As time crept into November,
The dry and chilly winds from the frozen northern plains finally swept into the regions surrounding the City of Chaos.
The weather shifted from the crisp, pleasant days of autumn to the biting cold of early winter.
People on the streets began bundling up in bulky clothing.
The once-frequent sight of long, bare, snow-white elven legs was now a thing of the past.
At the same time, the flames of the northern winter war were about to be lit.
The seven chieftains of the Orc Tribes had already gathered at the Orc Royal Court by early October, mobilizing their people in preparation for their annual southern campaign.
By the end of October, the orcish army had approached the northernmost borders of the Human Empire, squaring off against human forces stationed at Zhenbei Pass, Bestial Abyss Gate, and Snowfall Gate.
The war could break out at any moment.
But for now, this had little to do with the centrally located City of Chaos on the Rixis Continent.
In recent days, word of the Harvest Goddess Church's upcoming sacrificial ceremony held at their City of Chaos cathedral had spread across the city and even to neighboring towns.
The sacred tree—the assassin-turned-divine Tree of Life—had drawn wave after wave of devout followers. Its branches were slowly being covered with paper prayer charms.
The Church had even rented several nearby shops and converted them into a small prayer annex for visiting pilgrims to rest and offer prayers. They also provided the prayer charms—
For a price.
One silver coin per charm. Very profitable.
Ron received 40% of the profit, with the remaining 60% going to the Church.
That was one of the reasons why Ron's wealth had skyrocketed to over 50,000.
November 1st.
As usual, Ron exercised in the morning, showered, and had breakfast with Nora.
Just a few days ago, they had gone out in the evening to shop, and Ron bought two winter cotton robes for Nora.
Since these were for her to wear while tending the shop, they counted as seasonal work attire—and so Ron paid for them.
Nora had been overjoyed for days, her cheeks glowing red with happiness that evening. It was quite adorable.
Now, wearing her thick pink winter robe, Nora sat across from Ron. After finishing breakfast, she held a small booklet and mouthed words silently as she reviewed its contents.
Her expression was deadly serious and tense.
The booklet was filled with information on Nether Orchid, Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, and Scalevine—all essential knowledge for today's promotional work at the flower shop.
"No need to be so nervous," Ron said casually as he ate. "Just stick close to the Archbishop. If someone asks about the plants, add a few details here and there. If they want to buy, great. If not, that's fine too."
"Mhm." Nora nodded. Her nerves eased a little, but her eyes remained glued to the booklet as she kept muttering the names and details.
After breakfast, Nora carried the dishes to the kitchen. Ron, standing by the doorway, said: "Time to head out. You can wash those at noon when we get back."
"Okay, Boss."
Harvest Goddess Church.
A group of devout believers had already gathered in the plaza outside the cathedral's main hall, standing respectfully along the edges.
Directly in front of the grand entrance, the long benches that had originally been placed inside the main hall were now arranged into two neat rows.
A wide, central aisle between the benches was covered with a bright green carpet that stretched from the cathedral door all the way to the entrance of the plaza.
The morning sun poured in from the east, casting warm light beneath the symbolic olive tree of harvest.
Though it was technically early winter, the City of Chaos—being in the relatively southern part of the continent—wasn't too cold yet. A single layer of cotton clothing was enough to stay warm.
Ron led Nora toward the cathedral, but didn't walk down the central green carpet. Instead, they took a side path toward the annex hall.
As they passed under the olive tree at the edge of the plaza, some of the devout followers recognized the Harvest Goddess's Chosen One.
Excited, they immediately dropped to their knees, drawing the sacred wheat symbol over their chests again and again.
Nora was startled and instinctively grabbed the hem of her boss's robe.
"Let's hurry." Ron frowned slightly as he saw one follower already beginning to kowtow hard on the ground. He whispered to Nora and picked up the pace.
There was no point in trying to dissuade them—it would only attract more attention.
Ron understood this clearly and did his best to avoid such situations.
After all, he knew exactly how he got the "Chosen One" title. Who knew if these worshippers' prayers to him even had any effect?
"Lord Ron."
Bishop Morris came out from the annex hall to greet them. "Please follow me to the rear chamber. The ceremonial garments are already prepared."
"Mhm. Where's the Archbishop?" Ron asked as they walked.
"He's waiting for you in the back."
The three of them entered the rear hall, where the Archbishop was calmly seated in a chair. Around him, a few pure and pretty young nuns were preparing items for the ceremony.
When Ron entered, the Archbishop rose. "Lord Ron."
"Archbishop."
They greeted one another politely.
The nuns also gathered and, after forming neat lines, greeted him in unison: "Greetings, Lord Ron."
Ron nodded with a gentle smile.
Behind him, Nora curiously eyed the nuns. But once she got a clear look at their delicate faces, a sense of alarm instantly sparked in her heart.
Her cat ears twitched and stood straight beneath her hat, hidden from sight.
But then she remembered: nuns probably weren't allowed to marry.
Relieved by that thought, she slowly relaxed and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Archbishop, this is Nora, one of my flower shop employees." Ron gently pulled Nora forward and introduced her to Archbishop Ulysses. "She knows everything about the plants. She'll be assisting you today."
Nora respectfully drew the wheat sigil on her chest and bowed in greeting.
After the introductions, Ron retrieved one Nether Orchid, one Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, and one Scalevine from his [Inventory], handing them to the Archbishop.
"I'll leave the flower shop promotions to you."
"Of course," the Archbishop nodded, storing the plants away, then said, "Lord Ron, please head to the dressing room. The sisters will assist you with your ceremonial attire."
Ron instinctively took a half-step back. "They'll… help me change?"
Nora instantly tensed again. Her tail, hidden under the cotton robe, began to twitch restlessly.
"The ceremonial attire is quite complicated. It is customary for the sisters to assist," the Archbishop said calmly, stepping aside and gesturing for Ron to follow the nuns. "Please, Lord Ron."
Six adorable nuns, all in the prime of youth, lowered their heads and walked forward to guide Ron.
Ron gave Nora a few quick instructions before reluctantly following them into the dressing room.
Nora was left behind, a hint of sorrow in her eyes as she watched her boss disappear into a private chamber with six sweet-looking nuns.
The Archbishop, having no interest in matters between men and women, simply watched Ron go before waving the remaining sisters away. He then said to Nora in a flat tone:
"Come. The guests for the ceremony will be arriving soon."
Nora snapped back to her senses. Her cheeks flushed, she lowered her head and quietly followed the Archbishop out of the rear hall.
But the thought of her boss undressing in front of other girls lingered in her mind.
Under her hat, her cat ears drooped. The tail under her robe went limp. Her whole mood dimmed, and a sour feeling welled up inside her.