Chapter 207 Holyyy Shit!
"Year: 1738
Date: 7th
Month: Embera
Time: 7:00 AM
[Ren Hilton's POV]
As I entered the church, the atmosphere was serene and peaceful. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the interior, casting a warm and comforting ambiance. The architecture was grand and intricate, with stained glass windows depicting scenes from religious lore.
People moved about quietly, some in deep prayer, while others lit candles or made offerings at the various shrines dedicated to different aspects of the goddess Ellora. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and you could hear the soft murmurs of prayers and hymns.
.... It's the morning prayer.
I... placed the corpse down a bit behind, like it was a good spot.
"..." Lily seemed a bit overwhelmed by the solemnity of the place, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings. I guided her toward a corner of the church where a priest was tending to some flowers.
"Excuse me," I greeted the priest politely.
He turned to us with a kind smile. "How may I assist you, my children?"
I gestured toward the covered corpse I was carrying. "We have a fallen friend here, and we wish to give him a proper burial."
The priest nodded in understanding. "Of course, my child. The goddess Ellora teaches us compassion and kindness. We shall arrange for a proper burial for your friend."
Lily clutched the edge of her new clothes, looking up at the priest with a mixture of shyness and hope; she understood the assignment.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "We appreciate your help."
The priest led us to a quiet corner of the church where preparations for the burial would take place. As we waited, I knelt down next to Lily and whispered, "You're doing a great thing, Lily. Your kindness will help our friend find peace."
She smiled back at me, a small but genuine smile, and I knew that despite the hardships she had faced, there was goodness in her heart.
The priest returned with a group of acolytes, and together, they began the solemn process of preparing my fallen friend for his burial. The atmosphere was hushed, and I could feel the weight of reverence in the air as they went about their duties.
Lily and I watched silently, offering our respects in our own way, as the priest and his assistants carried out their sacred task. It was a reminder of the power of faith and community, how people could come together to provide solace and comfort even in the face of death.
After the preparations were complete, the priest led us to a small courtyard within the church grounds where the burial would take place. The area was adorned with flowers and sculptures, a peaceful final resting place for those who had passed on.
As we gathered around the open grave, the priest offered words of prayer and blessing, invoking the goddess Ellora's grace and guidance. Lily and I stood side by side, our heads bowed in respect for this ....fallen friend.
Once the final rites were concluded, the priest gestured to us, indicating that we could say our own words of farewell. I looked at Lily, who had tears in her eyes, and nodded to her, giving her the opportunity to speak first.
With a trembling voice, she said, "I hope you find happiness and peace in the afterlife, just like the princess I heard about in stories. You won't be alone anymore."
Her words were simple but heartfelt, and I could see the priest and his assistants were moved by her sincerity. Then it was my turn.
"I didn't know you for long, but you were a good friend," I began, saying a bunch of stuff, but most of all were lies. What I said that wasn't a lie is.....I just apologized for what happened to her; no kid should have to go through such a thing.
All of that took about an hour to be done and Yes, I didn't remove the robe... I made a special request and they agreed.
'You lie a lot dude,not good for your health.' Blaze advised.
And now the important part; I said, "Lily, you stay there, and I'll be back in a second." I pointed at the benches nearby.
Lily nodded, wiping away her tears as she took a seat on one of the benches nearby, still looking at the newly filled grave with a sense of solemnity. I gave her a reassuring smile before turning to leave the courtyard.
I turned back towards the clergy who... seemed as if he was in a rush; he just ran somewhere.
I just shrugged as I looked for someone else, and I found... it was a nun.
"Sister," I called."
The nun turned towards me, her expression serene and welcoming. She had a kind face with gentle features, and her eyes held a sense of wisdom that came with years of devotion.
'Damn that sinful body of hers!!!' Blaze spoke and almost made me laugh.....well he's not wrong- anyways.
"Hello, my child," she said in a soft, soothing voice. "How may I be of service to you?"
"You see that kid over there? Her sister died, and now she has no one in this world. I'd like to admit her into the church's orphanage," I explained.
Well, this is good for everyone. I can't keep a child with me just for the sake of goodness and all. Second, the Church is good at taking care of the orphans.
The nun listened attentively to my request, her eyes filled with compassion as I explained Lily's situation.
She nodded in understanding and said, "It is a noble and compassionate gesture to seek help for this young child. The church's orphanage is a place where children like her can find shelter, care, and guidance."
'Can she adopt me too?' Blaze questioned. Well, I don't think so. Black cats are popular with witches.
She turned her attention towards Lily, who was still sitting on the bench, looking both nervous and hopeful.
"Would you like to come with us, dear?" the nun asked Lily gently.
Lily looked up at the nun and then at me, seeking reassurance.
I walked up to her and said, "See Lily, this is all I can do for you. This is the place you'll be at from now on." I put a hand on her head.
She froze in her spot. Now, I know a lot of things might be going through that small head of hers, but I am sure that with time, she'll adjust to her surroundings.
"B-but y-you..." she stuttered.
"Don't worry, I might visit you from time to time." I gave her an encouraging nod, silently communicating that this was a good opportunity for her to have a safe and nurturing environment.
With a hesitant but hopeful smile, Lily nodded at the nun. It was a significant step for her, and I knew it was the right choice.
The nun smiled warmly at Lily and extended her hand. "Come, child. We will make sure you are well taken care of.... what's your name?" She questioned Lily, I guess.
"Lily....." and nothing much, she just stopped after muttering her name.
"Don't like the previous one?" I chuckled.....which might've been a bit rude.
But Lily stayed silent. Man, children get complicated when it comes to their parents.
'Can't blame her..... she's still coping.' Blaze was right too.
I bent, much to the surprise of the nun and Lily, as I spoke a single sentence in her ear.
"Really? Is that alright?" Lily immediately asked as I just nodded and made myself out of there.
I exited the church, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and satisfaction. I had done what I could to ensure Lily's well-being, and now she had the opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
With that responsibility fulfilled, I knew it was time for me to go back.
As I walked away from the church, I could still hear the soft hymns and prayers emanating from its walls, a reminder of the enduring faith and strength of the people within. It was a testament to the power of unity and compassion, something I hoped to carry with me on my travels.
"Goodbye, Lily," I whispered to myself, knowing that our paths might cross again someday. But for now, she had a new home, and I had a new destination to reach.
"And how about we sell the orphanage?" A very casual yet very familiar voice reached my ears, and I turned in shock.
"We can reconstruct the main building, push it back a bit, and make a forgery here," he continued, followed by a group of church members.
'What is this fucker doing here?' Blaze echoed my thoughts, and I was genuinely surprised.
It had been a while since I had seen the guild master, Alver, and I was taken aback by his unexpected appearance.
I quickly turned on my heel and attempted to slip away unnoticed. The last thing I needed was a chance encounter with Alver. It had been a while since our paths had crossed, and for the moment, I to keep it that way.
"Hey!!!!!!!!" But looks like the plan was busted....man, I am not in mood for this.
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