8. Magdalen Abbey (4)
The office of Abbot Magdalen was originally closed.
no one can come in
However, it was opened to many people due to the public exam.
Since it was an ambitious project prepared by Seonghwagyo, it had to leave a favorable impression on the guests.
It needed to be friendly and open, but at the same time, it needed a closedness to not give out more information than necessary.
Abbot Miriam, the general conductor of this Public Trial.
And the Holy Knight, Lydia, who is the actual enforcer of the test.
It was when the two were talking in the office.
-smart.
A guest has arrived.
“Come on in.”
The one who opened the door was a stout man.
Polite greetings were not linked to facial expressions.
His face was sharp, wondering if there was something to be annoyed about or if someone had harassed him while he was sleeping yesterday.
A frayed cloak that reached her waist added a rough feel.
The dainty elf sitting on his shoulder softened the threatening atmosphere.
“Have a seat.”
The man sat across from Miriam.
“You are a distinguished guest with a cute companion.”
The elf crossed his arms and raised his chin.
It was even cuter when the little guy became arrogant.
“What are you doing here?”
“I would like to know information about the nuns participating in the public exam.”
The man was straightforward.
Miriam smiled and refused.
“sorry. I cannot give you any information about the figures of the monastery.”
“You just need to know in detail how well you performed in previous evaluations.”
“I’m really sorry. Until the day of the public exam, you have no choice but to watch the sisters train in person or check the leaderboards of the monthly midterm evaluation.”
There were not a few such people.
Ask the abbot or nuns for any more information.
I couldn’t listen to it.
We need to inflate the scale of this event by holding people longer until test day.
I had to keep a lot of people interested.
If you release all the information early on, people will lose interest.
“Hmm… .”
The man let out a sigh of relief.
Still, Miriam could not allow it.
Lydia, who was sitting next to her, also helped.
“All of the nuns are guaranteed to be above average. In addition, it does not prevent the nuns on the midterm evaluation list from directly visiting and asking questions.”
The man clenched his fists and pondered briefly.
From earlier, his right fist was clenched as if he had grabbed something.
The man’s hand slowly came up onto the desk.
Gold glittered beyond the fingers that spread out.
“Sorry, I can’t accept bribes… .”
The moment I tried to refuse it, thinking it was a bribe.
The identity of the golden object was revealed.
Apostle’s Gold Coin.
It was a symbol of the apostles known to have spread the gospel of God to a world that did not yet have faith.
“How can you not?”
The man didn’t seem to like it either.
However, the will of Miriam and Lydia has already collapsed.
The two immediately pulled back their chairs and knelt down.
***
“Four, I offer my enthusiasm and gratitude to the apostle’s guidance… !”
oh
I knew it would be like this, but I didn’t want to take it out… .
“No, I am not. Hey, get up.”
The abbot and paladin lay flat on the floor and trembled.
… It’s really burdensome.
When he was the manager of the first party, his name alone was enough power.
People crawled on their own without knowing me closely.
That’s why it was less burdensome at the time.
It’s because they tried to adjust themselves to a certain level.
Now I had no choice but to use some power… .
I’ll be embarrassed
“I am grateful that the hot gospel will be preached wherever the apostle steps, and seeing the glory with my own eyes is a great lifetime… .”
“stop! Stop and get up, please.”
It’s not that their reaction is incomprehensible.
In Seonghwagyo, the position of an apostle is equivalent to that of a saint and equal to that of a holy emperor.
In particular, unlike Seonghwang, who is the ‘first apostle’ who is selected through the recommendation and suggestion of the cardinal.
Other apostles are chosen only through special contributions or faithfulness.
It is also said that he was chosen by God.
Currently, it is difficult to receive the name of an apostle as 3 of the total 7 apostles are vacant.
… And since the second apostle is me, it is understandable that they are doing this.
It’s a bit harsh though… .
I don’t even have faith.
“Apostle, how can you be in a place like this… .”
“Because I am doing this.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“What are the names of the two of you?”
“Miriam, the small ember, sees the guidance of the light.”
“Little Ember Lydia meets the guidance of the light.”
… I think I’ll get caught.
“This is Ian.”
Fortunately, I didn’t seem to know who I was.
It’s okay for me too, since it’s annoying to have more people identify with me and Philip.
“I don’t mean to force you, but I really want to see you. Would that be possible?”
“Yes.”
The abbot immediately pulled out a large piece of parchment folded in three layers.
The identities of 30 people, the grounds for the interim evaluation, special features, and prospects are detailed.
It would be convenient to copy it, but that would be too conscienceless.
It’s a bit strange to talk about conscience at the point of pushing in and taking away gold coins… .
-smart.
someone knocked on the door
“Dark-?! Uh hmm, big hmm. All, please come back next time… !”
Miriam beeped.
I was uncomfortable with everything, so I read it as quickly as possible, but without omission.
There wasn’t much to remember.
“Looked good. By the way, only you two know I’m here.”
“Yes, yes… .”
“and maybe… .”
Could these two know something hidden in the monastery?
I rolled my eyes as if I was anxious as I looked at the two as I dragged my horse.
In particular, I am worried that a human named Lydia will pass out because of the trembling.
“There is a note in the evaluation sheet that some nuns deliberately use protection-type miracles weakly. The reason is not written. Do you really not know?”
Both shook their heads.
“We also tried to find out, but it was not easy to figure out… .”
It was Miriam’s answer.
“The number, number, and number of nuns, for their personal reasons, are, at the level of, maximally protecting them… .”
“Isn’t that a bit odd though?”
“Sister Lydia took the initiative in counseling, but she said she wouldn’t open her mouth easily… .”
“Yeah, yes… .”
Am I trembling because I am an apostle?
Or is there a reason?
“… All right.”
I didn’t dig further.
Yes, it’s intuition.
There is no objective evidence at all.
There is no clear evidence for nothing, but you can run away or destroy the evidence.
Let’s not touch more than this.
The two left the office before they had a nervous breakdown.
“Did you find out anything?”
“yes. I’m not sure.”
Still, it’s much better than when I didn’t know anything.
According to the most recent midterm evaluation standard, there are five people who show exceptional ability in protection-related miracles.
2nd Rachel
7th Rosa
#11 Susan
19th Yunias
#30 Helena
Among them, the evaluation of the 2nd and 30th places was particularly good.
Interestingly, the majority of the novice nuns wrote on their limbs.
As I said before, many nuns say they are reluctant to use protection-type miracles in front of others.
The reason has not been revealed, and even when asked, they say they do not know.
Numbers 2 and 30 are also included in such nuns.
“Isn’t personality the most important thing?”
“Well, I don’t think everyone’s personality itself is bad. The reputation within the monastery and outside volunteer work were both excellent.”
It was also written about faith, but honestly, that’s not an area I care about.
“Instead, Helena, who is ranked 30th, is kind of… .”
“yes? Did your personality break down?”
“… It’s such a harsh expression, but it’s similar. To be precise, the appraisal of fellow apprentice nuns is not good. It says that your skills and efforts are sluggish because your rank is low.”
He does a lot of volunteer work and is said to be a faithful person, but the end of the evaluation was harsh.
What I need is sincerity, kindness, and a bit of potential rather than competence.
That’s enough… .
“Hmm… . Is there a reason you are in last place?”
“Well. I don’t know just by looking at the records. We have to meet each other and find out.”
“Okay, let’s go. What!”
“… get off.”
“It’s cute, so look at it.”
“… ?”
“Wasn’t Miriam like that? Believers do not lie.”
“It’s absurd to believe in the word of a believer when you don’t even believe in God.”
“If God loves me, I will gladly trust you.”
“Don’t speak blasphemy in the monastery.”
*
Apprentice nuns could only meet in a separate meeting room.
Rachel said she wasn’t there, so she first faced the other three in turn.
Rosa, Susan and Junias.
The priest’s face didn’t come out in the memory correction, so I looked closely.
There was nothing that caught my eye or stood out.
Next came Rachel, who came in second.
She was a neat and calm woman with long black hair braided back.
The black and tidy nun’s uniform also suited her well.
“This is Rachel, a kindling fire.”
“This is Ian.”
He hands over his manager license, so he confirms it and nods.
“I heard you have business with me.”
“It’s not that big. I’m just meeting each person to see what kind of people they are.”
“I see.”
“The median rating was quite high. A lot of people probably want Rachel.”
“I am aware of it.”
“If you pass, what do you plan to do?”
“You must follow the guidance of the light.”
It’s not about being calm.
It seems like a person who has no emotions in his words and facial expressions.
“Are you interested in the warrior party?”
“If there is a path, just follow it.”
… Well, that’s a bit strange.
In the first place, the purpose of this public test was to select a priest who could play an active role as a hero.
If you were ranked second in the midterm there, you must have been enthusiastic and put in a lot of effort.
But why are you so unmotivated?
You don’t seem interested in the test at all.
“Hmm… . Okay. I am also keeping an eye on Rachel, who is in second place, so I look forward to her good performance.”
“I will have to try.”
“Rather than that, I’m actually looking for someone who specializes in protection-type miracles.”
“… You see.”
I hesitated a little.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
“But, what is this… . I worked as a manager for a long time. I also saw a lot of aspiring priests, and there were some who used protection-type miracles often. It’s not in my heart.”
Even if it was out of the blue, Rachel heard it.
“So I came all the way here to find it myself, but among the people here, no one else stood out for the miracle of protection.”
“I see.”
“But it is a little strange. About 15 out of 30 people should have an average level of miracles in protection system, but the number is very small. I don’t know if it’s because I have a lot of doubts, but I feel like I’m hiding my power ‘on purpose’.”
“… … .”
Eyes flickered.
there’s something
“Ah, sorry for skipping over it. It’s a job where you have to measure and evaluate the level of others.”
“… I understand.”
“So, is it really so?”
“Yes?”
“For some reason, I wonder if I’m showing the miracle of protection system at a lower level than my skills… . Well, not only Rachel, but among others.”
Before answering, Rachel moistened her lips with her tongue.
It’s proof that you’re nervous.
“… I haven’t heard At least, I don’t.”
I remember the demonstration of the miracle of the protection system that Rachel showed me yesterday.
Her combat skills were quite mature, so she left an impression on her.
Protection was slightly below average.
However, it was clearly stated in the documents stolen from Abbot Miriam.
He is said to be a person who specializes in protection-type miracles.
It looks like he has a secret, but if he digs out any more, he’ll be wary and shut up.
“okay. Okay. Thank you for your precious time.”
Rachel bowed politely and left.
After that, he called 30th place Helena.
He is a person who worries more than expectations.
The evaluation was harsh, and the ranking was 30th… .
– Clap.
The door on the other side opened, and a tin can came in.
“… ?”
To be precise, it was a nun wearing an iron helmet that looked like a tin can.
For some reason, the nun in charge didn’t care as if she was used to it.
What is this culture?
I guess I’m a bit familiar too.
That tin can helmet is a common design, though.
Or have you already adapted to the culture here?
“Weak fire starter, Helena!”
Unlike the eccentric appearance, the greeting is bold.
A bright voice echoed through the helmet and then stretched out.
“Uh, yes… . This is Ian.”
“Ian! Nice to meet you!”
Helena sat across from me.
What should I do with this helmet?
Is it okay if I leave it alone?
I must have written it for some reason… ?
“Well, first of all, I am this kind of person.”
After receiving the license, bring it to the eye socket of the helmet and read it.
“… uh? Eh, Ian? Are you Ian?”
“Is there any other name written on it?”
“Aww!”
Helena abruptly threw down her license and stepped back.
“A face I would be so afraid of… .”
“Ah, that… ! sorry! Is that Ian from the 1st warrior party? The one where Aria-sama is… !”
Of all the novice nuns I’ve met, this is the first time anyone knows me.
“you’re right. Not now. Anyway, I want to ask Helena… .”
“Why! why me I am number 30!”
“Yeah, I knew and called.”
“… Yes?”
“yes?”
“Ranked 30… no see?”
“Are you asking me?”
“No, that… It’s 30th… .”
what is it
A man who is quick.
“Anyway. I’m interested in Helena… It’s a bit like that. I called because I wanted to know about this and that.”
“Recruiting before exams is prohibited!”
“Who wants to take you now? And I heard that it is possible to make an appointment after the exam.”
“… Are you saying you’ll take me, who’s in 30th place, even later? Are you Ian? Ian, who was the first party manager?”
“It may be so if you gradually get to know it.”
“… … .”
Helena jumped up.
The chair fell over.
“No, that can’t be.”
“… yes?”
“I am number 30!”
“I know.”
“There is no way anyone will take me like that! This is a mothership Ah-!”
Helena shouted, then suddenly turned around and opened the door with the force to break it open and ran away.
Because of the sudden escape, the nun in charge was also dazed.
The meeting room became silent.
“… … .”
The bewildered nun’s eyes met.
I probably have a similar expression.
The nun in charge hurriedly ran after Helena.
Mercy, sitting on his shoulder, sighed.
“This is a reaction that reminds me of someone from the past… .”
“This one is more intense, but it’s similar. What the hell is a motherfucker… .”
***
“Oops!”
Someone in the past had just dropped a pebble on his head.
It was the result of failing to organize a lock shot.
“Grunt… . let’s try again!”
Vivian, who had changed a bit now, stroked the crown of her head and studied the magic scheme.