episode_0034

Abbot MacDerlin’s office was originally closed.

No one can come in.

However, with the public examination, it was opened to many people.

As it was an ambitious plan prepared by Seonghwa Bridge, it had to leave a favorable impression on guests.

It was necessary to be friendly and open, but at the same time closed, not giving out more information than necessary.

Abbot Miriam, the general conductor of this open examination.

And the Holy Knight, Lydia, who is the actual executor of the test.

It was when the two were talking in the office.

-smart.

A guest came.

“Please come in.”

The person who opened the door and came in was a man of sturdy build.

Polite greetings were not linked to facial expressions.

His face was sharp, as if he was annoyed or if someone had bothered him while he was sleeping yesterday.

The frayed cloak that reached the waist added to the rough feel.

The cute elf sitting on his shoulder alleviated the harsh atmosphere.

“Please sit down.”

The man sat across from Miriam.

“You are a distinguished guest with a cute companion.”

The elf crossed his arms and lifted his chin.

The little guy was even cuter when he got bigger.

“What are you doing here?”

“I would like to know information about the trainee nuns participating in the public examination.”

The man was blunt.

Miriam smiled and refused.

“Sorry. I cannot give you information about monastery characters.”

“You just need to know specifically how well you performed in the previous evaluation.”

“I’m really sorry. Until the day of the public exam, you have no choice but to watch the nuns’ training in person or check it through the ranking table of the monthly midterm evaluation.”

There were quite a few people like this.

For any further information, I ask the abbot or the nuns.

I couldn’t listen to that.

We need to inflate the scale of this event by holding people in longer until the test day.

We had to keep the interest of many people.

If you release all the information early, people will lose interest.

“Hmm… .”

The man sighed regretfully.

Still, Miriam could not allow it.

Lydia, sitting next to me, also helped.

“The nuns’ skills are all guaranteed to be above average. Additionally, there is nothing stopping you from visiting the nuns listed on the mid-term evaluation list and asking them questions.”

The man clenched his fists and thought briefly.

From earlier, his right fist was closed as if he was holding something.

The man’s hand slowly came up to the desk.

Gold sparkled beyond the spread fingers.

“Sorry, I can’t accept bribes… .”

The moment I thought it was a bribe and was about to refuse.

The identity of the golden object was revealed.

Apostle’s gold coin.

It was a symbol of the apostles who were said to have spread the gospel of God to a world that did not yet have faith.

“How could it not be?”

It didn’t seem like the man was doing anything he wanted to do either.

However, Miriam and Lydia’s will has already broken.

The two immediately pushed their chairs back and knelt down first.

***

“Sa, I offer my enthusiasm and gratitude to the Apostle’s guidance… !”

ah.

I knew it would be like this and didn’t want to bring it up… .

“No, not me. Well, wake up.”

The abbot and the paladin fell flat on the floor and trembled.

… It’s really burdensome.

When he was the manager of the first party, his name alone was already enough power.

People crawled on their own without having to know me in detail.

Because of that, it was less burdensome at the time.

Because they tried to please themselves to a certain level.

Now I have no choice but to use my power… .

I feel burdened.

“I am grateful that the passionate gospel will be spread wherever the Apostle steps, and being able to witness its glory with my own eyes was a great experience in my life… .”

“Stop! Please stop and stand up, please.”

It’s not that I don’t understand their reaction.

In Seonghwagyo, the status of an apostle is equivalent to that of a saint and is equivalent to that of a saint.

In particular, unlike the Holy Emperor, who is the ‘first apostle’ who is selected through the recommendation and suggestion of a cardinal.

Other apostles are selected solely for 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 three of the seven positions are vacant.

… And since the second apostle is me, it is understandable that they do this.

Still, it’s a bit harsh… .

I don’t even have faith.

“Apostle, how could you be in a place like this…? .”

“Because we are doing this.”

“That’s right.”

“What are your names?”

“Little spark Miriam sees the guidance of the light.”

“Little spark Lydia sees the guidance of the light.”

… I feel like pretending.

“This is Ian.”

The good news was that he didn’t seem to know exactly who I was.

It was a hassle for me to increase the number of people who identified with me and Philip, so it was good.

“I have no intention of coercing you, but I really want to see you. Is it possible?”

“Yes.”

The abbot immediately took out a large piece of parchment folded in three columns.

The identity information of the 30 people and the basis, special features, and outlook for the interim evaluation are detailed.

It would be convenient to copy, but that would be too conscienceless.

It’s a bit strange to talk about conscience at the point where gold coins were pushed in and taken away… .

-smart.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Dark-?! Uhm, hmm. Please come back next time… !”

Miriam let out a squeak.

I was uncomfortable with everything, so I read everything as quickly as possible, but without missing anything.

There wasn’t much to remember.

“I enjoyed it. By the way, only you two know that I am here.”

“Yes, yes… .”

“And maybe… .”

These two might be able to find out something hidden in the monastery.

I look at the two in turn as they talk, and they roll their eyes as if they are nervous.

In particular, a person named Lydia is so trembling that it makes me worry that she might faint.

“The evaluation paper says that some nuns intentionally use weak protection miracles. The reason is not stated. You really don’t know?”

They both shook their heads.

“We tried to find out, but it wasn’t easy… .”

That was Miriam’s answer.

“The personal reason for the nuns was to protect them as much as possible… .”

“Isn’t it still a bit strange?”

“Sister Lydia said that she did not open her mouth easily even though she took the initiative in counseling… .”

“That’s right… .”

Am I trembling because I am an apostle?

Or is there some reason?

“… I understand.”

I didn’t dig further.

That’s just intuition.

This is a situation where there are no objective clues at all.

Even though there is no solid evidence, they may get angry and run away or destroy the evidence.

Let’s not touch anything more than this.

The two left the office before they had a nervous breakdown.

“Did you find out something?”

“Yes. I’m not sure, but.”

Still, it’s much better than when I didn’t know anything.

Based on the most recent interim evaluation, there are five people who show exceptional abilities in the defense world.

2nd place Rachel

7th place Rosa

#11 Susan

19th Yunias

#30 Helena

Among them, the evaluations of 2nd and 30th places were particularly good.

What’s interesting is that it was written on the certificates of most of the novice nuns.

As mentioned earlier, many nuns are reluctant to use protective miracles in front of others.

The reason was not stated, and even when asked, they said they did not know.

Numbers 2 and 30 are also included among such nuns.

“Isn’t personality the most important thing?”

“Well, it seems like everyone’s personality isn’t bad. The reputation within the monastery and external volunteer activities were all excellent.”

There was also a strong note about faith, but honestly, that’s not an area I care about.

“Instead, Helena, ranked 30th, is a bit… .”

“Huh? Has your personality been ruined?”

“… It’s such a harsh expression, but it’s similar. To be precise, the evaluation of fellow trainee nuns is not good. It was written that the lower the rank, the lower the skill and effort.”

They say he does a lot of volunteer work and is a faithful person, but the end of the evaluation was all harsh.

What I need is sincerity, kindness, and a little potential rather than competence.

That’s enough… .

“Hmm… . Is there a reason it is in last place?”

“Well. You wouldn’t know just by looking at the records. The only way is to meet them one by one and find out.”

“Okay, let’s go. Hey!”

“… Get down.”

“Please look at it because it’s cute.”

“… ?”

“Didn’t Miriam do that? Believers do not lie.”

“It’s absurd that you don’t even believe in God but believe what believers say.”

“If God also loves me, I will gladly believe in you.”

“Don’t say anything profane in the monastery.”

*

Trainee nuns could only meet in a separate visiting room.

Rachel said she wasn’t there, so she faced the other three people one by one.

Rosa, Susan, and Junias.

The priest’s face didn’t appear in the memory correction, so I took a closer look.

There was nothing that felt special or stood out.

Next came Rachel, who came in second place.

She was a neat and calm-looking woman with long, black hair braided.

The black and neat nun’s uniform also went well with it.

“This is Rachel, a feeble kindling.”

“This is Ian.”

When I handed him his manager certificate, he checked it and nodded.

“I heard that you had some business to see to me.”

“It’s not that big of a deal. I’m just meeting them one by one to see what kind of people they are.”

“I see.”

“The median evaluation ranking was quite high. Many people probably want Rachel.”

“I am aware of it.”

“What do you plan to do if you pass the exam?”

“We must follow the guidance of the light.”

This is not calm.

He seems like a person with no emotions in his words or facial expressions.

“Are you interested in a warrior party?”

“If there is a path, just follow it.”

… Well, it’s a bit strange.

The purpose of this public exam is to select priests who can function as warriors in the first place.

If you got 2nd place in the intermediate evaluation there, you must have been enthusiastic and put in a lot of effort.

But why am I so unmotivated?

He doesn’t seem to be interested in the test at all.

“Hmm… . All right. I am also keeping an eye on Rachel, who is in second place, so I look forward to seeing her do well.”

“I’ll have to try harder.”

“Rather than that, I’m actually looking for someone who specializes in miracles in the defense world.”

“… I see.”

I hesitated a bit.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

“But, what is this… . I have worked as a manager for a long time. I saw many aspiring priests, and there were people who were good at using protection miracles. Although it didn’t fill my heart.”

Even though it was a random story, Rachel heard it.

“So I came all the way here to search for it myself, but among the people here, there was no one who had a miracle in the protection system.”

“I see.”

“But it’s a bit strange. About 15 out of 30 people should have average or higher levels of protection, but the number was extremely low. I don’t know if it’s because I’m very suspicious, but it also felt like he was hiding his powers ‘on purpose’.”

“… … .”

The pupils shook.

There’s something there.

“Oh, sorry for skipping over it. Because it is a job that requires measuring and evaluating the level of other people.”

“… I understand.”

“So, is that really true?”

“Yes?”

“For some reason, I wonder if I am showing the miracle of the protection system at a lower level than my ability… . Well, not just Rachel, but among others.”

Before answering, Rachel moistened her lips with her tongue.

It’s proof that you’re nervous.

“… I haven’t heard of it. At least, I don’t.”

I remember Rachel’s demonstration of a miracle in the field of protection yesterday.

She herself left an impression as her combat skills were quite mature.

Protection was slightly below average.

However, that was clearly written in the document stolen from Abbot Miriam.

He is said to be a person who specializes in miracles in the defense world.

It seems like there’s a secret, but if I reveal more than this, they’ll be wary and keep quiet.

“I see. All right. Thank you for your valuable time.”

Rachel bowed politely and left.

Next, they sang Helena, ranked 30th.

He is a person whose worries outweigh his expectations.

The evaluation was harsh, and the ranking was 30th… .

-Crash.

The door opposite opened, and a can came in.

“… ?”

To be exact, it was a nun wearing an iron helmet that looked like a tin can.

For some reason, the nun in charge didn’t pay attention, as if she was used to it.

What is this culture?

I feel like it feels a bit familiar to me as well.

That tin helmet is a common design.

Or have you already adapted to the culture here?

“This is Helena, a feeble kindling!”

Unlike the strange appearance, the greeting is dignified.

A bright voice resonated inside the helmet and then came 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 to leave it alone?

I guess I wrote it for some reason… ?

“Well, first of all, I am this kind of person.”

After being handed the certificate, I hold it close to the eye socket of the helmet and read it.

“… uh? Hey, Ian? Is it really that Ian?”

“Is there any other name written there?”

“Ugh!”

Helena suddenly put down her certificate and stepped back.

“Is this a face that I should be that scared of…? .”

“Ah, that’s… ! sorry! Is this Ian from the first hero party? The one where Aria is… !”

Among the trainee nuns I’ve met so far, this is the first one that knows me.

“That’s right. Not now though. Anyway, I want to ask Helena… .”

“Why! Why me? I am ranked 30th!”

“Yes, I knew and called you.”

“… Yes?”

“Yes?”

“30th… Is it?”

“Are you asking me?”

“No, that… I’m in 30th place… .”

What is it?

This fast human being.

“Anyway. I’m a little interested in Helena… That’s a bit different. I called because I wanted to know this and that.”

“Interviewing before the exam is prohibited!”

“Who is going to take you now? And I heard that it is possible to make an appointment after the exam.”

“… Are you saying that you will take me, who is ranked 30th, even later? Ian? Ian, who was the first party manager?”

“It may happen as you gradually learn more.”

“… … .”

Helena jumped up.

The chair fell over.

“Well, that can’t be possible.”

“… Yes?”

“I am ranked 30th!”

“I know.”

“Well, there’s no way anyone would take me like that! This is a conspiracy ah-!”

Helena shouted like that, then suddenly turned around, opened the door with the force of breaking it open, and ran away.

Because the flight was so sudden, the nun in charge was dazed.

The visiting room became quiet.

“… … .”

I made eye contact with the dazed nun.

I probably have a similar expression.

The nun in charge hurriedly chased after Helena.

Mercy, sitting on his shoulder, sighed.

“This reaction reminds me of someone from the past… .”

“This one is more intense, but it’s similar. What on earth is a conspiracy? .”

***

“Ugh!”

Someone in the past had just dropped a rock on his head.

This is the result of failing to construct a lock shot.

“Grunt… . Let’s try again!”

Vivian, who looked a little different now, stroked the top of her head and looked at the magic diagram.