The crowd slowly dispersed as the townspeople begrudgingly went back to their homes. They must’ve expected a great development this morning - a murderer being handed down judgment by the heavens. But to their disappointment, they had to wait until the afternoon before further progress takes place.

The priestess mentioned that they had to undergo preparations for the holy trial and while that happens, I am still left chained to the town plaza statue.

Aside from the fact that there is a good chance that I won’t live through the day, I also have another pressing concern. It’s been some time since I ate and drank the food and water Kiel gave me... And that is where the problem lies.

Nature was calling and I was torn if I should answer it or not. Well, I will eventually have to, one way or the other. I obviously couldn’t do it right now in the middle of the town... But, yeah. Even someone deemed as a deity seems to be at the mercy of these things.

Oh what power one’s bladder holds!

But damn, where are the toilet bowls when you need them?

“Is something the matter, my Lady?” Kiel was standing next to me so he bent down and looked at me inquisitively. “Your face is twisting into an incomprehensible expression. It’s quite cute and amusing but at the same time, it worries me. Are you perhaps nervous?”

“Are you seriously asking me that? Of course I’d be nervous! There’s a humongous possibility of me being burnt, or worse, being killed in the process! But that’s not my pressing concern right now!”

“What could be more pressing than the possibility of death? You don’t have to worry there, no matter what flames she would produce, they will not cause you to lose your human life.”

He is picking his words carefully. I wonder what he is being sneaky about when he could just tell it straight to my face. So I may not die after all, but he’s totally leaving out details about pain!

Maybe I’m overreacting - for someone who should be used to all sorts of pain -but I have yet to feel flames crawl onto my skin.

“Thanks, I mean that’s nice and all but I... I have to... Umm, would it be possible to be released before the holy trial commences?” I was still sitting on the floor and I was already clutching my dress that fell to the ground. My bladder is starting to wring itself in discomfort and slight pain. “I just have something to take care of.”

His eyes landed on my clutched hands and then trotted back to me. A realisation dawned on his face as he said, “Of course, my Lady. Consider it done.”

Kiel approached one of the attendants of the priestess and started talking to her. I couldn’t hear or understand a thing that they talked about as they went about it in hushed tones.

It also didn’t help that I was more focused on keeping it in. Despite my efforts, it was saddening that they were only rewarded by pain and discomfort. The more I kept it in, the more that it hurts.

I hope Kiel convinces them somehow.

The silver-haired attendant started walking towards me with long but slow strides, “Lady Rinya, the traveller has informed us of your dilemma. We’re more than happy to give you a hand before your trial in the afternoon.”

“I am Marley, a cleric. I am currently attending to the priestess as a novitiate.” She literally offered a hand which I caught before she was able to slowly pull me up. In the process of doing so, her free hand moved across my wrist and tapped it ever so slightly and a black chain emerged under it which went around my wrist.

It looked like a tattoo that has long been imprinted into my skin.

“The priestess has allowed us to use the Compelling Mark on you for situations such as this.” She then let her hands roam into her pockets as one of them actually fished out a key. It easily slipped it into the shackles on my arms and on my feet.

“By the power vested upon me by the Peerless, the Supreme, and the One True Goddess, I hereby compel you to not to leave the confines of the town of Raj as you go about your business. You shall not leave my sights until you have arrived at the cave for the holy trial.” The moment the last word left her mouth, the black chain that went around my wrist glistened in gold before turning black once more.

Maybe this was some form of holy magic to keep people from disobeying the holy leaders? How come a novice was able to perform a seemingly complex spell of sorts?

I shouldn’t look into it for too much, maybe it’s normal for them to be able to do that in this magical world.

Although, I would have been more impressed if I wasn’t distracted with the screaming of my organs.

Kiel gave a quick nod towards my direction and stayed where he was.

I, on the other hand, hurriedly ran to the nearest house once given the signal that I’m free. I did my best to constrain myself and held back on banging the doors violently. In the end though, I begged that they let me in, but it was to no avail.

I didn’t know if I should be thankful or be annoyed that Marley just quietly walked after me during all that. She did not even bother speaking up to help me explain.

Her serving under the priestess should be grounds for people to feel friendly or sympathetic towards her and/or her cause - which was me, at the moment.

But no, she was as stoic as ever. So that didn’t help me much.

It took me three houses having doors that were slammed into my face before I found a kind-hearted woman who opened her house to me.

Thank goodness! I almost peed somewhere in the forest like some uncivilized brute!

Man, I suppose not everything is rainbows and butterflies even with tales of magic and adventure. I mean, how come these things are never talked about in stories, shows, and movies? It’s such a bad experience, I thought my bladder would be the death of me!

After finishing up my business, I approached the woman and gave her my thanks.

She was chopping up vegetables for lunch and them put them last into the pot. She seemed to be making some sort of stew. The soothing smell of milk caressed my nostrils and excited my taste buds, but alas, I have a trial to attend to with my life possibly on the line.

“Thank you so much for helping me out, despite me being accused of a crime.” I gave a small smile with a bow on the side.

“It’s nothing, dearie.“ She replied. “Did you want to eat lunch with me? You should still have time before the holy trial, don’t you?”

“Oh no, I don’t want to impose.” I looked at the table to my left where utensils were set for four people.

“I’ve also prepared some for you as well, Marley, don’t be shy now.”

There was no change in Marley’s expression, her cerulean eyes still glimmered of innocence mixed with detachment to everything around her.

I actually had to take a leak with her inside the washroom as I was not allowed to disappear from her sight. When I attempted to do so, a sharp pain struck my bones and my heart tightened to a point wherein I thought it was going to burst into a million pieces. It must’ve been caused by the weird magic thing she did earlier.

So yes, I ended up doing it in front of her. It was awkward as fuck, as I’ve never shared such a private moment with anyone, much less a girl.

But yeah, rivers have to flow.

And despite said event, Marley still had the same non-committal look in her eyes as she responded to Lara, “Thank you, Lara.”

I didn’t expect for Marley to accept Lara’s invitation, I guess that means I get to eat lunch here. Kiel wouldn’t mind, right?

I wonder what he would have for lunch.

Marley sat down and glanced at me. “Lady Rinya, Lara’s stew is really good, if not the best in town. It isn’t too shabby to have it as your final meal if you’re unsuccessful with the holy trial. It would be such a waste to decline her offer.”

“Hey, you! You’re really thinking that I will fail, right? Don’t jinx it!”

Nope, no reaction; only the clanking of the pans and pot was heard as Lara was tidying up a bit.

The lack of response was why I asked this with disbelief, “And is that why you granted my request despite being a suspect to the case? Because in your eyes, I was going to die anyway?”

Her gaze was steady and there was still no reaction solicited from her. She closed her eyes and uttered a quick prayer before she took a sip.

After putting away her apron, Lara released her brown locks from her pony tail and she sat in front of me. “Please don’t think too negatively about Marley. She just finds it hard to express herself sometimes.”

I sighed to release my frustration.

I sat on the wooden chair and stared at the food in front of me. I was never a fan of stew, but it was quite memorable for me as one if my favorite characters actually liked eating it, despite having milk as one of the ingredients. Come to think of it, I came to this world with a body that shares the same features as him - golden hair and eyes.

I took a sip and the soup’s warmth entered me and spread throughout my body. My mouth relished in milky flavour that was complimented by the taste of the rosemary and thyme, with a hint of vinegar and tomato paste. The carrot chunks still had a fight in them against my teeth, but I could feel their vulnerability as they churned along with the thinly-sliced celery and chopped onions inside my mouth. Let’s not forget the potatoes, oh those plump melts-in-your-mouth potatoes.

I lost myself for a moment there, and by the time I realised it, both Marley and Lara were staring at me and I blushed in embarrassment. “It’s delicious.”

“Thank you.” Lara smiled.

I paused and noticed the empty space next to our host and felt that I should ask, “Are you waiting on another guest?”

“Yeah, no. It’s for my son. Don’t worry about it.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

I saw Marley shake her head in my peripheral view. Is she telling me not to ask further?

“Well, it seems the sun is past its midpoint now, the priestess might require your presence soon. It takes quite some time before you reach the cave, so it’s best you move along.” Lara suggested.

“That’s right. Thank you for the meal.” Marley used the white napkin and wiped her lips before standing up to leave.

“Uhm, yeah. Thanks for everything, Lara. The meal was fantastic.” I bowed in gratitude and then followed suit.

I was almost halfway our of the house when I heard Lara’s voice call out, “May the Goddess invoke favor unto you, Lady Rinya.”

“T-Thanks.” Suddenly, the nerves kept crawling back to me as I was reminded of the trial ahead.

Flames crackling in my head.

My heart was picking up a crescendo.

Trial by fire.

What will happen then?