Chapter 287: A Tour of the Magic Circle
“That’s amazing…” I said, smiling in awe.
Dinoss and Retze looked at me with slightly drawn expressions.
“Indeed. You won’t find another magic circle like this,” the Priest seemed pleased with my admiration.
The room with the magic circle was generally off-limits to anyone but the clients, and while one could see the Spirits attached to them, a magic circle that could even heal injuries was something else entirely…
So, I managed to catch the somewhat important Priest, offering a donation along with a little personal tip, and was granted a tour of the Temple.
At the end of a corridor draped with thick, heavy curtains, there was a small room with a curtain at the entrance. This was where Chris’s younger brother had seen his Spirit, along with rooms for healing illnesses and for summoning Spirits—each equipped with its own magic circle.
For lighter matters, one would either be guided to a room without a magic circle or simply pray in a hall with a Divine Statue—using magic to conclude the process.
Right now, I was being shown the grand finale, the magic circle for healing injuries. Surrounding the circular magic circle were columns reminiscent of Greek ruins, with draped curtains hanging between them.
And above, a circular window without glass. This Temple really loves its circular windows… But I have to admit, the light pouring down from above onto something special in the dark is quite the theatrical touch. Maybe I should make a hole in the room of the Island’s Spirit’s Branch too.
No, that won’t do. I imagined a spotlight shining down on a haniwa figure suddenly donning an afro and starting to dance.
Pretending to admire the design, I memorized what was written. Hmm, I see, I see. Alright, since I can’t remember it all, I’ll just head to the Library later!
“This is quite beautiful. But won’t it get rained on?” I asked, curious despite the area’s low rainfall. What do they do with a hole in the ceiling?
“There are Spirits that warn us of rain, and during such times, the Priests put up a roof,” he replied, revealing a manual opening and closing mechanism!
“Managing all this must be quite the task. I truly admire the daily efforts of the Priests,” I said.
“To hear you say that makes it all worthwhile,” he responded, likely thinking of the hefty donations.
Also, the lights on the columns—could they be the broken Spirit Lamps I had attached in the Tower back on the Island, with candles stuck in them?
I glanced at Karn, but he didn’t seem to notice.
Uh-oh, as the initial impact faded, the flaws started to stand out. I need to ensure the Island’s designs are up to par…
After finishing the tour, we exited the Temple. Spirits peeked out from various corners, but I ignored them. If I paid attention, I’d lose.
“It’s been a while since my face felt tired,” I said.
“You managed to keep a polite smile?” Dinoss looked exhausted.
“I don’t usually bother, but I can manage it if needed,” I replied.
“More importantly, something’s off behind us…” the Butler said, still looking ahead.
“Is something wrong?” Retze frowned.
“Yes. A few Spirits from the Temple are following us,” he said.
“Hey…” Retze’s face showed confusion at Ash’s words.
The visible group—everyone except Retze—was walking straight ahead in an unnatural manner.
“I’m not doing anything!” I protested. It could be someone else they were following.
“It must be your charm, Gene,” Ash said, which wasn’t helping at all.
“Just deal with it,” Dinoss urged.
“That’s unreasonable!”
“Uh, to the Spirits following us, please try to act discreetly. It’s quite noticeable, and if we get caught, we’ll be in trouble,” I attempted to respond to Dinoss’s unreasonable demand.
No, it’s not that they’re following me; maybe the Spirits have a habit of going somewhere at this time?
“…They scattered,” Karn said, eliminating that possibility. But it’s okay; there’s still a chance they followed Karn, the King’s Branch!
“Just don’t cause too much trouble in the city, alright?”
“I’m innocent!” I insisted, but Dinoss was already giving me a warning.
“I’m heading to the Guild now. Dean and Chris should show up too, but I’ll try to wrap things up quickly so we can return to Kanum,” I said, parting ways with Dinoss, Retze, and Karn.
Karn was off to mingle with the important folks, while Retze would observe those who could see the Temple.
“I’m glad to be going back, but you don’t have to force any concessions,” I said. The decision would depend on the discussions at the Guild with Dinoss and the others, and we’d go on the designated day.
“I’m not short on money either, but being undervalued would reflect poorly on the King Wolf’s name, and Dean might end up crying,” Retze said. He was indeed a prudent man. Dean would probably be left broke after returning my money.
“I’m lacking in wives!” Dinoss exclaimed emphatically. A family man…!
And when we arrived at the Inn, there were zabuton waiting for me. I don’t think that was my fault.