Chapter 168 - Promise of Safety

Yuzu grumbled inwardly, collecting herself as she closed her eyes and activated her powers once more.

She felt her spiritual bodies disconnect from her physical form as a white sky bloomed around her. The physical world faded away, leaving her alone in the white space.

Although her surroundings appeared similar to the white world, it wasn’t as though she’d entered the aetheric plane. Her perception had merely changed, with the physical world fading out of focus and her spiritual vision coming to the forefront.

Dozens upon dozens of prayer beads hung in the air around her, each of them twinkling softly with a white light representing a different believer who was praying to her. Each bead hung from a thin gossamer thread that was connected to the body of the believer.

Though she couldn’t leave her spot on the cart, she could access the threads of her believers to see the area around them.

The image of Yuzu’s shrine blossomed in her mind as the rocky plateau came to life in her mind’s eye. Her believers were seated in a number of rows in front of the shrine that were arranged in a half circle. They either sat cross legged or knelt on cushions, their hands clasped and their heads bowed in prayer.

The sounds of banging hammers and construction materials drifted through the air. Workers swarmed the plateau, moving around and through the rows. A large area around the shrine was cordoned off as holes were being dug in the ground for supporting pillars.

It was hardly a peaceful environment, not conducive to prayer at all.

The workers, too, fervently prayed to the maiden even as they proceeded with construction.

“Dear White Maiden, I pray for your approval to flatten this ground for the entryway.”

“Beautiful White Maiden, please bless the foundations of this archway which will frame your sacred shrine.”

“White Maiden, do you prefer white or gray tiling- oh, what a silly question.”

Someone had clearly impressed upon the workers that their every action had to be conveyed to the Maiden in a short prayer. They didn’t stop their work to wait for a response, but simply muttered it under their breath prior to performing a new task.

Of course, the White Maiden also didn’t respond to any of them.

As Yuzu surveyed the site she found a table that was full of sheets of parchment and brushes. A number of experienced looking men were writing documents and drafting up sketches, showing their vision for the White Maiden’s shrine.

From what Yuzu could gather it was an open structure built around the existing stone shrine, which sat in the center of a courtyard. Directly in front of the shrine was the prayer area, with space for three rows of fifteen people to pray at. This prayer area would be tiled, with wooden columns that held up a tiled roof to protect the worshipers from the elements.

In the path leading up to the seating area there would be three large cast iron basins. These basins would be filled with soil for worshipers to make incense offerings at prior to or after praying in front of the shrine.

Flanking the left and right side of the center courtyard were rectangular buildings which would house the artifacts and gifts bequeathed to the Maiden. There would be numerous glass cabinets which would hold items such as silver plates, golden idols and other valuable treasures.

Behind the shrine, multi-level building with circular framed windows served as the spiritual ‘house’ of the maiden. The building itself would be hollow and unfurnished, and was solely for use of the Maiden. Only those followers personally invited and blessed by Her would be allowed to enter.

These were all standard features of mid-tier temples in Nian Xing. This was the kind of temple that was devoted to local spirits and gods. Yuzu had never been to one before, as they were fairly rare in Kumin province. Aside from the Cloud Peak monastery there were no notable temples around Noga.

Temples like this were far more common in Kumin’s next door province, Huan, which was far more spiritual in culture. In particular there were many temples devoted to Yuima, the Goddess of Nature, and the spirits and demigods under her.

As Yuzu reflected on her knowledge of temples she found herself evaluating the world from a new perspective.

Gods are real, and temples are actually important places for them. There are temples devoted to Lord Matsuhara in every village in Huan… Which means he’s at least a demi-god. From what Argus told me, normally only immortals have the ability to make use of shrines and prayers… I’m the only exception he’s ever heard of, and he wouldn’t believe it if he didn’t personally see my connection to the shrine.

But what about Lord Noga… Argus said he’s pretty sure Lord Noga is immortal, does that mean the Tye Ann Cathedral is his temple? But as far as I know, there are no other temples devoted to Lord Noga in Kumin. How does he receive the prayer energy from his citizens? Furthermore, is he fine with a shrine being built to the White Maiden just outside his capital? If the White Maiden gains a serious following, this would reduce his power in the province…

Yuzu listened intently to the discussions of the foremen, who had to relay the plans and intent of each part of the plans to their workers. She found herself in awe and disbelief at the scale of work that was being planned. She confirmed that the project was indeed being funded and driven by Earl Shum, but that there were other ministers and companies which directly provided manpower and resources for the construction.

Earl Shum’s support of this new temple basically confirmed Lord Noga’s support of the White Maiden. Although Yuzu didn’t know the reasons for this decision, she decided not to worry about such a detail for now.

Shu Construction Company. Is this the company owned by Mia Shu’s family? Yuzu nodded to herself as she continued to look over the site. So, the families of the four girls that Yuzu had saved in the ball all followed Earl Shum’s lead to show support for the White Maiden.

Good. At least their families know the meaning of propriety. Yuzu thought smugly. Maybe if the temple turns out nice enough I’ll forgive Victoria. Maybe.

Yuzu’s remote survey was interrupted as Xiang gently nudged her shoulders in the physical world. She broke her spiritual connection and stirred to signify that she was awake.

“We’re here.” Xiang said.

The caravan pulled up to the base of a cliff. A wide patch of grass formed a gathering area for the carriages, which lined up side by side in an orderly fashion. Yuzu cast her eyes at the incline leading up to the plateau. The rocky, uneven terrain had been transformed into a gentle curving slope.

Xiang picked up Rabbit and carried her on his shoulders again, and the trio followed the crowd up the path to the plateau. The noisy din of construction filled the air, and the area was rife with activity exactly as Yuzu had perceived it with her powers.

As Yuzu stepped up onto the plateau she was filled with an incredible energy. The air seemed lighter and more fragrant, and her body tingled all over.

A field of worshipers spread out before her at the top, all of them kneeling with their backs to her as they prayed while facing the white stone shrine.

Dozens of people, almost a hundred, all of them here specifically to pray to her.

Yuzu’s eyebrows knit together as she peered out at the scene from beneath her sun hat. She’d never stood out before, never been the center of attention, yet here she was being praised and relied on by so many.

A complicated expression formed on her face as a sense of responsibility mixed with her habitual annoyance.

“There’s a spot over there.” Xiang said, pointing to a few empty cushions, “What do you think?”

“Sure.” Yuzu said, “Don’t you have to work?”

“Yes, I’ll head over in a bit.” Xiang had a strange hesitation in his voice, “Let’s get sorted first.”

The walked over to the cushions, where Xiang set Rabbit down. The little girl’s eyes fluttered open as she looked around, disoriented, “Where are we?”

“We’re at a shrine.” Yuzu said, “We came to pray for your health.”

“Y-yes.” Xiang said. He looked awkwardly over at Yuzu and muttered, “Also, I thought we might…”

“Hmm?” Yuzu didn’t hear the second half of his sentence.

“We might- um, since we’re here already-“ Xiang scratched behind his ear, “I thought we could pray for your health.”

Yuzu looked away, avoiding Xiang’s gaze. After a moment she nodded, “Okay.”

Guiding Rabbit into a prayer position, Yuzu and Xiang sat on the cushions on either side of the girl and bowed their heads, clasping their hands together in prayer.

Almost immediately the sores on Rabbit’s arms began clearing up, and her mind grew clearer. The little girl’s posture straightened and wonder filled her eyes as she felt the gentle embrace of the maiden’s blessings.

Beside her, Xiang prayed intensely. After a few minutes, he suddenly tensed up as he felt the inexplicable presence of an otherworldly being. His eyes shot open as he stared forward at the white stone shrine beyond the lines of worshipers. The image of long white strands of hair played at the edge of his vision.

Tears budded at the corners of his eyes as the soft illusory voice of the White Maiden whispered in his ears.