The Duchy of Sawei lay on the Sawei Peninsula, with less than a tenth of Ilkhan's land area. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it had a thriving fishing industry. In Mulan's previous life, it would surely have been renowned as both a tourist destination and a wonderful place to live.
An exhausted middle-aged man with a mottled face limped along, pushing a handcart loaded with fresh fish. He made deliveries to inns, taverns, and estates before finally arriving at the back door of a Holy Temple.
An elderly priest was already waiting there, and the man hurriedly bowed.
"Father."
The priest watched Taylor carry the fish into the Holy Temple and lay them out one by one, then carefully push his cart back outside.
"Father, these are all fresh fish. They'll keep for a few days in this cold weather, but it's best to eat them as soon as possible."
The priest nodded.
"Mr. Taisi, come by to pray when you have time."
"No, no, someone like me would only dirty the Holy Temple. I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I can pray on my own."
With that, the man hurried away with his cart. The priest watched him go and shook his head helplessly. This impoverished Mr. Taisi must have been a devout believer in the holy light, yet despite his devotion, he considered himself too filthy to set foot in the Holy Temple. Surely God would take special care of a believer like him.
The man continued making deliveries with his cart. The next few stops were noticeably easier. Once he had delivered everything, he finally collected his wages for the day, went to his favorite tavern to buy a bottle of liquor, and pulled his cart back to his cramped, dim home-a place that was