The temple in Purple Lake City had been modeled after the temple in the Holy Land. From the outside, there wasn't much difference besides its smaller size. The only other distinctions were the puzzling patterns on its main doors and the Saintesses who circled the temple as part of a ritual.
They arrived just as the Saintesses were making their rounds. Many people had gathered nearby to watch. The ritual took a while, and there was no requirement to remain silent, but everyone still lowered their voices in unspoken agreement. Quite a few people circled the temple alongside the Saintesses, praying for the Goddess's protection.
Unlike the two usual religious approaches of "praying for blessings" and "confessing one's sins," the followers of the Goddess Cult seemed to know their place. They neither prayed for the Goddess to satisfy their greedy desires nor held themselves to excessive standards and repented. From a certain perspective, they were almost excessively content. They recognized that they were ordinary people with limited abilities and wisdom, and even offered the Goddess their own well wishes.
"That sounds so inspiring," Blondie said, surprised. "They don't ask the Goddess to help them get rich. Instead, they ask her to affirm their hard work and reward them for it."
"Besides, not many people bring precious things as offerings."
The followers brought flowers and fruit. They didn't even offer all of it to the Goddess; some was for the Saintesses, the Divine Envoys, and the other members of the temple.
"If there really is a god, why make things difficult for people with that five-in-one rule?" an Outer District Player sneered. "If the Goddess treats everyone equally, does it really matter whether you enter the five satellite cities?"
His remark drew angry glares from the crowd. One follower said, "What's