Better Cities:Critic

Book Information Critic
ID	xx0982D7
	25		1.0
Locations
Found in the following locations: Sold by book merchants and found in random containers as loot.

Critic

A story about a hermit and his only friend.

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The parishioners considered one hermit to be a man from Akatosh. Not a day passed without people crowding at the door of his house, waiting for advice, healing, or a blessing from this holy man. Every time the hermit uttered a word, people simply stared at his lips, eagerly catching his every word.

Nevertheless, in the crowd of parishioners, there was one person who never missed an opportunity to criticize the hermit. He drew people's attention to the weaknesses of the hermit, laughed at his shortcomings - to the great embarrassment of the disciples, who began to mistake the upstart for the manifestation of Boethiah.

It so happened that one day the critic became sick and died. Everyone sighed with relief.

Outwardly, people appeared to be mourning for the occasion, but inside they were glad that this impolite heretic would no longer interrupt the hermit's inspiring speeches, would not criticize his behaviour.

Much to the surprise of the faithful, at the funeral, the hermit was sincerely worried. Later, someone asked him if he was grieving over the fate of the deceased.

"No no. Why on earth should I grieve for our friend who is now in paradise? I was grieving for myself. This was my only friend. People who worship me are everywhere. He was the only one who challenged me. I’m afraid that without him I’ll just stop growing."

Having said this, the hermit wept.