After the identity documents Isabella had processed for them earlier, they successfully entered the interior.
Sefina and Feliel came together to the side door of the Church, and after presenting the identity documents that Sheng Nü Isabella had processed for them earlier, they successfully entered the interior.
The winter morning sunlight passed through the tall stained glass, casting mottled yet cold light and shadow inside the Church.
The two arrived at the changing room reserved for Nuns. After putting on the black-and-white Nun’s habit, Sefina finally let out a sigh of relief.
After her emergency alterations last night, this outfit finally fit properly!
She walked to a half-length mirror by the wall and gave a little spin.
The Nun’s habit wrapped her petite but well-proportioned figure snugly; the sleeves and hem were just the right length, and the waist was cinched perfectly.
Though simple in style, at least it would not hinder her movements or make her look ridiculous.
“At least I don’t have to walk while holding up the skirt…”
Sefina secretly felt relieved; at least this lowered the difficulty of lurking considerably.
After adjusting their clothes, the two walked out of the changing room and happened to meet Isabella, who was coming from the other end of the corridor.
She was still wearing that pure white Sheng Nü robe, with her long golden hair spread behind her. Seeing the two, she raised a hand in greeting, her voice gentle: “Good morning.”
Sefina and Feliel immediately bowed slightly and responded politely:
“Lady Sheng Nü, good morning.”
Only…
“Little Sefina”?
Sefina felt a subtle discomfort inside.
She was already an adult, so being called that felt a bit strange. This overly intimate and even somewhat cute nickname made her feel very uncomfortable.
But for now her identity was a new Nun, and the other party was the highly revered Sheng Nü, so she could not show any abnormality.
“Are you about to go do morning prayer?”
“Yes, Lady Sheng Nü.”
The two answered, following at Isabella’s side.
“Prayer is a very important part of our daily practice.”
Sefina thought quickly as she walked.
***
During the day, the Nuns had many routine tasks: prayer, cleaning specific areas, organizing scriptures, and assisting with some simple matters of the believers.
The Church was full of people coming and going, with many watchful eyes; clearly it was not a good time for a secret investigation. It seemed the real operation would have to be placed at night.
However, the Church at night would…
Involuntarily, images surfaced in Sefina’s mind of when she had encountered danger here and been chased into flight.
Those “things” lurking in the shadows would only be more active and dangerous at night.
She had to be extremely careful and plan thoroughly.
Sefina was immersed in her thoughts when the Sheng Nü’s clear, pleasant voice came from ahead:
“Lord Pope.”
Sefina’s thoughts were instantly pulled back to reality.
She suddenly looked up and saw that elderly man in a plain white robe, with a kindly face, standing quietly at the corridor intersection not far ahead, as if he had just happened to pass by.
Isabella had already stopped and was reverently bowing to him. Feliel reacted extremely quickly, bowing slightly almost at the same time and quickly tugging Sefina’s sleeve.
Sefina’s heart gave a sudden jump; she immediately reined in all outward emotion, lowered her eyes, and imitated the Sheng Nü and Feliel, bowing properly. Her movement was slightly awkward but respectful enough.
The Pope’s gaze seemed gentle, yet it made Sefina feel a trace of invisible pressure.
He lightly swept his gaze over the three, finally resting on Isabella, gave a slight nod, and uttered a low “Mm.” He then asked in a calm, level tone:
“Are you going to pray?”
“Yes, Lord Pope.”
Isabella answered softly, her posture respectful.
The Pope said nothing more, only glanced at Sefina and Feliel again.
That look seemed to be just an ordinary sizing up of new faces; he probably did not become suspicious.
Afterward, the Pope turned around and walked steadily toward the other end of the corridor.
Sefina carefully glanced with the corner of her eye.
It was exactly the direction leading to…
The direction of the “Archive”.
Only when the Pope’s back disappeared around the corridor corner did Sefina let out a breath, her slightly tensed spine relaxing. The momentary tension just now quickly subsided.
However, he could not possibly recognize her.
Sefina said to herself inwardly.
Her current appearance was worlds apart from her past image of silver hair and blue eyes.
She was now just a new Nun, and seemed completely unconnected to “Holmes.” As long as she carefully played her role, she would not arouse suspicion.
That place’s peculiarity and suspiciousness—Sefina pondered inwardly, firmly memorizing this information.
However, the Pope’s action of heading to the Archive once again confirmed that it must be a key point for later investigation.
Afterward, Sefina collected her thoughts, caught up with the Sheng Nü’s pace again, and arrived at the solemn Main Hall.
The air was filled with the scent of incense and old wood; the tall statue of the deity appeared quiet and majestic in the light and shadow of the stained glass. Quite a few Nuns and believers were already kneeling in their respective places.
Sefina and Feliel followed Isabella to the area reserved for Nuns and knelt on the cushions.
The other Nuns around nodded to the Sheng Nü in greeting. Sefina imitated them, pressing her palms together, lowering her eyes, and assuming a devout prayer posture.
Ahead, Sheng Nü Isabella knelt in the very front row, and her clear, resonant chanting arose, guiding the believers throughout the hall.
Low responses spread like a tide, and Sefina’s lips also moved slightly, mimicking the mouth shapes of those beside her.
The prayer began.
***
At noon, the Nuns’ dining place was a spacious, bright dining hall in the side wing of the Church.
Simple food was placed on the long tables: rye bread, vegetable soup, stewed beans, and a small amount of cheese. Though not lavish, it was enough to fill the stomach.
Sheng Nü Isabella did not dine alone, but sat together with the Nuns.
She seemed well loved, and the atmosphere during the meal was relaxed. The Nuns would converse in low voices, sharing some news from the parish or discussing the understanding of a certain passage of scripture.
Isabella always listened patiently, sometimes smiling and nodding, sometimes answering in a gentle voice the confusions other Nuns encountered regarding scripture. Her words were full of classical allusions, yet explained in simple terms.
Sefina and Feliel sat slightly to the side, eating quietly and trying to minimize their presence. They were not yet familiar with those around them, so silence actually seemed normal.
However, Isabella had clearly noticed these two somewhat reserved newcomers.
She stopped her conversation with an older Nun beside her, turned her head, and looked at Sefina and Feliel with concern in her pale golden eyes.
“Little Sefina, Little Feliel, does the food suit your taste? Do you find it too bland?”
Isabella’s voice was gentle, breaking the quiet barrier around the two.
Sefina immediately put down her soup spoon, looked up, and forced a shy smile befitting a new Nun onto her face:
“Not at all, it’s delicious. Thank you for your concern, Lady Sheng Nü.”
Sefina controlled her tone, making it sound respectful enough without being too nervous.
Feliel also shook her head slightly and said briefly:
“It’s very tasty.”
“That’s good.”
Isabella smiled beautifully, as if relieved.
“I see you two still seem a bit reserved; there’s no need to be so formal. Everyone is like sisters here.”
“By the way, are you from other parts of the capital city? Before…”