CHAPTER 65: CH 65: WELCOME BACK- PART 2

The walk back to the temple was quiet. Too quiet.

Kana kept her eyes on the smooth stone path beneath her feet, the rhythmic sound of their steps occasionally broken by distant murmurs from the city.

The air felt heavier the closer they drew to the main gates, as if the temple itself was holding its breath.

When the gates finally came into view, so did the chaos. People were darting in and out of the entrance, voices overlapping in frantic tones.

Messengers rushed past carrying papers, and temple workers gathered in tight circles, whispering in shock.

Kana slowed instinctively, confusion tightening her brow.

’What... happened?’

It only took one snatch of hurried conversation from a passing priestess to understand.

"They said she’s dead—"

"Impossible! How could—"

"No, I heard it from the guard himself, she was attacked and didn’t make it—"

Kana’s eyes widened, and she glanced toward High Priestess Jenna.

Not only was the woman very much alive, but she looked as composed as if she’d just returned from a morning stroll. Her robe was immaculate, her steps unhurried.

Evaya, however, noticed the restless crowd long before Kana could speak. Her voice was low and sharp as she leaned slightly toward Jenna.

"High Priestess... do not do anything foolish. This place is already on edge. You walking in like nothing happened will—"

Jenna cut her off with a soft, amused hum.

"Evaya, I never do anything to cause trouble. You know that. Leave everything to me."

Her eyes gleamed faintly.

Kana saw Evaya’s mouth open—likely to argue—but the words never came. Instead, Evaya exhaled heavily, the sound carrying all the weight of resignation.

"Too late...We’re about to watch a disaster unfold."

She muttered under her breath.

Kana blinked at her.

"Evaya... are you fine?"

"Perfectly fine. But a lot of people here won’t be, by the time she’s done."

Evaya replied without hesitation. Then, her eyes slid toward Jenna’s back, and a thin smirk tugged at her lips.

Kana hesitated, lowering her voice.

"Shouldn’t we... stop her?"

"No point. Once she’s made up her mind, no one can stop her. Not even me."

Evaya’s answer was instant, almost weary.

Kana swallowed, unsure whether to feel reassured or even more uneasy.

Up ahead, High Priestess Jenna reached the massive front doors of the temple.

Without a flicker of hesitation, she pushed them open with a fluid motion, her steps carrying her inside as though she were walking onto a stage.

"I’m back!"

Her voice rang out warm and bright, like a sunbeam cutting through the panic.

The effect was immediate. Gasps rippled through the hall, followed by murmurs of disbelief.

"She’s alive?"

"High Priestess!"

"Are you unharmed?"

Jenna’s smile deepened as she spread her hands slightly in a graceful gesture.

"Of course I am. Our goddess’s protection is with me. With that blessing, even should others try to end my life, I will not die."

As she spoke, her gaze shifted—subtle but unmistakable—toward one man standing among the gathered clergy. High Priest Rudy.

He stood at the far side of the hall, robed in pristine white, his silver hair catching the lamplight.

His smile matched hers in brightness, but unlike the whispers and shifting eyes around them, his expression did not waver in the slightest.

"High Priestess Jenna. Welcome back. I was... quite worried about you."

He said warmly, his voice carrying across th space with perfect composure.

The tension between them was sharp enough that Kana felt it even from the doorway.

But the people—whether truly oblivious or simply unwilling to acknowledge it—showed nothing but relief at the exchange.

Evaya and Kana entered just as the brief moment passed. Jenna turned toward them with the same unshakable cheer.

"I’ll take my leave now.as I have more people to meet with. Those who accompanied me also need to change and be looked after."

She announced to the gathered priests and attendants,

High Priest Rudy inclined his head.

"You’re free to leave. Though... do be careful. There’s word of someone suspicious roaming the temple grounds."

His tone remained cordial, but there was a faint shift in his eyes.

Jenna met his gaze evenly.

"I’ll be just fine."

She turned to go, her steps light and unhurried—only for his voice to stop her again before she reached the threshold.

"One more matter, High Priestess. There has been a request from the investigation bureau to look into... the accident that occurred."

Rudy said, still smiling. His words were smooth, but every syllable seemed placed with careful intent.

"What would you like to do about it?"

For a heartbeat, the hall seemed to still.

Jenna’s smile didn’t falter.

"Why, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Allow them to investigate. Let them find the culprit."

For the briefest instant—so quick that Kana thought she might have imagined it—Rudy’s fingers curled into a tight fist at his side.

But then it was gone, his hand relaxed once more as he inclined his head politely.

"Very well. Have a peaceful day ahead, High Priestess."

Jenna’s only answer was another bright smile before she finally stepped out of the hall, her robes swaying lightly with each step.

Kana trailed after her, still trying to decipher the invisible battle she’d just witnessed. Whatever had passed between the two high priests, it was far from over.

High Priestess Jenna left without so much as a glance over her shoulder, her steps steady and unhurried until she disappeared beyond the great doors.

For a long moment, no one moved. It was as if her presence still lingered in the hall—radiant, commanding, untouchable.

Murmurs broke out in her wake, voices rising with awe.

"She walked in like nothing had happened..."

"That’s the High Priestess for you. Truly unshaken."

"With her here, maybe everything will be fine after all."

The tone was shifting quickly, relief blooming where panic had been only moments before.

People spoke of her strength, her grace, and the way she had reassured them without faltering.

Then, from the side of the hall, a voice cut through the hum.

"But... if she really cares about the temple, why leave so soon? It almost feels like she’s hiding something. And she clearly put her own people first—left with them immediately, without addressing us properly."

A guard said loudly, his gaze sweeping the gathered crowd.

The words fell heavy in the space, halting more than a few conversations. Some exchanged uneasy glances.

"Well... now that you mention it..."

"Isn’t it strange?"

"She could have stayed longer—"

The doubt was like a ripple in calm water, spreading outward.

Before it could grow, High Priest Rudy stepped forward, his expression composed and voice smooth as silk.

"That will be enough."

The guard stiffened under the mild weight of his gaze. Rudy’s tone was gentle, but carried authority.

"Do not speak so carelessly about High Priestess Jenna. She has just returned from an ordeal, one we cannot fully understand. If she chose to leave now, it is because she must be going through a difficult time. We should give her our support, not suspicion."

His words settled over the hall like a warm blanket. A few people nodded, some lowering their eyes in quiet agreement.

"Yes... that makes sense."

"I suppose she must be tired."

"It’s good the High Priest is here to speak for her."

The tension eased, and though the earlier awe toward Jenna had dimmed slightly, a new sentiment had taken root—respect for High Priest Rudy, who had shown understanding and composure when others wavered.