Eight Intertwined

3 - Cleric

The inside of the cathedral reminded Ophilia that she had to get back to the sermon that she had been told to start. She shut the door behind her carefully and began to plan out the words and how she was going to arrange them in her coming speech. Her mind was a blur, enough to make the world around her feel hazy. She was so distracted by her own thought process that she didn't even notice she wasn't alone until after a voice reached her ears. 

"If I might have a moment, Sister..."

A young man with light brown hair that fell messily atop his head walked into view. His eyes were a dark brown color that shone with charisma regardless. He wore blue robes that Ophilia could only describe as being intricate and incredible. She turned to face him carefully, trying to figure out who he was. He certainly didn't dress the same way that most of the residents of Flamesgrace did, and if he was a man of the church, she would have seen him before. She would have remembered if she had seen clothing that elaborate in a place such as Flamesgrace, making the mystery behind the stranger all the more enticing to her.

Ophilia pushed her curiosity aside, and all thoughts of the sermon vanished from her mind as she took a step towards the newcomer. "Yes? Might I be of some service, my good sir?" she questioned. It seemed that her speech would have to wait until after she had settled matters with this man.

"Would you know where I might find His Excellency the Archbishop?" the man asked, his head tilting to the side gently in curiosity.

Ophilia felt her nerves stand on edge at the mention of Josef, and her concerned curiosity came back with a vengeance. "May I ask who is looking for him?" she inquired, taking her words slow and steady.

The man let out a gasp at the realization that he hadn't offered his name. "Ah! Pray forgive my lack of manners. My name is Mattias, and I'm a trader with the Leoniel Consortium," he explained.

Ophilia took a moment to comb through her memories and determine where she had heard that title before. Soon afterwards, she recognized it as a famous merchant business that spanned much of Orsterra. They were present in most corners of the land, or so Ophilia had heard, though they lacked a division in the snowy town of Flamsegrace. She chose to trust the world at large on the matter, knowing that she had more important things to focus on than asking Mattias for details about his trade. 

Before Ophilia knew it, he had continued to explain, and she pushed her outside thoughts aside as soon as she could manage to focus on what he was saying. "The archbishop has generously deigned to engage in a transaction of sorts with us."

"I see. It's an honor to meet you, sir. I am Sister Ophilia," the blonde girl replied after she had gathered her bearings. She had to confess that Mattias' clothing was notably elaborate for a trader and employee, and she would have expected to see such splendid designs on those who ran such a large business rather than simply their workers. Still, Ophilia figured that such details were unimportant, and she didn't know enough about the Leoniel Consortium to question his appearance even if she wanted to. 

Recognition bloomed across Mattias' face as he took a step towards her, and a carefully-crafted smile formed on his lips. "Oh, so you are Sister Ophilia! I've heard so much about you!" he cried out. "When the archbishop contacted me to request my services, he spoke much of his two daughters. I also heard that Sister Lianna will be the next Flamebearer. The realm and religion are both blessed to have such loyal servants as you and your sister. As a matter of fact, it is the reasoning to equip your sister for her forthcoming journey that the archbishop has summoned me here today."

As the pieces slid together, Ophilia nodded her understanding. "Is that so? We are much obliged for your support," she told Mattias, bowing her head to him carefully.