Chapter 458

One of the Eight Seats, Kiri
A few days later, we received word that Mr. Kouro's superior had arrived in Vardmoi, so we headed to the Temple of the Eight Gods.
At first, they said they would come to my house, but my place isn't exactly built to entertain someone that important.
Thanks to Talat and the Saltas Company, our security system is stricter than that of the Marquis Vardmoi’s mansion, though.

Anyway, I boarded the carriage with Plum and Keuko and made my way to the Temple of the Eight Gods.
We were led to a waiting room, and after a short while, we were told preparations for the meeting were complete, so we moved to the reception room.
Mr. Kouro hasn't told me anything about the person we’re meeting today—will that be okay?
Actually, shouldn't he have explained things beforehand?

“Kiri of the Eight Seats, Temple Supervisor Kouro. I’ve brought Miss Lily.”

“Very well. Let them in.”

While I was lost in thought, it seemed we had already arrived at the reception room.
So the person we’re meeting today is named Kiri.
But what does “Eight Seats” mean, anyway?

“Excuse me. Thank you for inviting us today.”

Inside the room were Mr. Kouro and someone wearing a broad conical hat with a veil covering their face.
Judging by the figure, it looked like a woman—but was she?

“No need to be so formal. Originally, we should have been the ones to visit you, Miss Lily. Please don’t concern yourself.”

“Is that so? By the way, who is this person?”

“This is my superior, Kiri, Water of the Eight Seats. Ah, come to think of it, I never explained the Eight Gods’ internal ranking system to you, Miss Lily. Let's start there. For now, please have a seat.”

We took our seats, and Mr. Kouro explained the hierarchy within the religion of the Eight Gods.

The lowest rank is called “priest disciple,” which is where most new initiates begin.
The second rank is “priest,” who supervises priest disciples.
Up to this point, it’s like an apprentice and semi-skilled craftsman in a trade.

Next comes the “high priest,” who supervises the priests.
Once you become a high priest, you might even be put in charge of a small temple.

After that is the position of “divine priest,” which is what Mr. Kouro holds.
Apparently, from this point on, the number of people at each level drops dramatically.
Divine priests act as supervisors for smaller temples or serve as heads of large city temples like the one in Vardmoi.
In short, they’re the elite.

There seem to be a few more ranks in between, but the highest is the “Eight Seats,” a group of eight individuals who hold the supreme decision-making power.
They operate by consensus, so it seems no one can act unilaterally.
It’s truly a democratic religion.

“So, the person here is one of those highest-ranking individuals, Lady Kiri?”

“Indeed. Now then, Lady Kiri, I leave the rest in your hands.”

You’re just leaving it like that, Mr. Kouro?

“You haven’t changed, Kouro. Ever since you joined the faith, you’ve always handed things off to your superiors without hesitation.”

“It’s just how I am.”

“Honestly. Well then, it would be rude to keep hiding my face. I’ll remove my hat now.”

“Eh? Are you sure? Isn’t that something you’re required to do for religious reasons?”

“It’s not religious. It’s just a general custom to hide our expressions when meeting outsiders, so they can’t read us. But this time, since I requested this meeting personally, I must show proper respect.”

With that, Kiri removed her hat, revealing a very youthful face.
And her ears were quite distinctive.
So, Kiri was an elf.

“Let me formally introduce myself again.
I am Kiri, current Water of the Eight Seats of the Eight Gods.
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come today.”

What do you think about this chapter?