Gazes Upon the Proxies
Misa had crashed out just like that the night before, so Tiny Bell had finally gotten a full night's sleep for once. Feeling lighter than usual, she slipped into her uniform. The proxy uniform. Wearing it to mass would definitely draw a lot of eyes. But with no idea what Raphael, the high priest, might say during the service... the uniform could serve as a symbol of restraint for the proxies. 'No matter what, it'll help me deal with whatever situation his words stir up.'
Freigel Shtafenberk, a single proxy, had already pressured them into forming a militia. Considering how the Bnyak people viewed proxies... even if Raphael deviated wildly from expectations and provoked a clash, having two proxies there could act as sufficient pressure.
Finishing her thoughts, Tiny Bell picked up the revolver from the desk. Click-clack—out of habit, she popped open the cylinder to confirm it was fully loaded, then deftly holstered it inside her coat. Feeling the cool weight against her chest, she straightened her uniform and left the room.
By the time she reached the entrance of the Rain Code Management Bureau building, Tiny Bell realized with a start that she hadn't told Adolf to wear his uniform. But as she spotted black hair in the distance, she let out a hollow chuckle, as if he'd read her mind. He was dressed in his proxy uniform too.
"Captain, good morning."
Adolf beamed. His right hand rested lightly on the hilt of the sword at his waist. Like a knight, Tiny Bell thought fleetingly.
"Let's go."
Adolf nodded, and the two headed toward the Lildar Church. Surprisingly, he didn't chat much along the way. He was scanning their surroundings as naturally as possible. Sure enough, the proxy uniforms drew stares. Especially today, with mass underway—Raphael had urged attendance, hinting at an important announcement. Bnyak people lined the streets more thickly than usual, their gazes uncomfortable as the proxies headed to the church. Eyes that seemed to expect trouble any second, laced with unease, distrust, and a hint of resentment.
Tiny Bell felt it too. Their stares crawled up her back to her nape, her mouth going dry. Her mind blanked. If I have to fire on people... how do I handle that? Dists were just machines. A bullet hit with a noisy explosion, nothing more. But a bullet in a person... that was a whole different level. The spray of blood. The horrific color pooling on the floor. She knew better than anyone how viscerally different it felt.
"Captain."
Adolf's whisper jolted her; she snapped her head up. He blinked at her, then smiled lightly.
"This is the first time we've walked like this together, huh."
His words made her realize how rigid she'd been.
"...Is it?"
She muttered softly, averting her eyes.
"I hope time slows down a bit."
Tiny Bell felt a bit silly for her grim thoughts. "Won't ask why. You'd probably say something weird again."
"Haha, got it."
'Feels a little better now.' She glanced up at him again. That faint smile on his lips brought a strange sense of calm.
They soon arrived at the Lildar Church and entered the chapel, leaning against the back wall. No point sitting; they'd just distract whoever was next to them, and neither wanted that hassle. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows up front, spilling across the chapel like silk—quite the sight. People filed in, taking seats in the rows, and Tiny Bell crossed her arms loosely. Noticing Adolf looking around in wonder, she asked,
"First time in a place like this?"
"Yeah." He continued, almost wistful. "I think I get what 'holy' feels like now."
"You look like you could be a priest."
Adolf chuckled softly, tilting his head and leaning toward her. His shadow fell over her shoulder.
"Think it'd suit me?"
His voice was soft and low.
"Yeah. It would."
"Guess retirement gives me options. Office worker, priest..."
"Plenty to keep you busy."
Tiny Bell shot back flatly. Adolf turned his head slightly.
"...What about you then, Captain?"
She uncrossed her arms and leaned fully against the wall. Honestly, she hadn't thought about it. When proxies weren't needed anymore, or retirement... Maybe pick up music again? Thoughts flashed through her mind, but nothing came easily.
"Dunno."
"You won't be 'Captain' by then."
Adolf flashed a sly grin for the first time.
"What? You got a problem with that?"
She frowned, surprised, and he chuckled under his breath.
"Just thinking we'd walk together more. No missions or anything."
His lips curved familiarly, but his eyes were dead serious. Tiny Bell paused, then turned away. Facing that smile head-on made her want to dodge it.
"Jeez, why do I even hang out with you."
She grumbled curtly, but Adolf just smiled and faced forward. With that, they fell silent.
Soon, the choir's gentle voices echoed from the rafters, and Raphael ascended the front podium.
Raphael scanned the room upon mounting the podium, his eyes landing on Tiny Bell and Adolf leaning by the entrance. The black proxy uniforms stood out amid the choir's song—like the night sky, impeccably tailored without excess. A poetic feeling washed over him. They drew the eye in the mostly white church buildings, symbols propagated through media. Some priests and civilians looked flustered, but Raphael's expression was one of relief.
Ageless symbols of the Management Bureau. Witnesses to the words he was about to speak.
Before beginning, he closed his eyes briefly, clasping his hands on the podium to gather his thoughts. Cheisi approached cautiously beside him. Raphael opened his eyes slowly, gazing at her gently. Listening to the choir—perhaps his last—he recalled her childhood, up to her days as a soldier. Vivid as yesterday. The world beyond the barrier crumbling, Cheisi Brown retiring, now standing here in vice-priestess robes.
Her face seemed mature, her speech refined, eyes serene. But to Raphael, her back was still that of a soldier in the thick of battle. Shoulders tense as if bound, back muscles coiled, ready to react. It pained him. As one who served God, failing to comfort even her made his position as high priest feel ironic.
Between the choir's notes, as Cheisi prepared the mass items and moved to withdraw, Raphael spoke softly.
"Cheisi. Today, I'll set things right."
She turned slowly. "...High Priest, you don't mean—"
"Yes. I'll disband the militia. And announce that the church aided the military in testing the new drug."
Before she could respond, he gently gripped her shoulder.
"The church will shake. You, Cheisi, can leave naturally now. Live as Cheisi Brown."
"I've lived by my own will. And this is my greed. This situation—Lin Kseszbet used me because of it."
Guilt flickered uncontrollably in her eyes. Had the change she sought only destabilized the church, straying from God's will? Was her faith now mere self-justification?
Raphael met her wavering gaze steadily, comfortingly. His eyes held the depth and benevolence of ancient wood.
"No. I forgot Lildar's teachings."
His voice trembled between self-reproach and faith.
"I grew arrogant, believing revelations. Hearing your story, I thought I could fix it. I drove you, let you not stop."
He glanced at his priestly robes. Sleek ornaments, gold emblems of authority. Suddenly, they felt like a shell for frail human rationalization, not God's will. With a bitter expression, he added,
"In the end, the most dangerous certainty under God's name... is the arrogance of thinking oneself right."
Then, faint boot steps echoed from the chapel entrance, murmurs rippling through the congregation. Even the choir faltered slightly. Raphael and Cheisi turned. At the door, three militia members with rifles entered, eyeing Tiny Bell and Adolf warily. Some uneasy priests had alerted them to the proxies' arrival.