Chapter 100: 04. A heretic’s confession - 【 Vol. 3 】


    Its hopeless. He cant be saved.


    After examining Zion, who had spewed ck blood, the doctor shook his head with an awkward expression. Im sorry. Theres nothing I can do. Zion had been poisoned. It was not an ident or a coincidencethat poisoned meal was made to kill someone. If it hadnt been for the small fluke that was brought upon by the circumstances at the time, Raymond would be the one on his deathbed right now. That meal was well-intended to kill someone.


    Raymond asked the doctor again.


    Is there really no other way?


    I apologize, but his lungs are growing stiff. Theres nothing that can be done.


    Raymond nced back at Zions face, which was turning ck. Life could be seen slowly seeping out of him.


    Raymond had seen that kind of face numerous times. The face of a corpse. However, it was a color that no one should get used to. The only thing keeping Raymond together was his own experience. He <i>cannot </i>cry here. He thought of the things he could doanything that he had control over.


    Before passing away, please allow him to confess.


    This was the best act ofpassion that he could offer. This was what the doctor advised Raymond to do.


    * * *


    A perpetual prayer could be heard inside the cathedral. As he walked along the corridor, men and womens prayers rang through. People constantly craved to receive from God. Bestow upon me fortune, bestow upon me love, bestow upon me eternal life, please.


    Prayers in search of salvation continued without end. God, may you bless us. Their prayers ascend towards the high ceiling. However, the ceiling of the cathedral was much too high. Their prayers just go up, and up, and up. Endlessly. Until, somehow, those voices reach God. But would those prayers even reach Him? Raymond looked up at the ceiling. It was too far away.


    Rather than to pray, what he needed more than ever was to wait. He tried to pray, but was not given any blessings in turn. He was afraid that if he couldnt get the answer he wanted, then he would be put to the test.


    Raymond always felt like he was being tested. For others, was life also this difficult, always? However, Raymond couldnt get rid of the doubts that his troubles seemed to be more difficult than that of others. Pain caused him pain, and pain caused him to fail that test. He touched his forehead with one finger. He loathed this kind of empty time. It made him <i>think</i>.


    Sir Raymond Saytes.


    Fortunately, the wait was soon over.


    One person walked closer to Raymond. It was a young apprentice.


    Reverend Dun has arrived.


    The apprentice quietly informed Raymond, who then turned his head. Steps resounded throughout the cathedral, and the owner of those steps was the man Raymond had been waiting to see. Dun Roid. Raymond rose from his seat. He came here to meet Dun. So he could see the priests pale face.


    Youre here.


    Raymond tried to say that he was happy to see the man, but he didnt know if it was something appropriate to say as a greeting. So, he instead held out one hand as a more casual greeting.


    Hello, Reverend Dun. Its been a while.


    However, Dun just looked down at Raymonds hand and eventually turned away. It was rude and disrespectful. On the other hand, the apprentice next to him bowed to Raymond, flustered.


    A-Apologies. The Reverend is a little Please understand, Sir Knight. Hes just


    The apprentice bowed down in an effort to restrain Raymond. Still, its not something he had to apologize for. And most of all, Raymond wasnt all that upset about this. Compared to this, there was something bigger that Dun could give him.


    Its alright.


    It wasnt as if exchanging pleasantries was important. It was an insignificant thing. Raymond did not usually dwell on something like this.


    Instead, Raymond asked the apprentice a much more important question. It was better to get to the point first.


    Is Sir Zion alright?


    What mattered to the young knight was whether his subordinate was still alive.


    Yes, sir.


    And the apprentice gave him the answer he wanted. After worrying about his subordinate thus far, Raymond now looked relieved. After seeing that wide smile on his face, Dun started walking away, but Raymond hurried behind him.


    Reverend.


    Reverend Dun.


    Dun paused and nced at Raymond. Then, he started walking again. However, he didnt stop Raymond from following him or anything. It was difficult for him to open his mouth to say no. So, Raymond followed Dun and continued speaking.


    Thank you for saving Sir Zion.


    The knight expressed his gratitude towards the priest. However, Dun just looked at Raymond and uttered a short reply.


    It is only my duty.


    It is also my duty to thank you.


    Raymond tried to sp the other mans hand, but Dun drew back.


    Then please go now. I-Ive received your gratitude.


    Dun looked visibly ufortable around Raymond. Well truthfully, it wasnt all that strange for him to be. There was one such woman by the name of Carynne who acted like a tether between these two men. If it hadnt been for Carynne, they wouldnt be as acquainted as they were with each other.


    This time, however, the connection they had changed. And Raymond decided to try holding onto that tether tighter.


    May I ask you more about Sir Zion''s condition?


    H-Hes not in any more danger.


    When their eyes met, Dun asked something else.


    I b-believe you already sent someone else. Why did you ce all the way here?


    It was an inquiry as to why Raymond was here. At this, Raymond looked back at Dun and responded.


    I wanted to convey my gratitude.


    And Ive already epted it, so you may r-return.


    Reverend.


    D-Do you have any oother business with me?


    The first reason he was here was Zion. However, that wasnt all, and Dun knew this. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Raymond lowered his gaze. He came here for a different reason. And it was a reason that might even take more precedence.


    Raymond knew what Dun was insinuating, even if he did not point it out. However, Raymonds embarrassment should not matter here. He needed to talk to Dun. Even if it was something that he wanted to avoid.


    I wish to make a confession.


    I-I am quite busy right now.


    Dun was very obviously trying to avoid Raymond, however Raymond had no intention of letting him slip past. This couldnt be put off any longer.


    Raymond couldnt gauge how much time he had left in his leisure. Crown Prince Gueuze had already started to move. So, Raymond had to talk to Dun. He needed to confirm it.


    When will you have time?


    I-I dont know.


    I wont return until you have time.


    Duns face was then painted with displeasure, however, Raymond held out both his hands. He would not back down.


    I wish to make a confession.


    Right now.


    Eventually, Raymond managed to persuade the ever-so-timid Dun to go to a confessional booth.


    <i>Taaak.</i>


    The air was damp and cool.


    The dark confessional booth was made of aged oakwood, thick and heavy, which might bring tranquility to peoples hearts. Raymond sat down and closed his eyes. Through the screen, he waited for Dun toe in at the other side.


    The confessional booths were located at the back, in a quiet ce that was separate from the main hall, where most people were. It was a ce that not many frequented, and so the confessor and the priest, who would listen, did not usually hide their identities. Still, thats also why a more diverse set of people tended toe here.


    I havee here to make a confession to you.


    As Dunwho was wearing a purple stolesat across from Raymond at the other side, he opened his lips to speak. It seemed like Dun didnt usually hear confessions. Everything about his movements looked awkward.


    Even so, when Dun sat down and faced Raymond, this made Raymond feel a bit peculiar.


    What kind of rtionship did he and this man have? Back then when they met at the Hare residence, Raymond thought that the man before him was a slightly less sociable man. Then, after that. And, after that as well. As Dun became entangled with Carynne, Raymond found it difficult to figure out what to think of him. However, theres something that he needed Dun to confirm.


    I have sinned.


    What What sin have youmitted?


    I killed someone.


    Raymond told him a sin out of formality. He wasnt here for this. Both Raymond and Dun knew. Murder was the greatest sin of man, but not when it was his job. He hadmitted a greater sin. Raymond thought it was far more seriouspared to taking another mans life.


    I am doubtful of someone.


    Who are you d-doubting?


    Raymond looked at Dun.


    Reverend Dun. It is you who I am doubting.


    Dun did not say anything in return.


    I am doubtful of you. I suspect that you are an aplice to Carynne Hare. That you helped her kill and hide the bodies, that you set fire to the mansion and made Ise Evans be that way.


    Raymond continued, staring through the screen and into Duns dark eyes.


    May I be forgiven for my sins?