episode_0385

– May I ask what’s going on?

“Please say something nice to Lucy’s dad. Holy woman. I’m so stupid I don’t know what to say.”

Fabi’s expression momentarily fell as she heard an emotionless voice coming from beyond the crystal ball.

– …Lady of Kent?

“Yes. It’s me.”

“I have one too. Fabi.”

– joy? Could it be that the 3rd prince of Soladin is also with us?

“Yes. Holy woman.”

What kind of situation is this? Faby tilted her head as she examined Benedick’s haggard face.

At first, the crystal ball connected to Lady Arlen was sparkling, so I thought she had something to say.

But when I received the call, I saw a haggard Aln Baek. So, I thought Aln Beck was trying to confess something to me, but now I can hear people’s voices from behind again.

– Uhm. First of all, Lady Kent. You brought the Lady’s crystal ball, right?

“Yes. that’s right. I needed a saint.”

– Without seeking consultation from others?

“Agreement?”

After hearing the innocent question, Fabi burst into laughter as she understood that the current situation was the result of one person’s opinion. I don’t know the exact situation, but I do know that Aln Baek needs help.

– Aln Bag.

“Yes. Holy woman.”

– Do you need my help?

Benedick’s eyes darken as he hears the question that Fabi quietly asks.

The spirit of the hero who single-handedly changed the course of the war and saved the kingdom from countless dangers weighs down on Fabi, but she does not waver.

Because she is a saint. Because he is a person who extends a helping hand to those who are struggling. Because we have a mission to deliver hope to those who are falling apart.

She does not back down and faces Benedick with a stern expression.

In the end, it was Benedick who backed down first. As soon as he lost his momentum, he shook his head and let out a weak voice.

“You seem like a completely different person than when I saw you before.”

– At that time, I was positioned as Youngae’s friend.

“Indeed. All right. Holy woman. Would you give this ugly father some advice?”

– If you wish, willingly.

While Faby was talking to Benedick, Joy got up and took Arthur and Frey with her.

The story that will unfold in the room from now on will be the story that God embraces. It is not acceptable for anyone other than those two to be present.

After the two were left alone, Benedick leaned back in his chair and let out a helpless laugh.

“Just to tell you in advance, I was not baptized.”

– What does it matter?

“Yes?”

– The great God loves believers and non-believers equally without distinction. I, who carries out that will, should also do the same.

“Hehe. This is it.”

Under Faby’s stern smile, Benedick told the same story he had just told the other three.

About the crime he committed against his daughter. About a mistake that cannot be atoned for in one’s lifetime and one should not even hope for atonement.

Faby, who listened silently until the story was over, opened her lips only after Benedick closed them.

– Count Arn. You said that I am a person who should not expect forgiveness.

“Yes. Yes.”

– Have you ever thought that ignoring the person you want to forgive could cause another wound?

Benedick unconsciously tried to refute, but no words came out of his throat. What Fabi said just now was so right that I couldn’t fight back.

– Among the clergy, there are many who practice asceticism. Those who think that they can reach God through their own suffering.

“Yes. I have heard of it too.”

– I don’t think all of their actions are wrong. The will to embrace the sins of others is certainly noble. However, not everyone is right.

Those who are preoccupied with themselves performing asceticism rather than choosing to do asceticism for the sake of others are clearly wrong. That is not penance, but self-harm.

“…”

– Count Arn. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

As Benedick nodded silently, Faby continued speaking in a vaguely stern tone.

– Always doubt for whom the thorny path you are about to walk is for. You can do it. Count Arn is a wise and good man.

“Do you mean…?”

– yes.

In front of Faby’s steadfast eyes, Benedick could not help but be amazed.

Look at those eyes that seem to believe in me more than I do. This person truly deserves the title of saint.

“Thank you for your advice. Holy woman. How should I repay this favor?”

– It’s okay if you don’t care. I just returned some of the overflowing grace I received from you.

“Lucy. okay. While this inadequate father has been wandering in the same place, Lucy has been moving forward.”

Benedick could not stop the tears that naturally flowed. After seeing the shoulders of the hero that no one could break down shrinking, Fabi shed her stern expression and regained her original softness.

– Count Arn. Do what you have to do.

“Yes. Holy woman.”

– ah. Also, please tell Young-ae to contact me later. I really want to see you smiling brightly.

“Ahaha. I don’t know if Lucy will listen to me, but I’ll say it first.”

– Absolutely! You promised!

Fabi, who seemed to have lost her previous solemnity and was showing a liveliness appropriate for her age, disconnected the crystal ball, saying she had work to do.

Benedick, left alone in the room, slowly got up.

“We shouldn’t repeat the mistakes of the past.”

The countless thoughts and lingering thoughts that came to mind were not organized at all.

Benedick is still filled with guilt and self-loathing.

However, instead of turning his back and looking out the window, he opened the door to his office.

“Stupid Papa.”

Lucy was there. There was Benedick’s beloved daughter. There was a final gift left by his wife.

The moment Benedick saw Lucy’s bloodshot eyes, he wanted to run away. I was so afraid of the next words that would come out of that mouth that I wanted to retreat back into the office.

However, Benedick suppressed his anxiety and took a step forward. I passed by Lucy’s friends and stood in front of Lucy.

“Lucy.”

“Did you cry? Menopause? Did you start sniffling because you became more sensitive?”

“Would you please go outside with me for a moment?”

“Does Idiot Papa resemble a troll not only in appearance but also in intelligence?”

“…Huh?”

“You’re going to throw such a cute daughter into a blizzard?”

ah. right. It wasn’t the weather for a walk outside right now. Was I in such a hurry to control my emotions that I didn’t even think about something as basic as this?

“No. I. That’s it.”

“Why did you hold out your hand again?”

Even as Benedick was stammering and blaming himself, Lucy’s criticism continued.

“You want me to hold your dirty hands covered in goo? What is your intention? Did you decide to go from Papa the Fool to Papa the Beast?”

“How could that be?! These are my tears and snot. no. this. that. Ugh.”

Where do we start to resolve this tangled situation? While Benedick, who had regained his senses, was desperately trying to shake his head, Lucy burst into laughter.

It is not a teasing laugh, but a sincere and bright laugh. After giggling for a while, she willingly held onto Benedick’s dirty hands as he stood blankly.

“Even the escorts won’t be sloppy, right? Just be disappointed. Because I will never play with stupid Papa again.”

“…I’ll do my best. Lucy.”

*

The snowstorm outside was no problem for going for a walk. Because I had the divinity of the Lord.

Shinsung, with its sunshine-like warmth, did not become cloudy even in the snowstorm, but rather defeated the snowstorm and made the surroundings comfortable.

“I have met many priests, but this is the first time I have seen someone do something like this with divinity.”

“Stupid Papa. Are you comparing me to those other pieces of trash? I feel really bad.”

“Haha. I’m sorry. Because this father is not good at giving praise.”

Benedick smiled awkwardly while constantly examining my eyes. Feeling very burdened by my bloodshot eyes, I avoided Benedick’s gaze without saying anything.

‘grandfather. What should I do?! How can I escape this burdensome situation!’

And I urgently asked for advice.

To be honest, I didn’t understand this situation at all.

While I was soothing the blues by tormenting the stupid fox, Frey suddenly burst into the room and took the crystal ball connected to Fabi. I followed him to see what was going on, and Benedick appeared with a haggard face.

How can we catch up with this situation?

Benedick’s expression looked so serious that I tried to match him, but I still didn’t understand what was going on.

‘But it’s too burdensome! Look at those eyes now! ‘I feel like the moment I say even one word wrong, he’ll start whining!’

No really what! What happened while I was depressed for a moment! Someone please explain to me!

“That. Lucy.”

“What is it? Stupid Papa.”

“I’m sorry for being such an ugly father.”

Why is he suddenly apologizing?! Thanks to you, the burden has increased even more!

what? What is it really? Did Benedick do anything wrong?

No matter how much I think about it, it seems like the mistakes that Lucy and I made against Benedick were much more serious?!

“I’m sorry for not being able to protect you when you were having the hardest time.”

I was thinking about throwing away Benedick’s hand and running away, but when I heard what Benedick said, I raised my head. His eyes were full of water.

“ This father was such a stupid and inadequate person that he could only think about his own hardships. So even when you held out your hand for help, I couldn’t hold it.”

Now that I have seen Lucy’s past, I know what Benedick wants to apologize for. I understand what Benedick is trying to say because I know the sadness and frustration that Lucy experienced.

So I couldn’t give any answer.

Because I am not the one for whom Benedick should apologize.

Because I am not the one to whom Benedick, kneeling in the snow, apologizes.

Because I just fell into this world, I have no right to forgive or receive forgiveness.

“Only after a long time has passed do I realize that it is ugly to apologize shamelessly. but. I.”

It was that time. Emotions welled up deep in my heart.

Just like he was angry when he heard Mira’s insult.

Just as I sank when I saw Benedick’s sad face.

In the past, I didn’t know the cause of this feeling, but now I think I do.

These are Lucy’s feelings.

It is the heart of a child who resented his father for abandoning him, but could not bear to hate him.

I don’t know why this fills my heart, but one thing is clear.

This heart is telling me what to do now.

He squats down and makes face with Benedick, who lowers his head. And then he smiled under his shadow.

“Papa.”

There was no need to translate the Mesugaki skill for the words that welled up in my heart.