Archbishop Tomark started to rise. "I'll leave you young people to it."
"You've got the wrong idea. I'm here to see the Saintess on official business."
Business that couldn't have been more proper.
"Leia's in the courtyard. Go straight to her."
"All right... Oh, how are the wheelchair and eyeglasses? Is there anything you'd like improved?"
"They're remarkable. I can't find a single flaw in either of them."
"That's good..."
Annan already had a new advertising slogan in mind: Flawless creations even the Archbishop couldn't fault.
If he could get the Archbishop to endorse them, how could the eyeglasses and wheelchairs fail to sell?
Annan went to the Embassy's central courtyard.
Sunlight filtered through the glass roof, casting a soft haze over the courtyard.
The Saintess stood among the flowers in a long white dress, looking utterly pure.
Annan admired her from the edge of the courtyard for a moment. Only when the Saintess noticed him did he walk over.
"Saintess Leia, have you given it any thought?"
"Becoming an idol?"
The lifeless courtyard suddenly seemed full of vitality, as though birds and small animals were leaping among the flowers and branches.
Listening to the Saintess speak was a pleasure.
After Annan confirmed it, a trace of hesitation crossed the Saintess's flawless, marble-carved face. "Lord Holy Son, if all you need is a pleasant voice, there are plenty of girls better than me..."
"But you're beautiful. Looks are an essential part of being an idol too."
Who would want to watch Martin bounce around onstage?
Wait. A stage?
Annan's dark eyes grew brighter, and the Saintess couldn't help taking half a step back.
Oblivious, Annan went on. "If you're worried the Archbishop won't agree, don't be. I've already spoken to him!"
Leia and Katelina were much alike: both had lived