Chapter 61

It was twilight. At the time when the taverns usually start to buzz with activity, a large crowd had gathered at the church. The brand new church was dimly lit due to the time of day, but this only seemed to enhance its mystique.

Inside, there were influential figures such as the head of a famous merchant guild and the mayor of a local village, as well as commoners like myself. In particular, many residents of the capital had gathered.

The large new church's chapel was filled to the brim with people. I managed to get a seat because I live nearby and arrived early, but some were standing, and others were peering in from near the door, unable to fit inside.

The unprecedented situation of the lord being excommunicated had everyone, including myself, feeling uneasy. We had come to the new church to try to ease our unease.

And there was one more thing. The rumors circulating solemnly were also a reason. It was said that the lord had opposed the church to protect orphans. It was also said that these orphans were housed in the orphanage attached to this church.

Indeed, there was an orphanage in the capital. I was a merchant and knew of its existence, and I had even spoken with the children and Mina. So, I was genuinely pained by the current situation. But as just a merchant, there was nothing I could do.

I had seen the children before, so I was inclined to believe the rumors... but honestly, could the lord really oppose the church for commoners like us? I had my doubts.

As I was pondering these thoughts, a priest appeared and stood before the altar, bowing to the deity. At the same time, the sound of the pipe organ filled the air. A mysterious and solemn melody. The beauty of it made my heart ache.

Then, the priest began to pray to the deity, and we joined in with our own prayers.

After that, the priest's sermon began.

"The deity taught us about love. By treating each other with love, people can join hands and the world can thrive. People are weak. No one can survive alone. For this reason, the deity taught us the importance of human connections."

The soft tone of these words, though not shouted, echoed through the chapel.

"However, the deity also taught us not to turn a blind eye to mistakes in the name of valuing human connections. Love and dependence are different. When we see mistakes, we must have the courage to correct them."

A murmur of voices began to stir in the chapel. Correcting mistakes... was he talking about the lord?

"We must see things with clear hearts. What is right and what is wrong. We must extend a hand to those we believe are right, even if it means being shunned by others. I pray that this land will be filled with the deity's love and the light of righteousness."

After concluding his speech, the priest left the altar. I thought the ceremony was over, but a girl stepped up to the altar.

She wore a pure white dress, but it was simple, more like a Daryl Church ceremonial robe than a dress. Despite the simplicity of her attire, everyone in the room was captivated by her beauty.

"Thank you all for joining us today for the opening of this church."

Her clear voice and graceful bow were as beautiful as a lady's, one that you don't often see.

Whispers of "Who is that woman?" began to rise. If I listened closely, I could hear "Alice!" from other commoners like myself.

As if answering the question, she spoke.

"My name is Iris. Iris Lanna Armenia, the daughter of the Duke of Armenia and the current acting lord."

The murmur in the hall grew louder. Of course, the question of why she, who had been excommunicated, was here, was even louder than the surprise of her presence.

"Please listen, everyone. It is understandable that you may wonder why I am here. But I have the priest's permission to stand here. And as the priest mentioned earlier... I want you to hear with clear hearts whether what I say is right."

Her tone was dignified and suited the atmosphere of the church. The audience, which had been noisy and confused, fell silent. Some were whispering to each other.

"Our territory is prosperous, and people follow the deity's teachings, treating each other with love. However, there are indeed those who are in unfortunate circumstances, despite this love."

She clasped her hands as if in prayer and spoke.

"I have met such people. They were once children who lived healthily in the orphanage of the church in the capital, blessed with a good teacher, Sister. But after Sister's passing, the church's land was sold. The children, left without a home, were hurt by the heartless actions of those who bought the land. The children were innocent, yet they were treated so cruelly. Some of you here may know of this situation."

Voices of recognition rose from various parts of the room. I was one of them.

"Overlooking this is a sin for my family. I am here to protect the people of this land."

As she spoke, a tear rolled down one of her eyes. The scene was beautifully poignant.

"We will not repeat the same mistakes. We will be here to protect you. This new church is the first step. A place to safeguard the children's safety and future. This church is a symbol of my family's and my resolve, a symbol of a bright future for all. It has been declared that my sin is the destruction of the church. But what is the sin? Should I have abandoned the people I should protect? Should I have left the dilapidated church as it was? Is that the right thing to do?"

Her tone, which had been calm, began to show more emotion and gestures. My heart ached. If her words were true... then who was the real sinner?

"I am a devout apostle of the Daryl Church. But... I am also the lord of this land. The deity watches over us, but we must take action. Happiness does not fall from the sky. It depends on our actions and will. Those who accept evil as inevitable become part of it. Those who do not resist evil are actually aiding it. Those of you who recognized the children, did you do anything for them? Did you speak up and ask for help? My hands are small, and I have only two eyes and two ears. But I have the support of the officials and all of you here. I will respond. If there are the weak, I will protect them first. I will reach out to those in unfortunate circumstances. I will strive to make this land a better place for all who live here. So, please lend me your strength."

One person clapped, and gradually the applause spread like a wave, echoing from the hall and even from outside.

If I follow this person, we will prosper. This person will protect us, no matter who the enemy is. I thought this without any real basis, just a vague feeling. Perhaps I was swept away by her and the atmosphere of the place. But there was enough emotion to make me think it was right.

"May the deity's blessing be upon you."

The priest also said this. She bowed, receiving the priest's blessing, and then bowed to us again, as if spreading it.

I truly felt, from the bottom of my heart, that it was good to come here today.