Chapter : 13
The only religion of the Kingdom of Jenan—and its holy temple.
The supreme authority there, the leader of the faith, was Farhan Miel.
Blessed with immense divine power, he had ascended to the position of High Priest at the incredibly young age of fifteen—a truly chosen individual, selected by the gods themselves.
Ten years had already passed since he became High Priest, yet public interest in him had never waned.
Of course, there had been an unfortunate incident along the way that caused the temple to fall silent for five years, as quiet as a dead mouse. But that did not mean all interest in Farhan Miel had disappeared.
And now—
With a miracle occurring at the statue of the Dael Temple—
“…My goodness. To think I’d actually get to meet the High Priest.”
He was receiving more fervent attention than anyone else in the Kingdom of Jenan.
And understandably so. He was the only person who had witnessed the miracle of the divine statue from the closest possible distance.
Which meant that the only person who could speak about the miracle, and the only one who could explain the future prospects of the Dael Temple, was Farhan himself.
As a result, even the person Farhan chose to speak to became the focus of everyone’s attention.
At a glance, she looked like nothing more than a naïve country girl who didn’t know much about the world. Her gentle smile and soft pastel-pink hair only reinforced that impression.
People were curious.
Why would High Priest Farhan approach a girl who looks that simple-minded?
Is his very first move after the miracle really to meet that woman?
Among the onlookers, those who had shared ice cream with her earlier and exchanged a few words began whispering.
“Maybe the High Priest likes ice cream too?”
“Well, it is a dessert even the gods would enjoy.”
“She was very kind. Maybe he’s trying to recruit her as a priest?”
Those whispers surely reached Farhan’s ears.
Yet he kept his gaze fixed on her as he spoke.
“Thanks to you, the god was pleased.”
“Really? That’s such a relief.”
“It’s all thanks to your coffee, Miss Leila.”
“I only showed a small talent of mine. I’m just happy to hear the god enjoyed it.”
Leila smiled brightly and shrugged her shoulders.
At that, Farhan laughed heartily and pulled something out from his robes.
It was a small box, about the size of a person’s hand.
What’s inside?
Everyone’s eyes focused on the box.
Leila looked at it as well.
The difference was that unlike the others, there was not a trace of curiosity on her face.
It was as if she already knew what was inside.
Still, she twitched her eyebrows slightly and asked something that completely contradicted her expression.
“What is this?”
“It belongs to you, Miss Leila. The god took a great liking to this cup as well. If you’ll allow it, may I carry it for you?”
“The High Priest himself?”
“Yes. And…”
Farhan glanced around briefly, then lowered his voice.
His slightly bashful behavior only drew more attention.
“…May I also have the chance to taste the coffee you make?”
It was a simple request.
But it burned itself deeply into the minds of everyone gathered in the plaza.
The coffee sought out by Farhan himself!
And the god has already praised it!
Anyone who heard this conversation would never forget it.
And soon, this information would spread to the nobility—and eventually reach the royal family.
When that happened, her coffee would no longer be something an ordinary commoner could easily drink.
As its fame grew, so would its price. And the ice cream that was free now might one day require a hefty sum to enjoy.
The man who reached that conclusion swallowed hard.
“Then… is now my chance?”
The café hadn’t even opened yet, but no matter how he thought about it, this might be the only chance to taste her coffee.
And he wasn’t the only one thinking that.
The gazes of those who had overheard the conversation looked strangely resolute.
The man clenched his fist, steeling his resolve.
At the same time, Leila quietly observed the crowd’s reaction—and smiled to herself.
It was a smile full of ambition.
* * *
Inside the carriage heading toward the café.
I struggled to suppress the grin that kept slipping out as I looked at the man seated across from me.
We had talked, even acted together in a perfectly synchronized little performance—yet he was still a stranger.
And yet, somehow, he felt familiar. Comfortable.
That man was High Priest Farhan.
Why?
Why did he feel so different from Millen?
Millen had felt like someone from a completely different world.
But Farhan felt… similar to me.
As if I had known him for a long time.
And yet, I had seen him for the very first time this morning.
Yes—about four hours ago.
* * *
About four hours earlier.
“My goodness! Sir Walter! What brings you all the way here?”
“Ahaha… Good morning, Miss Proprietor.”
The person waiting politely at the café entrance was Walter. Behind him stood someone of a similar build, though slightly more slender.
They were wrapped in a black robe, making it hard to see their face. But through the fluttering fabric, I could glimpse priestly garments underneath.
Which meant…
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Leila. I am Farhan Miel, High Priest of the Church of Dael.”
He removed the hood of his robe and greeted me.
Golden hair gleamed brilliantly under the morning sunlight—it was obvious at a glance that he was someone of great importance.
Wow. The High Priest came to find me himself?
The reason I even dared to think like that was simple.
Didn’t the quest window say “Coffee that even the god was moved by”?
I figured I might get lucky and meet the High Priest through Sir Walter someday—but I never imagined he’d come looking for me first.
It felt like getting a Christmas present first thing in the morning. I couldn’t help letting my excitement show.
Perhaps he noticed, because a subtle smile appeared on Farhan’s face.
“It seems you expected me to come find you.”
“…Is it okay to lie in front of a High Priest?”
“I am not a god, you know.”
“Then I’ll be honest. I thought we’d meet someday—just not this quickly.”
“Ha!”
Farhan laughed loudly, clearly understanding the implication behind my words.
“I wanted to meet you just as badly, Miss Leila. The god granted me such a revelation.”
“The god did?”
“Lord Dael told me to help you. No matter the reason, I was told I must pay for the coffee.”
“…The god actually responds?”
So this world allows that?
I asked with genuine curiosity, and Farhan smiled awkwardly.
“He hasn’t given me a direct answer yet. But… that’s how I came to think of it.”
“Ah…”
A very devout believer’s answer.
I nodded and reflected on his words.
So he’s paying me back for the coffee.
Then I had to make proper use of this opportunity that practically rolled into my lap. It would be a waste to bring him only as far as a reed field.
When I stayed silent, Farhan spoke again with a benevolent expression.
“I’m not asking for an immediate answer. Our connection won’t end with this meeting. We have time.”
“Then I’m grateful. It’s an opportunity far beyond my station.”
“Not necessarily. If anything, I’m the one who must make a good impression on you.”
“…What?”
“There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
He finally got to the point.
“I’d like you to continue offering coffee to Lord Dael.”
“That wouldn’t be difficult.”
“Then—!”
“But may I ask for one thing in return?”
“If it’s something within my power, I’ll do anything.”
I studied Farhan carefully.
He looked anxious.
Was it desperation? Coming personally to find me despite his high position?
No.
He has nowhere left to retreat.
Yes—this was desperation.
I could feel how badly he didn’t want to lose this chance.
I understood that feeling better than anyone. I had lived desperately too.
So what I said was—
“Then could you stand before the people on my behalf?”
That’s that—and this is this.
I had to secure my own survival too.
