After rubbing her lower parts with ‘Big Nicholas’ for a while, Rarien changed the angle and pushed the tip into her vaginal opening. Her v*gina reluctantly swallowed the tip of her glass husband.

It was still difficult to insert it all at once. Rarien circled it around as if widening the inside, until she felt her wrist getting stiff.

‘Big Nicky is good, but the real Nicky is better.’

…Sorry to my husband.

As expected, the fake can’t beat the real thing. As her thoughts reached that point, strength left her hand.

It’s already over. It’s an absurd delusion. Well, so what. It’s not like fantasizing costs money.

As Rarien drifted off to sleep while indulging in useless imagination, she sought slumber.

***

“Rarien, over here.”

The nun from the adjacent room gestured towards Rarien. Everyone had suddenly been called to gather, and they were just entering the chapel.

Gratefully, it seemed she saved a seat. They had grown quite close, sharing meals and showing her around the temple. Rarien approached her with a bright smile.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s not a big deal.”

The nun from the next room smiled kindly.

“I was worried you would be uncomfortable sitting in the back because of your poor eyesight.”

How did she know about my poor eyesight?

I never mentioned it. Was it that obvious?

She was more perceptive than I thought.

Whether it was coincidence or fate, it was the exact center seat on the fourth row.

In the past, I used to struggle to get this seat just to easily see the face of Nicholas Reinhart.

I would deliberately take on cleaning duties right before the service to secretly reserve a seat. Naturally, old memories came flooding back.

“Why are we suddenly gathered today?”

“They say there’s a special service. Apparently, a guest has come from the capital.”

“Oh, I see.”

A guest? Who could it be? Why did they come all of a sudden?

I was planning to buy some famous chocolate from the bustling district after work, but it seems difficult now.

I can eat chocolate tomorrow.

I was already feeling restless. Eating something delicious is nice, but offering a prayer doesn’t seem like a bad idea either.

While offering prayers, Rarien pondered what she could do to spend her remaining time more enjoyably.

After the formal service ended, it was finally time for the sermon. The bishop who had just led the service cleared his throat.

‘Oh, I need to stay alert. I almost fell asleep.’

Rarien, who was already half-asleep, tried hard to keep her eyes open. The bishop of the southern temple was known for being old, talkative, and very boring in his sermons. He hadn’t even said a word yet, but she already felt drowsy.

“As some of you may have heard, we have a very special guest for today’s service. He will be delivering the sermon on my behalf.”

A very special guest, right. The surroundings buzzed with excitement.

“This way, please.”

Following the bishop’s guidance, a tall man ascended the platform. For a moment, it felt like a holy light was descending upon the platform.

“Hello.”

Rarien’s eyes widened at the familiar voice.

‘…No way, am I seeing things again?’

Without thinking, she glanced at the platform and was utterly shocked.

“I am Nicholas Reinhart from the Central Temple.”

Oh my goodness. Rarien, startled, instinctively bowed her head as if in prayer.

‘Why on earth is he here? For what reason?’

Her mind was as tangled as a ball of yarn.

‘Surely he didn’t see me. He must not have seen me.’

Rarien pulled her nun’s veil deeper over her face and crouched to hide.

The clergy in the chapel murmured.

“Wow, to see the famous Lord Reinhart here. He’s as handsome as the rumors say. Right, Rarien?”

So oblivious. The nun from the next room murmured with a dreamy look.

“Ah, yes, yes. That’s right.”

“Since you’re from the Central Temple, you must have seen him already.”

“Well, I’m not sure… It’s such a big place.”

She pretended not to know, but she knew very well.

Of course, I know, we’ve even had s*x! …But I can’t say that, can I?

“I heard he’s been traveling around the country giving sermons these days.”

“Oh, I see…”

So he didn’t come here looking for me. That’s a relief, but… I’m still trembling with anxiety.

“Rarien, are you feeling unwell? Why are you sweating so much?”

“Oh, it’s just… It’s a bit warm.”

“Here, use this handkerchief.”

“Th-thank you…”

“It’s nothing, Rarien.”

Everything was fine, but I wish she wouldn’t call me Rarien. The cheerful nun from the next room had quite a loud voice. If there was a hole, I wanted to crawl into it immediately.

Rarien wiped her nervous sweat with the handkerchief given by the next-room nun and took a deep breath.

Okay, calm down. Let’s calm down first.

Let’s not panic unnecessarily.

I never imagined I would meet him here again… but meeting him doesn’t change anything.

He’s traveling around the country giving sermons. This must be one of his stops. There’s no need to overthink or attach unnecessary meaning to it.

“Today, I would like to talk about promises and responsibilities.”

Rarien liked listening to Nicholas Reinhart’s sermons. His specialty was imparting impressive lessons through everyday stories.

It’s been a while, so let’s focus.

“In your lives, you will make countless promises and bear responsibilities. However, it’s best not to make promises you cannot keep.”

When Rarien glanced up, her eyes met his bright golden gaze. Startled, Rarien quickly bowed her head. Unless it was her imagination… he was definitely looking her way.

Oh, Goddess.

O noble Goddess Arne, who governs all life and love in the world, please don’t let your child fall into distress.

“You may have heard the saying that a frog can die from a stone thrown carelessly.”

Was it just her imagination? His voice sounded subtly different from usual. It was as if he was suppressing something, speaking through clenched teeth.

“Words spoken carelessly can change a person’s life. Words carry weight. They are heavier than gold. Especially if it’s a promise, you must take responsibility for it, even at the cost of your life.”

No matter how I hear it, it seems like he’s aiming those words at me. I wish it were just my simple over-consciousness. Rarien was too embarrassed to lift her head.

“Those who take promises and responsibilities lightly will surely face the corresponding consequences.”

Nicholas spoke firmly and clearly. It felt more like a threat than a sermon.

It was like sitting on pins and needles.

***

“It’s truly overwhelming that Your Excellency is making such efforts for the development of the south.”

The bishop overseeing the southern temple bowed respectfully. Money was indeed powerful. After investing a large sum in the name of sponsorship, he was groveling to an annoying degree.

Contrary to his true feelings, Nicholas wore a humble smile on his lips.

“No, thank you for the warm welcome.”

“I heard Reinhart put a lot of effort into this place.”

“Yes, Reinhart has always been interested in the development of the south. Above all, when the temple stands firm, the local people prosper, and the regional economy flourishes.”

“Thank you for your wise words. We will use your divine sincerity in precious places.”

Nicholas gave a suitable smile to the bishop who was flattering him, then carefully looked around the reception room.

If it were me, I’d start by changing this tacky reception room. Whoever decorated it did a terrible job. It was utterly shabby.

It seemed they didn’t care at all since there was no reason for any distinguished guests to visit such a rural backwater.

Well, this place was somewhere I would never have come if it weren’t for Rarien Claude, that shameless woman.

“I heard you plan to stay for a few weeks.”

“Yes, well, while I’m here, I thought I’d listen to some business plans. It would be nice to have ample exchanges with the clergy in the south.”