In the private reception room of The Old Oak Inn, carpeted thickly and filled with a faint woody fragrance, Lucia stood beside Ivette and watched as a waiter led in the frail boy named Ezra. Surprise showed on her face.
She remembered that during their last meeting, the youth had looked haggard, his brow furrowed with confusion and unease about the road ahead. Yet although he could not hide his nervousness now, his complexion was far rosier, and a concealed spark danced deep in his eyes. He seemed like a completely different person.
She instinctively wanted to greet him, but Ezra moved faster—and far more unexpectedly.
He scarcely dared look directly at Ivette. He suddenly dropped to his knees, his trembling voice filled with reverence and excitement as he said, "Divine Envoy! Ezra Yarrow has come in accordance with the goddess's oracle to await your command!"
Yes, although the villagers of Root Village respectfully called him a divine envoy, he knew that at most, he was someone blessed by the goddess. The only true divine envoy was the woman before him.
"Divine envoy?" Lucia froze, her gaze shifting between Ezra and Ivette. She had no idea what that meant.
Still, she wisely kept silent and decided to ask her teacher about it afterward.
Ivette nodded, her tone as calm as ever. "Rise, Ezra. You did very well. You cleansed Root Village of its corruption. The goddess is pleased."
Ezra rose in response, then immediately bowed deeply again. "All glory belongs to the goddess."
"Root Village has suffered the Evil God's corruption, and its people are anxious and unsettled. This is precisely when they need guidance and comfort." Ivette put on a profound expression. "I have decided to establish a village temple of the Silver Witch Church in Root Village. You