By evening, the final sermon at Saint Audrey Church in Backlund's Empress Borough was drawing to a close. When Justice Audrey Hall entered the Prayer Hall in a pale yellow, waist-cinched dress, carrying a lady's parasol, she happened to hear Archbishop Susie leading all the believers of the Fool present in a resounding cry:
"Praise the Fool!"
Framed by Mr. Fool's holy emblem and the sunlight streaming through the stained glass onto the altar, an intellectual-looking woman of about thirty, with long golden hair and an archbishop's robes, began directing several pastors to distribute Holy Communion. Naturally, she did not do it herself.
Because she was a dog.
In Audrey's eyes, Susie moved among the believers in pristine white clothing, exchanging a few pleasantries here or offering an individual blessing there. Her steps were light, as though she were out for a stroll.
But to every believer of the Fool other than Audrey, Susie was the archbishop they revered.
As early as eight years ago, in 1360, Susie had finished digesting the Dreamwalker potion. With Audrey's help, she had prepared the materials for her next advancement and completed the Promotion Ritual, becoming a true demigod and gaining a lifespan far longer than that of her original species.
Audrey thought there was little hope of her advancing any further, but Susie was already quite satisfied. She, too, had embraced faith in the great Mr. Fool and become the archbishop of Saint Audrey Church. On the one hand, she provided corresponding anchors of faith for Mr. Fool and Audrey; on the other, she thoroughly enjoyed being able to converse openly with humans.
Of course, this Church of the Fool in Empress Borough, right beside The End Church's Saint Wensa Church, had not been built for Susie. Earl Hall had funded it at