MPBAGS Chapter 22

Recently, rumors had been circulating secretly that a strange sacred painting had been hung in the temple.

A devout young lady fainted upon seeing the painting and was said to have received the Sun God in her dreams. The high priest praised it highly and gave a donation of thanks to the artist. The painting was said to serve as a gatekeeper that filtered out unbelievers.

From mouth to mouth, all sorts of wild rumors grew and spread.

And those rumors stretched their long bodies to reach even the sparsely populated monastery on the outskirts of the capital.

"When will Father Berga come?"

"Who knows? Why are you looking for that priest? I wish that pervert would never come back."

"Well, that's true. But he went to the great temple, didn't he? So he must have seen that sacred painting. I'm curious if the rumors are true."

"Don't be silly, how could that be true? You're so naive."

The women in monastic robes who had been chatting among themselves while sweeping saw Daisy approaching from across the way and reduced their chatter, pretending to be dignified.

"Good afternoon, Sister."

"May the sunlight always shine upon you, Sister."

Though their words were polite, they didn't even nod their heads toward Daisy. Daisy pretended not to notice and bowed her head silently in greeting. After Daisy passed by, she could hear small whispers behind her again.

"Poor thing. When Father Berga comes, she'll suffer the most, won't she?"

Once the nuns felt Daisy was far enough away, they began laughing and joking among themselves again.

She needed to organize the library today, but it had gotten too late. Daisy tried not to listen to the noise behind her and quickened her pace.

It had been three weeks since she fled the Rohanson mansion and came to the monastery.

Having escaped from the monster that borrowed Miss Evangeline's body and the eyes that watched her, the world felt very peaceful and calm.

Daisy's monastery life wasn't as bad as she had thought. Although she had only been there a short time and was too shy to easily mingle with others, leaving her somewhat isolated, it wasn't particularly uncomfortable.

The nuns who had just exchanged greetings with Daisy were mostly children of noble families. Such people would serve God but would never bow to commoners. Since they couldn't get along anyway, it was right not to pay them any attention.

"Hey, Daisy!"

Just as she was about to enter the library, someone urgently called out to her from behind.

Looking back, she saw one of the nuns from the group she had just encountered, breathing heavily. They had only exchanged formal greetings before, so why was she calling?

As Daisy waited, the other woman carefully began to speak as if handling fragile glass.

"I just heard that Father Berga is returning today. So... even if Father Berga calls for you tonight, absolutely don't go. You understand?"

So she ran over to tell her this. Surprised by the unexpected kindness, Daisy nodded after a moment of shock.

"Thank you for telling me. I'll definitely refuse."

If there was one flaw in this otherwise decent monastery, it was that, Father Berga.

Father Berga was notorious for his particular fondness for women. Rumors circulated that he harassed newcomers to the monastery, and from Daisy's experience, this was true.

Holding her hand under the pretense of encouragement, touching her shoulder. He had stared at Daisy intently. Yes, that was the problem. The way he looked at Daisy. Having become particularly sensitive, Daisy couldn't help but notice the gaze directed at her.

Since Father Berga could send someone to her room, it would be better to spend the night in the library under the pretense of organizing it.

And the clock hand moved. It was already 2 o'clock. Looking at the clock on the library wall, Daisy thought it would be okay to go back now and got up from her seat.

Then she drew in her breath seeing a man waiting like a lookout in front of the dormitory. Had he still been waiting?

It wasn't Father Berga, but one of the group of monks who stuck close to him and flattered him.

"Sister. Did you enjoy your night outing?"

"I was organizing the library and lost track of time. I'm tired, so I'll go in and rest now."

Daisy tried to open the door, but the monk pressed his hand against it from behind, stopping her.

"Before that, Father Berga has a message for you. Why don't you listen to it?"