It was a bright, pleasantly warm day in the capital of Matani Bond, West Bayam.
Emlyn White climbed out of his coffin, cast a disgusted glance at the sun overhead, and hurriedly put on his silk top hat to shield himself from its harsh rays. He turned the Ring of Lilith on his finger—translucent amber throughout, with a blood-red gemstone set on top—then raised his head haughtily and headed for the Earth Mother's largest cathedral in the city.
The sun in the Southern Continent is fiercer than in the North Continent, even with winter approaching here... When will the Sanguine have a land of eternal night and be rid of this nuisance for good... Wait, wouldn't that be just like the Forsaken Land of the Gods where Mr. Sun used to live?
He shook his head, dispelling the strange thoughts, and entered the Prosperity Church. He dutifully removed the top hat that had shielded him from the sun and bowed his head slightly toward the sacred emblem in the Prayer Hall, which depicted an infant surrounded by wheat ears, flowers, and spring water.
Matani Bond had originally been an Intis colony, but under the terms of the armistice following the war, Intis's colonists and troops had withdrawn from most cities and surrounding areas in West Bayam. The Feynapotter Kingdom, which already enjoyed good relations with the local armed forces, had taken over the region, expanded its ongoing missionary work, and built many new churches.
Although the Earth Mother's teachings conflicted somewhat with the belief in Death retained by the local people of Balam, the latest agricultural techniques her followers brought, along with their emphasis on reproduction and childbirth, aligned with the ideals of the local government, newly freed from Intis's colonial rule. As a result, they had gained many believers