The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 147: The Sacrament

Térmipolos fell silent, making no further sound.

Lumian continued to listen to the bishop preach and explain the basic structure of the Church of the Fool. He learned that in this world, there was a continent called the Land Abandoned by the Gods—a place cursed and exiled by the deities.

While the gods abandoned that land, Mr. Fool did not. He sent the Redeeming Angel, German Sparrow, who led the surviving humans out of the lost city-states of the forsaken continent. These people rebuilt their homes on islands in the sea, which is why the current headquarters of the Church of the Fool is in New Silver City, located in the Sunia Sea.

Two other holy sites are also found in that region: Crescent City and Bayam, the capital of the Rhosid Archipelago.

Lumian listened attentively and gained a basic understanding of the Church of the Fool.

After the sermon, the bishop and a similarly named priest initiated the sacrament. The sacrament consisted of a cup of nearly transparent, colorless liquid and a giant fruit shell covered in burnt black marks.

Lumian first picked up the glass and took a sip. The liquid inside tasted slightly sweet, reminiscent of dairy, but fresher.

He then used a wooden spoon to scoop out the food from the giant fruit shell. The moment he tasted it, Lumian's expression showed surprise: it was meat—what a luxury!

The Church of the Eternal Sun couldn't afford such extravagance for their sacrament; they only offered red wine and unleavened bread.

Excited, Lumian chewed the food with great interest. It was both savory and had the texture of meat, with the sweet and tangy taste of fruit. It also had a unique fragrance, unlike any dish common in Trier.

As Lumian ate, the bishop explained the origin of the sacrament: It was the favorite food of the Redeeming Angel, German Sparrow, when she walked the earth. She was the horn of the Lord, spreading his divine message.

The liquid was called Teana, named after a giant fruit native to the Rhosid Archipelago. Its juice was extracted from the flesh of the fruit, and the remaining shell was filled with minced lamb and fish before being roasted into a dish known as Tiateva, a sacramental meal.

Naturally, the Church of the Fool couldn't afford to transport these giant fruits from the Rhosid Archipelago to Trier for every sacrament. Crossing three oceans would cause even the freshest fruit to rot, wasting money and resources.

Thanks to the help of a botanist, the Church of the Fool cultivated a modified version of the Teana tree, which could grow and bear fruit in southern Intis. The new variety even had a richer, milkier flavor.

It was a delicacy with a distinct maritime touch. If the Church of the Fool weren't restricted from proselytizing and spreading their gospel, many people might be tempted to join just for the sacrament.

But that might not be a good thing. Too many believers would make the cost of the sacrament astronomical.

After worrying briefly for the Church of the Fool, Lumian, who hadn't eaten dinner yet, cleaned his plate of Tiateva and finished the Teana juice with a gulp.

"Praise be to the Fool," Lumian said sincerely as he rose, bowed, and slowly left the candlelit church, stepping into the night outside.

Under the glow of gas lamps, dressed in a linen shirt and black vest with rolled-up sleeves, Lumian walked along the port area, heading to the other side of the dock. He planned to take a public carriage to the Boulevard District.

By now, Ravini had quieted down considerably, with only small groups of sailors passing by, either singing loudly or shouting.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted not far away, followed by a scream. As the scream echoed, Lumian saw a figure running toward him at high speed.