Then you intend on hiding everything? What do you stand to gain from this, Sister?

I dont think thats something a priest should say. Isnt it a recommended virtue for a religious person to not announce their sacrifice to others or something? I laughed despite myself as August questioned me in disbelief.

The priest shook his head gravely. It is a sin to take sacrifice for granted.

I didnt give an inch of ground and also shook my head. Im not taking it for granted. I merely think its better to keep this matter a secret.

Mayer seemed plenty grateful to me already. I didnt know how much it would help by making him feel more indebted, hence why I felt it necessary to keep the secret. The captain was concerned enough about my safety as it was. After all, I was a necessary part to defeat the demon lord. He already flared up if I got the slightest injury; if the man found out he had hurt me himself With him being rather sensitive and low in self-esteem, I couldnt imagine what hed think and do in that case.

In the end, it would only bring trouble. Mayer Knox couldnt be told of what I did, and nor did he need to. And August hadnt needed to know anything about this either. Anyway The captain mustnt know. Do you understand, Reverend? I told him firmly.

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However he hesitated.

The same with the secret about the captains mana. I would like for you to keep mum about todays conversation to him, and everyone else, of course.

August fixed his gray eyes on me and silence fell around us. After a long moment, he sighed and nodded, seeing that I wasnt backing down in the least. I understand.

I smiled. Thank you. Ill trust you on that then.

It was a relief that I managed to solve this emergency. I didnt know what I was doing because of Mayer Knox, and I couldnt help but shake my head. Still, I comforted myself with the thought that being useful was better than being of no help at all.

Act 6: Memorial Service

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There was merit to August finding out what was going on: I could get immediate treatment without having to think up any more excuses. After expanding Mayers mana circuit, I didnt head straight to my bedroom. Instead, I barely managed to drag my battered body over to a dark corner near the monastery. Oh, you were here already.

It will not do to keep a patient waiting, after all. August cast a disapproving look at me, but he healed me without saying much. His holy power passed through my body, virtually returning me to the healthy state I was in before going to Mayer. I swung my arms around, feeling amazed. They were painless and fine. Ill be sleeping soundly thanks to you.

Glad to hear.

Haaahm Then Ill be getting some sleep. See you later.

Rest well.

Before, I had always groaned in my sleep on days I met Mayer, but now I could sleep no different than usual. That alone felt like a good start to my day and my footsteps grew lighter by themselves. This was why sleep quality had such importance in life. But it wasnt all good things. Like how August noticed me going in and out of Mayers bedroom, it was impossible to hide my secret meetings with the priest. Somebody must have found out as rumors began to spread of August and me secretly meeting each other.

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Now its Reverend August after His Excellency? What part of her attracted them? Unbelievable!

Word around is that someone saw it with their own eyes. They were holding a rendezvous in a secret part in the garden at dawn or something.

Really?

I didnt expect our meeting place to be the typical rendezvous spot near the garden for couples. And they say if youre unlucky, youd break your nose falling backward I softly clicked my tongue. Priests werent obligated to be chaste or anything in this world, but that didnt mean that being part of such gossip was a good thing. It didnt take long for the rumors to reach the ears of the person in question. August looked dismayed at hearing about it. So, this is how rumors spread.

How do you feel after experiencing it?

Not very good.

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Right? I shrugged with a giggle. Cheer up. Axion says theyll go away if you ignore them, but in my experience, its like a mark thats hard to get rid of. That alone will fuel the rumors.

How can you be so calm, Sister?

Is that how I look? No, this is me having given up. Resigned.