Chapter 30 - The Visitor and the Sudden News
"Oh, I must have left this at the church..."
"Yes. The Master Priest was kind enough to bring it by."
"And where is he now?"
"He said he was going to head back, but I thought you might want to thank him personally. He's waiting in the drawing room."
"I see. Thank you, Sarah."
I had been reading in my room when Sarah came in with the hat I had worn during my last visit to the church. I must have left it on the table after my walk with the children. I had sent a letter to the Master Priest asking him to keep it until my next visit, but he had gone out of his way to deliver it.
I placed a bookmark in my book and headed to the drawing room with Sarah.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
When I entered, the Master Priest was standing by the window, gazing out at the garden. He turned toward me with a gentle smile and offered a polite bow.
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
As we sat across from each other, a maid arrived with a tea service. "Thank you for bringing this all the way here. I'm terribly sorry for the trouble I've caused you."
"Not at all. I happened to have business near the manor today. Besides, I got to see your face, so I consider it a fair trade."
"Oh, please..."
His soft laughter brushed away my apologies. He truly was a kind soul.
"By the way, I heard you've been working hard for the children... thank you."
"No, I'm still just discussing things with my parents. I can't promise anything yet. But I believe re-evaluating the state of education in the Marcel Territory would be beneficial for everyone."
Interacting with the orphans and hearing the Master Priest's advice had made me wonder if we could improve their education. Currently, the territory had schools for children aged ten to fourteen, but they cost money. Consequently, only the children of merchants who needed literacy and arithmetic actually attended.
Orphans, unless they possessed exceptional talent, were forced into low-paying jobs, often remaining in poverty even after starting their own families. But the Master Priest's words about 'children being the future' had resonated with me. Even if they couldn't change the circumstances of their birth, shouldn't they be given as many opportunities as possible?
Just as I had been given a chance to start over, I wanted these children to have the power to change their own lives. To do that, they needed strength. While becoming a knight or a mage required innate talent, academics were different. Knowledge and learning could expand their world and allow them to forge their own paths.
Of course, our resources weren't infinite. It might all end as a pipe dream. But I believed that by searching for a way and struggling to find it, a path to the future would eventually open.
"I still have no power of my own. It's frustrating and painful. But because you showed me the way, I was able to take this first step."
"No, that power was always within you. It was your own courage that took that step."
The Master Priest listened to me without judgment, his responses always calm and steady. I let out a long breath.
"No, I'm still a coward. There's something I truly must do, but I'm scared... my legs shake just thinking about moving forward."
When I was with him, I found myself laying bare my true feelings. My weaknesses and anxieties were things I could never tell anyone else, yet the sense of security he provided made the words tumble out. I felt he would listen to anything with that same gentle expression. Being near him was like being enveloped by the calm, gentle waves of a lake.
"And yet, you will move forward, won't you?"
"...Yes."
He didn't simply coddle me. His violet eyes, which seemed to see right through me, wavered slightly at my answer.
"I told you before, didn't I? I find the place where you are to be very comfortable."
"Yes."
"I think I am a weak person at heart. My grandfather, father, and brothers were all priests, so I became one too. I had no grand ambition; I was just a man drifting with the current."
"Weak? I don't think so at all..."
His words felt wrong. He was a compassionate, kind man. Despite his gentle demeanor, he seemed to have a very strong core. I couldn't believe he was just 'drifting.' Still, I was surprised to hear about his family. It was the first time he had shared anything personal.
He was beloved at the church, and his sincerity surely saved many people. But like everyone else, he likely had his own hidden struggles. Even so, he was always there for others. It wasn't flashy, but I didn't think just anyone could do what he did.
The Master Priest closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, staring straight ahead as if looking at something far away.
"No, I never even thought to resist. You don't look particularly strong... and yet, you don't just drift. I found that fascinating at first."
"...I see."
"I cannot change. But you are different. I find myself wanting to see what you will become.
...Perhaps that is why I am drawn to you."
It was the first time I had heard him sound so vulnerable. However, his last sentence was a tiny murmur, and I couldn't quite catch it. When I tried to ask what he said, he gave a bashful laugh. "Please, forget my personal ramblings," he said with a bright smile, effectively ending the conversation.
There was an air about him that suggested I shouldn't pry further, so I simply smiled back in silence.
He stood up, saying the children were waiting, and I offered to see him to the door. As we reached the entrance hall, I noticed him staring intently at something.
"Is something the matter?"
"Oh, no." He turned back to me, startled, and pointed to the flowers in a vase.
"Those were my grandmother's favorite flowers. I was just thinking about my family, and I found myself wondering how they were doing."
"Oh, I see. Have you not seen her in a while?"
"No. Since I left home after graduating from the seminary, I haven't had much chance to return."
"Is that so? I'm sure she would be so proud to see the fine man you've become."
"I hope so. I think I'll write them a letter."
His shy smile was endearing. I imagined his family was just as kind and full of love as he was.
"I'll be waiting for you at the church," he said before departing.
"Meow."
As soon as he left, a voice sounded from behind me as if it had been waiting. I turned to see Kuro approaching, with cookie crumbs stuck around his mouth. I picked him up and brushed the crumbs away, but he shook his head in annoyance.
"Eating sweets again, I see."
I couldn't help but giggle. He really was adorable.
Just then, Sarah came running toward me, her voice frantic. "Ojou-sama!"
"Sarah? What's wrong?"
"It's terrible!"
Sarah reached me and thrust a letter into my hand. She looked pale and agitated, and looking around, I saw the other servants scurrying about in a panic.
What? What happened?
The tension in the air was so thick that I accidentally squeezed Kuro a bit too hard. He let out a sharp meow, wriggled out of my arms, and bolted away.
"Tell me, what's going on?"
"A messenger from His Highness just arrived. He said His Highness is on his way here. In fact... he should be arriving any moment!"
What?
His Highness?
Theodore-sama only left a week ago, and now the Prince? My mind went blank. Sarah kept telling me to go to my room and change, but her voice just went in one ear and out the other. It wasn't until she gave my back a light push that I finally started moving.
Meanwhile, outside the manor...
A figure on horseback sat frozen, staring blankly at the Master Priest as he walked away from the house.
In my state of total confusion inside, I didn't notice that figure at all.