After returning from the estate in the North Borough where Nibis lived to the South Bridge District, Cyril didn't go straight home. Instead, he had Emlyn take him to Harvest Cathedral.
In the hall, illuminated by dim candlelight, Father Utravsky sat bent forward beneath the Holy Emblem of Life. He wore a brown priest's robe embroidered with symbols of flowers, wheat, and spring water, and prayed devoutly with his hands clasped in front of his mouth and nose.
Cyril and Emlyn exchanged a glance, then sat on a bench near the back of the hall. Neither went forward to disturb him.
Seeing that Father Utravsky didn't seem likely to get up anytime soon, Emlyn edged closer to him and whispered in his ear, "What are you doing at Harvest Cathedral this late?"
"You came too, didn't you?" Cyril casually retorted.
Emlyn said righteously, "I'm keeping an eye on you, to stop you from causing trouble here!"
Under Cyril's silent gaze, Emlyn's eyes darted away. He gave a brief cough, then awkwardly changed the subject:
"What did Marquis Nibis say to you? Why did he want to see you? Did you sell him that Mystical Item containing the Beyonder Characteristic of the 'Scarlet Scholar'?"
Cyril looked at Emlyn, who was trying hard to appear uninterested, and chuckled. "Nibis said I'll be the Sanguine's Chosen One. He's decided to lead the Sanguine in investing in me!"
"Impossible!"
"You're so awful, and you're not even Sanguine!"
Emlyn's eyes widened, and his voice rose steadily.
Cyril raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Maybe Nibis is getting on in years and his eyesight's failing. Or maybe he has a keen eye for talent."
Emlyn nodded seriously. "He's definitely been lying in his coffin too long. His eyesight must be failing."
After saying that,