Chapter 40

Translator: Shaini | Editor: Darling

 

After departing from the town of Kuric, they reached the great shrine after 5 days with stopovers in the towns on the way.

There were children from other places that were heading to the great shrine for the ceremony of blessings as well so the place was bustling.

The great shrine, also known as the central shrine was right in the center of this world. Five countries surrounded the great shrine.

Each country had its own gate to the great shrine and anyone could come to the shrine. The paved roads to the shrine had beautiful flower fields on either side. The shrine was in the shape of a doughnut and had 5 entrances and exits.

Impressive statues of Gods and Goddesses were carved in off white marble.

The first floor was used for reception and prayer. It had open facilities like a cafeteria, library, etc.

The second floor had a break room for visitors and accommodation.

The third floor was used for ceremonies and rituals. It also had workrooms for the priests and priestesses and the archives.

From the 4th floor onwards public access was prohibited. It held the residences of the people of the shrine.

Gisele alighted the carriage and looked at the great shrine with her mouth hanging open.

“Wahh, amazing…………..”

Gisele had only seen the big business centers in Harmil and mansions of the nobles from far away.

The houses in Selin village were single stories and the branch of Picott company wasn’t too much bigger.

Anton seemed to look just as excited as Gisele.

“It’s my first time too………….no, it’s really amazing.”

Selesina smiled at Anton who was deeply impressed.

“The smaller shrine is closer to Harmil than the great shrine. Let’s go to the reception first.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Selesina saw Anton hold Gisele’s hand and called out to Hisui.

“Hisui, I’ll be going to the reception for a little bit. Please go with Odette to request an accommodation.”

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

In Soratek’s case, the shrine had been contacted in advance so guest rooms were already prepared for him and his aides. Selesina was obviously included as well. 

‘Today is for the procedures and tomorrow will be the ceremony….there is no time to spare till it ends.’

She was planning to record the details for next time. Basically Selesina always planned to go for the ceremonies but just in case there was a situation where it wasn’t possible it was better to record it.

Selesina was thinking about various things when Soratek called out to her.

“I would like to stay with you Sele but I think that I’ll just be in the way so I’ll head to the guest room first. Please call me once you’re done.”

“Thank you Lord Soratek. I wish I had planned better………”

It was her first time so she was trying to get a grasp of things.

“I don’t mind. In case you face any issues, you can always consult me. Even if it’s just a little, I would like to become your strength.”

“Lord Soratek………”

Selesina was happy due to his consideration and smiled at him.

“I’ll do my best for Selin village. I’ll visit you once I’m done.”

“Yeah, I’ll be waiting.”

The center of the great shrine filtered natural light with its stained glass. The interior was bright. The chairs were lined up for people from the 5 countries that would come for the ceremony. There were several people waiting in line.

‘Uwahh, it’s crowded……..’

This was going to take a while. Selesina pulled up a wooden stool and sat down.

“Lady Selesina, are those people shrine maidens and priests?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Gisele was looking at the priests and priestesses at the reception. They were dressed in blue, red, green, and brown clothes respectively.

Selesina began to explain to Gisele who was full of curiosity.

“The people here wear the colors of the spirit that blesses them.”

“Spirits?”

“Yes. The people with the blessings of the spirit of water wear blue. Red for the spirit of fire, green for wind, and brown for earth. If you look closely you will see that they have their seal embroidered on the cuffs of their sleeves.”

Gisele nodded after looking at the same.

“I want to get my blessings quickly too!”

“It’s interesting isn’t it.”

Selesina smiled at the excited Gisele.

“I’m looking forward to it too. I’m excited since the 1st person from my village will be receiving their blessings. I may not be able to sleep tonight…..”

Selesina was also super excited.

Their names were soon called.

“Thank you for waiting. I’ll be registering you so please state the name of your village and the name of the person going to participate in the ceremony.”

“Yes. Selin village from the Kingdom of Albard. The one taking the ceremony is called Gisele.”

The shrine maiden filled in the name and the other information.

“Selin village…………it’s the one that was recently created right?”

“Yes. It’s the 1st for a child from the village to participate in this ceremony.”

She knew about the existence of Selin village and seemed to have a good opinion. Selesina came to like the great shrine more.

‘I was a little scared of the great shrine but that wasn’t necessary at all…….’

Since she didn’t have any blessings, it was difficult to enter the shrines. Especially the great shrine.

However,………….after coming here she felt that it wasn’t such a big deal.

‘Gisele’s ceremony is the most important today!’

“May the Gods and Goddesses bless the first child of Selin village with their blessings………..The ceremony begins from 10:00 AM tomorrow so please don’t be late. The ceremony will take place in the hall on the 3rd floor.”

“Yes, thank you…………Also, this is a contribution from our hearts so please accept it.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

After learning the schedule for the next day, Selesina handed over a bag of money.

With this the procedure for the ceremony was complete.