“Deacon Pohl, could you please show these two new sisters around and familiarize them with the daily work routines and the basic areas of the church? I need to head to the Main Hall to lead the morning prayer.”
Holy Maiden Isabella’s voice was gentle and clear.
“Of course, Lady Saint, leave it to me!” Pohl replied readily, his face brimming with youthful enthusiasm.
Holy Maiden Isabella walked lightly yet gracefully toward the Main Hall, her pure white hem swaying softly with each step.
Sefina and Feliel followed behind Pohl, beginning their “tour” of the church interior.
For Sefina, however, this process was rather agonizing.
The overly long skirt dragged across the polished wooden floor, forcing her to tread carefully and constantly hold up the hem with her hands, or else she might step on it and trip herself into a clumsy stumble.
Sefina had to bend slightly at the waist, her arms awkwardly clutching the heavy fabric, resulting in a most ungainly walking posture.
Beside her, Feliel caught sight of Sefina’s flustered yet determinedly composed demeanor, and a flicker of amusement darted through her dark eyes, the corner of her lips curving up just slightly.
Sefina keenly noticed this subtle change, immediately lifting her head and shooting a glare from her wine-red eyes, a clear warning written within: Don’t you dare laugh!
Feliel swiftly averted her gaze, resuming her usual expressionless face, and dutifully began her introductions.
Unaware of the silent exchange between the two “sisters” behind him, Pohl led them through the quiet corridors, pointing out the various activity areas to Sefina and Feliel.
“Let’s start from the second floor. This is where most of the clergy have their rooms.”
“This area is the dormitory district. Clergy members can choose to stay overnight at the church, or of course, they can live at home as well. The Church doesn’t enforce any strict rules on this, so it’s quite convenient.” Pohl explained.
Sefina held up her skirt with one hand while unobtrusively observing her surroundings, nodding to show she understood.
“This is the Archive and Reading Room, housing many precious scriptures, ancient texts, and historical records. If you ever need to consult them, you’ll have to register first.”
Pohl gestured toward a half-closed wooden door.
Next came the clergy’s Common Room, furnished with a few sofas and coffee tables, currently empty.
Further ahead was a slightly larger Classroom.
“This is where new converts or children are taught the doctrines of the faith.”
Finally, they arrived at an exceptionally heavy oak door at the end of the corridor. It was shut tight, adorned with metal Runes, looking far more sturdy than the doors to the other rooms.
Above the door hung a small nameplate reading “Archive.”
“This is also an Archive, but the items stored inside are rather special and rarely opened.” Pohl glossed over it briefly.
Sefina’s gaze lingered on the door for a moment, a chill crystallizing deep within her wine-red eyes.
If her guess was right, the Fourth Seat had been carrying out his search mission here back then… and quite possibly, he had died inside this very room.
After briefly inspecting the second floor, Pohl led them back down to the first floor, where a clear view of the Main Hall could be seen from the side corridor.
At that moment, the morning prayer was underway.
Holy Maiden Isabella knelt at the very front, facing the tall and solemn idol.
Her hands pressed together in prayer, her eyelids slightly lowered, golden hair flowing down her back, her profile devout and serene.
A clear, gentle chanting flowed from her lips, like a babbling brook, echoing through the silent hall.
Behind her, many worshippers and several women in neatly fitting Nun’s habits knelt just as devoutly, murmuring in low voices, following the Holy Maiden’s lead and reciting the scriptures.
Pohl lowered his voice to explain: “Following Lady Saint in the daily prayer is one of the fundamental duties of the sisters.
“Additionally, sisters may be required to assist with cleaning specific areas of the church, or, under the Holy Maiden’s guidance, explain the doctrines to new believers and offer them help. As for the specific work assignments, Lady Saint will fill you in with the details later.”
Sefina nodded once more, her gaze sweeping over the congregation in the Main Hall and the Holy Maiden at the front, her wine-red eyes calmly assessing everything.
Her arms still ached from holding up that damned skirt… and she had already cursed the sizing of this outfit countless times in her mind.
It needs altering! I can’t wait any longer!
Sefina gritted her teeth silently, vowing to fix it herself the moment she got back tonight!
In this state, I can’t even walk properly, let alone investigate!
Pohl, seeing that the introductions were just about complete, said: “That’s about the gist of it. I’ll go attend to other matters now. If either of you sisters have any questions, feel free to come find me anytime.”
He gave a polite smile and turned to leave.
Sefina and Feliel stood in the shadows of the side corridor, momentarily undisturbed.
Sefina quietly observed the layout of the entire church hall, the flow of people, and any potential surveillance or magical alert points.
However, in a dim corner near the railing on the second floor, a figure had been standing silently for quite some time.
It was an elder dressed in a plain white robe, with a kind countenance and gentle eyes, overlooking the Main Hall below.
It was the Pope.
As evening fell, Sefina and Feliel returned to the villa.
According to the original plan, Sefina had actually considered staying in the church dormitory that night to facilitate a preliminary investigation under the cover of darkness.
The Deputy had given a one-month investigation deadline. If she were to make a “breakthrough” in just a few days, it would easily raise the suspicion of that paranoid man.
She had planned to lie low in the church for several more days, gathering information more naturally as a sister and learning the patterns of the place.
But!
That wretched Nun’s habit! It fit so poorly it was practically a crime.
Wearing it, she couldn’t conduct any covert investigation, and even normal walking or turning could make noise or send her tripping. It was basically a sign around her neck that read “I’m suspicious.”
“Let’s head back first. I have to fix this outfit.”
Sefina whispered to Feliel in resignation as they left the church.
She had no intention of spending another day shuffling around the church clutching her skirt hem like a clumsy penguin.
Feliel nodded in full agreement. That image was indeed… detrimental to operational efficiency.
Pushing open the villa door, the warm air and faint fragrance greeted them as always.
However, before Sefina could even change out of her shoes, a familiar sweet voice—so familiar it made her scalp tingle—floated over from the direction of the living room—
“Hey there, teacher. It’s been a few days—did you miss me?”
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