An unexpected visitor

Klein burned the letter amid Neph's mocking laughter, then turned to ask her, "Will I be able to meet Bernadette before I leave for the Southern Continent?"

"I should think so." Neph nodded.

Her words proved prophetic. Klein met Bernadette the very next day, and something else happened at the same time.

Harvest Church, Rose Street, South Bridge District.

This was one of the Church of the Earth Mother's few churches in Loen, and the only church in Backlund devoted to the Earth Mother. Dressed in a priest's robe, Emlyn, the Moon, was helping Bishop Utravsky distribute Holy Communion.

He had long since memorized the Church of the Earth Mother's Holy Bible, fulfilled Bishop Utravsky's requirements, and been allowed to return home freely. The psychological suggestion had also been lifted long ago. Nevertheless, he still came to the Harvest Church every day to sweep and clean, and to help distribute Holy Communion in the evening.

He had even largely maintained a daytime routine, though he needed a little rest at noon, when the sun was at its strongest.

After giving Holy Communion to the last worshipper, Emlyn returned to Bishop Utravsky's side and called out,

"Father-"

He had barely begun when another person entered the dim prayer hall.

Emlyn looked over in mild surprise. The Earth Mother had few worshippers in Loen, and it was hard to say how many of those who came to the Harvest Church for Holy Communion were genuine believers. From Emlyn's observations, more than half the regular visitors actually had no faith at all. They merely wanted a full meal.

Whichever church fed them, they would believe in its god.

Emlyn took considerable issue with this. He had complained to Bishop Utravsky several times, but the bishop merely looked at him with a gentleness at