“Well. That’s that. We should leave with haste.” He nonchalantly said as he stood up and walked towards the window. The manner he spoke with was contrary to what he said.

Why is this shameless man so unshaken with his previous actions?

My body felt as heavy as an elephant as I struggled to get out of bed. I can’t be blamed, right? I haven’t slept in such a nice bed in days.

Heck, even in my old world.

After reluctantly getting up, I stretched my arms out and yawned almost inaudibly before scratching my side. I surprisingly felt comfortable being my usual self around him, despite his teasing. “Where are we going?”

“I have arranged for the Grand Archbishop to have an audience with you.” He said.

I suppose it’s usually the other way around with the Grand Archbishop, the figurehead being the one doing most of the talking.

Will I be okay though?

He then turned back to look at me. “But you’re not planning to go wearing THAT, right?”

I honestly didn’t catch what he just said.

Instead, I took in his image as my eyes darted to his mouth which was now closed into a thin straight line. It was just below his long straight nose that complimented his evenly-spaced almond-shaped eyes. His hair colored like the moonless night sky was a silky prisoner kept away from his face by a hair tie, but a few strands managed to escape.

“What?” I asked as I tried to recall what he said. I shouldn’t stare at him too much, he’ll look cuter if I did that.

“I said, being scantily dressed when meeting with the Grand Archbishop is unacceptable.” He mumbled. “Actually, you shouldn’t let anyone see you like that at all.”

I looked down at what I was wearing. Okay, that makes sense.

Somehow this is different from the light blue dress I wore before I passed out. I never really paid attention to it.

Now that he pointed it out, it does seem weird for me to wear a loose white top and trousers with a drawstring waist when going out. At least in this world, that is. It would just be somewhat of a fashion statement in the other one.

“Well, just so you know, it’s normal to wear them in the bedroom..” I said disapprovingly. “Besides, why did you even enter the room without being invited inside? Who knows what you could’ve done or what you could’ve seen.”

“Don’t worry, Rinya. There really isn’t much to see.” He laughed, looking at the almost flat plains in front of me. “It’s just for decorum, he does hold the highest position a mortal can have in the religious sector, after all. Plus, nothing too exciting happened as far as I know.”

“H-How dare you?!” I shouted. It’s not like I knowingly chose this body. Oh god, I feel so embarrassed! Nothing happened? I was red as a tomato earlier!

I don’t think people usually kiss other people’s hair... Crap, I’m thinking about it again!

He said nothing at my outburst and just smirked before turning to leave. “Meet me at the Great Temple Hall once you’re decent. Margaret will take you there after she assists you with the change of clothes I have arranged for you.”

He left quietly with his gloved hands calmly placed behind his back.

Despite that, I can tell he is laughing boisterously inside.

He’s so not cute at all.

~

I slowly entered the Great Temple Hall and the loose white flimsy fabric of the rectangular linen I wore flowed with each stride, barely reaching the red carpet under my criss-crossed sandals.

The said linen was kept in place by fasteners that had three interlocked loops with a circle surrounding them.

Inside the sheer fabric, I wore a little white dress that had a straight cut that went a little above my knees.

The thick golden rings clinked at my wrist and on my left ankle as I walked further into the hall filled with pews lined up on both sides. At the end of it was an empty ivory chair lined with gold and behind it were huge windows with stained glasses of various colors that formed an art beyond my comprehension. I’ve never been a fan of abstract art.

A familiar figure stood up straight beside the grand chair. The manner he carried himself with was akin to a nobleman.

His sky-coloured eyes found my golden ones and his features softened instantly as he flashed a tender smile. “You look beautiful.”

My eyes widened for a bit as a blush stealthily painted my cheeks red. Who knew he could say such nice things? I was half expecting him to complain about how long I took to get ready.

“Thank you.”

“The Grand Archbishop should be arriving shortly. Please take your seat.” He motioned over the ivory chair in the middle of the platform.

I felt a little weird because I knew that it was the Grand Archbishop’s seat. But since I was the supposed God in this world, it makes sense for me to be seated there.

I’m still not too sold on that idea though. But I figured it’s easier to just go with the flow and learn more about this world at my own pace because it doesn’t seem like I’m going back to my old one any time soon. Plus, I don’t particularly look forward to doing that either.

I climbed up the marble stairs of the platform and sat beside him. “What should I do once he arrives? I don’t know anything about the affairs in this world and I’m not sure if I can hold a conversation with such an important guy like the Grand Archbishop. I mean, I don’t even know how to address you.”

“Well, I figured as much. It seems you only have your memories as a human from the other side. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” He sighed. “For now, just call me Lord Kiel in public. When there are other people aside from me, make sure to use a more formal language and be diplomatic to some extent. We can have further introductions later.”

“Hmm.” A crease formed near my mouth as I thought. I guess I should just copy how royalty or other dignitaries act in front of their subjects. Who knew watching The Princess Diaries and Game of Thrones would someday be of use?

“In any case, just let me do most if not all of the talking. That’ll make it easier.” Kiel turned his attention to the big arched doors that creaked open from the outside.

A man who was way beyond the first blush of youth almost dragged his feet inside. He wore a white long-sleeved ankle-length garment which had gilded buttons that ran from top to bottom. Resting on top of it was an elbow-length shoulder cape that was open in front and had golden trimmings that went well with his ashen hair.

Two boys stayed by his side to aide him while walking. Once he reached the first pew, he sat down and not too soon after, his bony fingers waved towards his attendants in a delicate manner. The boys then bowed and left the Hall after closing the door shut behind them.

I noticed the Grand Archbishop’s light brown eyes travel to focus on mine and he gave an expression that I couldn’t quite understand. His brows furrowed before his eyes sparkled.

“I am ever so blessed!” He blurted out. He raggedly got to his knees and held his hands in a prayer. “Not only to be in the presence of a Holy Saint... but to also be in front of our God personified! Oh truly, what a joyous day it is!”

All of this deity business is still so awkward. This man, who was supposedly at the top of the hierarchy of men, is kneeling at me and is shouting words of praise.

“I didn’t think that the prophecy would start to come into fruition during my time as the Grand Archbishop...”

Wait, are those tears? What, no! I made an old man cry! But I didn’t even do anything...

I felt like he said something important, but it was too hard to focus on anything else other than his joyous sobs. I tried to keep a straight face when in reality, I was actually panicking internally. I gave Kiel a pleading look, as if saying, ‘Help, what should I do?’

“Grand Archbishop, please, no need for such flattery. We do not have much time.”

“I’m sorry... This old man can’t help it. Thank you. Thank you so much for gracing me with Thy presence! I do not deserve this!”

“Aww, come on, Benjamin. How many times did I tell you about this? I thought you’d say you would behave?” Kiel started ruffling his black hair as he sighed. “So much for arranging a formal audience.”

“You can’t blame this old man, Lord Kiel. I have always imagined this moment...” the Grand Archbishop named Benjamin was still kneeling on the floor.

“I am happy you that you feel that way about having us here.” I spoke as I stood up. “And we thank you for allowing us to speak with you.”

I started walking towards him and lowered myself to his level.

“It’s alright, you can stand up now.” I offered my hand and helped him up. “Since this wouldn’t be a formal meeting anymore, maybe we can sit together and start the discussion informally, Lord Kiel?”

Kiel had a mildly surprised look on his distractingly beautiful face. He put his heart hand on his heart and bowed slightly. “As you wish, O’ Holy One.”

Once the three of us settled in, Kiel began, “I’ll cut straight to the point, Benjamin. We need you to perform a Prayer of Light to this necklace. Our Lady needs to wear it before we leave the Temple grounds.”

Kiel held out a golden necklace with a tear-shaped sapphire blue pendant that shone like waves rushing to the shore.

“But my Lord, I am just a lowly human. Surely God’s will or a Holy Saint’s facilitation of the ritual will be more effective.”

“That’s not the case. We are in our mortal form so yours will be more effective.”

Ah, so that’s why Kiel doesn’t have a halo this time around?

Why did he have to do that though?

What’s really happening?

Why do I need that necklace when I go out?

I started to get dizzy as the questions continued to swim around my head.

“May I ask as to why our Lady will need it?” Benjamin curiously asked.

Good question, Benny!

“I do not mean to be rude but normally, artifacts imbued with the divine presence act as a protection from dark and evil creatures at times they can be used as weapons. Why would our Lady need it?” He further pressed on the question.

“I’m afraid I cannot fully answer your question right now.”

Okay, never mind. It’s not like I’m curious or anything. It’s not like it’s about me or anything...

“What I can tell you, is that we require that item as we embark on a journey.”

What? I’m going on a journey with him?

I could easily imagine a world of magic, dragons, knights, kings, faeries, breathtaking sights... A mythical world like those MMORPGs that I used to play.

It would be really awesome to see and experience a lot of things that I never thought existed. Oh how lucky of me to come across this opportunity!

What is this journey for, though?

I felt scared and nervous at the unknown, but what took over me was excitement; excitement to see the world, to meet people, and to enjoy my new life here.

Somehow, I felt like I had to ask, “Where exactly are we going?”