“Forgive me, Father. But did you just say Sister Aura is your cousin?!”
The older man chuckled. “Indeed. I know we look nothing alike, but I promise you it’s the truth. Sister Aura is my mother’s youngest sister’s daughter. And is already skilled in many things besides the usual Water Cleric duties. I’m certain the two of you will work well together.”
Viktor fought the urge to shake his head. I doubt that, old man. “Shouldn’t someone”-
Father Lena raised his hand. “I’ve already given you your instructions, Viktor. Go with Sister Aura and investigate the site. I’ll leave the next step in her hands.” He grinned and pointed at the door. “Be sure to say goodbye to Nadia before you leave. A man mustn’t make his wife worry about where he is.”
“She’s not my”- Sister Aura grabbed Viktor’s arm and tugged hard enough to force him to stand. This woman… He shook his head and pushed her hands away. “Don’t do that again, Sister. I’m not a child for you to lead.”
Sister Aura raised an eyebrow. “You certainly fooled me. You heard what Father Lena said, we need to get going before the day is over. How long will it take for you to find this wife of yours?”
“She isn’t my wife yet, and it’ll take as long as it takes.” He bowed to Father Lena and left the room without waiting. The door hadn’t fully closed when Sister Aura burst through it and chased after Viktor as he headed for the kitchen.
“What is the matter with you? I get that you don’t like me, but”-
“Don’t be ridiculous, Sister. I just met you. It takes more than a couple of snide remarks to make me hate someone.” But she’s getting under my skin too easily. I need to focus on the bigger picture. There’s nothing for her to find. It’s been too long and Nadia didn’t use mana. Sister Aura will be wasting her time.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Sister Aura huffed. “I would assume a grown man would understand that”-
Viktor stopped, smirking as Sister Aura ran into his back and yelped. He didn’t try hiding it as he looked at her. “And I assumed that anyone related to Father Lena would have common sense. But it would appear we were both mistaken. I’ll do as commanded, but I don’t have to take disrespect from you, Sister. Kindly remember that while I check on Nadia.”
“That’s the other witness, the one Father Lena wrote about in his reports?”
Did she even hear me? Viktor nodded and went into the kitchen with Sister Aura following closely behind. Why is staying so close? She can’t think I’m going to run away, is she? There’s no way anyone would be so foolish. Not after talking to Father Lena. But she was still close to his back when he found Nadia kneading some dough.
He hugged her from behind and rested his chin on top of her head. “What kind of bread are you making? It smells good.”
Nadia turned with a grin. “Viktor! I heard you were in Father Lena’s office again. Did you get caught pulling a prank?”
“I don’t pull pranks, and you didn’t answer my question.”
Nadia giggled and was about to respond when Sister Aura poked Viktor’s back. “Excuse me, Brother. But you were told to tell her where you’re going. Not flirt. We have a deadline, remember?”
Viktor sighed, rubbing his temples as Nadia finally noticed the other woman. “Oh, hello! You must be new here. I’m Nadia. I’d shake your hand, but I’m covered in flour and dough.”
Sister Aura inclined her head slightly, making Viktor bristal. Now what’s her problem? She’s related to Father Lena. Surely she knows how to act when greeting clerics from other Paths? “It’s nice to meet you, Sister Nadia. I’m Sister Aura. I’ll be borrowing Viktor for the day. But I look forward to speaking with you in more depth later.”
“You’re borrowing Viktor? How come?”
Viktor kissed Nadia’s cheek. “Father Lena wants me to bring her to the village to see if she can find any mana traces left. It sounds like we’re going to be busy again.” Hopefully, Sister Aura will become more manageable once she sees the place.
“And we need to hurry so we can get started. I promise to bring your husband back to you in one piece.” Sister Aura said sweetly as Viktor glared at her. Or maybe she’s always like this. At least she’s not a Death Cleric. I don’t think I could handle any more shocks today.