Giving meaning (6)
The monastery corridors are quiet at night. Since such an unpleasant incident occurred, no one wanders around the corridors unnecessarily at night.
Since the nuns wake up early in the morning, they are all ready to go to bed around this time anyway, and outsiders who know the circumstances of Abbot Austin’s death do not come out of their rooms because they do not want to arouse unnecessary suspicion.
Thanks to this, Auxiliary Bishop Melinir and I were able to cross the monastery corridors without being seen by anyone.
“In the basement of the Cleric Monastery… There is a ‘penitence room’… ”
There was a jingling sound from the keychain.
There were so many large sets of keys hanging on Auxiliary Bishop Melinir’s belt that it was scary just to look at them. In fact, it seemed like the keys to all the rooms inside the monastery were gathered in one place.
I passed through the dreary hallway and went straight down the stairs at the end.
“And among the nuns, there are lambs who regularly come to the penance room and confess their sins. Since they are nuns who have committed great sins in the past, on nights when the full moon rises, they spend time in the penance room and ponder over those sins.”
“Is that so… ”
“However, that is only the superficial reason.”
After going down and down for a while, I passed through the huge hall on the first floor and was sucked deep into the hallway again.
After passing through the dining room, communal kitchen, supply storage, prayer room, and small garden, we head across the garden to the annex. Inside the annex, if you go all the way inside and turn down the deepest hallway, there are stairs leading down to the basement.
Next to the stairs, there was a sign that said ‘Repentance Room’. Although it was a place of repentance, it was still a very remote place.
As I continued down the basement stairs, I saw… A space like a dungeon made of bricks appeared. When Melinir inserted the key into the iron cage and went in, he saw a private room-like space extending on either side of the long hallway in the middle.
Each cell is separated by iron bars, and all you see inside is a simple Bible or prayer supplies, and a small window high up to let in the moonlight. Here, you can pray and repent of your past sins and receive forgiveness for them.
How serious of a sin have they committed that they have to come to this remote monastery and even this remote penance room to pray for atonement? No matter how complicated the situation is for many nuns, it would be rare for them to do something like this.
As proof of that fact, each cell had dust piled up in every nook and cranny, and many of the iron bars had rust on them, as if they had not been opened for a long time. In fact, it appeared to be a penance room that existed only in name.
“I need to go in further… ”
Melinir led me across the penitential hall that stretched out in the middle.
When I reached the end, there was a curved hallway and a bookshelf with simple supplies and a Bible on it.
When I wondered if this was the end of the penance room, Melinir stood on tiptoe and took out a Bible near the top. She then put her hand into an empty bookshelf space and whined as if she was manipulating something.
-Kagang
A strange sound, like a lever being lowered, was heard, and the bookshelf was pushed aside. And behind it, a large wooden door was revealed.
“… ”
As I swallowed my embarrassment and made a complicated expression, Melinir lowered her gaze.
They say it’s better to see it in person rather than explain it further… Melinir inserted another key into the wooden door.
– Squeak
Eventually, the secret door opens and the scene inside is revealed.
Indeed, it was a sight that everyone who saw for the first time could not help but swallow dry saliva.
– Crrrrr, sniff, sniff.
– Kaang! Kaang!
– Crrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrribleibleiblets.
It is the sound of an animal taking a breath.
The sound that came out as soon as I opened the wooden door made me think I was in an animal cage.
however… The things inside the cell, which has the same structure as before… It did not have the shape of a beast.
However, it is not completely human-shaped.
Melinir closed her eyes and crossed the inner hallway with me, looking as if she had accepted everything.
I looked at the cells filling up both sides… I had no choice but to swallow dry saliva for a moment.
When the animals see the humans entering the secret underground cell, they show their red eyes and bang on the iron bars.
Although they are basically human in shape, they all show off the ears and tails of beasts and drool… She was dressed as a nun.
Sub-human.
At one time, a group of heretics rose up and overturned the northern grasslands and came close to assassinating Emperor Cloel.
The loser of the war to subdue the demi-humans, one of the wars that cost the most in the history of the Cloel Empire…
Cloel was an enemy of the empire, completely erased from history under the leadership of the imperial family.
*
“Zelan the Cutter.”
It is the name of a war hero who protected the imperial family from the demihumans along with the guardian Obel.
The three wizards who assisted Guardian Obel during the war to subdue the demi-humans are already famous.
These are Glast the Seeker, Kaleid the Outlaw, and Zelan the Mutilator.
The Seeker Glast has died, and the outlaw Kaleid is a professor in Sylvania… The whereabouts of Zelan the Mutilator are still unknown. However, I recently heard something from Austin.
– ‘well. You’ve probably heard the name of the war hero ‘Zelan’, right? He also used to stop by this monastery and donate. Let’s go a little further into the past… The previous generation’s great wizard Glokt was also like that.’
This is what I said when I was assigned a room.
Indeed, should we say that Abbot Austin is a living history book?
It appears that she was already in regular contact with Zelan during her lifetime. After the war, Zelan visited this monastery.
The reason is probably…
“After the war to subdue the demihumans, the person who brought thirteen demihuman children to Abbot Austin… “This is Zelan the Mutilator, a war hero.”
– Kaang! Kang! Kang!
– Crrrrr! Wow! Wow! Wow!
The sound of an animal, not a person. The solitary confinement is filled with packs of beasts pounding against the bars and wanting to sink their teeth into us at any moment.
Among them… I also see the red-haired girl who brought my luggage the day I first arrived at the monastery.
I narrowed my eyebrows at the sight of him losing his temper, which was completely different from before.
Even in the midst of such chaos, Melinir somehow maintained his senses and continued speaking. Could it be that the reason I closed my eyes was because I didn’t want to see this crazy scene?
“They are a group of demi-humans who live for war, but there were children who were left behind in the village because they were not strong and were too young. This was especially true for girls who had just been born.”
“Those kids… They say Zelan entrusted it to Abbot Austin… ?”
“yes. Although they are demi-humans whose lifespan is different from that of humans, a child is still a child. “I thought they could probably be rehabilitated because they were children who were not involved in the bloodshed of war.”
The demihumans are a race born for war. By nature, they lust for blood and dream of overthrowing the system.
Those were the demi-humans that the Cloel imperial family talked about.
Is it because of the painful history of war? The imperial family’s persecution of the demi-humans was already well-known.
The demi-human tribes that lived on the border of this huge empire have now completely dried up.
“he is… I was skeptical about a war that would only end in blood. “When I met Abbot Austin and received forgiveness for my sins, I entrusted the children I had brought back alive from the battlefield to this monastery for atonement.”
“Then this penance room… ”
“No matter how much I love and teach it, the animal’s blood boils on nights when the full moon rises. so that… “The children of the demihumans among the nuns enter this penance room on their own when the full moon rises.”
When drunk with Manwol’s blood, it becomes a beast that sinks its teeth into people.
Because they themselves know this fact, the children of the demi-human race wear leashes and enter the penitence room.
Until the time comes when we can regain our senses and mix among humans again… To avoid harming others by being locked in solitary confinement.
Eventually, when the full moon passes, she returns to being a nun and continues her religious life. That is the life lived by the children of the demi-humans who continue their lives in this Cleric Monastery.
– ‘Among the nuns who are indebted to the Cleric Monastery, there are many friends with complicated back stories. She has several illegitimate children from noble families whose names she cannot name, and children born with the blood of her cursed blood relatives.
This is something Abbot Austin said implicitly. Is this what it means to be born of cursed blood?
She was hiding the descendants of the demi-humans whom the empire hated in the monastery she managed.
“If the imperial family finds out about this… ”
“I won’t stay still. “It will lead to a problem that is directly related to the existence of the Cleric Monastery.”
I looked at one of the cells. A girl with beautifully braided red hair. This is the girl who picked me up at the shore and carried my luggage. The monastic robes that he usually wears tightly from head to toe are completely disheveled.
The appearance that seemed gentle and calm is gone, and the ears of an animal are revealed through the flowing veil. Indeed, such a habit could easily cover such beast ears.
If the living space is properly separated from the demi-human children, they will be able to continue their religious life without it being revealed on the surface as much as expected.
Above all, this Cleric Monastery is a different world above the sea, completely isolated from society. Especially since it is an annex space… Contact with the world can be completely minimized.
“Still, Abbot Austin never compromised.”
“… ”
“These children are trying harder than anyone else to overcome the curse of their own blood and blend into human society. and… “These are children who have nothing to do with the bloody smell of war that our ancestors built up.”
Melinir spoke, biting her lip tightly as if in pain.
“This is a phrase that is used anytime and anywhere… “For children, there is no sin.”
War is not fought in the hands of children. Children are ultimately just victims of war.
Because Abbot Austin knew that fact, he accepted them even while avoiding the eyes of the empire.
‘They are daughters born from my heart.’
That one line of whispers was the meaning that ran through Abbot Austin’s life.
“and… “As for the rumors about a ‘ghost’ that has been circulating within the monastery for a few days now, the truth is very different from what Master Ed thinks.”
“… I beg your pardon?”
Melinir led me deeper into the hallway. One of about twenty private rooms. There was a broken window.
When I saw that, I couldn’t help but swallow my saliva.
“──A few days ago, Eilen, a child of the demi-human race, escaped in the middle of the night.”
She was a girl with beautiful blonde hair and mysterious blue eyes. Sometimes, when I visited her repair shop, I could see her blushing and downcasting her eyes.
Rumors about a ‘ghost’ circulating among monasteries.
I was assuming that her true identity was Lucy Mayril, who had been hiding in the monastery… .
“Abbot Austin… “I went out into the hallway in the middle of the night to find that Eilen.”
‘I’m going to catch a ghost’
The meaning of Abbot Austin’s last words was… It was completely different from what people thought.
“Ailen was a rational child among the demi-humans. She is a child so close to human that she can maintain her senses as much as possible even on days when the full moon rises, but no matter how much she does, when she gets this close to a full moon… “She wouldn’t have been able to maintain her senses like other children.”
“Then what the Auxiliary Bishop is saying now… ”
“… As Saint Clarisse said at the meeting just now, there is no way in the Church of Telos there would be anyone with a grudge to the point of murdering Abbot Austin.”
Melinir was aware of all these possibilities from the beginning.
“Especially in this Cleric Monastery, Abbot Austin is a benefactor to whom everyone is indebted. So, if Abbot Austin was murdered inside the monastery… The cause is… ”
If we rule out murder due to personal grudges, the only possibility left is a raid by a blood-drunk beast.
Coincidentally, right now, there is a girl who is fighting against the blood of beasts by walking between the roofs of Cleric’s Monastery, avoiding the eyes of humans.
If the circumstances fit together this well… This in itself becomes a basis for credibility.
“But Abbot Austin was found in his room. The wound was also a stab wound with a dagger. The room condition was also neat. “Isn’t it too neat to be the work of a beast who lost his mind?”
“that… ”
“Plus, on a full moon, a drunk demi-human walks around the monastery for several days without being seen by anyone… Is it even possible… ”
When I tried to talk that far, I ended up speechless.
As new possibilities arise in my mind… Eventually, all the puzzles were completed.
*Meeting the next morning.
The imperial family contacted me and said that the investigation unit would not arrive at Cleric Monastery until late in the afternoon.
Moreover, considering the low tide time, it is almost midnight before you can enter this monastery. In the end, the story is that today, the VIPs have to spend another breathtaking time while being wary of each other.
However, the conclusion of the story has already been reached.
The outsiders’ meeting, convened again by order of Saint Clarice, did not seem to last very long.
“You said everyone was holed up in their rooms last night. After checking the personnel, it seems that none of the outsiders suffered any major damage. “Everything is back to normal after Lucy Mayril was taken into custody.”
Princess Persica, who was presiding over the meeting at the chapel podium, reassured the gathered guests.
“The investigation team will come in late tonight and finish the work. All we have to do is hand Lucy Mayril over to the investigation team, submit a brief testimony, and then all return to the territory.”
Auxiliary Bishop Melinir was sitting politely in the back with an anxious look on his face, and Saint Clarisse was glaring at Persica with a face full of dissatisfaction.
However, Clarisse did not speak carelessly. He was by no means someone who could be pushed aside by Persica’s authority, but… It seemed like he didn’t want to make a hasty move and take the situation further than expected.
It also looks like he believes in something.
“Lucy Mayril was locked in an attic at the top of the spire, where it was easiest to monitor. “The route he can take down is limited, so it won’t be easy to avoid anyone’s eyes.”
If Lucy Merill had her way, escaping from that attic wouldn’t be a problem.
But Lucy had no intention of getting out of the spire’s attic even at this moment.
“Do you have any specific questions or complaints?”
As if everything had been confirmed, the Princess of Persica asked about her intentions in front of the crowd. No answer came back. Persica must have thought this would happen as well, as she had a triumphant look on her face.
The crowd was silent, as if they were different from the noisy yesterday.
Everything ends with no harm done to them. That alone was enough reason to remain silent.
At the point when the ostensible sacrifice of Lucy Mayril was decided, complaining would only be a loss.
Towards me, who was sitting at the edge, leaning back against the prayer seat with my arms crossed… Saint Clarice casts her gaze.
It feels like he’s asking me if it’s really okay for everything to end like this. I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head.
“Then, this unpleasant incident that occurred at Cleric’s Monastery… “Let’s finish everything.”
So, all conclusions were made.
That was the end of the incident.
*After the meeting, there was only silence in the chapel.
Princess Persica, who was sitting at the front of the prayer pew, guarded by her bodyguard Tune, stroked her face.
“The work is finally finished.”
“Thank you for your hard work. “Princess Persica.”
“It was difficult because there were many things that went in unexpected directions. “Let’s finish the remaining work well and return to the imperial palace.”
Princess Persica spoke in a dejected voice, as if she were lamenting.
“In the end, we came this far… There is no such thing as harvest. It is truly meaningless… ”
Suddenly, I looked up at the stained glass of the chapel and saw a magnificent picture of an angel with beautiful colors.
The Princess of Persica does not believe in God. She has no religious beliefs.
The fact that he came to the monastery’s prayer meeting was just an extension of his political judgment.
Still, it feels like it. Since we’ve come to this holy place, wouldn’t it be okay to say a prayer for God at least once?
With that thought in mind, Princess Persica put her hands together for a moment.
-Cudangtang!
The sound of a chair being pushed aside.
There were no VIPs left in the chapel after the meeting. This is because once the monastery routine begins, there is no reason for outsiders to come to the chapel.
However, in the back seat, out of sight… There was a boy lying down in a position so comfortable that it seemed rude. He may have been waiting for all the VIPs to leave.
He stood up, relaxed his body, and walked along the red carpet leading to the central podium.
When the Princess of Persica looked back at him with dumbfounded eyes, he saw a familiar face.
His half-up blonde hair and intelligent expression were immediately noticeable.
Ed Rosstaylor.
This is the boy who was only rumored.
Due to the sudden change in the situation, I was still unable to meet him alone, but he came to visit me personally.
“Were you praying? “Sorry for disturbing you.”
Ed Rosstaylor sat on the prayer table opposite the Princess of Persica and prayed together with his hands clasped together.
While the Princess of Persica was wondering what to say, Ed Rosstaylor spoke first with his eyes closed.
“Actually, I’m praying politely like this, but I don’t believe in God.”
Same with Persica. Ed Rothtaylor is also a man with little religious faith.
Rather than living his life discussing God and the world, he is a human being who has lived discussing reality and survival. There was no room in my heart for faith in a gigantic invisible being.
Therefore, praying like this is just an assortment.
“Even if someone who created the world exists in the sky, there is no way such a feeble prayer would reach his ears.”
“You’re saying something interesting in the middle of the Telos Church’s sacred site. Ed Rosstaylor. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about him, but he’s more interesting than I thought.”
“Actually, isn’t this a natural thing to say? There is no such thing as an omniscient being who understands all events and truths in the world… I don’t think there is. My prayers and the truth about Abbot Austin’s death… “Unless you were right next to me, you wouldn’t know.”
It’s a confusing incident. The atmosphere within the monastery also feels very tense.
Now is the time to resolve everything.
“still… “At least Princess Persica knows, right?”
“You mean me? “What do I mean?”
Instead of lowering my hands together for prayer, I just implied it.
“The fact that Abbot Austin’s cause of death was suicide.”
The escort knight, Tune, trembled.
For someone who always carries out her duties quietly, it was an unusual mistake.
