He was taken aback but then licked his lips with regret.

“More importantly, are there any priests with greater divine power than that?”

Bishop Viano trailed off with a slightly awkward tone.

“I heard that a distinguished guest visiting the Duke’s residence is currently unwell, but the priest I’ve sent possesses the most exceptional divine power in the northern temple.”

“I see.”

“Why don’t you give the healing gem a try, as it might work? Donations can be accepted at a later date.”

Karentina shook her head at the Bishop, who clasped his hands together, eager to conduct business.

“No, I don’t think I need that gem. Well, then, I’ll be going back—”

Crash!

A loud, tumultuous sound echoed from behind, causing her to turn her body around.

The child she had encountered in front of the temple had knocked over the worship chairs and struggled against the priests, who were trying to restrain him.

“Don’t think about making money using Priestess Leah!”

“Th, that arrogant br*t again!”

The person pointing fingers at the approximately thirteen-year-old child grabbed the back of his neck with a troubled expression.

“Let go of me!”

The child was hanging onto the hands of apprentice priests, struggling with all his might to escape.

“He’s still a child, but this is too harsh. Just let him go.”

Bishop Viano’s face crumpled into a grimace as he gestured with his chin, prompting the priests to release the child. As the child stuck out his tongue at the priest and swiftly ran out the door, the Bishop’s face, witnessing the scene, contorted without mercy.

“Th, that…!”

However, he quickly composed his expression as he noticed Karentina’s reaction, who was looking at him as he was clenching his fist.

“He’s a nuisance to the temple. They’re venting and taking out their frustration for the orphanage fire on me. It’s quite disgraceful.”

“Fire incident…”

“We already invested much money to build the orphanage, and it burned down in a fire. On top of that, we lost a competent priest, so our losses aren’t insignificant.”

Karentina frowned as she watched the Bishop draw a cross in the air as he spoke with an exasperated voice. She didn’t like the sight of him referring to the rescue of the children and the priest who lost their lives as losses of investment like that.

“May I visit the orphanage?”

“Well, sure. It’s not difficult to see since all that’s left is ashes.”

Arriving at the orphanage site, Karentina’s mood sank at the sight of nothing but ashes. Her chest tightened as she realized that the blackened marks were a testament to the tragedy of that day.

‘How unfortunate.’

As she stared blankly at the remains of the site, she turned her head at the sound of sobbing coming from somewhere. It was the boy she had met inside the temple.

“Hello?”

The child, who had his knees together, slowly lifted his head.

‘Oh, my God.’

The child seemed disheveled as if he hadn’t properly washed or eaten.

“I’m Karentina. What’s your name?”

He looked up at her with his teary, swollen eyes before lowering his head again.

“….”

Even though she handed a handkerchief to the child, who kept his mouth shut, he ignored her and turned his body in the opposite direction.

Observing the disheartening state of the burned-down place, she muttered to herself.

“Did Priestess Leah save the children?”

At that moment, the child’s gaze met hers.

“I heard she’s a very great person.”

“…She was a really nice person.”

Seeing the tears in the child’s eyes, she felt a sense of sadness.

“Why did you come here?”

“I came to ask for help at the temple and only later heard the news.”

Hearing her answer, the child glared at her with eyes full of distrust.

 
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