Part 456: Miriel A

The theory is sound, and yet...

Is something wrong, Miriel?

My data shows attendance is waning at your religious gatherings. The logs clearly indicate more people came to the initial meetings than come now.

Yes, I'd noticed as well.

But my modus is theoretically sound. I've just revisited all my assumptions, and they withstand the strictest scrutiny. Yet data cannot lie.

Well, perhaps your ideas failed to account for a critical element.

Such as?

The human heart. Oh, don't get me wrong, your method gets my words to more ears than ever. But the message stops at the ears, I fear, and does not travel to the heart.

A defect in amplification, then?

Um... Not exactly, no. Every individual listens to the teachings of Ylisse for different reasons. If I limit my sermons to truths that apply equally to all, they fall short. Only by showing the relevance to each person's life can I truly reach them.

A logical postulation. Perhaps I was indeed myopic in my designs. Were you certain from the start that my method would fail?

I thought offering salvation to a mob would be... difficult, yes.

Then why did you consent to the mass gatherings? Or was I simply too heedless and stubborn to hear your objections?

A bit, perhaps. But mostly, I thought your plan might yield a different sort of benefit.

And did it?

Indeed it did! You've given me the opportunity to meet more people than I ever could have alone!

Curious.

I had grown rigid in my methods, Miriel-a lesson I hope you will take to heart. Your work was a success in terms of meeting converts, but it was only a step. And so I must continue the work that we started on a more personal level.

There is merit in what you say.

I'm thrilled to hear it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd best head off to have some of those conversations.

I hope you will permit me to offer my continued assistance as well.