The reason I’d originally requested the investigation into the church’s corruption was because of Faivy.
At the time, she seemed on the verge of crumbling, so I thought gradually revealing the truth would soften the blow. But my plan was completely wrecked thanks to Nakrad’s meddling. He basically poured the “red pill” straight down Faivy’s throat.
The fortunate part was that Faivy didn’t break after learning everything. She stood strong despite knowing the entire truth, proving herself fully worthy of the title of saintess.
Even after my concerns about Faivy faded, I continued asking Alsetine to gather information on the church’s corruption. By now, I’d come to realize that merely knowing about the church’s wrongdoings meant nothing without concrete evidence.
As Armandi’s apostle—and Faivy’s friend—it’s inevitable that I’ll end up opposing the church one day. But shouting about the church’s sins without proof would be meaningless.
An accusation without evidence is nothing but a conspiracy theory.
So I kept urging Alsetine to persist with the investigation.
Once Karia, Alsetine’s mentor and a former shadow of the kingdom who had spun webs across every corner of the continent, joined us after the incident in Menesteil, the pace of our investigation increased dramatically. As someone who had once stood beside Benedict, she displayed her extraordinary skills to the fullest.
This web of hers eventually led all the way back to the orphanage where Faivy had grown up.
“It wasn’t difficult. One of the nobles who cooperated on that front was practically itching to boast about their role.”
The noble, intoxicated with pride over “creating” the saintess, was unable to keep this supposed secret to themselves, and they soon became tangled in Karia’s web.
“I was planning to use him to slowly draw out more information about the church, but the people at the Church of the Great God are sharp. The moment they sensed something off, they silenced him.”
But there wasn’t much to gain from that noble.
Before we could dig any deeper, the parasites infesting him killed the host and fled.
Still, Karia assured me that we had already gathered enough to make it worth pursuing further and then made a suggestion.
“I know this might not sit well with you, but could we test the saintess’s resolve?”
She was wary of Faivy, the manufactured saintess.
“Since she was created by the higher-ups in the church, her loyalty could become an issue at a crucial moment.”
Knowing firsthand Faivy’s unwavering resolve and sincerity, I found the idea offensive. Yet Karia remained steadfast, insisting she needed to see it with her own eyes.
“I’m only forcing her to confront something she’d eventually face anyway.”
In the end, I relented.
Karia’s unyielding determination, despite all my objections, proved too difficult to counter. Even the old man, who might have helped me in any other scenario, agreed with her.
“Don’t assume everyone possesses the same resilience you do. Ordinary humans are fragile.”
“But Faivy is hardly weaker than I am.”
“Then she should manage just fine when facing her own nightmares.”
And so, after days of planning, the scheme to take Faivy back to the orphanage of her past was set into motion.
Now, watching Faivy stagger to her feet, her face ghostly pale even in the dead of night, I felt anything but triumphant.
This woman, who had risen time and again despite countless trials, who had fought against the corrupt church, and who, instead of seeking punishment, had forgiven those who manufactured lies—Faivy, often judged as naïve but admired for her boundless kindness.
How could someone so noble be a target of suspicion?
Perhaps it was understandable, given that no one else knew Faivy as we’d seen her in the game.
But I, as the god’s apostle, vouch for her.
Why couldn’t they trust in my judgment as the god’s apostle?
This is beyond unfair!
“My lady.”
I turned quickly, snapping out of my silent rant aimed at the old man and the quietly observing Karia, when I heard Faivy’s trembling voice.
“I know it’s shameless, but I have one request.”
It wasn’t the first time I’d seen Faivy shaken. She’d stumbled several times while confronting the truth before. But now, unable even to contain her trembling, her vulnerability struck a different chord within me.
...Once this is all over, Karia and the old man are in for it.
“Will you come inside with me?”
Telling me she was too weak to take the first step on her own, Faivy waited for my answer. Instead of replying, I pushed open the orphanage door for her.
I didn’t want to say a word that could further upset her right now.
Taking my silent gesture in, Faivy widened her eyes slightly before approaching with an awkward smile.
“It won’t be a pleasant place.”
As soon as we entered, the stench of blood hit us.
It wasn’t the simple metallic tang of fresh blood; it was a deeply embedded, cloying odor that had accumulated over time—a scent that told the story of the horrors once committed here.
“...I suppose I should save my prayers for later.”
Feigning nonchalance despite the smell, Faivy led me through the place, giving quiet explanations of each area.
“This is the dining hall. We always had to recite elaborate prayers at the adults’ command before we could eat. The meals were always scarce, and the children’s stomachs were constantly growling.”
“This was where we studied the holy texts. We were forced to stay here all day, doing everything we could to keep from falling asleep. Whenever we heard screams nearby, staying awake was the only option.”
“This... was one of the adults’ rooms. The facilities here were much better than the ones we had. Many children hoped they could someday live in a place like this.”
“This was our bedroom. Dozens of us were crammed into this tiny space to sleep. Back then, I thought it was normal. Looking back now, I see that it wasn’t.”
With each step deeper into the orphanage, Faivy’s composure wavered.
Her mouth, which had forced itself into a smile, soon couldn’t manage even that. Her hands trembled more visibly, and her steps grew slower and slower.
It was clear to anyone that Faivy was on the verge of collapse.
“And this...”
Eventually, she stopped, halting before a set of stairs leading to the basement.
“This is...”
Faivy didn’t need to explain. I already knew what had happened in that basement.
Probably better than she did.
So I gently took her hand, feeling her trembling as she tried to continue speaking.
“It’s alright.”
“If you can’t say it, don’t. For someone as fragile as you, this is normal.”
Faivy stared at our clasped hands before taking a deep breath and speaking again.
“...No, I’ll be fine, my lady. I just needed a moment to collect myself.”
The further we descended, the stronger the scent of blood grew, confirming that this basement was the source of the orphanage’s pervasive stench.
“...It’s locked. Just a moment, I think I have the key.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“No need for a key to open this flimsy door.”
I don’t even need my mace to destroy a door like this.
I stepped in front of Faivy, gathering divine power into my fist. As my control over divine power increased, channeling it became effortless.
After concentrating it into my fist, I struck the door. The enchantments embedded in the metal shattered instantly, and the door followed suit, crashing down the corridor beyond.
With a loud crash, I turned to see Faivy staring in a daze. I stepped to her side and took her hand once more.
Her gaze refocused as she looked down at our hands, then up at me with a soft, strained smile.
“This was the prayer room, as the adults called it. We were required to come here every evening, though everyone dreaded this place. Once inside, each of us would be taken to different rooms for torture.”
In a voice that strove for neutrality, Faivy explained the scene she recalled.
How friends were forced to torture each other while others had to heal them.
How unidentified substances were injected into them, causing unquenchable thirst.
How children were made to cry out to a god amid unbearable pain.
“The children here envied the friends who found eternal rest rather than mourn their deaths. That was the kind of place this was.”
Her expression, as she looked at the room still bearing traces of torture, held emotions that I, of all people, could never fully grasp.
What must she be thinking right now?
Did she harbor hatred for the adults who inflicted this pain on her?
Did she resent the god who never answered her prayers?
Or was she mourning the friends who had died so painfully?
“My lady, I have a request.”
I waited quietly for her next words.
Right now, I could grant her any wish.
If she wanted revenge against the adults from the orphanage, I’d gladly make it happen.
If she wanted to question why the god granted these monsters divine powers without offering aid, I’d tell her all the truth.
If she wished to resent the god, I’d silently listen to all her grievances.
I was free from the influence of the Mesugaki Skill, after all.
As long as it was her wish, I’d comply.
“While I pray here, please stay by my side. Listen to my prayer.”
But Faivy bore no resentment.
No hatred.
She only thought of those who had passed, engulfed in sorrow.
She had yet to become a true saintess.
She didn’t even understand the god’s intentions.
And yet, Faivy, you still chose the same answer.
Ha, really...
No matter what you may think of yourself, to me, you are already a saintess.
A person so noble, it almost seems a waste to entrust you to a god as pathetic as this.
Matching Faivy’s gentle smile, I brought her hands together, covering them with my own, and closed my eyes.
Soon, Faivy’s voice began, soft and heavy with emotion.
“Great God above...”
Soon, her voice carried a warmth that didn’t belong in the darkness of this basement.
“Let your eyes witness the place where your apostle now stands...”
From Faivy, a radiant warmth spread, dispelling the foul stench of blood.
“Listen to the voice of this unworthy child, who has unknowingly brought shame upon you.”
At some point, the frigid basement became as warm as morning light.
“Look upon the place where those who sought your salvation were abandoned to perish.”
This was.
“Embrace the grievances of those poor souls who never found your care.”
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Surely.
“Grant salvation to their weary spirits.”
This was a true saintess’s prayer.