The new church was really a solemn building. As if trying to show off the power of the territory, it was adorned with luxurious decorationsor was that explanation a bit too forced? Thinking these self-deprecating thoughts, I smiled at myself.

It was my first visit to this place. The reason I hadnt visited before was the reason for this buildings construction. To protest the substitute territory leaders activities against the church, I had abandoned my work and became a hermit at home-with all my other colleagues.

If I were to put my mood at the time into words, it would probably be outrage. Iris abandoned the church. This showed us the correct way to proceedI believed that justice was on my side. Thats why I took action.

Even though I knew that a new church had been built, I viewed this as Iriss way of covering up her mistakes and refused to visit the church.

Even after it was declared that she was innocent.

No, precisely because it was declared. That caused an even deeper sense of denial-Weve already come so far!

At the time, I abandoned her in the role of substitute leader. That much was true. Even though I wasnt exactly on the side of the people from the church who victimized her directly, I stood on the side that spurned her.

Noit was because although I stood by her, I had still abandoned her that my actions were even more despicable. Thats what I thought, at least-when everything had gone to chaos, if I were to really condemn her, I shouldnt have holed up in my home, but advised her in person

Even though it might draw the rage of the substitute leader, I should have used my words to speak out against her, instead of abandoning everything in the very beginning because I felt that my words couldnt express what I had to say

But with how things had turned out, it was already too late.

Thats why I maintained my attitude. Before long Id have to resign from my position. Even if I didnt, I would be fired anyways

That was when the invitation arrived, from that same substitute territory leaderIris Lana Armenia. It wasnt quite an invitation, but a group summoning; the moment I saw it, I smiled bitterly.

This was probably related to whether I would stay or leave. Although it wasnt spelled out, it was easy enough to guess. The only question still remaining was: why would she put the meeting place in the church?

It was time to bring things to a head.

Yes. I pumped myself up with enough courage to come here today.

Looking around, I saw that the church filled slowly with people who had abandoned their positions like me.

I knew some of them. But because of the heavy atmosphere, none of us were planning to chat each other up, making the atmosphere even more crushing.

Thank you for coming today.

As if to rip apart this atmosphere, sheIris, appeared.

With a warm smile on her face, she looked around.

Although some have not yet arrived, the time has already come. Allow me to begin.

Her voice echoed through the church, ringing in my mind.

Everyone here abandoned their work as an officialwhen I was being threatened with expulsion. Today, although I came here to communicate with all of youdo any of you have anything to say to me?

No one said anything. Even so, I wondered whether I should speak up, announce that I was quitting. But her heavy tone of voice shut me up.

Then let me ask everyone. What is an official?

Her expression didnt change. It was still a smile. But somehow, this put even more pressure on everyone.

You, over there.

Perhaps feeling a bit impatient toward all of us who remained silent, she started to call on people.

Yes. Officials are essential as hand and feet to the ruler of a territory, in helping them handle matters.

The person answering had a smile on his face that seemed to say Ive been waiting for so long and made a model answer.

Is that sothen, what about you?

She pointed to someone who was frowning because of that answer.

The one who was pointed at started to shudder.

II think so too.

If thats the case, then in this riot, none of you are officials anymore.

Just like other noble women, she covered her mouth with her fan and began to giggle.

Because, isnt that what you did? You betrayed me, the brain, the mind. Abandoned your job as officials. If listening to the commands of the mind is your job, then I dont need any of you disobedient limbs. Isnt that right?

The color drained from both of their faces.

Then let me ask you a different question. Why is it that in this riot, you abandoned your job and stayed home in protest? You over there, can you answer me?

Finally she pointed at me. I couldnt look awayeven though I knew that, I couldnt help but want to avoid her gaze because of the pressure her mere presence exerted.

Apologies for whatever offense I may cause, but may I ask you a question instead? What is a territory leader?

Just as I had gathered up my spirits and wanted to answerI was planning to answer in a way that wouldnt enrage her, but I ended up speaking up in accusation. Even I was shocked at how brazen it was.

I dont like it when people answer questions with questions.

But for my answer, your response is important.

Perhaps it was a strong idea, rooted too deeply in my mind to be rolled back.

It had nothing to do with pride or anything else. Just as she said, when I abandoned my job as an official, we had already lost that. All we could do was act out like this in an attempt to self-sabotage.

The job of a leader is to stay prideful, protect citizens, be kind and merciful, push the territory to become rich and fertile for growth, guarantee a certain quality of life for their people, have a sense of belonging for their territory, lead but also be ledthis is what I think that a leaders duties should be.

Exactly. Exactly because that was what makes a leader a leader, I abandoned my job.

That wasnt a very good explanation.

As if very dissatisfied, she frowned.

Excuse me. I alsoI also think that a leader should lead and protect the people. Thats precisely why I abandoned my job because of this riot. The church is a support for our spirits, and someone who is accused by the church cannot lead the people. Leading reforms and such is fine. But that whole event is enough to make the people question and doubt the leadersin other words, your reforms. So, I withdrew into my home to protest your actions.

Hard to believe, that you can still say something like that. Arent you a capable one?

Her words ignited a flame in my heart. Before I could continue arguing, she continued to speak.

Do you dare say that theres nothing in your heart that just hates being bossed around by a little girl as if she knows everything there is to know?

But what she said next cooled the flames in my heart.

Deep down in my heart, where even I hadnt noticed anythingno, in a place I hadnt wanted to notice in the first placeshe had exposed me.

It was true. I couldnt deny what she had said.

I had always opposed her from taking the position of substitute leader. Why was she the one that the royal family noticed, yet wasnt punished? And how did she still become leader after that? I thought that this had to be our leaders whims, to grant her a decorative position.

She started to continuously interfere in territorial politics. Although in the beginning I was very unhappy with this, our territory became much more vibrant after that. When I learned that she had been praised by the queen, I stifled my dissatisfaction.

This dissatisfaction reemerged once again amidst the riots, and I joined the others who were stubbornly staying at home.

But

I cant deny that Ive had those thoughts before. But what I just said is completely true, with no pretense of deception.

Is that sothen, what is an official to you?

The limbs of the leader in protecting the people and enriching the lands development.

Hu~she exhaled. I sensed that in response to her reaction, my shoulders began to shudder.

I watched her expression shakily.

An expressionless, emotionless face. But in the next moment, she revealed the most dazzling smile yet of the whole meeting.

Her true smile should be beautiful enough to inspire fixation. But in that moment, instead of being beautiful, I felt that her smile was grand, magnificent, larger than lifeI couldnt help but start shuddering a bit.

I see. I see. Then you shouldnt have any reason to look like that, as if youre about to be sentenced to death.

It was only after she pointed it out that I realized that was my expression.

Officials are limbs. If they betray me, the head, they will not be forgiven. But not reflecting and feeling remorse for ones people is a sin even greater than that. In that case, you should feel proud for protesting against me. Theres no need to feel shame. But its better to say that by remaining inactive now, causing the political and economic spheres of the territory to fall into disarray, you are not protecting the people as you should. If you are officials who exist for the sake of the people, that, if anything, is your sin.

ButIyou had no fault, and I

With all thats happened, please do not harbor useless emotions like regret for accusing me. If youre still hanging onto feelings like that after so long, youre actually causing more trouble for me. Because from the very beginning, I never viewed you as companions.

Then what are we?

Her words were a shock to the system.

I dont seek loyalty from you. All I want is the fruit of your work.

She said this as if singing.

If you believe you live for the people, then work for them. Not for me, but for them. Your current position isnt just a protected one; but one that stands on the side of protecting the people. Be proud of that.

Her words became more and more powerful.

It was almost as if they were jumping out at me.

My heart swelled, scalding hot. A fire had been kindled, one that was completely different than the one beforehand.

No, I could see it behind her as well.

It was strange. A slender woman like her, so fragile-looking that it seemed a gust of wind would knock her overwhere was she hiding all that energy? I couldnt help but try to puzzle it out.

I dont want your loyalty. So I wont continue investigating this incident. Go back and get to work.

Are you saying that youve forgiven us?

Another man asked this very courteously. It was a meaningless questionI couldnt help but doubt myself for having that thought at all.

Forgiving or notI dont demand your loyalty, so thats a meaningless question. Those who acted out of anger toward me, or just followed the flow of everyone elses actionsno matter what you were thinking doesnt matter. As long as you dont betray the territory, betray the people; thats all I ask. Now, all of you standing here, I assume are the formerso, I invite you back. If not

If not

Hearing that, she laughed.

I wanted to know, but at the same time I really didnt.

None of you need to know. Or, do you want to experience it for yourselves?

Everyone there immediately began to shake their head.

Is that so? Thats good. Then go back to work. Our time is limited.