Chapter 53: Before the Statue

The food at this establishment was quite well-cooked, even ranking among the most delicious meals Vilyric had experienced since arriving in this world, second only to Liliya’s cooking.

Vilyric was a bit curious whether this was the high average standard of the Kingdom of Azure or just something unique to “Fragrant Retreat.”

In any case, both she and Xiao Guang were very satisfied with their meals.

When they exited, Kunier and the tiger-humans were already gone, probably dining inside or perhaps moved on to another place due to the long wait.

Vilyric didn’t bother looking for them and simply left the restaurant after settling the bill.

It’s worth mentioning that “Fragrant Retreat” looked quite unremarkable, yet the cost was astonishingly high. Just a meal for two with four dishes and a soup had cost Vilyric 1 gold and 2 silver, which would have been enough to eat at a similar restaurant in the United Kingdom for ten meals.

However, considering the dishes were indeed exquisitely made, and the dining environment and quality of ingredients were also quite good, Vilyric didn’t complain further.

Fortunately, the gold coins from the United Kingdom were also accepted in this tourist city, with an exchange rate of about 1 to 1.5 compared to the Winged people’s standard currency. Hence, the economic gap between the two nations didn’t appear to be that significant.

Additionally, after she paid, the white-feathered waitress handed Vilyric and Xiao Guang each a small metal token engraved with strange patterns, claiming it was a souvenir for diners.

While a bit perplexed, the craftsmanship was decent and hard to imitate, so Vilyric accepted it, recognizing it as an ordinary metal that indeed had no magical fluctuations.

After leaving “Fragrant Retreat,” the duo continued their leisurely stroll along the path they had taken.

In the city center, Vilyric saw the statue of the deity worshipped by the Winged people—the God of Sky and Freedom, Minerva.

Standing about ten meters tall, it was carved from an unknown white stone, resembling the small statue in Vilyric’s hand that sealed Xi Fu Lin. Both featured long hair cascading down, broad and elegant wings unfolded behind them, closely resembling the Winged people.

However, the wings of the God of Sky were much larger and more beautiful than those of the Winged people, almost enveloping the entire body. Additionally, two smaller pairs of wings extended from around the ears and back of the head, surrounded by flowing ribbons that fluttered in the absence of wind, with facial features delicately carved.

At least based on the statue, it depicted an incredibly beautiful figure.

Typically, divine statues don’t portray the specific features in great detail.

On one hand, artisans cannot know the true appearance of deities, and casually sculpting their likenesses would be a great blasphemy. On the other hand, it helps create a sense of mystery and untouchability.

Yet, whether it’s this massive statue as a landmark or the small one in Vilyric’s hand, both clearly depicted Minerva’s appearance, showcasing the same image.

This suggests that the God of Sky must have descended into this world, and many Winged people must have witnessed it, leaving behind records.

At least, that had to be the case at one time.

“Master, what are you thinking about?”

Seeing the black-haired girl staring blankly at the off-white statue, the little Dragon Daughter beside Vilyric couldn’t help but feel curious.

Vilyric had nothing to hide from her beloved pet.

“Xiao Guang, what do you think the relationship is between the Earth Mother Goddess Xi Fu and the God of Sky Minerva? Firstly, these two titles… give off a strong sense of déjà vu. Xi Fu Lin said Minerva killed and sealed the Earth Mother Goddess, but I always feel that things aren’t that simple.”

Vilyric had already revealed to Xiao Guang about the fragment of Xi Fu hidden in the small statue, along with the true nature of the so-called Phantom Cloud that had been their underground foe back in the Disaster Forest. Thus, there were no barriers when communicating between them.

After all, she fully trusted Vilyric without any reservations.

However, even though she understood, with Xiao Guang’s thought process, comprehending the complicated matters would be quite difficult. She immediately tilted her head in confusion.

“Why does Master think that? To me, it just seems like conflict leads to a battle, and then one side loses. There are many reasons for biological conflicts, right?”

“No, no, no… think deeper. Take the Winged people for example; although we haven’t spent much time together, you should also sense that they are a peaceful race that doesn’t like to conflict with others.”

Vilyric gazed at the distant statue, not turning her head.

“As the saying goes, people worship what they aspire to be. I don’t believe that the God of Sky Minerva, worshiped by these peaceful Winged people for at least a thousand years, would be one who enjoys violence and war. As for the Earth Mother Goddess Xi Fu, while I don’t know her deeply, at least from Xi Fu Lin’s perspective, she shouldn’t inherently be that bad.”

After pondering, Xiao Guang still attempted to refute.

“Has Master forgotten about that fragment underground? That thing must have killed a lot of various creatures, right? It actively attacked us too. Maybe that’s the true face of the Earth Mother Goddess? Perhaps it’s Xi Fu Lin who is merely a façade?”

“That argument… isn’t entirely impossible, but I still feel there’s more to the story. Think about it, the ancestors of the Winged people are the children born from the union of angels and the Earth Mother Goddess Xi Fu.”

“Putting angels aside, but the children were directly acknowledged by Xi Fu Lin. Thus, in a certain sense, all Winged people can be considered descendants of Xi Fu.”

Vilyric pointed to the sky god statue standing in the central plaza, her expression strangely contemplative.

“But now, they are worshiping the opposing deity who killed their progenitor. Isn’t it strange that the God of Sky Minerva would also provide protection and guidance?”

“Eh? Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit odd…”

The blonde Dragon Daughter scratched her head in confusion. To be honest, she’d rather punch something than ponder complex mysteries; she had already given up on thinking midway through Vilyric’s explanation.

Vilyric chuckled.

“Alright, since we’re out having fun, there’s no need to dwell on these profound questions. The road will unfold as we go. Besides, this isn’t just our problem; the main course hasn’t even been served yet.”

“Okay, then Master, should we keep moving forward?”

Vilyric looked up at the sky. Although it was still bright in the afternoon, being newcomers, they didn’t need to venture too far. After all, they would be staying here for three days.

Just as she prepared to turn back, a mental wave suddenly emanated from her backpack.

Huh? What now?

Vilyric was already quite familiar with this type of wave, especially after learning the basic operation of SP, or Soul Power. Her sensitivity to such mental cues had sharply increased, allowing her to instantly identify the other party’s identity.

Vilyric reached into her backpack and pulled out the item.

It was a small, gray-black stone sculpture that looked almost identical to the statue before her, only in a miniature version, exuding a faint blue glow.

“Xi Fu Lin? What’s the matter?”

“Don’t call me that weird name… never mind, Vilyric, where are you right now?”

“Right now?”

The priestess subconsciously looked up, scanning the area for a prominent landmark, but suddenly realized the other party must be referring to a broader location.

“I’m at the Floating Island, Island of Spris, one of the border islands of the Winged people’s kingdom, in a city on the island. Is something wrong?”

“Yes.”

The voice emanating from the statue clearly turned more serious.

“There’s a trace of my fragment’s lingering aura nearby.”

   

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