralia's presence that I forgot that I had to find a way to summon Pygmy again.
"I apologize, Pygmy. What can I do to make it up to you?"
"Then form a contract with me!" Pygmy exclaimed.
I chuckled and said, "That's already a given. But can you elaborate on how the contract works? I want to be well-informed about this world, especially the ability I possess. I want to use this to protect my people and defend myself."
"As you may know, people who can summon a spirit are called Spiritualists. Abilities like these are rarely possessed since Spiritualists are closer to their God. Take that strong Holy Knight, for example!"
"You mean Sir Jeralia? What about her?" I questioned, showing interest in his explanation.
"People like them also have a closer connection to God because they spent their entire lives worshiping and serving, just like Spiritualists. Although Spiritualists have a stronger connection through spirits, their bonds still can't be denied."
I wondered, "What about the existence of Spirits? What does it have to do with their strong connection to God?"
"Spirits were made from the immaculacy of nature. We were made to protect this world from anomalies that may blemish the natural law and the Guardian Deities of every element. Since this world was made as a last resort to save humanity from darkness, the Gods should do everything to protect it."
"So, in other words, my ability as a Spiritualist originated from your strong connection to a God? What about the concept of mana?"
"We, spirits, are living things, while mana is just an excess of energy that came while the Gods were building this world. To put it, spirits are God's blessings that were made to protect this world, while mana is just a bundle of energy from God's power that humans and animals can absorb," he paused, pondering how to explain it further.
"Mana is limited, but it's powerful enough for humans to wield and protect themselves. It can also be used wickedly like those demon worshippers, but for Spirits, we can never change because that's just how we were made."
If a spirit's role is to eliminate anomalies, am I considered an anomaly? I'm not from this world, and I can still remember my memories as Chesah. Why did the Gods bless me with something I shouldn't have?
Can't Pygmy detect that this body has a different soul?
"Contractor? Did I not satisfy your question? I apologize as I have not lived for quite a long time, so my knowledge could be lacking." Pygmy apologized with a bit of regret in his voice.
I shook my head. "No, Pygmy. You have exceeded my expectations, so I'm beyond satisfied. Let's go back to the topic at hand. How do I summon you again?"
"Oh, right! From what I know, we could form our contract in a place where Goddess Tellus's blessings are highly concentrated," Pygmy replied like he was exhilarated about it.
I can feel that he's delighted since the ring vibrates depending on his emotions.
"Where the blessings are highly concentrated, huh?" I pondered. "Of course! Where else could there be? The temple should be the perfect place for it!"
"My contractor is so smart! I was thinking about the World Tree in the Elven village, but the temple works too!"
The rattling of the carriage stopped.
"Halt! Please stay for the inspection!" I heard a knight say outside.
I heard footsteps coming this way and knocked on the door. "Good day, Milady! Please kindly open the door for inspection."
I opened the door, and an Imperial Knight inspected the carriage. "Pardon my intrusion," he said politely.
After that, we could quickly enter the eastern gate of the capital. The commander and I parted ways as he went straight to the palace under the emperor's orders.
I recall coming here with the countess while shopping for my dresses. What happened to those dresses anyway? It was such a waste, and I could only wear one!
"Milady, we have arrived at the temple."
I opened the door and held the hand of the coachman as I got out of the carriage. My jaw dropped as I stared at the picturesque scenery.
The temple is as huge as a mansion, and it is also spacious! This warm feeling is the same as when Pygmy healed us. The garden can also be seen from the outside, and it's apparent that it's been well taken care of based on how lovely the flowers are.
These gentle warmth and comfort are the symbols of God's blessing. It was a good call to come here since it's also a way for me to bond with Pygmy.
(Contractor! I can unquestionably feel Goddess Tellus's blessing here. It's pretty faint, but I sense something behind this building!)
( Not inside the building, but behind it? )
This is supposed to be the main building where people pray and worship their God. How is it possible that a blessing is behind it?
"Milady, Commander Jeralia is waiting for you inside."
I thanked the coachman before being escorted inside the temple. As we slowly walked the path to the main door, I could hear distant chatter inside. Did something happen?
The door dramatically opened, like I was the bride at a wedding. Upon entering, I backed away when I saw tons of knights forming a straight line side by side and simultaneously bowing.
Altogether, they shouted, "We are gratified by your presence, your holiness!"
I face-palmed, feeling embarrassed by their antics. Just what did Sir Jeralia tell them? Is this the reason why the Holy Knights departed earlier than we did?
Sir Jeralia slowly walked toward me and kneeled. "We are thankful for your safe return, Saintess. Please allow us to show our loyalty to you and our beloved Goddess Tellus."
I sighed. How will I be discreet about my contract with Pygmy if I gain their unwanted attention?