Ferdinand & Mercedes C

Mercedes
...

Ferdinand
Oh, Mercedes. This is unexpected.

Mercedes
Hello, Ferdinand. Did you come to pray?

Ferdinand
I did. I quite like the atmosphere in the cathedral.

Ferdinand
It is holy and solemn. Perfectly suited to a noble, wouldn't you say?

Mercedes
Uhh... I guess so.

Ferdinand
You guess so? I think the matter is rather clear-cut.

Ferdinand
It is incumbent upon nobles that we pray regularly to the goddess.

Ferdinand
The piety of the nobles is a model for commoners— it teaches them the value of devotion.

Mercedes
Absolutely. I know exactly what you mean. I couldn't agree more.

Ferdinand
These days many nobles scarcely, if ever, pray.

Ferdinand
Look around! You and I are alone in this cathedral. It is really quite a shame.

Mercedes
Ah, well, I don't really know that I count as a noble anyway.

Ferdinand
I am afraid the nobility seems to be losing its way. When you pray, you are usually alone, right?

Mercedes
Umm...yes. You're right. I usually am.

Ferdinand
Precisely. Where are the others? Of course, you cannot force people to worship. That is out of the question.

Ferdinand
Nobles must determine for themselves what they will believe and how they will pray.

Ferdinand
A religion foisted on you without your say is not much of a religion at all. Do you not agree?

Mercedes
Yes, I definitely agree. Definitely...agree.

Ferdinand
On the other hand, we cannot stand idly by while...

Mercedes
Um, it was great talking to you, but I'm getting pretty sleepy. I'm going to head off to bed. Good night!

Ferdinand
All in all, one has to conclude... Mercedes? Where did she go?

Ferdinand
I must have inspired her to go out and revive the faith! Perhaps I should do the same. I cannot let her show me up...