At those words, the High Priest trembled with excitement, tears streaming down his aged face:
"As you command! Great Lord of Ash and Compassion!"
He scrambled unsteadily to his feet and hurried out of the Divine Hall.
Before long, he returned to the Divine Statue with an equally excited Ilyena.
Both dropped to their knees in unison, their expressions utterly devout.
Watching their reactions, Lin En was thoroughly pleased with the effect. Outwardly, however, he remained perfectly composed as he continued delivering his divine edict:
"The Weeping Madonna's greatness and sacrifice throughout the long night have been remembered by heaven and earth."
"Before her passing, she entrusted this suffering land and all of you to me."
"From this day forth, the tears of compassion shall rekindle amid the embers."
"I shall honor my vow and protect every inch of Fog Town, until the night recedes and dawn reigns forever."
At this solemn, sacred proclamation, the High Priest's eyes reddened, and two streams of hot tears poured down his face.
The old man pressed his hands to his forehead and prostrated himself firmly against the floor tiles, letting out a heartfelt cry of grief and gratitude:
"Praise the great Lord of Ash and Compassion!"
"Thank you for your mercy, for taking in our broken, homeless souls!"
"The people of Fog Town shall offer you their purest faith for generations to come and obey your will!"
Beside him, Ilyena likewise crossed her hands over her chest, which rose and fell heavily.
Her amber divine eyes shone with absolute fervor and devotion after her narrow escape from death:
"My god... we shall become your sharpest blades, cutting down all filth that dares encroach upon this land!"
Seeing the loyalty of his two new key personnel instantly max out, Lin En nodded inwardly.
*Excellent.