Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: 8. MacDullin Abbey (4)
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The MacDullin Abbey Head's office was normally off-limits.
No one could just barge in.
But with the public exam approaching, it had been opened to many visitors.
It was a grand event meticulously prepared by the Holy Flame Church, so they needed to leave a favorable impression on the guests.
They had to appear welcoming and open, yet still maintain the necessary secrecy to avoid revealing more information than required.
This was happening while Miriam, the abbey head and overall commander of the public exam, was conversing with Lydia, the holy knight in charge of actually running the tests.
*Knock knock.*
A visitor had arrived.
"Please, come in."
The door opened, revealing a burly man.
His polite greeting didn't match his expression.
He looked sharp and irritated, as if something annoying had happened or someone had disturbed his sleep the night before.
The frayed cloak reaching his waist only added to his rough vibe.
A dainty elf perched on his shoulder softened the menacing aura somewhat.
"Have a seat."
The man sat across from Miriam.
"A distinguished guest, accompanied by a charming companion."
The elf crossed her arms and lifted her chin.
The little one's haughty attitude only made her cuter.
"What brings you here?"
"I'd like information on the novice nuns participating in the public exam."
The man was direct.
Miriam smiled and refused.
"I'm sorry. We can't share personal details about our abbey members."
"Just their performance in previous evaluations—specific results would suffice."
"Truly, I'm sorry. Until the day of the public exam, you'll have to observe their training directly or check the monthly midterm rankings."
There were plenty of people like him.
They begged the abbey head or nuns for any extra info they could get.
She couldn't oblige them.
They needed to keep people around longer until the exam day to hype up the event's scale.
And sustain widespread interest.
Releasing all the info too early would kill the hype.
"Hmm..."
The man sighed regretfully.
Still, Miriam couldn't approve it.
Lydia, sitting beside her, chimed in.
"All the nuns' skills are guaranteed to be above average. You're also free to approach those listed in the midterm evaluations and ask them questions yourself."
The man clenched his fist briefly, pondering.
His right fist had been balled up since earlier, like he was gripping something.
That hand slowly rose onto the desk.
A glint of gold shone from between his spreading fingers.
"I'm sorry, we can't accept bribes—"
The moment she assumed it was a bribe and tried to refuse...
The true nature of the golden object revealed itself.
An Apostle's gold coin.
The symbol of the apostles, said to have spread God's gospel across a faithless world.
"Might this change things?"
The man didn't seem thrilled about resorting to this either.
But Miriam and Lydia's resolve had already crumbled.
They immediately pushed back their chairs and dropped to their knees.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "W-We offer zeal and gratitude for the Apostle's guidance...!"
Ah.
I knew this would happen, which is why I hadn't wanted to pull it out...
"No, that's not—I mean, please stand up."
The abbey head and holy knight were flat on the floor, trembling.
...This is seriously uncomfortable.
Back when I managed the 1st Hero Party, the name alone carried enough weight.
People bowed without needing details about me.
That kept things hassle-free.
They knew how far to flatter on their own.
Now, I had no choice but to leverage some authority...
This is making me dizzy with embarrassment.
"Wherever the Apostle treads, the fervent gospel shall spread, and we are eternally grateful for the honor of witnessing this glory with our own eyes—a moment that will define our entire lives..."
"Stop! Please, just stop and stand up already!"
I could understand their reaction.
In the Holy Flame Church, apostles held status equal to saints and the Holy Emperor.
Unlike the "First Apostle," selected through cardinals' recommendations for the Holy Emperor role,
Other apostles were chosen solely for extraordinary contributions or unwavering piety.
They were said to be touched by God's hand.
With only seven apostles total and three seats vacant, earning the title was no small feat.
...And since I'm the Second Apostle, their behavior made sense.
Still, this was overkill...
Especially since I didn't even have faith.
"How has an Apostle come to such a place...?"
"I'm doing work like this."
"I-I see."
"May I have your names?"
"Tiny Ember Miriam, at the Light's Guidance."
"Tiny Ember Lydia, at the Light's Guidance."
...I'm gonna hurl.
"I'm Ian."
At least they didn't know exactly who I was. That was a relief.
I didn't want more people linking me to Philip anyway.
"No pressure intended, but I'd really like to see it. Is that possible?"
"Yes."
The abbey head promptly pulled out a thick, tri-folded parchment.
It detailed all thirty novices' backgrounds, midterm evaluation evidence, specialties, and prospects.
Copying it would be convenient, but that'd be too shameless.
Though shoving a gold coin and snatching it kinda stretched "conscience" already...
*Knock knock.*
Someone rapped on the door.
"Da—?! Ahem. P-Please come again next time...!"
Miriam's voice cracked.
I read as quickly and thoroughly as possible, feeling awkward.
Not much to memorize anyway.
"Thanks, I've seen enough. Oh, and keep my presence here between us three."
"Y-Yes..."
"And one more thing..."
These two might know if the abbey was hiding something.
I glanced between them, dragging it out, and they rolled their eyes anxiously.
Lydia in particular was shaking so badly I worried she'd faint.
"The evaluations mention a few nuns deliberately weakening their defensive miracles. No reason given. You truly don't know?"
They both shook their heads.
"We've tried investigating, but it's hard to pin down..."
That was Miriam's answer.
"Th-The nuns' p-personal reasons are... pr-protected to the fullest extent..."
"Still, doesn't it seem odd?"
"Sister Lydia took the lead in counseling them, yet they wouldn't open up..."
"Y-Yes..."
Were they trembling because I'm an apostle?
Or was there another reason?
"...Understood."
I didn't dig further.
It was just a hunch.
No objective clues at all.
Poking without solid evidence might make them bolt or destroy proof.
Better not stir it up.
I left the office before they had nervous breakdowns.
"Learn anything?"
"Yeah. Not certain, though."
Still way better than knowing nothing.
Based on the latest midterms, five stood out in defensive miracles:
2nd: Rachel
7th: Rosa
11th: Susan
19th: Eunias
30th: Helena
Especially strong praise for 2nd and 30th.
Interestingly, most notes on the novice nuns mentioned this.
As I said, many avoided using defensive miracles in public.
No reasons given, and even they claimed ignorance.
Including 2nd and 30th.
"Isn't personality the key factor?"
"Well, they all seem decent enough. Good abbey reps and external service records."
Piety notes were there too, but that wasn't my concern.
"Instead, this 30th placer, Helena, is a bit..."
"Huh? Total personality wreck?"
"...Harsh way to put it, but kinda. Fellow novices rate her poorly. Low rank matches lackluster skill and effort."
She's devout and active in service, but evaluations end harshly.
I need diligence, kindness, and some potential over raw talent.
That should suffice...
"Hmm... Wonder why she's dead last."
"Who knows from records alone. Gotta meet them one by one."
"Yup, let's go! Hya!"
"...Get down."
"She's cute, so I'll allow it."
"...?"
"Didn't Miriam say? Believers don't lie."
"You don't believe in God, yet you trust believers? Ridiculous."
"If God calls me cute, I'll gladly believe."
"Don't blaspheme in an abbey."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Novice nuns could only be met in designated visitation rooms.
Rachel wasn't available, so I met the others first: Rosa, Susan, Eunias.
Memory Correction didn't yield priest faces, so I studied them closely.
Nothing jumped out or felt right.
Next, 2nd place Rachel entered.
She had long black hair neatly braided, with a composed, serene demeanor.
Her crisp black habit suited her well.
"Humble tinder, Rachel."
"Ian."
I handed over my manager certification; she checked it and nodded.
"I heard you wished to see me."
"Nothing grand. Just meeting everyone to get a sense."
"I see."
"Your midterm rank is impressive. Lots of folks will want Rachel."
"I'm aware."
"Plans after passing?"
"Follow the Light's Guidance."
This went beyond calm.
No emotion in her words or face.
"Interested in hero parties?"
"If the path leads there, I'll follow."
...Something's off.
This public exam aims to scout priests fit for hero duties.
2nd in midterms means effort and zeal.
Why so apathetic?
She seems utterly uninterested.
"Hmm... Got it. I'll keep an eye on you, Rachel. Show me your best."
"I'll strive harder."
"Actually, I'm seeking defensive miracle specialists."
"...I see."
She hesitated slightly.
Worth probing.
"I've managed long enough to see many aspirant priests. Some shone in defensive miracles, though they didn't suit me."
Rachel listened despite the tangent.
"Came here myself to scout, but even among you all, few stand out in defensives."
"Is that so."
"Odd, though. With thirty, at least half should hit average or better, but numbers are low. Maybe I'm paranoid, but feels like some are 'holding back' on purpose."
"......"
Her eyes wavered.
Something's there.
"Ah, sorry if I overstepped. Job requires judging levels."
"...Understood."
"So, is it true?"
"Pardon?"
"Hiding defensive prowess below true skill for some reason? Not just you, Rachel—others too."
She licked her lips before answering.
Sign of nerves.
"...Never heard of it. I don't do that, at least."
I recalled her defensive miracle demo from yesterday.
Her combat form was refined, so she stuck in my mind.
Defensive level was just shy of average.
But the docs I "acquired" from Miriam clearly listed her as specialized.
Secretive, but pushing more would shut her down.
"Got it. Thanks for your time."
Rachel bowed politely and left.
Next, 30th place Helena.
More worry than expectation here.
Harsh reviews and bottom rank...
*Clank.*
The opposite door opened, and a walking tin can entered.
"...?"
Precisely, a nun in a tin-can-like iron helm.
The attendant nun acted unfazed, like it was normal.
What gives? Local custom?
Feels oddly familiar to me too.
Common design, maybe.
Or am I adapting already?
"Humble tinder, Helena!"
Odd entrance, but greeting was spirited.
Bright voice echoed from the helm.
"Uh, yeah... Ian."
"Ian! Nice to meet you!"
Helena sat across.
This helm... leave it?
Probably has a reason...
"A-Anyway, this is me."
She took the cert, peered through the eye slits to read.
"...Huh? I-Ian? No way, the Ian?"
"Another name listed?"
"Uwaaack!"
Helena slammed the cert down and recoiled.
"Do I look that scary...?"
"N-No! Sorry! You're the Ian from the 1st Hero Party? With Aria...!"
First novice nun to recognize me.
"That's me. Not anymore, though. Anyway, questions for you, Helena—"
"Why me?! I'm 30th!"
"Yeah, knew that when I called."
"...Pardon?"
"Yeah?"
"30th... place?"
"Asking me?"
"N-No, but... I'm 30th..."
What is it with this girl.
"Anyway. Interested in you—or rather, wanted to learn more. That's why."
"Pre-exam recruitment is forbidden!"
"Who said recruit now? Post-exam promises are allowed, right?"
"...You'd take 30th place me later? The Ian? Ex-1st Party manager Ian?"
"Maybe, once we get to know each other."
"......"
Helena shot up.
Chair toppled.
"N-No way."
"...Yeah?"
"I'm 30th!"
"I know."
"Who'd take someone like me?! This is a frame job—!"
She yelled, spun, flung the door open like she meant to smash it, and bolted.
So sudden, the attendant was stunned.
Visitation room fell silent.
"......"
I locked eyes with the dumbfounded attendant.
Probably matching her expression.
She chased after Helena in a panic.
Mercy sighed on my shoulder.
"Reminds me of someone from long ago..."
"Downgraded version, but yeah. What frame job...?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Eek!"
That "someone from long ago" had just dropped a rock on her own head.
Failed Rock Shot composition.
"Ngh... Again!"
The somewhat improved Vivian rubbed her crown and inspected the magic diagram.