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Relias’s firey resolve would have rattled me, but that was the doctrine he had followed since the day he lost Raela to the first demon king. I hadn’t suddenly become a devoted disciple, however. The idea of condemning someone to an eternity of torment, regardless of their sins, left a bitter taste in my mouth. There was no chance for redemption with such a punishment. Sure, it served as an effective deterrent while you’re still learning basic morals, but being the one to deliver that eternal sentence felt like endorsing infinite suffering.
What would that say about my character?
But that was my assigned Purpose, wasn’t it?
What a trash job to have.
As my silence lingered, Relias mistook it for agreement and rose from his seat, extending his hand towards me. “Our next journey to the demon king’s throne will be less taxing than the previous one,” he assured me. “The Order of Gold will rally behind us, standing firm by your side. This time... I promise you with all sincerity that I won’t fail you.”
Instead of taking his hand, I lowered my gaze and mumbled, “I think... I need some time to sort things out... with her.”
He withdrew his hand and placed it gently on top of my head instead. “Speaking with her could prove beneficial for you,” Relias agreed softly. “Euphridia might not be physically present, but her spirit offers comfort to those who seek it out. She hears our words when they are spoken sincerely from the heart.”
Should I tell her the truth as I saw it?
Would she even listen?
“I’ll try,” was all I could manage as I hoped he would realize I wanted to be alone now.
“Take all the time you need,” he said softly. His departure echoed through the room as the doors closed behind him with a soft thud. A ripple rebounded through the still air, causing the candle flames to flicker momentarily before settling back into their steady glow.
“I’m angry at you,” I blurted out into the empty air, half-expecting a bolt of lightning to strike me down. When nothing happened, I glared at the six-pointed star hanging from the ceiling and continued my one-sided conversation. “You could’ve been honest with me and Nora. I might not have believed you at first, but… well, you didn’t even try! What were you thinking?” I demanded.
Silence was my only answer.
“Gramps knew about this too, didn’t he? Both of you have been incredibly irritating.” I paused, then added sarcastically, “I would file a complaint against you with HR if there were a form here for me to do so.”
That thought inevitably led to another—did Claire also know all along? I considered badmouthing her but held back since she had at least responded to us, albeit in cryptic corporate speak. Who knows when I might need something from her, like a professional reference?
“Regardless of your inappropriate behavior, I’m still going to do what’s right,” I declared defiantly. “I’m not a god, so it won’t be perfect. But you can’t complain about it, given your actions.”
The continued quiet that followed was almost infuriating.
“You’re pretty irresponsible, aren’t you?” The words hung heavy in the air as I kicked up my feet on the pew in front of me and sighed. “Maybe... that’s something we have in common.”
Arguing with an absent figure proved tediously unsatisfying. “When you return, we’re going to have a very long talk,” I warned. “People here are suffering... This group doesn’t like that group. Humans think hybrids are dangerous. This Holy Order is out to get that Holy Order. It’s all nonsense! We need to do better.” My voice echoed through the sanctuary as I stared at the ornate wooden ceiling above me. “And by the way... it’s not just people in general. You know those Malodorous Mustelids? Well, they’re called Skreethi now... And even though I’ve only known them for a little while, I’ve realized they don’t deserve the title of demonic beast. They’re not simply animals, either. So, start thinking of a new category of sentient beings because I have a feeling I’m going to find more species to put in there, too. Nora has the details in her journal.”
Feeling somewhat relieved, I slid my feet off the pew and stood with a yawn. “... Anyway, I found Relias... well, I suppose he found me. For some reason, though, he thinks you’re angry with him. If there’s any way you can let him know he’s still in your good graces, do it. He’s struggling, but I know he’s doing the best that he can.”
I kicked at the floor. “And about Nora...”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Nora. Why did I bring her up? What could I say about her?
“She’s officially part of the Order of Gold now. Thank you for not sending me back alone. But you should have asked her first! Consent is crucial.”
Unless... she had asked Nora.
Nora would never have refused.
Nope. My thoughts have officially gone too far. If I wanted to get any sleep tonight, I would have to cut them off. There was no way I could handle the answer to that question right now.
“Well... I don’t know about you, but I feel better after getting all that off my chest. Have a good night or day... I’m not sure what time it is there.”
I started to walk out of the sanctuary doors, but I turned back to look at the brightly lit room one last time. “A bit of fire caused a lot of ruckus earlier, so I’m going to have to put all of your candles out for safety’s sake.”
I inhaled deeply, trying to extinguishing as many candles as possible with a single breath. It took a few tries, but one of my attempts managed to snuff out a dozen simultaneously. After the candles covering the altar were blown out, I made my way back to the exit, taking care of the ones that lined the pews.
It was a much longer walk back to the room, but I managed to complete it without disturbing anyone. About half the oil lamps had burned themselves out, with the others soon on their way. I opened the doors to my chambers as quietly as possible, only to find Nora sitting at a table, staring slack-jawed at a piece of parchment between her hands.
“What’s wrong?” I asked nervously as I walked towards the table.
“Rae..” she looked at me with enormous eyes. “What did you do?”
Me?
“I just went to the sanctuary...” I didn’t want anyone accusing me of a midnight rendezvous with Relias, so I left him out of the story entirely. “Why?”
“How’d you know where it was?”
Oh. No one had shown us around the castle properly.
“I just wandered around and found it? It’s hard to miss, what with all the decorations.”
“And what exactly did you pray for while you were there?”
Oh crap. Did she hear me for real? What sort of response did she send?! “Uh... I just... I was a little annoyed with everything! You can’t fault me for that, right?”
Nora shook her head and thrust the parchment into my hand. I gripped it with a trembling hand, holding it so the candle on the table illuminated the words.
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE - This document is intended only for the person(s) named in the message header and is protected from unauthorized discovery through the use of Smart-Gene™ biodegrading ink. Unless otherwise indicated, it contains information that is confidential, privileged and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. This document and parts thereof must not be shared, reproduced, or copied without CUP’s written permission, and contents thereof must not be imparted to a third party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose.
>
> To: Rachel Emily Smith
>
> Cc: Eleanora Beatrice Perez
>
> From: Clare Mercure (Manager, Human Resources, Cooperative Universal Publishing)
>
> RE: Investigation Opened (Confidential)
>
> This letter advises you of the investigation opened in response to your allegations that our client, Eura “Euphridia” Abrams, acted inappropriately and/or violated the terms of her contract with Cooperative Universal Publishing by:
>
> * Failing to provide a safe and comfortable work environment
> * Failing to meet contractual obligations
> * Interfering with and preventing company-mandated orientation/training for persons listed
> * Failing to provide necessary/adequate safety equipment
> * Failing to adequately train persons listed on the use of necessary/adequate safety equipment
> * Bringing prohibited beverages (Nectar) on-site
> * Serving prohibited beverages (Nectar) on-site without a license
> * Altering the label of prohibited beverages (Nectar)
> * Failing to disclose the effects of Nectar to persons listed prior to consumption
> * Accessing the interdimensional portal without authorization
> * Transporting persons listed across dimensions without express written consent/while under the influence of Nectar
>
> Cooperative Universal Publishing takes such allegations very seriously and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in the workplace, regardless of whether an employee, a client, or a customer perpetrates the behavior.
>
> The status of this investigation is ongoing. I would like to set up an interview to discuss these allegations; however, Speranza’s local conditions currently prohibit such an action. Once your local NAUGHT terminal is online and the local Ambient Animus Quality Index is within tolerable limits, I will set up a time for us to meet as soon as possible.
>
> Please confirm receipt of this message via ‘church prayer’ ASAP. I look forward to hearing from you.
>
> Cc:
>
> Corporate Compliance:
* > Case No. RES007-NBPXXX-EEAXXX-AAAXXX
* > Case No. BDT053-RES007-NBPXXX
“I didn’t say all this!” I exclaimed loudly, wondering how in the heck the parchment was turned around so fast. “I only said... Oh... Oh, Nora, you’re going to laugh at this one... I hope.”
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