Preparing

After they all left, I vacantly gazed at the church.

Youve been told quite sternly just now. It isnt like you, Milady.

At Tanyas words, I smiled.

I wonder how do you define something that is typical of me?

At my inquiry, Tanyas response was packed with words.

Milady. Please excuse me for being presumptuous, but ever since Milady came to the royal capital, I think that youve changed quite considerably. You are working too hard and it feels like you arent afraid to show your own fault I did not feel like that.

At Tanyas words, I blinked my eyes in astonishment.

Indeed, I may have changed considerably along with the bargaining at the royal capital. No, it may be precisely since the time Dida asked for my resolution.

That inquiry managed to smash my sweet thoughts. Only looking for the things ahead. Chasing after ideals, only moving forward. The sensation of me that worked as an employee in a peaceful world became my guideline of conduct.

I did not intend to deny that. However, I felt like I was just inside a dream, somewhere. Before the unreality of reincarnation, there was a feeling that I was only having a dream. I was trying not to look at the estrangement I felt.

However, that inquirely surely smashed it all.

This is certainly the reality. Assuming the position of the feudal lords agent that is responsible of the peoples lives in a good way, but simultaneously, that goes for the bad meaning, too.

The moment I understood it, I bid my farewell to the me who was living surrounded by beautiful things. In a true sense, I bid my farewell to the gentle country called Japan.

I will not show the gap in which I feel like living another persons life anymore. Things such as condemnation and riots have all been dismissed.

Its okay. If I were to advance in the wrong path, there would be people who are by my side, that will stop me. Yes, thats what I would like to believe in.

Just like Dida?

Yes, thats right.

Everyone is moving in order to fulfill my words. However, at times when I really make mistakes, they will voice their opinions yes, I can believe that.

If its the present me.

There are Sebas, Dida, Lyle, Rehme, then Sei and Merida Also, Dean, too.

I feel like only Tanya seems to be affirming everything, somehow. But, thats fine.

May I ask one more thing?

At her question, I silently nodded.

It may be too late at this point, but why did you gather those people in this church?

Ah, that is, you see

I let out a small laugh.

I thought that they deserved it.

At my answer, Tanya tilted her head.

This church is the symbol of that times riot. Thus, it is no exaggeration to say that it is also the symbol of the future course for Daryls faith.

Actually, Priest Ralph also said that.

Under the idea of the priest that managed it, this church proceeded to make house calls that are free of charge for the poor people. In addition, they also established institutions for orphans. It seems that there has been a gradual increase of people who actively follow their will and people in the territory of the capital who help and act in accordance with their will. And that is exactly the shape of the good old church that Priest Ralph has talked about.

I dont think that I will actively oppose the chuch. The profit just doesnt match together.

I quickly turned my eyes towards the altar. I feel like its been a long time already ever since I went to make a speech in this place.

Does God really exist? That, I dont know. I dont know, but I believe in God. Although the God that I believe in is certainly not the existence believed in Daryls faith.

Milady, that is

Due to my extreme remark, for a moment, blood drained from Tanyas face.

Did you already forget about the deeds of those who sang praises and declared themselves Gods representatives? They fabricated a nonexistent fact, and denunciate me, even after I got caught up with the power struggle.

Those words that I spun while scorning turned out more extreme and prickly than what I was thinking inside my own mind.

After all although they claimed themselves as Gods representatives, the ones managing the organization are nothing more than humans, and so, in the end it got mixed up with the ideal and the ulterior motives of humans, causing it to be distorted from its original form, to be deformed. That too, is something inevitable. However, that is precisely why I dont trust the church no, I cant trust them.

What I ought to do is not only to pray to the God.

Even more so since there are certain fellows who would carry through their own thoughts while using God as their shield.

I have told you before, right? This is where my resolution materialized. I do not intend to deny everything about Daryls faith. Because I understand that religion is an effective way to unite people together. Still, as it was proven this time, the organization called the Daryls faith is not a clean organization. They are participating in the kingdoms power struggle, something which is quite individual. That is why, I cant believe that they are standing up and taking the nations side. If I think that it wont be beneficial for the nation, then I have to fight it. I wont flatter the Daryls language, nor will I abide their rules, I will oppose them to the bitter end that is, the conclusion that I came up with. Also, I would like it if they also possess that kind of dignity. Not entrusting everything to the God, not excessively flattering the organization, but to protect the people with their own hands.

I turned to look at Tanya, and immediately turned to face the altar once again.

You know, I dont feel any remorse from demolishing that old church. I will accept the others slander that I destroyed the church and that I was the one who brought about that riot. Yet there is another particular thing that I regret which is, my incompetency for being unable to predict that the riot would occur.

To predict that kind of thing is a difficult feat to accomplish. Actually, hasnt it been said by the head of the family, too?

Yeah, that may be true.

I let out a small laugh. At that moment, the side door opened. The ones who appeared from there were the children who enrolled in the institution that this church established.

I, its big sister Iris!!

Its true-!! Why are you here?

Lets go together to teachers place!!

The lively voice resounded in the church. The children noisily ran and encircled me.

Very well. However, if I abruptly go there, everyone will be surprised. Thats why, can you go there and tell everyone that I will be coming?

I squatted down so that my eyes could meet theirs, and told them so.

Really, will you come?

Of course. Its a promise.

When I said that and smiled, the children agreed and they ran once more towards the side door.

Because I want to protect their future. Thats why, I have no regret.

Milady

Hey, Tanya. Those children are the small you.

To my words, Tanya tilted her head in confusion.

Just like you, when you were little. No, perhaps your situation may have been more difficult than theirs. At that time, I couldnt help but to pick you up when I noticed you. After all, I want to protect the children who are just like you thats what I think, and thats how Ive been doing my work. I have no regret at all.

They will surely be happy, right?

Oh my, Tanya, are you now unhappy?

Of course I am happy. Because I am happy they too, will be happy. That is what I am thinking. Because at any rate, they are all the small me, right?

At her words, I spurted out.

I never expected to hear that kind of words from Tanya.

Well then, I think they are eagerly waiting. Milady, shall we go?

Yeah, thats right.

And then, together with Tanya, I went towards the door.