Church of Lugh. The Church was comparatively new in Morata, but it employed many Paladins and Priests. While it did not reach the height of the Freya Church’s reign in Morata, it was gradually developing.
The Church of Lugh was one of the 5 major religions of the Continent. It was quite popular for it's application of light related holy magic. Church of Freya on the other hand, was more related to blessing harvest and birth. Freya Church also improved Charm and other such applications, having more holy magic that had no direct battle applications. Rather there were many people who chose the Freya Church as they became more handsome and appealing as their Faith increased.
Weed could see the many buildings he placed in Morata.
“The high buildings around the square are quite a sight.”
He could just feel the enormous amount of rents and taxes coming from these buildings.
The panorama of Morata he saw as he descended toward the ground on the back of his Wyvern… Morata clearly had become a great city. Shanties covered the entire hill, the statue of Goddess Freya gave off a feeling of magnificence around the whole area, the elegantly built Art Gallery with its massive garden, the Lord’s Black Castle, the Tower of Light located far on top of the rocky mountain.
And the streets were bustling with players. Many carriages were seen, pulled by cows and horses, carrying people and goods.
“A Wyvern is attacking!”
Someone cried out and everyone looked toward the sky. Then, they could see Weed riding on top his Wyvern, descending towards them.
“Lord Weed has arrived!”
RING RING RING RING!
The bell from the Black Castle began to ring as the news spread.
Weed couldn’t help but grin.
“These are definitely the perks of piling up goodwill. Such enthusiasm at my arrival....”
Weed was still far away, so he couldn’t hear what the players were saying.
“I have yet to see any city as good as Morata. But, maybe… you don’t think he has come to raise the taxes?”
“I was part of the expedition that fought the Undead Legion in Vargo Fortress. With the lack of news, I thought he ran off with the Sword of Lugh… but he’s here now.”
“Are you stupid? There is no way Lord Weed would run off with the sword.”
If Weed heard this conversation, part of him would be shaken by it. As he already considered the worst case scenario of running off with the sword and selling it! But seeing as there were no players with the qualification of using the sword, there was no chance getting away scott free if he sold it.
The players on the street were waving both arms, cheering Weed.
“The Lord returned!”
“Hurrah! Three Cheers for the Lord of Morata, Weed!”
Players were enthusiastic in their greetings!
As Weed flew over the shanties, players shouted in a loud voice.
"Grass Porridge! Grass Porridge!”
Villagers also gave courteous bows.
“Wy-Three, let’s fly straight toward the Church of Lugh.”
“Kwaeek!”
Tired from the long distant flight, Wyvern forced its wings to fly toward the Church of Lugh.
*****
“I have come to meet the Bishop.”
From the rooftop of the Church of Lugh, Weed called out to the Paladin below. Wy-Three had landed directly on top of the wide rooftop of the church.
“Oh, it’s the esteemed Lord of Morata. I shall lead you directly to the Bishop.”
The Paladins were polite and courteous. The effect of Fame applied strongly here as Morata was Weed’s territory and was the base for most of his adventures. Compared to other places far off, the effect of Fame was on another level.
Weed was escorted by the Paladin to the personal room of the Bishop within the church.
“Thanks to your leadership, Morata is growing daily.”
It was the first time meeting the Bishop.
“Not at all. It’s all thanks to the diligence of the villagers and the upstanding soldiers. I am fortunate by what little I could assist with.”
The humility was all lip service. After wetting his lips, Weed continued.
“I have visited many places as an adventurer that explores the unknown. Through this, I have something to report to the Church of Lugh.”
“Have you come to report a discovery? We welcome such reports. Where did the Lord return from?”
Weed could have reported this discovery at the Lord’s castle. But, to do so, Weed had to pay a compensation. Rather than paying money out of his own pocket, he decided to report the discovery at the Church of Lugh.
“I have returned from the land of Jigolaths, a land that has not been tread on by any man for long time.”
If he reported this to the Goddess of the Earth, Mine, he could have earned a bit more Contribution Points and Fame. But, through this the Church of Lugh in Morata would become bigger and so will the benefit for the city.
“Jigolaths? I find it difficult to believe that you have returned from a land that is only found in legends and fables.”
“Here, this is the stone I have brought back from Jigolaths.”
Weed brought forth a piece of hardened lava for the Bishop to see. After the Bishop used his Holy Magic to observe the piece, he nodded his head.
“The light of Lugh shines on places on this continent that man has yet to reach. This piece of rock is definitely from Jigolaths. Congratulations on returning successfully from adventuring to the unknown.”
DING!