No armed acolytes, guardians, templars, exemplars, monks, or clerics...? Not every temple of the gods needs armed guards, but people my age shouldn’t be the only ones here. Or maybe I’m trying to convince myself there’s something weird?
The last time you came here, you and Augustine went inside the eastern entrance to find the library and alchemical workshop. This time, your impromptu guide took the western door to lead you through a long hallway dotted with occasional doors and one staircase that likely led toward the towers.

''His study is here.'' The girl stopped near the door at the very end of the hallway and scurried to get away without knocking, nearly scattering like a mouse when she had to brush against Shigeko.

''I’m not an ogre...'' muttered the blue two-meter-tall woman. She was fortunately short enough to avoid being bothered by the low roof.

''Don’t be afraid to add details about the villages once I mention it.'' You whispered to the girls and, taking one last moment for a collective breath, you squared your shoulders and knocked.
''Is it an emergency?'' came a muffled answer. This prompted you to test the handle; finding it unlocked, you invited yourself in.

You step into an enclosed study illuminated by the comfortably soft light of alchemical lamps. Leatherbound books of various thicknesses line the shelves behind the man who had risen from his desk in surprise at your trio’s entry, the Focii of Mother Earth clearly in his grasp.

''You?'' The fishy-eyed bishop narrowed his eyes in anger. ''Did you truly come to disturb me now after your friend left for the village today?'' His brows furrowed even more upon seeing your friends. ''And now you dare sully this house of our Gods with the presence of such dastardly beings? You’re squandering the goodwill afforded to your race!''

''A person’s faith holds no measures, Belmont. Your... difficulties... with maintaining the peace of the good souls of our city are one of many reasons for my presence here.'' Shigeko and Seyraphal’s presence makes the study feel cramped, so you move to place your hands on his desk while he scoots away from Shigeko.

''Your father’s authority does not extend to you, little lady.'' He’s right, but that’s a point you can easily ignore. ''Have I not given you a favor already? And your accusation is hollow! Nobody is hungry in this city; employment is the biggest problem because construction has slowed down with the coming winter!''

''Bishop, I need answers.'' Even leaning closer, you still need to crane your neck upward to look him in the eyes. Urk ''I’ve barely lived here two weeks, and I’ve noticed several things that would make any good sisters of our Good Mother lose their patience. The city isn’t small enough to justify your lack of alms and festivals. The outright neglect of the Mamono community is unacceptable.''