☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- For an untrained person, this is more of a curse than a gift. Imagine waking up one happy day and starting to see lost, tormented souls – in your home, in the bathroom, at the dinner table. As a rule, they don't become that way willingly, but because of the hatred and fear they experienced at the moment of their premature, violent death. However... on this land, I haven't seen any of those yet, except for that one employee. Perhaps some laws of the universe work differently here, or maybe the priests banish them on a regular basis... Unfortunately, I can't ask them about it. And the path... If I could train people close to me, that would definitely encourage me. But yes, it requires sacrifices and unwavering determination. And a cultural background. I've never seen anyone in my life who could "switch sides" based on skills; after all, the chosen people-martyrs are not just called that for no reason. ...However, this doesn't mean that our kimono wouldn't suit you, or that the Kami-sama would turn away from your soul if you came to them in spiritual need. They are ready to take under their protection anyone who approaches them with respect and a pure heart. And that's what I wanted when I felt the atmosphere here and voiced the idea to the chimera about the possibility of building a Sanctuary – saying this, Aiyano darkens. - Unfortunately, I didn't realize the nuances of the local religiosity. My idea has every chance of turning into my own destruction. But I still hope for the best because people here really need it.

By the way, since you're building a Temple, does that mean you're being promoted from a Miko to a Kannushi?

- I see you studied under the Polivan system, - the Miko frowned. - Kannushi. And it's definitely not something that would be approved by our clergy. I'm afraid that in some places, women haven't broken through the glass ceiling yet. ...But, in a way, you could say that. Ironically, because with us, I practically never did such mundane things, and I rushed to go freelance as soon as I gained independence. I was only interested in traveling and getting rid of evil spirits, and "family rituals are not my thing," as I used to say. But there I had a Sanctuary, with which I was spiritually connected no matter where I was in the world, and there were always other girls who could take care of this necessary-but-boring work with the population. And here... Unfortunately, neither of those things exists, so this responsibility falls on my shoulders, - she shrugs. - Or maybe I've just gotten soft with age and made this up as an excuse. Who knows. After walking about ten steps, she asks a counter-question: - And do you believe in anything yourself? In my memory, I haven't met anyone from your people who would pay more attention to matters of the soul than is necessary to pass an exam at school. As if such a thing was considered an anachronism for a high-tech society.