I'd been thinking about what the Goddess said this morning. At first, I didn’t understand it, but…

“How have you been feeling?”

“Are you always this quick to adapt?”

As I had time to digest her words, the previous day rose to attention. I trembled at the mere sight of her. It was worse than my first encounter with a God.

After God Rusu blessed me, I went through a terrible fever that persisted for almost a week. Once it was over, that almost primal fear subsided. I’d still succumb to fevers in the next Temples and onward, but it became more bearable. I wasn’t the God-fearing woman I was before; my respect for the Gods overwrote that fear.

Then I met the Goddess at the lake. I admired her hair flowing down her back like silk. Her daunting glares could burn the world around her, and aura exuded such dominance. When she laid her eyes upon me, I couldn’t do much but stumble and called her the Lake Goddess.

That was when she said:

“Hmph. A lake goddess? Do not lump me with the likes of lesser gods.”

The Goddess Landao was a Lesser God, but what made them lesser? Were they all beneath her?

What had taken me aback the most were her unrestrained words and actions. Those small, dainty lips of hers pierced through the normality with ease. Her words were sharp, but never filled with wrath.

The priests taught us to never make physical contact with the Gods. It was for our protection, yet the Goddess broke that rule in an instant. She even blessed me outside of her Temple and before I prayed to her! And it was only because my demeanor annoyed her.

Her blessing made me so light, as if she had lifted these encumbered obligations off my shoulders. It was supposed to last for a few hours, yet a warmth lingered deep within my chest. Sometimes, it’ll spread to my head, making me think about her touch. Whenever we made contact, I realized the Goddess’ true nature.

I met many people during my pilgrimage, shook many hands, and learned the many masks that a person wears. But the Goddess… when she said something, she meant it. Her feelings were as true as her words.

After agreeing to the Goddess’ suggestion to eat, we continue wandering the street. She trails behind me, which is a relief because heat keeps rising to my face. I can’t believe I asked her if she was hungry. I don’t care if she laughs it off, but she can’t see me like this.

Many shops and restaurants are in sight. What catches me is a sweet and savory scent that guides me towards a designated path. The scent reminds me of Ulrush, and it leads me into a small, triangular building at the edge of the wall. The second floor protrudes outward by a few inches, providing shelter at the entrance. A small sign hangs under the ceiling with the word “FOOD” crudely carved into the wood.

A red curtain cloth covers the doorway. I slide the curtain aside and walk inside. An armory comes to mind from the decorated weapons on the wall. The guests are sparse, but the small space makes it appear crowded. The noise is minimal besides the hum of the radio. It plays a soft recording of a violin that sings out a peaceful tune.

“That sound, is it coming from that tiny box?” A curious tone follows the Goddess’ question.

She said that she stopped coming to this realm, so she must’ve not known about the technology advancements. Before I can answer, a man with a familiar accent speaks up.

“Indeed it is, missus. I brought this beauty back with me from Ulrush.”

He has a red cloth wrapped around his head, preventing his hair from touching his face. A thick, orange mustache covers his upper lip, but it doesn’t hide his wide grin. A hand raised, he greets me. “Ahoy, Sister, we meet again.”

The memories rush back to me, delighting me in its comfort.

“Ah! Mr. Roost, it is good to see you again.”

He visited Ulrush the same time as me, though his reason was to study the orc’s cuisine. He mentioned he managed a restaurant out in the west. According to him, I’d know when I’m near.

Mysterious, yet here I am. Still, it is nice to see a familiar face during my pilgrimage. What’s not nice is his upcoming question as he tries to figure out the Goddess standing beside me.

“When did’cha get a guardian, Sister? After those fights of yers, I was for sure ya would be fine on yer own.”

“Pfft!” The Goddess snickers, muffling the noise behind her fist.

It’s alright. I’ve imagined these situations at least once or twice in my head. I have a reason made for it, though I’m not sure how it’ll fare with Mr. Roost.

“Even if I can protect myself, it is better to have company. Don’t you agree?”

This resonates with him as he nods in agreement. “That’s right, traveling on yer own is no fun.”

Before he can say anything else, I clap my hands together and say, “Actually, Mr. Roost, I’m quite famished.”

“Oh, that won’t be a problem, Sister. Grab a seat wherever ya like.”

The Goddess proceeds to the table furthest away from others, unsociable as ever. Mr. Roost pays no mind, telling his worker to bring over the menu. I make my way to the Goddess, noticing the eerie silence that now occupies the restaurant. The whispers and murmurs from the guests dissipate as their attention focuses on us.

The Goddess disregards these wandering eyes as she relaxes against the wall. The only seat for me is opposite hers. A small want to not face her arises, but it’s squashed when she locks eyes with me. It’s hard to avert her gaze when there’s nothing else but the wall to look at. Then again, no one but the Goddess would hear me if I whispered.

As the server arrives with the menu, the radio switches to a news station. The volume’s louder too. I glance at Mr. Roost, who winks back.

When I turn back to the Goddess, I notice her intense stare at the radio. It doesn’t take her long before she asks another question. “When was this ‘radio’ invented?”

“Around thirty years ago. Chancellor Leni was the first person to discover what he calls electromagnetic waves.”

“Hm… that’s around the same time I started hearing about a talking box.” Then under her breath, she mutters, “Never bothered… listen to…”

Unfortunately, I can’t catch the whole thing.

“And here I thought mortals would never continue their advancements with all their bickering.”

I’m not surprised that’s what she thinks, although I wish she wouldn’t clump us all together. It’s the dwarves from the far east who brought us this technology. Although it has not spread west, so the radio is a rare sight.

After the server hands us the menu, she hurries back to the kitchen. Without a single word as well, but I hear Mr. Roost’s laughter fill up for her silence. The Goddess doesn’t even glance at her as she’s focused on the menu.

“Hm… at least the menu selection isn’t as drab as that old rundown inn.” The Goddess drops the menu on the table. “Well, I suppose I shouldn’t be the one ordering since it’s not like I brought my riches with me.”

I shouldn’t make judgments, but the Goddess seems to have two sides working against each other. One is stern and barbed, while the other is amiable and considerate.

Back in the Town of Landan, when I saw her glare directed at Miss Reilly, I stepped in out of fear of her spiting the woman. However, the next day, I found that the Goddess cured Miss Reilly of her sickness! Miss Reilly, whose skin was so cold, now had such a radiating warmth when I held her hands. She was so joyful that it was infectious.

“It’s alright. I’m not short of coins.”

With a frown, she wags her finger at me. “Yeah, I can see that consider you gave those boys one gold coin each.”

That’s right, we never got to finish that conversation. “Why do you believe they came with ill intent?”

‘Aahh… that’s not how I wanted to word it. They were trying to steal from the Goddess, but they didn’t choose this lifestyle.’

“I heard them.”

‘Huh?’ I tilt my head, confused.

“Why do you think I can hear every murmur from you?” She returns her gaze to the menu. Uncaring of my response. “Hm… I suppose trying out their pot roast wouldn’t be so bad.”

‘She heard them? What did they say? And why did she have to choose the most expensive thing on the menu?’

I sigh, checking the amount of coins left in the pocket closest to my shoulder. It’s enough, but I might have to visit the Mercenary Guild in Voca City. The Goddess watches me with a smirk that I see often when she—

“Oh? I thought you said you have enough?” A chuckle follows her words.

…

When she teases me.

“No, it’s alright. I can pay for it.”

“In that case, I’ve changed my mind. A roast chicken sandwich will do.”

It’s not fair when a God teases you. There’s so much power and destruction held within them that making them angry always results in death and despair. Yet the Goddess continues her act, despite this immense gap.

“Okay. I’ll let the server know.” My mind reels back to the kids. “What did those boys say?”

“Do you want to know?” After a nod from me, she continues. “They were targeting you from the beginning.”

“But they were trying to steal from you.”

“Yeah, and they failed. Then what happened? You gave them each a piece of gold. I might’ve not been around, but it looks like your economy has yet to change.” She rests her head on her palm, tapping the table with her other hand.

“What will those children think when they find out their plan worked out perfectly? Anything can be exploited, and that includes your kindness.”

If it wasn’t for the background noise, her public lecture would have embarrassed me. She’s right, yet a feeling deep within me yearns to fight against this.

“That… is certainly true. But even those kinds of people deserve a second chance.”

Her frown intensifies, though it dies off quick. “Hmph. It seems that I won’t be able to get through that thick head of yours. Believe what you want, then.”

She peers at the men and women who have been stealing glances at us. They all avert her gaze.

In the pocket near my chest rests a round copper watch. With a click, it opens and reveals its hands. The hour hand sits at three and the minute hand at six. About a third of the tables are filled, though I suppose it’ll get busier in the evening.

For a while now, the server has been floundering behind the counter while Mr. Roost seems to encourage her about something. It’s only after our conversation ends does she come to take our order. I panic a bit as I realize I haven’t even looked at the menu yet.

A lot of the food seems to be taken from the orc’s cuisine. They have a carnivorous diet, so their cuisine often involves roasted meat of any kind. Mr. Roost would boast about their roasting method and how crispy the skin can get. He’d usually go on a ramble about the herbs they used straight after.

Once I order for me and the Goddess, the server writes it on her notepad and scurries away.

The Goddess laughs, her eyes now back to me. “It seems that girl has an affinity for you.”

‘Did she hear her? Ah, it should be obvious.’

Not sure how to respond to that, I change the subject and our small chats continue throughout lunch. Having tasted Mr. Rooster’s cooking before, it is no surprise that his food is a delight. It brings back fond memories. The Goddess eats without complaints, which is a lot better than last time.

After finishing our meal and paying, the Goddess finally speaks to Mr. Roost. Though it’s obvious what it’s going to be about.

“Mind if I check out this radio of yours?”

He leans forward, examining her face. “Haven’t even introduced yerself and already asking for me price possession? I like ya! And yer lucky being Sister Mercy’s guardian, so go ahead.”

“Heh.” She snickers, perhaps amused by his reaction.

It makes me wonder, what is the Goddess’ name? She’s never mentioned it, but it’d be disappointing to find out through a third party. So I’m a little glad that she didn’t say her name.

She lifts the radio closer to her face for further examinations. There are two knobs at the center with a white screen above. A line etches across the white screen and from this thin opening perches a red dial. The Goddess twists the right knob, pulling the dial to the left and causing the radio to spit out static.

She catches on and resets the dial before switching to the left. This time, the radio hushes. After raising the volume, she turns it around and pokes at the casing. Opening the case, she stares at the slab of an enchanted lithium.

“Huh, so this piece of metal is what’s powering it. The markings have dwarves written all over it.”

“Well, of course! It’s a dwarven invention,” Mr. Roost boasts.

This seems to hook the Goddess as she asks him various questions about the radio—her eyes never taking off of the markings. They end up conversing about enchantments that fly right over my head. I stayed quiet, trying to absorb anything I could understand. Alas, enchantment has never been my forte.

Before the discussion continues further, a glow peeks through my shirt. The Goddess stares at it and sets the radio down. She cuts the conversation and thanks him for the information about the radio.

‘So the Goddess can be nice.’

“We have to go, but it was nice seeing you again.”

Mr. Roost doesn’t mind the sudden end, and encourages me to carry on with my pilgrimage. “I wish ya bountiful luck, Sister. I’ll definitely be there for yer ceremony.”

‘Right… my pilgrimage is almost over.’

Waving him goodbye, the Goddess and I head out of the restaurant.