Idilia and the others looked surprised. Cathy seemed downright shocked, as if something that had once belonged to her alone had suddenly been taken away.
Why did this "big sister" who had appeared out of nowhere look even older than Annan?
"Uh, you can just call me Annan."
"All right... Annan." Colette smiled.
Rainer spoke up beside her. "Lord Annan."
"It's been so long. Look how tall you've grown." Annan sighed, then realized that sounded odd. "I mean..."
"I understand."
"Good..."
Annan could usually strike up a conversation with a kobold on the roadside, but for once he had no idea what to say. He turned his attention to the members of the Wealth Church still disembarking from the ship.
If Colette and Rainer had come with them, did that mean the Wealth Church bore no ill will?
All of Free Port had been temporarily closed to make room for the Wealth Church. The merchants and tourists understood. No one wanted to offend the Goddess of Wealth.
Church dignitaries who were rarely seen on an ordinary day were now everywhere. If a goblin pissed from a mast, eight out of every ten people it hit would be bishops.
The other two were a beautiful young woman who caught even Annan's eye and the old man she was supporting.
He was so old that Annan couldn't help wondering... how was he still alive?
"Colette, could you introduce them?"
"Of course, An... nan."
"That old man is Archbishop Tomark. Beside him are Saintess Leia and Big Litt, commander of the Holy Army."
"Leia? Is she a relative of yours?" Annan sounded like a distant Family member making awkward small talk at a family gathering.
"No."
But Rainer missed the joke and answered earnestly, "I'm an orphan. My teacher raised me himself."
He