Chapter 56: Trying To Be Close (1)

After another fifteen minutes of traveling, the carriage finally began to slow down as they approached their destination.

"We’ve arrived, my lady," the driver announced from outside.

"Oh, already?" Abigail looked toward the window before turning to Caelan with a smile. "It seems we’ve reached the temple, Sir Caelan."

"Ah, I see." Caelan nodded before looking outside as well.

To be honest, he was also curious about what a temple in this world would look like. Although he had already spent some time in Aurelith, he hadn’t actually visited one before.

He had heard people mention temples on several occasions, but he never really had a reason to go to one himself.

Well, I guess that’s why there’s a first time for everything.

As the carriage came to a complete stop, the maid stepped out first before helping Abigail descend. Caelan followed shortly afterward, and the moment his feet touched the ground, he finally got a proper look at the temple in front of him.

Whoa... The temple was much larger than he expected.

Standing at the end of a wide stone courtyard was a magnificent structure made of white stone. Several tall columns supported its entrance, while the roof was decorated with intricate carvings and golden ornaments that reflected the sky.

The entire place looked impressive, especially when you compare it to the ordinary buildings you can see throughout the capital.

Damn. They really spent a lot of money building this place.

Caelan couldn’t help but admire the architecture. The temple reminded him of some of the historical buildings he had seen on his phone back on Earth.

"Is this your first time visiting this temple, Sir Caelan?" Abigail suddenly asked after noticing how curious he was while looking at the building.

"Hm? Oh, yeah." Caelan nodded honestly. "Actually, it’s my first time visiting a temple in general."

"Really?" Abigail seemed surprised when she heard that answer.

"Yeah. Is that strange?"

"Not really." She smiled gently. "Only a number of people visit temples occasionally. Most don’t have the opportunity to do so."

"I see..." Caelan nodded in understanding.

Good. At least I don’t look too suspicious.

"Would you like me to show you around?" Abigail offered.

"Oh? You wouldn’t mind?"

"Of course not. Since it’s your first visit, I would be happy to explain a few things."

"Then I’ll be in your care." Caelan smiled.

Not only had he managed to accompany Abigail to the temple, but she was now offering to guide him around herself.

The three of them began walking toward the entrance of the temple, passing through the spacious courtyard.

Along the way, Caelan saw several people sitting on stone benches beneath the trees. Some were quietly reading small books, while others looked like they were resting after offering some prayers.

In the distance, he also saw a few priests dressed in white robes walking around the grounds. They occasionally stopped to greet visitors or offer assistance to those who needed it.

Now I can see why Abigail like coming here. Unlike the busy vibes of the capital, the atmosphere here was more peaceful and laidback.

As they approached the middle, Caelan noticed a large fountain standing in the center of the courtyard. Clear water flowed from the hands of a stone statue depicting a woman with her eyes closed and her palms facing upward.

Several small flowers floated on the surface of the water, while coins could be seen resting at the bottom.

"What’s that?" Caelan asked curiously. Wasn’t that a wishing fountain?

"What?" Abigail’s brows rose as he followed his gaze. When she saw what he was looking at, her lips parted open.

"Ohh, that’s the Fountain of Blessings. Visitors sometimes leave a small offering there before entering the temple."

"Oh? Like making a wish?"

"Something like that," Abigail explained. "Although it’s more commonly done as a way of expressing gratitude or asking for guidance from the Goddess of Fortune."

"I see..." Caelan looked at the fountain again.

So it’s really a wishing fountain. He wondered if the gods of this world actually listened to people’s wishes. With that, he suddenly remembered Elara.

Speaking of which, I wonder how she’s doing. He hadn’t thought about the goddess much lately as he was busy trying to survive in this world.

"Sir Caelan?"

"Hm?"

"Shall we go inside?"

"Oh, right. Sorry." Caelan quickly followed Abigail as they go inside the temple.

The moment they passed through the enormous wooden doors, he was greeted by an even more impressive sight.

The interior of the temple was spacious, with a high ceiling supported by rows of tall stone pillars. Colorful stained-glass windows lined the upper walls, allowing sunlight to pass through and cast beautiful patterns across the floor.

There’s a wooden bench in the middle where visitors can kneel to pray. Then, at the far end of it stood a large altar decorated with flowers, candles, and golden ornaments. Behind it was an enormous statue of a goddess with long hair and a gentle expression.

Caelan stopped walking to look at it.

Whoa... There was something strangely familiar about its appearance.

"Beautiful, isn’t she?" Abigail smiled as she also stared at it.

"Yeah. I guess so."

"That’s the goddess worshipped in this temple," Abigail explained. "Many people come here to offer prayers for good health, protection, and guidance."

"I see..." Caelan glanced toward the statue again.

He was tempted to ask more questions, because he didn’t want to make himself look completely ignorant about the religion of this world.

"Do you come here often?" he asked instead.

"Whenever I have the opportunity," Abigail answered. "Although I haven’t been able to visit much in recent years."

"Oh? Why’s that?"

"My health hasn’t always been very good." Abigail paused for a moment before smiling faintly.

"Ah..." Caelan nodded slowly.

"Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry." He already knew about her poor health from the information Theo had given him.

"It’s alright." Abigail shook her head. "It’s not something I particularly mind talking about."

"Really?"

"Yes. I’ve been dealing with it since I was young, so I’ve grown rather used to it." She spoke about it so casually as if saying that it didn’t bother him now.

"Well, I hope you’re feeling better now," he said sincerely.

"Thank you, Sir Caelan. That’s very kind of you." Abigail looked at him for a moment before smiling.

"Don’t mention it."

They continued walking until they reached an area near the altar. Abigail then turned toward him.

"I’ll be offering my prayers here for a little while. Would you like to join me?"