Cardon's Offer of Guidance
Many people only know Priest Cardon as the man who serves Bishop Haman. But if they looked deeper, they would be stunned. They would discover that he is far more extraordinary than anyone realizes.
‘As far as I know, Priest Cardon is the one who turned down a bishop’s seat so he could continue serving Bishop Haman.’
He was known less for his actual accomplishments than for that singular, unusual decision to reject the promotion. Beyond that, information about him was scarce. Yet after watching him work for just a few days, I realized he surpassed even my high expectations.
‘Declining a bishopric simply to keep serving Bishop Haman is already an extraordinary story in itself.’
It would take uncommon stubbornness and sheer madness to refuse such an honorable position. Having turned down that prestigious seat, Priest Cardon continued to serve Bishop Haman quietly, living in a role far beneath the fame his talents deserved.
Still, anyone who had actually worked alongside him could not help but feel that he occupied a position too humble for his abilities.
‘When you think about it, every achievement Bishop Haman is credited with was accomplished together with Priest Cardon, wasn’t it?’
The truth was that all those merits belonged to Priest Cardon as well. He simply never stepped forward to claim the glory, which was why he remained unnoticed.
“You’re incredible.”
“Pardon?”
“You’ve already adapted completely. You’re even offering me advice.”
“Oh dear, I slipped into old habits without realizing…”
“To be honest, I almost wish I could skip entering the Labyrinth altogether and simply follow you around to learn. I envy Priests Ando and Chillan.”
I was not merely flattering him. Since I would have to leave him in charge of the temple for a full month, there were countless things to teach. After all, he needed to understand how the Labyrinth Temple operated.
Of course, all those worries proved utterly unnecessary. Priest Cardon not only handled everything flawlessly without my instruction, but he also identified and filled in gaps I had never even considered.
‘I knew he assisted Bishop Haman, but his competence is beyond anything I imagined.’
It seemed the bishop had left most of the temple’s internal management entirely in Cardon’s hands. The man was a specialist in such matters from the start.
“Now I feel embarrassed that I ever offered to teach you.”
If you taught him ten things, he would uncover more than ten on his own and then improve upon them. How ridiculous I must have looked, stepping forward to instruct someone like that.
“These insights come from reviewing the temple management plan you submitted, Priest Arthur. Even I cannot adapt instantly with zero prior knowledge.”
When I learned that the speed of his adaptation came from carefully reading the report I had written myself, a wave of relief and quiet emotion washed over me.
“If this system were applied to other temples, it would ease the burden on so many struggling priests. It needs to be implemented as soon as possible… Knowing its effectiveness makes me impatient.”
The more Priest Cardon learned about our temple’s operations, the more fascinated he became. He threw himself into every aspect, tinkering here and there. Before long he had drafted both Ando and Chillan into his efforts, actively overhauling temple management.
The moment the two met him, they were overpowered by his presence and began trailing after him like ducklings, obeying his every command. My original plan to teach him about temple affairs vanished completely, leaving me with unexpected free time.
The temple would run perfectly well without me. Priest Cardon had already filled my absence so thoroughly that my presence was no longer required.
“It seems I’ve learned everything worth learning. You must be busy, so please stop worrying about temple matters and prepare at your leisure. Priests Chillan and Ando are assisting me.”
“Yes, I understand. Thank you truly for everything. The help you’ve given me will be invaluable once I enter the Labyrinth.”
The advice Priest Cardon had shared would become my flesh and blood.
“The terrain shifts every three months, so what I told you might prove useless.”
Information about the Labyrinth was precious.
“The information you provided is far from trivial. I am certain it will be of great help.”
I would not forget his kindness.
While I was thinking this, he hesitated briefly before speaking again.
“…By any chance.”
“Yes?”
“Once your diplomatic duties conclude, would you consider learning at my side for a time?”
“!!”
The unexpected proposal left me frozen. He was offering to teach me? Someone of Priest Cardon’s caliber would never accept just any disciple. I had thought about wanting to learn from him, but I had never dreamed he would extend a formal invitation.
“Are you… making this offer in earnest?”
“Of course. Who would say such a thing in jest?”
It was an overwhelmingly tempting proposal. I wanted to accept on the spot. Yet unfortunately I already had a master, and my current responsibilities could not be set aside.
“I am deeply grateful for the offer. However, the mission I have been given will not conclude in a month. It may take a year. It may take two.”
Priest Cardon immediately grasped my meaning.
“I see. I had not realized the task would require so much time.”
“I would love nothing more than to accept your guidance immediately, but…”
This was a rejection I had no choice but to make.
‘What a shame.’
There was nothing to be done. I could not predict when I might cure Princess Canaby, nor was I certain my master would permit me to take another teacher.
‘It simply isn’t meant to be.’
Swallowing my regret, I decided it was time to attend to what truly needed doing.
“So I asked Priest Cardon for that favor.”
I had come to see the princesses and explained everything that had transpired. They reacted with disbelief at the part about the bishop dying en route, then visible relief when I mentioned entrusting matters to Priest Cardon. In the end, my report concluded that everything could still proceed according to plan.
“What a relief. I was afraid we would lose even more time.”
Princess Reciel clapped her hands in delight. Then, with sudden impulsiveness, she declared,
“I must bestow a great reward upon that man!”
The image of Princess Reciel awarding Priest Cardon made me laugh before I could stop myself. The thought of such a small girl presenting a prize to the large, imposing priest was simply too absurd to picture.
At that moment, Princess Canaby spoke in gentle warning.
“Reciel, Priest Cardon is a bishop-level figure. He is not someone to whom you can casually grant rewards.”
“!!”
Princess Reciel flinched at her sister’s words, then visibly wilted.
“I did not know he was such an important person.”
“He is not widely famous, but that does not make him someone who can be dismissed lightly.”
I had not expected Princess Canaby to know so much about Priest Cardon.
“I met him once when I visited the Deltrack Empire as part of a diplomatic delegation. He completely overwhelmed our nobles. I looked into who could possibly command such deference, and he proved worthy of every bit of it.”
“…I had no idea he was that accomplished.”
Noticing Princess Reciel glancing nervously at me, I spoke up.
“It was an honest mistake born of ignorance, so please think nothing of it.”
Though I had forgiven her, Princess Canaby seemed determined to correct her sister’s attitude while the opportunity existed. She continued her gentle lecture.
“This is not the Deltrack Empire. You must not expect to be treated as royalty by foreigners. Humility is required. They will show respect, but they will not revere you.”
“……”
For a girl who was still somewhat immature, it was advice that would serve her well as both bone and flesh. Of course, to the recipient it probably sounded like nothing but scolding.
Seeing her sister’s expression, Princess Canaby realized her words were not getting through and let out a small sigh.
“Also, it would be wise to conceal your identity inside the Labyrinth.”
“Why?”
“Because some will look at royalty not with fear, but with greed for money.”
“They would dare harm royalty?”
Within the Deltrack Empire royalty might be treated like gods, but the Labyrinth was a lawless zone.
“You will understand how meaningless royal status becomes once you experience it for yourself. Priest Arthur, I entrust Reciel to your care.”
“Sister! You should trust me, not the priest!”
“Yes, I will do everything in my power.”
“Hmph.”
I had no idea how well Princess Reciel would actually listen to me, but I gave her sister my word that I would try. If it eased Princess Canaby’s mind even slightly, it was worth it.
“Aren’t you and my sister too close? You aren’t meeting her in secret without me knowing, are you?”
“We do meet separately. Several times a day, in fact.”
After leaving Princess Canaby’s sickroom, I answered Princess Reciel’s question with perfect calm.
“What?! You meet each other several times a day?”
“Who do you think I am? I am Princess Canaby’s dedicated healer. Naturally I must see her for treatment.”
At my reply, Princess Reciel’s mouth snapped shut like a clam.
“There is exactly one week left until next week’s prayer meeting. During that time, please visit your sister often and stay by her side. Having her family with her will comfort her far more than my frequent visits ever could.”
Closing one’s eyes only to discover a year had passed would frighten anyone. That was why I hoped Reciel would visit frequently and offer reassurance. Surprisingly, the girl seemed to have sensed this as well.
“…Does it seem to you that my sister is afraid?”
“It is not an easy decision to make. The situation is uncertain in many ways.”
She was a person burdened with heavy responsibilities. Letting go of all of them could not be simple. Had she not wrapped herself so tightly in duty that even when her life became limited, she still could not set that burden down? She was a pitiful soul indeed.