As soon as her discussion with Orania had concluded, Mia jumped into action. First, she visited Rafina, as she needed the Central Orthodox Church’s assent that her cause for visiting Ganudos was indeed just. Ludwig couldn’t argue against the Holy Lady’s stamp of approval, but Rafina’s response had been even grander than Mia was expecting.
“Greetings, Mia,” offered Rafina, clearly in high spirits.
“Greetings, Rafina. Thank you for making the time for me.”
Mia explained what she had heard from Orania regarding the situation in Ganudos.
“I...see...” Once Mia was done, Rafina offered some brief words. “That’s absolutely unacceptable.”
Though it was rare for her, Rafina was frowning. Mia already found the composed smile Rafina wore when angry plenty frightening, but now, she knew that Rafina when she was really angry was much scarier.
“O-Of course, this is simply what I’ve heard from Orania, and I haven’t confirmed it myself. Her story may be a bit exaggerated.”
“I know that, of course. As your new pupil, Orania may have homed in on something she could do and may be overly zealous. However...” She brought a hand to her cheek. “We can’t leave this be regardless.”
“I agree. Now that she’s asked for my help, I plan to do everything I can,” said Mia, pounding her chest as a gesture of assurance.
“I see. So you’ll be going there yourself.”
“Well, you know...” I don’t really want to, added Mia inwardly. Quite honestly, she just wanted to send someone like Dion in to save the day for her.
Perhaps that’d work if this was simply to save the king, but I need to make sure I nip all the sprouts of revolution in the buds. I’m one of few who rank as high as the king, so I’m in a position to criticize Ganudos. If only I could shove all of this onto Sion’s shoulders...
But considering that’d be overdoing things a tad, Mia really had no choice but to head there herself.
“I suppose that means you won’t be attending the Holy Eve Festival this year,” muttered Rafina, seeming awfully sad.
“Well, I don’t know if it will serve as a proper replacement, but I’ll be sure to invite you to my Birthday Festival this year. Though considering the state of our wheat harvests, I doubt it’ll be as grand as usual.”
No proper famine had yet to break out in Tearmoon, but that didn’t mean they had enough abundance to squander their reserves. Honestly, I wished they just did away with my Birthday Festival...
But at the same time, stopping all forms of enjoyment and leisure would only depress the people. Some of the more sensible folks might even begin to doubt whether they’d have enough food for the next year. Thus, Ludwig and the others had told her that such entertainment was necessary in wiping away her people’s doubts, but still...
I’m sure father wouldn’t stop the event even if I begged him to. Ludwig must want to use it to our advantage. I don’t not understand him, but...what should I do if they want to build a giant snow sculpture of me?
Particularly frightening was the fact that unlike gold, snow was free. You’d think there’d be labor costs, but the people who would choose to make it would happily volunteer themselves for the cause.
Well, if someone wants to make one, I suppose I can’t force them to stop.
Mia was lost in her thoughts, but when she finally looked at Rafina...
“Thank you, Mia. I can’t wait,” she said, beaming. “Oh, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know,” she said, adding on some heartening words.
So now I have Rafina’s approval. Next is deciding who will be coming with me, thought Mia, sipping on the tea Rafina had prepared for her. “My, this has quite the unique aroma.”
Rafina giggled. “I thought you might notice. It’s actually made from kelp,” she said, sporting a funny smile. “There’s an island nation to the east that puts dried seaweed in their tea. I learned about it while I was reading about fish the other day, so I decided to try some.”
“Kelp, huh? Now that you mention it, it is a bit salty.” Mia took another sip and breathed a satisfied sigh. “I’d say it’s both calming and nourishing. Maybe it’s thanks to the salt, but the tea cakes seem to taste extra sweet as well,” remarked Mia, wearing a grin of absolute satisfaction.
Not that it particularly mattered, but Mia would have to wait another year to encounter the sticky snack that paired perfectly with this tea.