Episode 33| Domino Effect
The remainder of the morning passed in much the same way as every other day.
Ryan accompanied junior priests to the infirmary, assisted elderly worshippers climbing the temple steps, and spent nearly an hour helping a novice understand a difficult passage from the Book of Light.
It was ordinary.
Deliberately so.
Riley understood one thing better than anyone else.
A person who constantly performed miracles attracted attention.
A person who consistently did small acts of kindness earned trust.
Trust was infinitely more valuable.
---
Just after noon, Ryan was sorting medical herbs in the temple apothecary when soft footsteps approached.
"Brother Ryan."
She looked up.
A young acolyte stood respectfully before her.
"The High-Ranking Priest Father Alistair Beaumont requests your presence."
Ryan's fingers paused over the herbs.
Already?
She had intended to approach Father Alistair herself within the next few days.
Instead...
He had summoned her first.
"...Thank you."
---
Father Alistair's office overlooked one of the oldest gardens in the temple.
Unlike the extravagant chambers occupied by the High Priest, this office was modest.
Books lined nearly every wall.
Ancient scriptures.
Maps.
Historical journals.
The room smelled of old parchment and cedarwood.
Ryan knocked softly.
"Come in."
Father Alistair Beaumont looked up from a stack of reports.
His silver-streaked brown hair reflected his age, but his posture remained dignified.
He gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Sit."
Ryan obeyed.
For several moments...
Neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It was... measured.
As though the older priest wished to observe Ryan before beginning.
Finally-
"I heard your sister's engagement was successful."
Ryan smiled politely.
"It was, Father."
"You must be proud."
"I am."
Another pause.
Then Alistair folded his hands.
"...Do you remember the day you first came to this temple?"
Ryan nodded.
"I do."
"You stood exactly where you're sitting now."
"You possessed little experience."
"No recommendations."
"No noble surname."
He smiled faintly.
"And yet..."
"I accepted your application."
Ryan inclined her head.
"I've always been grateful for that opportunity."
Father Alistair chuckled.
"You know..."
"The council called me reckless."
Ryan blinked.
"They believed recruiting a commoner priest with barely awakened holy magic would lower the temple's standards."
Ryan couldn't help smiling.
"I suppose I've caused you quite a bit of trouble."
"You've done the opposite."
Alistair opened a drawer before placing several reports on the desk.
Ryan immediately recognized the handwriting.
Mission reports.
Her mission reports.
Flood relief.
The orphanages.
Countess Marilyn's recovery.
Food distribution.
Community healing.
Every assignment she'd ever completed.
"I've read every report you've submitted."
Ryan remained quiet.
The older priest continued.
"You've never once asked for recognition."
"You've never requested a promotion."
"You've never complained."
Ryan lowered her gaze.
"I simply did what I believed was right."
Father Alistair watched her carefully.
"...And what exactly is 'right,' Brother Ryan?"
There it was.
The real reason she'd been summoned.
Not to discuss her work.
To discuss her beliefs.
Ryan thought carefully before answering.
"When I first entered the temple..."
"I believed becoming a priest meant healing those who suffered."
"It still does."
Alistair nodded slowly.
"And if those above you disagree?"
Ryan met his eyes.
"Then I would hope they remember why they first became priests."
The room fell silent again.
A faint smile tugged at the older man's lips.
"You answer carefully."
Ryan smiled.
"I try not to offend my seniors."
Alistair laughed quietly.
"A useful skill."
He rose from his chair and walked toward the large window overlooking the gardens below.
Children from the orphanage were playing beneath the trees while several priests watched over them.
"I've served this temple for thirty-eight years."
Ryan listened silently.
"I have seen three High Priests."
"I've watched kingdoms rise..."
"...and fall."
He sighed.
"But lately..."
His voice became noticeably quieter.
"I find myself asking whether this temple still serves the Goddess..."
"...or itself."
Ryan's heart skipped.
This was the opening she'd been waiting for.
She didn't answer immediately.
Instead...
She stood and joined him by the window.
"The light belongs to everyone."
She spoke softly.
"It doesn't choose between nobles and commoners."
"It doesn't ask for donations."
"It simply shines."
Father Alistair looked at her for a long moment.
Then...
Very quietly...
He smiled.
"I knew I wasn't mistaken about you."
Ryan frowned slightly.
"Mistaken?"
"When you first arrived..."
"I saw something unusual."
Ryan remained silent.
"You reminded me..."
"...of the ideals this temple once stood for."
The older priest turned fully toward her.
"Be careful, Ryan."
She blinked.
"There are many good people within these walls."
"But..."
"There are also people who have forgotten what the Goddess represents."
His eyes drifted toward the distant tower where the High Priest's chambers overlooked the entire temple.
He never mentioned the High Priest by name.
He didn't need to.
Ryan understood.
"I'll remember that."
Father Alistair smiled.
"I hope you do."
He returned to his desk before signing a document.
"I've decided to appoint you as mentor to several junior priests."
Ryan looked surprised.
"...Me?"
"I've watched how they naturally gather around you."
"They respect you."
"I'd rather they learn from someone with compassion than ambition."
Ryan accepted the document with both hands.
"Thank you, Father."
As she bowed to leave-
Alistair stopped her.
"Ryan."
She turned.
"I don't know what changes you hope to bring to this temple..."
"...but if those changes truly serve the Goddess..."
"...you won't be standing alone."
Ryan froze.
For the briefest moment...
She wondered if he'd somehow seen through everything.
Her plans.
Her ambition.
Her determination to tear down the corruption rooted within the temple.
Yet his expression remained gentle.
Not suspicious.
Hopeful.
Ryan smiled.
A genuine smile.
"...I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
---
Leaving the office, Riley felt lighter than she had in days.
Father Alistair hadn't openly declared himself an ally.
That would have been unrealistic.
But he had done something far more valuable.
He had opened the door.
Trust.
Respect.
Shared ideals.
Those things couldn't be forced.
They had to be earned.
One powerful ally...
Not yet.
But close.
She quietly looked toward the towering spire where the High Priest resided.
Then smiled to herself.
"Your foundation is starting to crack..."
"You just don't know it yet."
Hi again my lovelies, the story will be a bit political but the romance is still there I promise. Riley is pulling herself together as to not forget what she came to do!