บท 264: In defiance of death

The High Priestess' sharp rebuke scared the young Oracles. They had always seen Lady Illara handle every difficult situation with tremendous calm. She was the very image of grace and composure, but her suddenly changed behavior left them surprised.

The Priestesses present there immediately showed Xander the door.

"Your presence has offended Lady Illara. Please leave before you incur the wrath of our Goddess."

"And never return to the shrine. You are no longer welcome here."

Xander however, paid no heed to their words. He kept standing there, staring directly at the Oracles guarding the High Priestess in defiance.

This act of disrespect angered the Priestesses, and they clapped their hands to call the guards.

No men were ever allowed to enter the Prayer Hall inside Cynthia's Shrine without special permission, and even then they would never be permitted to interact with Lady Illara.