Chapter 7
Chapter 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: 2. Congratulations on Becoming an Adult. (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Saintess Amaness. Please watch over this child and let her serve as a holy servant as well..."
In the midst of solemn silence, the coming-of-age ceremony unfolded before the eyes of the entire congregation.
The lanterns that had illuminated the chapel were all extinguished, leaving the church bathed only in the light filtering through the stained glass from outside. It created a sacred atmosphere, as if a god might descend at any moment.
Continuing to recite the prayer, I slowly stepped down from the podium and stood before Nun Rachel.
She knelt on the cushion with her hands clasped together in prayer. I placed my left hand neatly atop her head.
'To you, I bestow eternal blessing.'
Filling every joint of my fingertips with divine power, I let the liquid divine power—holy water—drip drop by drop onto her head.
From this point on, intense concentration was required. I had to draw forth the invisible power of divine power from my entire body and transform it into tangible holy water, something impossible without exceptional focus.
"Nun Rachel. Raise your head now."
"Yes."
She lifted her head with her eyes still closed. Holy water cascaded over her face like rainwater.
"Ugh..."
I hadn't realized it from the game's textures, but actually doing it myself, I discovered that producing holy water was an incredibly draining chore.
It felt like blood was draining straight out of my body, leaving me dizzy. My vision blurred for a moment, anemia-like symptoms hitting briefly—if I pushed any harder, I might collapse.
"Wash away all the sins of this child's ignorant past."
Only after the final rite did I step back a couple of paces.
Nun Rachel still gazed skyward, immersed in deep prayer.
Soon enough, her eyes gradually opened.
'Poured a ton, huh.'
I'd meant to do it moderately, but emerald holy water had splattered all over her face, leaving her looking like a dog soaked through in the rain.
It wasn't a major blunder, but holy water was so sticky it didn't rinse off easily, so the rule was to sprinkle it lightly. Washing it off would be tougher now because of me, but on the bright side, lots of holy water meant nothing but good fortune ahead.
"Haa..."
Letting out a deep sigh, Nun Rachel broke into a beaming smile. For some reason, drenched head to toe in holy water, her face flushed red as she grinned in a way that looked almost perverse. Was she just thrilled to become an adult? Whatever it was, it didn't sit right with me.
I didn't dwell on it and stepped right up to her face for one final word.
"You worked hard. It must've been tough, right?"
As I spoke, she snapped back to attention, blinking up at me.
She traced a gentle smile on her lips and shook her head.
"No, Priest Isaiah. You must've had it harder preparing everything. Thank you for your efforts."
"Anyway, congratulations on becoming an adult, Nun Rachel."
"Yes, thank you."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Nun Rachel. I'd known her for less than a year. She didn't even appear in the game. As a novice—not yet a full cleric—we had no reason to cross paths.
So how did I come to know her...
It was during last year's annual event. While everyone else was making noise and reveling, I happened to slip away alone and spotted a child praying fervently off by herself. I hadn't meant to spy, but she caught my eye anyway. Like I was drawn by a spell, I approached without a sound and ended up sitting behind her, watching.
I still remember that day vividly. For me, it felt mostly like forcing myself to lower my corruption value, but she was praying with her own determination and goals.
How much time passed? Sitting still for an hour would've been tough, but she stayed there alone for three or four hours, muttering diligently to herself.
She was impossible to ignore.
Teachers at school or church never dislike a hardworking kid. I went straight to her, struck up a conversation, and before long we were chatting about this and that, learning her story.
She was a novice from the convent. She wanted to grow up to be a cleric like me. It was... like stumbling on a treasure buried in a pile of trash.
After dealing with all those filthy women scheming for a chance to latch onto me, to bed me even once, seeing this pure child melted my heart.
"U-Um, do you think I could become a cleric like you someday, Priest?"
"Of course. You'll definitely be a fine one. No need to worry."
"Hehe, thank you."
From that day on, our meetings became a habit. The convent was close to the church, so she'd come to me, or if I couldn't make it, she'd seek me out. I taught her about the virtues a cleric should have, how to use divine power, studies—whatever she needed.
Lately, with her exams coming up, it had been hard to even catch a glimpse of her.
Anyway, that kid had finally become an adult.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
About thirty minutes after the ceremony wrapped up, Nun Rachel returned to the chapel after washing the holy water off her face at the stream.
She looked around as if searching for someone, then spotted me hiding in the back corner and approached with a bright smile.
"Sorry. I poured way too much, didn't I?"
"No, Priest. I washed it off quick."
I hadn't produced holy water much before, so I'd made a small slip-up. It was her big day too, and though she said it was fine, I felt inwardly apologetic for not making it perfect.
"Actually... it was good..."
"Huh? What was that?"
"Nothing, Priest."
She'd mumbled it so softly, like she was crawling, that I couldn't catch it properly. She said something, but it didn't seem important, so I let it slide.
"More importantly, Nun Rachel, how'd the exam go?"
"Ah, the exam... haha... yeah... it was okay..."
She, who'd been looking me straight in the eye, suddenly averted her gaze. Sweat beading on her forehead—she clearly hadn't done well.
'What a shame.'
Was she not cut out for studying? I'd taught her diligently, but her grades never improved. In terms of piety, she'd be top of the class, but it was just regrettable.
"It's fine. If you keep at it, you'll improve in no time."
"Y-Yeah. Sorry... you took time out of your busy schedule to teach me..."
"No, no. I did it because I wanted to. You don't need to say that."
A shadow fell over her face, like she'd committed some sin.
It wasn't like she had no more chances—she just needed to try harder—so I comforted her not to worry too much.
But the person herself didn't seem to accept it so easily.
"Ah... on a happy day like today, I went and brought up something pointless."
"N-No, I was planning to tell you anyway."
She waved her hands as she spoke. Still looking dejected, she continued.
"I guess I don't have what it takes to stand beside Saintess Amaness. Failing every time... even the other novices must think I look bad."
What could I say to that...? Not sure if it'd comfort her. Then again, it wasn't some monthly note quiz. She'd bombed one of the key exams needed to become a cleric, so I understood her being so down.
All I could do was help fill in her weak spots.
"Which part gave you the most trouble?"
"Um... the divine power handling... I think that's where I lost most points."
As I'd suspected, that again. Anything else, I could've helped with somehow, but this was in the realm of talent, making it tough to teach. Above all, divine power had to be learned and wielded through personal practice—explanations alone wouldn't stick if the body didn't remember.
I was deep in thought about how to teach it when—
"Priest Isaiah."
A soft, feminine voice calling my name.
I tilted my head and turned to see a woman in novice robes looking down at me, as if she had something to say.
"What is it?"
"The Bishop is looking for you."
"Sigh... alright... I'll be right there."
Just hearing that name now made my stomach turn. The moment she thought I was out of sight, she'd send underlings to drag me back. No place to hide—I had no choice but to let out a deep sigh and stand up.
"Wait here just a moment. I'll be right back."
"Ah... yes, go ahead."
```