BXBX NOVEL Chapter 36.2
I don’t understand.
Did I do something? I don’t think I did.
Actually, I have an idea about this, but…
If that’s all, I can’t really say this is a bad thing, right? Though, this isn’t good either…
When I was chatting with her the other day as I washed the dishes and cleaned up after dinner, Efa talked about how she started sleeping better after she came to this village even though she had insomnia. I still don’t know what led our conversation to that topic, but then…
With flushed cheeks, she told me, “Lian-sama is similar to my mother—ah, I mean my father! Because you resemble him so much, I feel very at ease whenever I’m with you. So much so that I get sleepy…”
So for some reason, I make her feel too at ease. That means I did something then?!
Also, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear the first thing she said to me.
I certainly do have some conjectures regarding Efa’s environment and frame of mind. Just like Alfred, her parents died of illness before the church took her in.
And even though she will be revered as the Holy Maiden in the future, she’s still a lonely child who misses her parents, just like the kids in the church.
It’s unavoidable for her to wish for the warmth of her mother.
I know that, and I understand that.
Besides, I… don’t really mind when… she clings onto me as she takes a nap with the kids.
I think it’s good to take a short nap before returning to work. She should be tired from working hard all day long. And above all, exerting herself too much will be bad for her health. Taking breaks is important so she can continue working in the long term.
However, there’s one thing I have to say.
I hope she can stop calling me Mother in her sleep. She even does it while she cries and holds onto the edge of my apron!!
Please. At least, call me Father!
Really! Seriously! Why am I the mother here?!
The second time I heard that, I was so shocked.
Why?! Maybe I should change the apron I wear whenever I help out or study at the church to a simple black and mature-looking one? Yeah, I should stop using that pastel pink apron with cute and chubby bunny patterns that matches with Marie’s!
Marie made that pink apron by hand. It’s so popular with the kids that they come running toward me once I have it on, but this has to change now. Yeah, let’s do that! I’ll be better off! In the first place, that apron doesn’t suit me at all! Hmph!
If Efa gets too attached to me, it’ll be bad for my role as Lian.
It’s just that I’m not sure how I should change the way I treat her… Not to mention, I’ll feel bad since her insomnia has finally been cured… Uh…
Ugh… What should I do? I always feel troubled on how to respond to her.
I take a long and hefty sigh.
Well, this situation isn’t good, but… I think I should set it aside for now and think about it later.
Because at the moment, I have another problem.
I have recently fallen into an unexpected situation. And this is in spite of the fact that I know the story has already deviated and gone in an unknown direction.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I see several books on the desk stand. The back cover of one particular black book has a cross, which is a symbol of the Goddess, and a crest containing a halo and wings.
The Bible.
The Goddess’ Gospel is a ridiculously important codex that everyone in this world has to know. It is often placed in each house and bedroom as an amulet.
Fortuna religion, which is the oldest religion and the most representative of the teachings of the Goddess’ Gospel, is widely preached throughout the continent. It has established many branches in various countries and regions.
This small country has one Fortuna branch, which is located along the mountain path, around halfway between Leis village and the royal capital.
The other day, Schwede told me that a collaborator’s visiting the branch and that they want to meet me. So he invited me to go there… three days ago.
One day before we head out, Alfred went to Gouda-san’s apple orchard with Cheddar-san, so he doesn’t send me off.
Gouda-san’s apple orchard is very large. Thinning the flowers and repelling the insects require a lot of manual labor. That’s why during this time of the year, Gouda-san always asks for help.
If Alfred were here… I’d have to tell him where I’m going. Then it’d be a big problem once he asks me why I’m going there. I can’t tell him that I’m going to the Fortuna church’s national branch to meet my collaborator.
Alfred is sharp with that kind of thing. There’s a high possibility that he may notice if I lie.
I don’t want to admit this, but he’s smarter than me. Once he gets seriously curious about something and pursues it… I may spill out the truth.
So I…
I think it’s good that he’s preoccupied. That way, I don’t have to lie. Or so I thought.
And so, I leave the village without telling him my destination or my reason to go there.
I’m only going to meet my collaborator at the branch, so I’ll be able to return to the village the next day, before Alfred returns from the apple orchard. Everything will be a-okay.
That’s what I really think.
I have told only Marie about where I’m going and why. Meanwhile, I lied to Lowendal, saying I’m going to the royal capital to buy something.
I head to the branch by carriage with Shurio, two escorts, and Schwede.
Along the way, Schwede and the two escorts say, “The branch is nearby. How about stopping by and having some tea?” “That sounds nice. Sure!” After that simple trivial talk, we stop by the Fortuna church branch.
The building looks more splendid than I imagined.
It’s as large as the Owens’ mansion. Maybe even bigger than that. After I get off the carriage, I can’t help but look up at the building with my mouth wide open.
This is the first time I’ve come to the branch. We can conduct most religious affairs in the nearby church, so most of the people who visit the branch are sectarians or people with special affairs that the usual church can’t handle.
The building is mainly built with white stone, so its overall color is white. White represents the blessing of the Goddess, so maybe that’s what they want to express.
Surrounding the building are many high stone spires extending toward the sky. At the entrance, carved sculptures of the Goddess’ messenger and saint and also many animals, flowers, and plants can be seen.
It’s a building with a solemn and sacred atmosphere. It’s like a famous cathedral in a travel guidebook.
Unfortunately, it’s been raining since morning.
Thinking that this place will be a beautiful and spectacular view on a sunny day, I step into the branch.
Afterward, I enter their drawing room. Tea is served, which I drink… I remember that.
But beyond that, I have no other memories.
When I wake up, I find myself lying in bed inside this room.
Apparently, I… have been drugged again.
How unpleasant.
Actually, rather than that, I feel more shocked. Just why does this keep happening? I’m definitely not drinking anything that people serve me anymore. I swear. Damn it.
Other than that, another fact hits me, pouring salt on my wound.
The person who he said wants to meet me… is a lie.
Everything is a lie.
I was fooled by that man.