"Sister…"
It was then that he finally heard the hushed voices of his brothers and sisters.
"… Isn't this very dangerous?"
"Maybe. With this funeral our funds are dry. We're already behind on payments…"
"At this rate, the state might suspect the entire abbey of embezzlement."
"What about us then? What will happen to us…?"
"We'll probably be abandoned by the Church. If this gets any worse, we might be interrogated and face trial…"
"The Holy Kingdom has been providing us with food, water, and a small salary. Will that get cut off? And we'll also face trial?!"
"Nonsense! What would we do if we don't get paid? We're innocent! Innocent! We won't be handed off to the Court of Heresy… will we?"
Thoma looked at his companions in disbelief. His entire congregation was looking at brother Faron with rage in their eyes. Thoma realized that Ellie wasn't trying to hide her sorrow regarding the loss of Faron's wife, but her fear of the other brothers and sisters. She was frightened by their spiteful nature. The air was thick with sinful emotions: anger, loathing, and resentment ran rampant in the crowd. Even Thoma couldn't help but gulp apprehensively.
'… Everyone is too caught up in their emotions.'
It was because times were tough and everyone was tired. At least, that's what Thoma convinced himself of; he didn't want to consider the alternative.
***
Within the center of Lania, the capital of the Holy Kingdom, there existed a beautiful and extravagant palace in which the nobles and priests resided. It was a massive palace built in a helical shape, with a pearly white exterior, which extended high above the surrounding buildings. The Pope—who had the greatest influence and held the ultimate authority in the Empire—was one of the companions of the Hero that defeated the Demon Lord 20 years ago.
"Hmm…"
A miter sat atop his head, over his pale blonde and white-speckled hair. His eyes were a piercing blue, like the sky above. The Pope, Salem Gottshuranche, had just turned 50 this year. Time had been no kinder to him than anyone else, as evidenced by the deep-set wrinkles etched into his face. But, rather than spending his twilight years resting, he was was carefully looking over financial reports detailing the Kingdom's resources. Salem was in charge of setting and adjusting the tax and donation rates across the country. Not even the smallest of churches or abbeys escaped his purview. No discrepancy ever slipped past him, even the smallest amount of money was accounted for under his watchful eye. Not only did he consider the priests beneath him untrustworthy, but he personally detested the thought of them selfishly stuffing themselves with ill-gotten gains. Salem looked over a particular section of the report in his hand and smiled.
"… The donations from this place are long overdue."
His tone was polite, but he threw the report onto his desk as though it bothered him. The priest broke into a cold sweat and lowered his head further.
"Yes, that… that place is the Hero Thoma's…"
Salem stared down the priest. His eyes were sharp and full of displeasure.
Seeing this, the priest quickly corrected himself. "Pardon me, it is where Monk Thoma resides."
Pope Salem brought his hands together and leaned forward. "Ah, that man. Isn't he an old friend of mine? And yet, his donations and taxes… they are a bit behind. Not just one or two days, but 5 whole months…?"
"Yes…"
"It couldn't be that he is thinking of keeping what's due because he was once the Hero… How come the donations are abysmally low? Even if no one seeks out the place other than some old fogeys, this is a bit too…"
Salem glanced over at the priest and corrected his own speech. "Ah, excuse me. It's too little even with the visitors being exclusively elderly."
"That is… The wife of one of the monks passed away. Some funds were diverted to cover the funeral expenses…"
"How long ago was this?" Salem asked.
"They said it was a week ago."
"A week? It only happened a week ago, but they're 5 months behind on taxes and donations? This is a bit odd. No, it's very odd. I'm just suspicious that this might be a case of embezzlement.
Salem licked his lips and stood up from his seat. "Well, it can't be helped. Pack your things."
The priest remained silent, confused by Pope Salem's sudden order.
"We're going there."
"Eh? R-right now? What need is there for the Pope himself to visit such a backwater area? We'll dispatch some Holy Knights immediately. So, I think you should…"
Salem shook his head. He made a dreary expression, showing his displeasure.
"Backwater? Isn't it an abbey in which God resides? Not to mention that one of the loyal lambs of our great Lord has recently departed from this world. We are going to bestow our blessings upon them. Also…"
He put on a warm smile.
"I wish to meet my dear old friend."
"I-is that so?"
Pope Salem nodded and brought his mouth close to the priests ear.
He whispered, "Also, wouldn't it have been much more convenient for everyone if you had taken proper measures so that I wouldn't have to go to such a backwater place?"
"I-I'll mend the error of my ways!"
Salem patted the priest's shoulder.
"No, it's alright. In any case, I'm excited! To be able to meet Sir Thoma once again? He was once a Hero that defeated the Demon Lord. He was a pure and noble person! However, even if he was such a great Hero…"
Salem smiled smugly as he spoke. "Time changes people after all. He might not be the pure Hero of justice I once knew."
The priest said nothing in response. He knew it was best to not interrupt the Pope in his current mood.
"Also, how did that thing I asked you to do turn out?"
Salem looked at the priest expectantly.
"Yes? Oh, are you talking about the 'Ancient Gods' Ruins'? We are continuing to search for any clues regarding it… but our efforts have yet to bear fruit…"
"… Is that so?" Salem's voice was steeped in disappointment.
"B-but, the ancient literature contains clues to the locations of each of the Ruins of the Ancient Gods. Even if we can only find one of them, it'll help us locate the ruins of Our God, Lord Artarrk!"
"I'll be expecting good news, then. Still, I ask that you hurry. If not…"
Salem smiled once again.
"I'll grow old."
— Ω —