Chapter 140 Three New Compagnons
Their ages were, to be honest, difficult to tell. They had the kind of body type that is hard to sexualize: about 158 centimeters, very slim, with small, barely discernible breasts, big amber half-moon eyes, and cute, adorable faces, like those of some Korean actresses who could easily play high school girls as well as married women in their early 30s. If they told him they were only 16, he would believe them, just as he would believe them if they said they were 32.
In this world it wasn't strange with all the races coexisting together, but it was confusing nonetheless. At first glance, they looked thoroughly human.
The two twin sisters were not so identical as to be mistaken for each other. Their haircuts were different and one of them was about an inch shorter than the other, which is not that unusual for identical twins. Finally, they wore similar outfits, but the choice of colors was thankfully different.
The smaller twin was wearing a short bob haircut, and was stifling a yawn by covering her mouth with the sleeve of her red hoodie, which was too big for her. She was also wearing matching baggy pants, which with her slippers inevitably hinted at pajamas.
The other twin gave off the same " poise ", with the difference that she seemed to prefer light blue and wore her wavy hair a little longer, her forehead uncovered.
Their chubby faces still bore the marks of their pillows, while the dim light of the tavern was so dazzling that they could barely open their eyes. They were obviously taking a "nap" before they arrived.
"Hmm? Isn't it a little early for a nap?" Nardor commented, lording it over them disapprovingly.
"Cough cough..." The tavernkeeper cleared his throat and replied awkwardly on their behalf, "But it's not too late to sleep in. At least, that's what they'd answer you if they were a little more awake."
Poppy, the newly recruited priest of Elsisn laughed uproariously with the tavern keeper, clearly familiar with the quirks of these two twins.
Ikaris in turn took the time to inspect the two sisters. It was quite obvious that at first glance they didn't really look like the priestesses of two Major Saints.
The tavernkeeper and Abram could of course guess what was bothering him and the former hastened to introduce them,
"The smaller one in red is Newen, the priestess of Asanah. The one in blue is Mira, the priestess of Kinah that you are looking for. Don't let their current appearance fool you. They are among the few priestesses who really have the favor of the Saint they serve. If they are currently unemployed, it is because the Confederation unofficially condemns the cult of Kinah and Asanah for various reasons... The two Saints do not get along very well with several more influential Major Saints such as Zar, Nemu and Kheorn which complicates things further. The benefits that the cult of Kinah and Asanah grants are also not as tangible and explicit as those of the other Saints, which explains their current situation. The Warring Lands being less monitored by the Confederation, they came here three years ago after the kingdom they lived in was conquered by another empire worshiping Zar and Anrasil."
"They didn't find work in all that time?" Danchun wondered.
It was hard for her to fathom. If they wanted to serve their goddess, couldn't they just erect a basic Prayer Hall right here and slowly build up their devotee base? After all, if they had been able to afford room and board in a tavern for three years they certainly weren't that poor.
Again, the tavernkeeper sensed what the trio was thinking and answered their queries, "Tartarus Shade feels that there are already too many religions bickering in this city. Half the incidents are caused by disputes between worshippers of different saints. The Saints' feuds spread to their most fanatical devotees, who then make it personal. To build one's temple, therefore, one must buy the deed to another temple, which hardly ever happens."
Ikaris scratched his chin thoughtfully as he stared at the two drowsy sisters, who merely yawned upon his scrutiny. Having grasped their situation, he summarized,
"In other words, their only hope was to find a Lord to serve, but none of them have been willing to accept them in the past three years. Am I wrong?"
"No, that is indeed what happened." Abram confirmed with a nod. "Even for me, it's hard to open new temples among the new Lords. Besides the offerings, once a Saint responds to our call, it is no longer possible to ignore his requests or disrespect him. One more Saint does not always bring the desired result. That's why I admire you if you really intend to allow the worship of all the Saints in your territory. It will not be as convenient as you think and I advise you to proceed with caution. If you succeed, however, the benefits to you and your territory are immeasurable."
Upon hearing the words of the Jessup priest, the two half-awake sisters widened their eyes in surprise.
"Do you intend to allow the worship of all the saints?" Newen stammered in shock. Her voice was softer and sweeter than he had imagined.
Her sister Mira was more composed and crossed her arms with a conspicuous frown. Her frown intensified and she stated in an analytical tone,
"It won't be easy. There is no shortage of renegade priests, but even I wouldn't have the audacity to ask you to hire them right away. If you're going to build a church for Kinah and Asanah, you should at least get their approval before you take in more. The interpersonal relationships between the Saints are complex but as the Knowledge Saint, Kinah knows it all. If I seek her advice, I can probably come up with a realistic plan to gradually implement the cult of additional saints without antagonizing them, but it will definitely be fraught with difficulties.
Now, Ikaris and his two comrades were genuinely impressed. Despite her immature look, when she spoke her voice was steady and deeper than most women. Her reasoning and suggestions were sensible and straight to the point, contrasting with her sister's timid and slightly sultry voice.
"That's a priestess of Kinah for you!" Poppy chuckled while patting the young woman's head reaching up to his shoulder.
Mira, who had just spoken so eloquently, pouted and immediately covered her head with her hands to prevent him from ruining her hair. At the same time, she stomped mercilessly on his foot, which made the Elsisn priest who didn't know his place turn pale.
While the latter, turned purple gasping as if he was in labor, Abram turned to Ikaris and probed,
"Are you satisfied with these three people?"
"I am." Ikaris nodded. "You can send someone to my territory through my Transportation Portal or come in person whenever it suits you to decide on the construction of a Prayer Hall."
A genuine smile finally stretched the old priest's lips. At least he hadn't gone to all this trouble for nothing.
"If you can put me up for the night, I can go with you right back." Abram suggested. Apparently opening a new place of worship was no small task.
"Sure, but I still have things to do today." Ikaris agreed, checking the time his System indicated.
To find out the time, he didn't even have to cast the spell, just focus on determining the time of day and he would usually get a pretty accurate answer given a few minutes.
"We'll meet at 5.00pm in front of the House of Morgunis mansion, if that's okay?" Ikaris then suggested.
The Jessup priest didn't mind, and after some small talk, he parted ways with them to prepare the supplies and manpower needed to build the future Prayer Hall.
The trio found themselves alone with their three new recruits: Poppy, Newen and Mira. Naturally, they gave them time to pack up and say goodbye to everyone.
It wasn't completely unexpected, but all the customers here knew each other. Those who were present had all overheard their conversations and although they were somewhat envious, they were also genuinely happy for their friends.
"I can't believe you got a job before me Poppy." A talking lizard man with a lisp gave the young man a big hug that almost broke his ribs before putting him back down on the floor.
Looking to Ikaris, he winked, "If in the future you need a priest of Dorgocron, I'm available 24/7."
Dorgocron was a Minor Saint, but one that absolutely could not be underestimated: the Dragon Saint, also known as the Oldest Eldwyrm.