Chapter 39: Search (1)

Chapter 39: Search (1)

Esther was offering prayers in the main hall of the temple.

The filtered light through the stained glass scattered brilliantly over her head.

She quietly closed her eyes in front of the silver ring, a symbol of the temple.

She was deep in thought.

You seem troubled, Esther.

When she heard a voice coming from behind Esther turned her head.

And there she saw an old woman with a stern face standing there.

Priestess Ordan.

Ordan,

She was a high priestess of the temple, and she was also in charge of Esthers education. The latter was known as a promising candidate to succeed the saintess.

Ordan had always been strict with Esther.

However, Esther knew that behind that strictness lay kindness and love.

She was one of the people Esther trusted and followed the most.

When Ordan inquired about her inner thoughts, Esther felt compelled to answer.

Yes, my mind is troubled and confused.

What troubles you?

Esther hesitated before responding.

Do you remember the dark knight. who came to our temple?

I do remember. How could I forget? Why do you ask?

Curiosity flickered in Ordans eyes.

Some time ago, he purged a thieves guild. Residents of the slums who witnessed the fight spoke of it. They said he was merciless, even to those who lost their will to fight and begged for their lives. They described him as a monster.

Ordan nodded silently, and Esther continued.

Perhaps those people deserved their fate, but I keep wondering if there was a better way. No, I know the truth. Its just my naive idealism, like a childs tantrum.

And? Are you disappointed in this heretical knight?

Disappointed Not really.

Esther shook her head.

Ive started to think that maybe I was mistaken about him.

What kind of person did you think this knight was?

.

Esther couldnt answer immediately.

Dale, just by his existence, challenged Esthers beliefs and faith.

Until now, Esther had viewed all heretics as inherently evil and cruel.

Not just Esther, but most of the temple thought the same way.

However, Dale was different.

She had seen him sharing food with children.

She saw the respect he showed to the deceased and witnessed him fighting bravely, more than anyone else.

Dale, though perhaps twisted in some ways, was certainly

He was a man from whom there was much to learn. Sometimes, I even felt admiration for him

It was a difficult confession to make to other believers. If they heard her speak this way about a heretic, they would not approve.

But she could speak of it to Ordan.

Do you still think that way?

. Yes. I just feel shocked because the image I had of Sir Dale didnt match reality. I regret hastily vouching for his character, and I feel foolish for doing so.

Ordan closed her eyes for a moment and pondered Esthers words.

Then she opened her mouth.

Many in the temple do not view your association with that knight favorably. They fear that the purity you possess might be tainted.

..

But my view is different. Do you know the saying that a weed, which grows in harsh conditions, is tougher and more resilient than a flower raised comfortably in a greenhouse?

Esther nodded her head. She too once had been a daughter of a poor farmer.

She possessed some knowledge of farming.

Ordan continued speaking.

Faith and belief are similar. It is said that faith without any suffering can easily be broken by even the slightest storm. Paradoxically, its doubt that truly strengthens belief.

Ordan gently patted Esthers shoulder.

Doubt and doubt again. When you confront and overcome these doubts, thats when your faith will stand firm.

Priestess

If that dark knight shakes your faith and heart, then you have no choice but to confront it. In doing so, perhaps God will illuminate your heart.

Ordan smiled. The wrinkles around her mouth emanated kindness.

Esther stared blankly at Ordan and nodded her head.

Thank you, Priestess. I feel enlightened.

As if anticipating this reaction, Garland sighed and added,

Its a shockingly extreme proposal, so your surprise is understandable. Cleaning up the slums Opinions are divided even among the council members.

Kadal slammed his hand on the table.

Its harsh, but its necessary! Every time we catch these troublemakers and interrogate them, all of themevery single onehave been preparing their deeds while living in the slums! And there are probably many more hiding there now. Are we supposed to just leave them be?

It was, of course, a logical concern.

Compared to the area within the city walls, the slums had poorer security and lax surveillance.

It was an ideal hiding place for criminals planning illegal deeds.

However, the issue was the reaction of the slum dwellers.

Dale spoke up,

The people in the slums wont just sit by idly.

The slums were big.

The population of the slums was now equal to that of the entire city within the walls.

Even now, refugees from a country destroyed by demons continued to pour in, whci meant that the slums would only grow larger in the future.

Although their economic situation was significantly inferior to that of those living inside the city walls, their sheer numbers were a force to be reckoned with.

Theres also the issue of justification.

Up until now, the council had practically neglected the slums.

The proof was that when Dale destroyed a thieves guild in the slums, the guards took no action.

Had Dale committed such slaughter within the city, even if his targets were thieves, he would have been imprisoned.

Would they now turn the slums upside down, claiming the city was in danger after all this time of indifference?

There are already people from the slums who have a strong rebellious temperament.

Strong resistance was expected.

Garland also looked troubled.

Thats why theres a divide in opinions among the council members But the mood is leaning towards taking forceful action. Now that weve discussed this far, do you understand why the summons was announced?

You plan to overturn the back alleys using mercenaries strength.

Its just a precaution for any unforeseen circumstances. We aim to handle this as peacefully as possible.

However, no one really believed that these were just precautionary measures.

Since they expect something to happen, they were willing to pay a high price to gather people.

Garland felt a bit embarrassed by his own words so he awkwardly smiled and said,

Anyway, it would be great if we could have the help of the three of you. You are all exceptionally skilled, after all.

Is the summons mandatory?

No, it isnt. Its just that the reward is more generous than usual, and the credit for this task is significantly higher. What do you think? Are you interested?

Ooh

Harkin showed interest. Indeed, the conditions were not bad.

Dealing with people from the slums seemed better than confronting dreadful demon servants, vicious one-eyed monsters, or a mad woman wielding a relic staff.

Then, Kadal who had been listening, shouted,

You must do it! This isnt even something to ponder over!

Ka-Kadal

We are the loyal subjects of His Majesty the Emperor and have received his grace! This is our chance to repay that kindness, and we cannot refuse!

Dale who was listening to the conversation thought indifferently.

I dont particularly recall owing anything to the Emperor.

Anyway, it seemed that the fiercely loyal captain of the guards believed that all the citys residents were under the Emperors grace.

Harkin also murmured in a voice as quiet as a mosquitos,

Wow, its rare to see such an old-fashioned person these days.

At that moment, Mazel who had been silent stood up.

Mazel?

Ill pass. This isnt my area of expertise. Look for someone else.

Kadals face contorted suddenly.

But Mazel didnt even blink one eye at that gaze and turned to Dale and Harkin to bid farewell.

Both of you, good work this time.

Ah, you too.

Good work.

I hope we can work together again in the future.

After he uncharacteristically spoke of future endeavors, Mazel left the office without a hint of hesitation.

Garland who was accustomed to such a cool and decisive attitude from Mazel let out a wry smile while Kadals face turned as red as a ripe fruit.

Before Kadal could erupt in anger, Garland quickly opened his mouth.

Well, theres nothing we can do about Mazel. What about you, Sir Dale? Would you consider taking on the task?

Dale thought for a moment and then opened his mouth.

I wouldUpdated from novelbIn.(c)om