Iver took Sherlock to St. Genevieve Chapel.
—Yes, the place where he planned to help Sherlock complete the ritual was beneath the Chapel of the Candleholder.
Although it seemed a little inappropriate, perhaps even somewhat provocative... based on Iver's understanding of prayercraft, the Chapel of the Candleholder probably wouldn't mind.
Because there was no Mithra in the first place, and the process of completing the ritual belonged to the domain of devotion.
When all was said and done, this was also an act of worship toward the Chapel of the Candleholder.
"...Do we really have to come here?"
But Sherlock was clearly feeling a little guilty.
Or rather, Sherlock, who had grown up in Avalon, had never truly understood what it meant to "fabricate a god." In his mind, he still regarded Mithra as a real god—or perhaps a heretical god.
"Because we're in the city."
Iver explained as he led Sherlock down the dim stairs toward the depths of the cellar. "Normally, this ritual requires a natural cavern. The cavern's orientation must also be selected precisely. It must 'face Aries from Taurus.' It's known as the 'Land of Coronation.'"
"Sounds troublesome." Sherlock gave his assessment.
"It is troublesome. That's why I need to use a Ritual Site to create a usable 'Land of Coronation'... That requires a sufficiently sacred place. It needs to be isolated from the influence of the Path of Love as much as possible, but it also can't be exposed to light. It must be underground, and there must be enough space."
Iver turned around and spread his hands. "Then tell me, where else could I go besides here?"
This was the church's wine cellar, used to store sacrificial wine.
Iver had already reported it to Bishop Mathers last night... But Bishop Mathers's reaction had been