The moment Ulu saw the boy, a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.

What are you doing bringing up nighttime matters during the day?

The boy noticed Ulu's change in expression and instinctively took a step back. But remembering something, he spoke in a pleading tone, "Father Ulu, I have no other choice. My mother and sister really can't hold on any longer. Please, I beg you, could you..."

"Shut up," Ulu cut the boy off coldly. "Rules are rules. This food is my lord's blessing to the most devout believers. If your family isn't here, it means they aren't devout enough."

The boy opened his mouth as if to say something more, but Ulu impatiently waved him away.

In truth, Ulu was conflicted. He didn't know if he should have the boy come back to his room tonight, especially since last night's "business" wasn't even finished yet.

But now there was another problem—his body wasn't his alone anymore. If Hiroshi saw...

Ulu hesitated.

Just then, a gentle, aged voice spoke up, startling Ulu so badly that he shivered, like a mouse hearing a cat.

He turned slowly and saw a familiar face approaching, smiling warmly and kindly.

Hiroshi also "looked" over, and his mind quickly pieced together the man's information.

Father Lugi, the most senior priest in this church. He was much older than Ulu, had been a priest before Ulu had even entered the church, and had even been Ulu's mentor.

But that wasn't the main point. The real point was... this man seemed to have a deeper connection with Ulu.

And judging by Ulu's expression—like he'd seen a ghost—Hiroshi's memory was only confirmed.

Heh, isn't this an opportunity?

"F-Father Lugi..." Ulu forced a smile. "W-what brings you here?"

Lugi sighed softly, his old face showing a touch of pity. "Another year of famine. I just can't sit by and watch. Though I'm old, I can still do what I can... Heh, don't worry, Father Ulu, I won't interfere with your work. I just came to see if the provisions from the bishop have arrived. If not, I'll push things along. Heh, even though I'm old, I am still alive, and people are willing to grant me that respect."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

As Lugi spoke, he smiled gently at Ulu.

Ulu's expression was stiff, barely holding his forced smile.

Twenty years ago, Lugi had already been a priest at this church, while Ulu was a starving boy.

It had been a year of famine, just like now. Father Lugi had stood where Ulu now stood, and Ulu had stood where the boy now stood.

He'd almost forgotten so much of it, but as soon as Lugi appeared, the memories came flooding back.

Just as before, Lugi walked over to the boy, gently caressing his cheek. "Ah, such spirited eyes. My lord will surely be pleased with a child like you. Tell me, what troubles you?"

The boy glanced at Ulu, then at Lugi, and eventually spoke of his family's plight.

"Ah, such a sad story," Lugi sighed. "Tragedies like this always follow in times of famine."

Lugi moved his hand from the boy's head to his shoulder.

"Rules are rules..." Lugi leaned down, whispering softly in the boy's ear, "But perhaps there's a way around them. I have some food. For a child as filial as you, come see me tonight, and I can share some with you."

The boy's head shot up, the despair in his eyes reignited. "R-really?"

Lugi smiled. "Of course."

The boy's face flushed with excitement. He stammered, "W-where should I find you?"

"Heh... no rush," Lugi straightened up and looked over at Ulu with a peculiar glint in his eyes—something that didn't match his kindly smile. Something... suggestive. "Tonight, just find Father Ulu first. He knows where my room is and will bring you to me."

With that, Lugi patted the boy's head, motioning for him to leave.

Then he casually walked over to Ulu's side and chuckled softly, "This boy reminds me of you, doesn't he?"

Hiroshi saw Ulu's body go rigid, as if he had turned to stone.

"Bring him to me tonight," Lugi said suddenly, patting Ulu's backside. "I assume you haven't forgotten where my room is, have you?"

In that instant, Ulu's stiff body jolted as though he'd been electrocuted.

Lugi noticed and laughed heartily before walking away.

When Lugi was finally gone, Ulu raised his head, glaring daggers at the man's back.

Those conversations he thought he'd forgotten suddenly echoed in his mind again.

"Oh? You want food? Then come to my room tonight."

"This is the price you pay."

"It might hurt at first, but don't bother holding back—it'll only get worse."

Ulu clenched his teeth, nearly grinding them to dust at the thought.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" He cursed in his heart, "You bastard! Why won't you die already?!"

Blinded by rage, Ulu seemed to forget something. He vented his resentment and anger toward Lugi freely in his mind.

"One day, I'll kill you!"

He hissed through gritted teeth.

And then, he heard the voice that nearly stopped his heart.

"Oh? Is this a prayer to me?"

Ulu froze, instinctively looking down to find that his once-limp middle finger had suddenly straightened, standing tall.

Though it had no eyes, Ulu could feel an overwhelming gaze from that finger—a pressure he could not resist.

"Do you want to kill him?"