Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 77.2: Holy Mother

Rider, Zuri, and Sophie followed the wisben priest into the building, which turned out to be a beautiful home, rich with the scent of flowers. Beautiful, exotic plants adorned the corridors and rooms; the atmosphere brightened by little fairies that playfully zipped past the visitors.

Zuri's eyes widened with excited intrigue as she observed the fairies. She almost instinctively reached out, but Sophie's solemn mood caused her to rein in her excitement. Instead, she settled on peering past Rider's shoulder, brow's rising as they approached a curtain of vines protected by a group of strict looking guards.

The wisben priest nodded as she approached the guards. The guards, having confirmed her identity, opened the curtains, and allowed the group to enter.

Past the curtains, Rider and the children found themselves in a large hall adorned with chairs, tables, and decorations. Dozens of men and women were sprinkled around the room, either discussing matters or merely enjoying some time alone. However, regardless of each person's activity, they all regularly turned to look at a beautiful rose petal door, which was under heavy protection and scrutiny by heavily armed guards.

The guests noticed the priest leading Rider and the girls and instantly regarded the hybrid with both hostility and curiosity.

The guests' blatant rage caused the sensitive Zuri to tense up. Claws grew out of her nails as she slowly adopted a battle-ready stance. Luckily, sensing Zuri's state, Sophie grabbed the little girl's wrist and gently squeezed.

"Sorry they're acting this way," Sophie apologized with an embarrassed smile. "This is where we wait to see the Holy Mother. Some of these people have been here for days, weeks, and even months. Getting a meeting with the Holy Mother is that rare."

Zuri scratched her head in confusion. "Why?"

The wisben priest paused and then regarded Zuri with a benevolent smile. "The Holy Mother is physically weak and is thus asleep most of the time, sometimes for months on end. Thus, there is usually a clamor to book appointments for the brief moments she is awake." She revealed a bitter smile as she glanced at the frowning guests. "Unfortunately, awaiting the longest does not guarantee a meeting." She then looked at Rider, curiosity in her eyes as she said, "Some matters are adjudged to be of higher importance than others."

Rider returned her look with a thin smile. "Then, I suggest we practice haste, lest we miss this window."

"Of course, of course." The priest panicked under Rider's intense gaze and then hastily rose to her feet. Under the guest's angry gazes, she guided the trio to the petal door. The guards nodded and then pulled the door open to let them through. The priest then stopped and bowed to Rider. "This is as far as I can guide you. The Holy Mother awaits inside."

"Thank you," Rider said, and then walked through the doorway with the children. The door opened into a warm, cozy living room. Several beautiful chairs adorned the room, their numbers revealing this room was accustomed to hosting multitudes at once. Old, but simple paintings of forgotten times and places graced the walls, their solemnity inducing a sense of passing time in their admirers. Interestingly, there were no portraits of people, self or otherwise. It seemed whoever lived here was not too keen on keeping people on her walls.