"Guys, I don't think this is a good idea." Lashion's companion, the small one I now know as Shumirte, whispered to us.

It was most certainly not.

"Shush, be quiet!" Lashion spoke sharply, "You'll get us caught."

The three of us were sneaking around the temple. Lashion said we were going to the office quarters for the nuns, since they'll be occupied by the holy feast tonight, but I wasn't sure he knew where he was going.

"Weird I thought it was a left here," I heard him whisper when we came to a junction, "whatever. This should be the way."

I am now a bit more worried.

I had talked him into carrying out this endeavor though my concern of Nina, though I'm pretty sure he would be into the idea regardless, given his initial reaction was 'Ooh that sounds like fun'.

However, given that we were sneaking around in the girl's section of the building I'd imagine there would be some punishments if we were caught.

I was about to voice some concerns when Lashion stopped us.

"Guys, you see that door?" He pointed to a birch wood door in the hallway in front of us. "That's the one I think."

He thinks.

We made our way slowly towards the door, tried the handle.

And realized it was locked.

Of course it was locked, why wouldn't it be?

"Lashion..." I started.

"Huh, why won't it open? The sisters open it with no problem." He mused.

I sighed and started pondering what spell Rafine had cast back in the dungeon to create a key. As a brown hue appeared before my fingertips I repeated what I remembered of the chant.

But the only thing I managed to do was dirty my clothes with sand.

I tried once more, but this time a sharp pain struck my arms. It dug deep into my veins and stayed there.

It took a lot to not yell.

"Woah, you can use magic? But you're so young." Unfortunately Lashion didn't seem to get the memo.

"Lashion we should be quiet." I held a finger over my lips.

"Oh yeah. Sorry." He whispered back.

Anyway I was wondering how to get past this door when Shumirte tapped my shoulder.

"Alfy, could you move over?" He asked softly.

As I shuffled to the left Shumirte pulled out some interesting items from his pant pocket and began fiddling with the lock.

"Oh right, Shumy you used to do this stuff right?" Lashion then turned to me, "Shumy's dad used to be a scout. He'll get that lock open in no time."

"What does his dad do now?" I asked.

"Um." Lashion looked a tad uncomfortable.

"He got eaten by monsters when I was 5." Shumirte gave a casual response without looking up.

Oh.

"Alfy, you shouldn't ask about family here. It's very.. um.. disnoble of you." Lashion gave a pat on my back.

"Lashion you're being a hypocrite." Shumirte countered.

"A hypo-what?"

The pair engaged in some soft banter for a couple minutes before Shumirte got the lock open.

"I'm not good at this so I think I might have broken something." He commented as he opened the door.

"It's fine," I gingered entered, "we can blame it on Lashion."

"Wha- Hey!" He whispered back loudly.

The room was filled with tables of white wood with pieces of parchment strewn across most of them. Our eyes were drawn to an alter lay on the far wall, depicting a statue of a woman dressed in robes whilst holding a lantern. Various Holy symbols decorated the four corners of the room, giving it the aura of a place of prayer.

"What now?" Lashion asked me.

As if I knew.

I picked a desk on the far end that looked important and began reading the various documents it held.

Building renovation plans, no.

Funding requests, no.

Faculty list, no.

"Whatcha doing?" Lashion looked over my shoulder.

"Trying to find a list of people." I explained

"You can read?" He replied incredulously.

An invitation to the inauguration, no.

A monthly report. Hm, perhaps this is it?

"Hey Lashion. Do you know what the monthly report is?" I asked, digging out the paper from amongst the stack.

"Huh? You mean the month end test? Its when we get tested for how much holy power we have. It hurts quite a lot, but I'm good at it! I can purify 8 cups." He informed me enthusiastically.

I gave the the document a quick scan, looks like it contains information relating to the inflow and outflow of female patients from the temple/hospital that month.

The formatting of the file seemed to be: Name - Affliction - Assigned Priest - duration of stay - and some number.

I could recognize a few names, that the boys frequently talk about, on the list.

Clara - Mana Overuse - Sister Herila - 3 days - 3c

Daphne - Willoweed Prescription and Treatment - Sister Herila - 4 days - 4c

Beatrice - Unknown mana disease - Sister Betelfora - / - 31c?

"So what does it say?" Lashion pestered me.

I read one of the entries on the list to satisfy him: "Clara got mana overuse and stayed for 3 days. She was looked after by Sister Herila."

"Oh that was the day after the test right? I heard she didn't want to lose to Daphne and overdid it."

"You did mention the cups you purified. What was that about?" I think I understand the number at the end now.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"For the test we use all our mana to purify water and the more you purify the more rewards you get after."

"Did Clara by any chance purify 3 cups?" I asked.

"Yeah that's right! How did you know? We all really surprised since she could only do one just a month earlier. I think she can barely do 4 now." Lashion replied.

"Lucky guess." I turned back to the document.

Now that I understood the contents of the file I resumed my scan of names. However the page did not contain any mention of Nina at all.

"Say Lashion. When did Clara come here?" I questioned further.

"Oh that's easy. It was like a month ago right? Or was it two... err... I think it was two. Maybe three?" Lashion, ever the dependable.

So I got the wrong report then.

I continued combing through the papers on the desk until I heard a jingle of metal.

From outside the door.

I looked up and realized I couldn't see Shumirte anywhere, did he leave?

Click.

"Alfy what are we going to do? What are we going to do??" Lashion aggressively whispered to me.

Click click.

I grabbed him and we both ducked under the desk.

Creak, the door opened.

"Sir I have said this before and I will say this again. I cannot let you drag the children into a war that won't happen." A voice of an old woman rang as three steps of footsteps entered the room.

"Sister Betelfora please. I only wish for there to be more healers for our mages if the worst occurs." A man pleaded back.

"And what of the children if we were to go? Who would watch over them Bishop?" The woman, who I assume to be Sister Betelfora, snapped back

"I will arrange something with the Cardinal." The man reasoned.

"I cannot leave the future of these children to strangers." The voice of the woman was stern, and also getting closer.

"Very well. I understand." The man looked like he was giving up, "Thank you for listening regardless. We shall take our leave, could you accompany us to the entrance?"

Lashion was gesturing to his nose. Oh you've got to be kidding me.

"Thank you for understanding Bishop." Sister Betelfora replied.

Yes, go hurry.

"Wait." A deep voice, one that I haven't heard yet, stopped the two footsteps from leaving the room. I heard the cold sound of steel being drawn from the scabbard as metal boots rocked the floor. "You, hiding behind the desk, show yourself."

Dam it.

"What? Sister Betelfora you dare?" The first man shouted.

"I don't know what you're implying Bishop but I have no part in this." The woman rejected the accusation cleanly.

"I am Templar Leon, 2nd company commander of the Order of the Lion. Intruders, show yourself before I cut you down." The second man said dangerously.

I nodded to Lashion before the two of us emerged from the desk with our hands up. The woman, Sister Betelfora, was an old woman with grey hair and priestly robes, an angry stare sat upon her face. The first man, the Bishop, was a younger individual with a cape that was starting to glow and a wand in his hand; his face was hidden under his hood by unnatural means. The second man, Templar Leon, was a tall, handsome individual with blue hair, clad in shining silver armor; it seemed like a single second would be all it took for him to clear the room and cut both our necks.

"W-we didn't do it!" Lashion started shaking and crying.

"State your names!" The templar commanded, "What did you not do?"

"N-Nothing. We didn't do nothing!" Lashion cried back in anguish.

"What do you mean you didn't do nothing?" Templar Leon raised his voice. "Who do you work for?"

"Wait... Leon please lower your blade." Sister Betelfora began, exasperated, "I recognize the tall child. He's Lashion, a zealot in training. He was admitted here a while back due to mana troubles during his training."

"What is he doing here?" I wished the templar would drop his blade. I felt quite threatened and Lashion looked like he was about to puke.

"I wish I knew." The sister shrugged.

The templar looked back at us: "Lashion, zealot in training. What were you doing sneaking around in the sister's working space? During a time of the holy feast no less."

Wow his tone was sharp enough to could cut steel.

It appears Lashion agreed with me as he threw his dinner up right on top of the desk. Bits and pieces of food went everywhere as the many files were soaked in the remains of soup and stomach acid.

All of us stood staring for a few moments before Sister Betelfora let out a great sigh. "Templar Leon. They are children. Could you please drop your blade?"

"R-right. My apologies." This embarrassing display was thankfully enough to get the Templar to lower his guard. Looks like he wasn't used to people throwing up in front of him.

"Still," This time the Bishop turned to us, "The question remains. What were you doing here?"

Since Lashion looked like he was out of commission I resolved to answer: "We apologize for intruding, but Lashion and I were curious of the girl's section."

"Oh really? Why is that?" The sister this time.

"I was looking for a friend of mine and Lashion has a crush on Clara." I answered. Sweet revenge.

"What?" Lashion croaked out from the floor, "That's not true!"

"I'm sure it isn't." I commented, without missing a beat, "Then why were you accompanying me Lashion?"

"That's... uh... umm..." His real reason was most likely 'because it seems like fun', but its not as if he could say that in front of these three without earning himself a stare of disapproval. Though that was likely the least of his least concerns.

"I see..." The templar mumbled to himself.

"As you can see Bishop. These children still need to be taken care of, so I must decline your offer." The Sister Betelfora walked over to us. Lashion drew away at first but its not like he could go anywhere, so he closed his eyes. Fortunately for him the sister began wiping off Lashion with a towel.

The Bishop sighed, "Right okay. But what is the identity of the other one?"

The sister turned to me, looks like it was my cue.

"I am Alfon... sir Bishop... err." I stumbled.

"Bishop Haevenor." He clarified.

"Bishop Haevenor." I repeated.

"For what reason are you here in this place? Are you also a zealot in training?" He asked.

"No Bishop Haevenor, I am a child that was brought in due to mana illness." I gestured to my bandaged arms.

"Brought in? From the outside?" He seemed quite curious.

"Yes sir. I was part of Lord Derick's party if you know of him."

...

The look of curiosity suddenly turned dangerous.

Had I said too much?

"I do know of him yes. His diplomatic envoy was well received." I could feel his gaze under the hood, "could you repeat your name for me please?"

"It's Alfon. Sir."

"Any last names?"

I'm starting to feel my dinner surge up as well.

"Adelmire. Sir. Alfon Adelmire." I replied hesitantly.

"Hmm... I see. You seem like quite the brilliant child, are you related to Lord Derick?" He inquired, a strange undertone hung in his voice.

"No sir. I am the son of one of the bodyguards."

"Oh?"

"That's enough Bishop, you're scaring the child." The Sister, who had wiped up most of Lashion's mess at this point, interrupted the interrogation.

"Ah my apologies. Well, we shall be on our way then. Do make sure to discipline these two." The Bishop commented, as the two of them left. "No need to accompany us, it looks like you are busy."

After the templar and the bishop left, the Sister let out a sigh she had been holding in, "Does he not remember that this is a hospital, not a training camp?" She turned to us before letting out yet another sigh, "Lashion, I shall be informing Brother John. You took your pranks too far this time. And you, Alfon Adelmire was it? I will let your guardian know of what happened today. Was there anyone else that came with you while you did this stunt?"

I was going to respond but Lashion was faster with his words.

"No. It was just us, I'm very sorry Sister Betelfora."

A third sigh this time, "What am I going to do with you Lashion."

+++

Prisilla visited me the next day during lunch time. We moved to a private visitation room since I could now move properly.

"Oi. Alfy." She looked at me with a disapproving stare.

"Yes?" I sat in front of her, looking down at the floor.

"Do you know why I'm here?"

"I can wager a guess."

"W-wager Nya? Where do you learn these- nevermind." She coughed before continuing, "Ahem. I hope you can understand that Sylvie is very upset with you."

"I... would like to apologize to mom."

"mhm Nya. Its hard being a mom you know?"

"I know."

"Do you know what you did wrong nya?" She continued sternly.

"I irresponsibly put myself, Lashion, and.... and the reputation of my mother at risk by breaking into th-"

"Stop!" Prisilla held her hand up. " Stop stop stop. Gosh are you sure you're three years old nya? Sometimes I think you got like knowledge from another life or something. Can you put it in simpler terms please?"

"Um... I broke the rules?"

"mmm not what I'm looking for." She shook her head.

"I... angered the holy people?"

"Nope nya."

"I... um... cast spells when I was still recovering?"

"You did nya?" Oh. She didn't know. "Okay that was wrong too but that's still not it."

"I don't know." I closed my eyes for the incoming scolding.

"Man for a smart kid you sure are dumb at times." Prisilla scooped me up and I let out a yelp. She then laughed and proceeded to push her cheeks up against mine. "You put yourself in danger again Alfy. We care about you nya, and we really don't want to see you get hurt okay?"

"Okay."

"You say that but you're probably just going to get yourself kidnapped again. It's certainly no boring moment with you around eh nya?" She put me down and crossed her arms. Looks like she was holding back a smile.

"I'll really try this time."

"You will?" Prisilla looked like she didn't believe me.

"I will." My response got me a rough tussling of my hair.

"All right, auntie Prisilla will let you go this time okay?" She pulled out a piece of candy from her satchel, "Here you go. This is for you."

"Why are you giving this to me?"

"Err!" She crossed her hands, "Wrong question. You need to ask what it is."

"What is it?" I obediently asked.

"It's candy. They make it here in the capital. I got it for you nya. Just eat it."

"Okay." I received it and tossed it into my mouth.

It was really sour, to the point where I could barely hold it in my mouth. I must have made a funny face because Prisilla burst out laughing.

Oh.

But it started tasting sweet after the initial sour punch was gone.

It... reminded me of something.

"So why'd you do it nya." A purr from Prisilla brought me back from my thoughts.

"Do what?"

"Sneak out to the girl's quarters. Is there someone you like?" She seemed like it was a casual comment but I could see her tail wagging, waiting for my reply.

In the first place we never even saw the girls.

"I was worried for Nina and Rafine." I answered while chewing on the candy.

Her tail stood still as she turned her face.

"Oh Sylvie didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"