19 The Lucky Shrine (2/2)
”You are a very interesting one, Man of Earth,” the Asian priestess smiled, ”and I have taken an interest in your Player Character development.”
Huh?How did she know I came from Earth?And how did she know that I was a Player Character (”PC”)?My mind started whirling overtime.Who was this lady?Was she also a PC?Did I have to fight her now?
Seeing my sudden discomfort, Sister Selune offered a warm smile as she took a step back away from me.”May my temporary blessing help you in your character development, Man of Earth.I will continue to watch over you.”The priestess turned toward Amelica and added, ”Both of you.”Sparkles of dancing light suddenly appeared and engulfed the priestess.When the small fragments of light were gone, so was she.
It took a full moment for my brain to register the fact that the mysterious priestess was gone.My questions regarding her true identity and whether she was also a PC were left unanswered.Well, there was no point for me to continue gawking at the empty space where she had disappeared.I decided to take a quick look at my pop-ups.The first pop-up read, ”Special Condition: Kissed by Lady Luck (Expiration 6:23:59).”Huh?What the heck was a ”Special Condition?”Was it beneficial to me or harmful?I decided to consult my companion.Keeping the message in place, I turned toward Amelica, who was still looking spaced out.”Hey Amelica, please party with me,” I said.
However, my lovely companion was still in shock and didn't hear me.
I grabbed her hands and squeezed.”Are you okay, Amelica?” I asked.
”Huh?Oh, yes, I'm fine!” she stammered a reply as her eyes regained their focus.
”I need to show you something. Please party with me,” I requested again.
I saw her party request and quickly hit, ”Yes.”
When Amelica read the pop-up of my new condition, her eyes widened again.She shook her head in disbelief as she looked at me.”This can't be happening,” she whispered.
Seeing the shock on her face, I decided to wrestle for control over the situation—by giving her a warm and soothing hug.I wrapped my arms around her; thankfully, she did not resist.
After a while, Amelica's shock finally wore off.She pulled her head back and looked at me.”We just talked to Lady Luck herself,” she began to explain.”She has put a claim on your soul.You are now her worshipper.”
”Like you?” I asked.I had a suspicion that she worshiped the Goddess of Luck.
Amelica's eyebrows rose at the unexpected question.”Yes, I do worship Lady Luck,” she admitted with a sheepish grin.”But putting that aside, you have been bestowed a great boon from our Goddess.Very few mortals have been found worthy of receiving this divine blessing,” she noted; Amelica was still in awe of what she had witnessed.
”Oh, that's what the kiss was?Just a blessing?” I joked.
My companion's eyes turned hard and she poked me in the chest.”I'm being serious.”
”Okay, okay,” I quickly replied.”What does her blessing do actually?” I asked.
”Well, it's temporary in nature.The blessing lasts one full week and it basically turns all probability-based actions in your favor,” she explained.
”Oh, wow!”My mind started running ideas.”I could gamble here and win big,” I said.I started grinning from ear to ear as I imagined myself cleaning the house!
Amelica shook her head.”Everyone here will know that you have been blessed by our Goddess.No gambler will allow you to play at his table.”Suddenly, she smiled and her eyes danced mischievously.”So, milord, how long do you plan to hold me?Is this a courting ritual from your world?” she teased.
I realized, just then, that I was still hugging her.Tightly.I quickly dropped my arms and took a big step back.
”Oh no, you don't!You need to take responsibility for your action, milord,” Amelica winked at me playfully as she grabbed my right hand.”We need to hurry back to The Noble Lady.”She started walking toward the exit and pulled me after her.