Chapter 82
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: 17. Who Was Eavesdropping... (2)
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Ah.... Damn, I'm so freaking tired....
Rising up and looking at my reflection in the water, both my eyes were hollow. Haah.... If only I could've slept without worrying about what happened yesterday.
I have no idea who it was, but that eavesdropper caused me a ton of trouble. Bishop Lisa said she'd look into it just in case, but from what I could tell, the odds of actually finding them were slim to none.
With the parishioners all mixed in haphazardly with the crowd, it was already impossible to tell who was who. Finding a specific person in that mess was like trying to pluck stars from the sky.
Still, I'd trust Bishop Lisa's word and wait for now....
Haah.... Why'd it have to happen now, of all times....
Not just Cardinal Airani—several archbishops and other high-ranking figures were here too. Everything else could probably be brushed off somehow, but if word reached their ears, that'd be a real headache.
If that peeper—no, eavesdropper—had any brains, they wouldn't breathe a word to those folks.... I wasn't hoping for much. I just prayed things would stay quiet until the ceremony ended.
Well.... Worrying more wouldn't make results come faster.... I shoved aside the swirling thoughts, roughly washed my face at the stream, and headed to the church.
"Whoa, so many people...."
The entrance was already packed solid. The hero ceremony was tomorrow, so this crowd was all here just to see the Pope.... Man.... If it's this crowded already, tomorrow's gonna be insane.
No wonder they're using the village square too. I wondered if I could even get inside. As church staff, people would probably make way, but damn.... Still way too many bodies.
"Excuse me, coming through."
I didn't like the idea of squeezing between them, but no choice. Going around to the back entrance meant a long detour, and it was a hassle. It'd be tough, but just for a bit—I gritted my teeth and pushed in.
"Ugh.... Hold on.... J-just a little...."
The moment I started weaving through the crowd, regret hit me hard. Thinking back, I realized my build was ridiculously small. No muscle to speak of....
Even rush hour on the subway didn't feel this crushing. I was getting a real taste of what "being crushed" meant.
Squeeze—
"Eep!"
Panting as I shoved through the throng, a sudden sharp sting on my butt. My sensitive spot got grabbed, and an involuntary moan escaped me. Startled, I whipped around.
Which crazy bitch....
It was definitely a deliberate grab. Not an accident—the grip had real force behind it. Someone knew who I was and did it on purpose.
I wanted to at least see their face to remember them, but by the time I turned, they'd vanished into the crowd.
Has to be.... one of our own believers, right?
Obvious. Who else would pull something like this on me? I could practically see it in their eyes.
Sticking around might lead to something even worse, so I hurriedly wriggled free and finally made it inside the church.
"Hoo.... Thought I was gonna die...."
Making it inside, I let out the breath I'd been holding. I'd just washed up, but sweat was already soaking me.
Need a breather over there.
I slumped into a wooden pew at the far corner of the nave, wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead and straightening my disheveled clothes.
Tsk.... At least today shouldn't be as rough as yesterday. In a way, that's a relief....
I had nothing left to do now. After slaving away for a year on prep, it all depended on how the parishioners handled the rest.
At most today.... The Pope was coming, so maybe just stand at the back and clap? Nothing special beyond welcoming her.
"Priest!"
Leaning against the wall, idly staring at the statue of Saintess Amaness, a familiar voice rang in my ear.
Glancing up, Deaconess Rachel came running and threw her arms around me.
"Whoa.... Deaconess Rachel? W-wait a sec. Hugging me like that out of nowhere...."
She buried her face in my chest and nuzzled. I didn't mind the affection, but only when we were alone. Doing it now with all these eyes was trouble.
Especially after yesterday's mess—I quickly pried her off.
"Deaconess Rachel.... I said hugs like this are only when we're alone."
"Hehe.... Sorry. I couldn't help it...."
She giggled and pulled away. I gently stroked her mischievous-looking head.
She's an adult now, but acts like a kid still.
I thought the coming-of-age ceremony would make her more mature, but nope—same as ever. Well, she probably didn't get much love growing up.... I understood, so I didn't scold her too harshly.
"Hm? Deaconess Rachel.... Have you been crying?"
"Pardon?"
Her puffy eyes. And from rubbing them so much, the skin around them was red.
"Ah.... Well.... I had a scary dream last night.... Hehe...."
She looked flustered, avoiding my gaze.
Even for a dream, would it make her eyes swell like this?
"No one bullied you or anything, right?"
"Hehe.... Priest, I'm not a kid anymore...."
She was past the age of playground scraps. Why would she fight now? I only asked out of worry.
Anyway, these chats with Deaconess Rachel would soon be over in a few days....
Soon I'd follow Isabel and leave this place. Bishop Lisa too....
Then it'd just be Deaconess Rachel left alone. That gnawed at me more than a little.
I hoped she ate well, stayed healthy. I knew she'd manage, but not seeing it myself worried me.
Couldn't take her with me, though.
Heading to that dangerous Demon Continent? With a novice who could barely handle a bit of divine power?
No way.... Couldn't even imagine it. Who knows what horrors lurked amid all those monsters and beasts—I'd never forgive myself if something happened.
Better I went twice over instead.
As we chatted briefly, a dark figure slunk up from behind.
Bishop Lisa approached, scratching her chin.
"Yawn.... You two are both here."
Bishop Lisa emerged yawning widely. After yesterday's nonstop grind, her eyes looked totally glazed over.
"Ah, yeah.... But Bishop, weren't you supposed to rest today? His Eminence the Cardinal said—"
"Forget it. Even so, with the Pope coming, I gotta show my face. Right?"
Man.... She's tough. Even after the Cardinal's direct order, she wouldn't listen. Something about headaches if it came up later. Not my problem anyway—I'd let her handle her own health.
"Hm? What's up with Deaconess Rachel?"
"Pardon? Oh, nothing...."
The moment Bishop Lisa arrived, Deaconess Rachel's expression shifted drastically. Dark shadows under her eyes, face frozen in fear.
Did she get chewed out or something?
She'd been smiling fine a second ago—it was baffling.
I was about to ask what happened when—
"His Holiness the Pope is entering!"
Before I could, a booming voice rang out. Our eyes snapped toward the sound, and the church's long-unused central doors swung wide.
Creeeeak—
The massive doors, big enough for half a dozen people abreast, parted to let in blinding light. It flooded the dim nave, illuminating everything.
It's the Pope—
Huh, where is she—
Whoa, she's a real beauty—
That's the Pope?—
Murmurs rose from the crowd. Then the Pope herself, the true authority of the Holy Faith Church, appeared.
Skin white as fine porcelain, gray-white eyes devoid of anything. She smiled warmly at the faithful, her snow-white hair shimmering.
Her nobility was so perfect it felt artificial—everyone gasped in awe. Walking down the center aisle, she seemed almost holy.
Blinking in amazement, I noticed the bone-white dragon horns and tail. They explained how she maintained such an otherworldly look despite her exalted position.
Story-wise, she was dragonkin, right?
From what I recalled, the Pope's name was Apelius.
Not sure if that's exact, but back when Saintess Amaness was human, in the genesis era—she was Amaness's disciple.