The Enshrouded One

In the name of God

The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful

The Lord of the South and North

The Lord of the West and East

There is no God worthy of worship except him

Always remember your Lord

And devote yourself completely to him.

Guide us along the straight path

The path you have blessed

You alone we worship

And You alone we ask for help

Arise and warn all

Purify your garments,

Purify your hearts

Remain steadfast to your purpose.

May his light guide us through darkness

And may our hearts remain firm against evil.

Ameen.

Inside the church during the evening recital, every nun devoted themselves to their prayers toward God. Their devotion was unwavering and nothing could sway their hearts during the sacred hour.

The recital and the prayer felt peaceful.

Nothing could be heard except the sound of prayers echoing softly inside the church hall. Everyone closed their eyes, placed one hand onto their chest, and recited the holy words they deeply believed in. Scriptures rested carefully upon their laps, opened to the passages used for the evening prayer.
The warm from the light illuminated the hall gently while the faint scent of flower and incense spread through the air, creating a calm and sacred atmosphere.

After the recital ended, everyone slowly opened their eyes and listened to Mother Anna's speech.

"I am grateful that we were once again given an opportunity by our God to gather here safely with comfort and health," said Mother Anna calmly while standing in front of everyone. "Even in uncertain times, our church continues to remain peaceful, and our daily duties continue without major problems. For that blessing alone, we should remain thankful,"
Everyone listened quietly.
"Recently, more people have come seeking healing and prayer because of the strange events happening around the Duchy. Some travelers even reported seeing unusual beasts near outer road near some forests. Even worse, we received an information of sick people all over the place, I went to The Cathedral yesterday and met Saint Theresa, she said the amount of people who suddenly got sick in a certain place keeps happening. As a servant of God, I feel sad hearing this. We should help more people, and we should use our prayers on those with evil hearts. To all my dear sisters, please continue spreading kindness to everyone, so that we may all walk the path blessed by God,"
Several sisters quietly nodded.
"And for that, we can conclude our recital and prayer here this evening. My dear sisters, please return to your rooms carefully. If anyone still has duties tonight, please stay cautious. Mother Beatrice, Mother Alicia, and Sister Aria, please remain here. Everyone else may return,"

Every sister slowly stood up, moving their seats back neatly before dispersing toward their rooms. Soft footsteps echoed through the hall alongside small murmurs between them.

Among them, Mother Beatrice, Mother Alicia, and Sister Aria approached Mother Anna while carrying their scriptures elegantly.
"Mother Anna, is this about yesterday?" asked Mother Beatrice.
"What happened?" asked Mother Alicia curiously.
"Yes, correct," replied Mother Anna. "Yesterday I received news from Mother Beatrice about the young master of the Tanner Family being brought here and healed by Sister Aria. I apologize for not fulfilling my duties yesterday since Mother Alicia and I were at the Cathedral,"
"I'm happy to help, Mother," said Aria politely "I was raised here and everyone here cared for me since I was little. I have no complaint at all,"
Mother Anna smiled warmly.
"I am willing to make you a cleric immediately, dear. But the Saint rejected the Idea because the rules say you are still not old enough, even though your holy mana is already abundant and your heart is really devoted,"
"Helping people is thing I only good at, Mother. I do not mind becoming Cleric yet, I only wish to continue helping as many people as possible,"
"You are a good girl dear," said Mother Anna, her eyes slightly moist.
"So... how was the boy's condition?" she asked afterward.
"He was severely injured, claw wounds across his chest, broken limbs, bruises all over his body...fortunately, his head and internal organs were still safe, and his body easily accepts holy mana,"
"Poor thing, he's such a good boy, I'm glad he safe,"
"Anyway, where is Hele-Mother Helena?" asked Mother Alicia, corrected herself.
"You didn't hear?" replied Mother Beatrice. "She has been helping another church since yesterday. The church is in Vatris Duchy, their priestess suddenly resigned, so they requested temporary assistance,"
"Married?" asked Mother Alicia.
"Sure is,"
"I see,"
Mother Anna coughed a little bit to interrupt their conversation.
"That is why I had to ask you to lead yesterday's recital and prayers, and also taking care the sisters, Mother Beatrice," said Mother Anna.
"I am grateful to help, Mother,"
Mother Anna smiled gently.
"Since we are inside Tanner Duchy territory, if something happened to the young master while he stayed here, his family would likely become furious, even if they don't get angry, they would be sad and disappointed and I don't want that. Fortunately, everything turned out fine. I also heard Duke Tanner and the Duchess will return tomorrow,"
She then looked at Aria.
"Dear sister, I want you to visit the Tanner's House tomorrow, check on young master's condition, and deliver my message to the Duke, come to me after Morning prayer,"
"I will do that, Mother, and... I am also curious about him,"
"Oh?" Mother Beatrice smirked slightly. "Love at first sight?"
"N-No, Mother, I was only wondering why he suddenly left yesterday without telling anyone. I just want to check his condition,"
Mother Beatrice laughed quietly.
"You cannot fall in love right now, dear," said Mother Anna gently. "At this stage of your life, your devotion should remain entirely for our Lord,"
"I know, Mother,"
Even so, Aria's expression showed slightly dissatisfaction after hearing those words, she thought Mother Anna has a slight doubt about her devotion, but she calmly thought "Mother Anna was just worried about me," and soon after, everyone returned to their own rooms, and Aria also walked quietly back to hers.

As someone who would likely become a cleric within the next few years, Aria was forbidden from giving her heart to another person. The holy mana within her body only remained powerful while her devotion belonged fully to God. If one day her heart became devoted more toward a lover or husband instead, the holy mana would weaken and eventually only respond for the sake of the person she loved instead, not everyone. And that was something Mother Anna didn't want to happen at the moment.

At her room, Aria still kept thinking about what Mother Anna had said earlier. However, those thoughts gradually shifted toward what she needed tomorrow. 
"I rarely go outside..." Aria muttered while laying on her bed. "I don't even know where the Tanner Family house is. Maybe I should ask someone to come with me tomorrow," While thinking about that, her eyes slowly become heavier. After spending the entire day doing church duties, she could no longer resist the sleepiness and soon fell asleep quietly.

Morning came.
The church gradually became lively as everyone prepared for the morning prayer, sisters walked through the hallways carrying scriptures while some other prepared for the sermon.
Aria happened to meet Mother Beatrice near the corridor.
"Good morning, Mother. Can I speak with you for a little bit?" asked Aria politely.
"Good morning, Aria, please be quick, everyone is preparing for the morning prayer and sermon,"
"Um... can I go with someone to the Tanner Family house later?"
"Of course, but do not force anyone who already busy,"
"Yes Mother, thank you,"
After that, Aria immediately joined the preparations. 

Soon after, the prayer hall became full of nun. Mother Anna led the morning prayer peacefully as sunlight entered through the church windows. 

After the prayer ended, everyone gathered in the dining hall for breakfast. Aria quietly ate together with everyone else. Her breakfast was simple: bread with jam and a glass of milk. Once breakfast finished, everyone quickly returned to their duties. Some sisters cleaned the dining hall and the kitchen while others cleaned the church itself, and some preparing for the sermon.

Everyone looked busy.
Seeing that, Aria slowly gave up on the idea asking someone from the church to accompany her. Still, she tried looking around for someone available. Just as she was about to search for one of her friends, Mother Anna approached her.
"Dear, this is the letter, please deliver it to the duke," said Mother Anna while handing her a sealed message. "I believe he has already returned home, even if he has not, I'm sorry, but you may need to wait there,"
"I understand Mother... um, Mother?"
"Yes dear?"
"Can I bring someone with me? I rarely go outside, so I don't really know where the house is,"
Mother Anna looked slightly troubled. "I'm afraid I cannot fulfill that request myself, everyone is very busy today. Even I still need assistance," she paused for a moment before continuing. "However, you know where the Holy Order outpost is, right?"
Aria was thinking for a bit "Ah, yes mother,"
"Holy Order patrols have become more frequent recently because of the incident. You can ask one of the guards there to guide you. I will write the route to the Tanner's house for you as well,"
"I understand, Thank you very much, Mother,"
"No, dear. I should be the one thanking you, wait a moment, I will write it first,"

After Mother Anna finished writing the directions and handed them to Aria, Aria slowly walked through the Holy Order outpost. 

When she finally arrived, she stopped near the entrance. The building looked much more intimidating than she had imagined. Holy Order guards move around busily while armored knights occasionally entered and exited the building.

Aria nervously peeked inside from the entrance while curiously observing everything. While she was distracted looking around-
"Hello good morning, Sister,"
"Kyaaaah!"
Aria immediately turned around in surprise.
The man behind her looked equally startled. 
"I'm sorry Sister. I didn't mean to scare you," he said awkwardly. "I'm Rami from Holy Order Guard Division 4, nice to meet you,"
"I-I'm sorry for screaming..." Aria replied while flustered. "I'm Aria... from the church,"
"It's alright," said Rami with a laugh. "So, what brings you here, Sister?"
Before Aria could answer, another voice suddenly came from inside the outpost. 
"What's happening out here?"
A young man quickly walked outside.
The moment Aria saw him, her eyes widened slightly. "Heitor... is that you?"
The young man immediately froze before his face broke into a huge smile. "Aria?!" he said excitedly. "It's really you?"
"Yes...it's been um... ten years? since we were children at the orphanage,"
"Ten years..." Heitor laughed softly. "I'm really glad to see you again,"
"If I knew you were here, I would have visited sometimes,"
"This is actually my first day here. Normally, I should be at Royal City Aurelia, but because of some young master got injured, we were ordered to patrol this area temporarily,"
"Royal city... you really succeed in life, live at Royal City, I couldn't even imagine,"
"I'm still a guard though I'll become a captain in no time. You can trust me," said Heitor while smiling widely.
"I always trust you," Aria replied with a smile. 

Hearing those words and seeing that smile made Aria feel strangely nostalgic. For a brief moment, memories from their childhood at the orphanage resurfaced in her mind. However, she quickly remembered why she came there.
"Um, actually, about the young master you mentioned-" before finishing her words, she suddenly got interrupted.
"Hey don't forget, I'm still here," said Rami with a fake sad expression.
"Ah sorry dude, were you there? I didn't even notice you," said Heitor while laughing.
"You motherfu-" Rami stopped his words, just realized there was a sister in front of them.
Heitor laughing nonstop. "Hahaha...sorry dude, I'm just so happy seeing Aria again after years,"
"Well, it's not I can't relate," said Rami slowly.  "Anyway, Sister, what exactly do you need?"
"Um, yeah... right, I need to visit the Tanner Family's house. But I don't know the way there, so I was hoping someone could guide me,"
"Sister, it's not house, it's a castle," said Rami with smirk.
"Don't listen to him, Aria. It's not that big it's just a big house," 
"Sorry I didn't know," said Aria with her face turn slightly red.
"No worries, I'm just messing with you. Anyway, I can help you with that, the young master should be Glen Tanner, right? My older brother works for the Tanner family, so I know the place well,"
"That would really help-"
"Rami my guy," Heitor suddenly interrupted. "Can I guide her instead?"
Rami blinked in surprise.
"I haven't seen Aria in ten whole years. I want to talk with her more while walking there," begged Heitor with eyes full of hope.
Rami slowly looked at Aria, who only smiled awkwardly. Then he sighed dramatically. 
"Alright fine, but you owe me dinner later,"
"Deal, I'll treat you something good,"
"So, Aria," Heitor turned toward her. "Shall we go?"
"Sure...um, sorry for the trouble," said Aria while smiling awkwardly at Rami.
"No problem, Enjoy your walk,"

Both Aria and Heitor continued walking together through the streets of the duchy. Their conversation flowed naturally as they talked about their childhood memories, life at the orphanage, and how much everything had changed after ten years.

As they passed by several random men near a small shop, quiet muttering could suddenly be heard.
"Look, there's a sister over there,"
"Wow... isn't she beautiful? She's basically completely enshrouded in robes,"
"I know, right? They must be trying to hide somethi-"
The men immediately stopped talking. Heitor had turned his head toward them with a cold glare full of irritation. 

The men instantly avoided eye contact after noticing the sliver armor Heitor wore along with the crest of the Holy Order engraved on his chest plate. The sword hanging around his waist alone was enough to make ordinary people avoid trouble.
They quickly looked away as if nothing happened.
Meanwhile, Aria, who had been chatting happily moments ago, suddenly become quiet.
"Don't listen to them, Aria," said Heitor calmly.
"I know..." Aria lowered her gaze slightly. "My whole life has only been inside the church. I don't really know anything else,"
"Then come outside more often, I can even take you to the Royal City someday if you want,"
"No... it's okay. We sisters devote ourselves to our lord. I want to become a cleric someday so I can help more people... help the mothers who raised me and the sisters who grew with me,"
She lightly touched the sleeve of her robe.
"These robes are also part of our devotion, we pray every day, perform recital every day, and manage church every day, all of them just a way to not be swayed by worldly desires,'
Aria paused for a moment.
"To be honest... I don't even know whether my devotion is truly sincere or if I simply want to repay the kindness of everyone who raised me,"
Her expression became strangely cold and distant while saying that.
"I'm sorry, I can't really talk about these things with other sisters. I probably said something unpleasant to hear for you,"
"No, not at all. I'm happy if talking helps you feel better,"
Then, after a brief silence, Heitor quietly muttered.
"God, huh..."
His expression looked slightly irritated for a moment, though Aria failed to notice it since she was too focused on walking.

After that, both of them continue walked quietly side by side.
Nearly half an hour later, the tanner mansion finally became visible from afar.
"Look, that's their house," said Heitor tried to make Aria feel better.
Aria's eyes widened slightly.
The house was enormous.
Calling it a house almost felt wrong. From distance alone, it looked closer to big mansion or even a village surrounded by walls. Large iron gates stood at the entrance while several armed guards patrolled the surround area. Even the road leading from the gate toward the main building looked long enough to take several minutes to walk through.

Eventually, they reached the gate. Aria slowly turned toward Heitor.
"Heitor, thank you so much. I owe you,"
"It's fine. Just spend more time with me next time,"
"I don't know if I can, but I'll try," Aria smiled awkwardly.
"How about going back? I can wait if it's not long,"
"It's okay, I remember the way now and I can ask someone if I get lost,"
"I see, but you must be careful,"
Heitor slowly stepped backward.
"I should go now, I have duties afternoon. If you ever need help or anything, just come to the outpost. I'll probably stay there for a while,"
"Thanks, be careful on your way back,"
Heitor waved his hand lightly before walking away, his figure gradually disappears from afar.

After parting ways with him, Aria approached the guards at the gate. Before she could even introduce herself, one of the guards immediately spoke.
"Sister, please come in. We were informed that you would arrive today. I will escort you inside,"
"Ah yes... thank you,"
Aria immediately followed the guard quietly like a small chick following its parent. As she walked through the massive state, countless thoughts filled her mind.
"The flowers are so pretty..."
"I want to touch them, but what if someone gets angry,"
"This place is massive...how many people does it take just to maintain all of this,"
"Why is the road so long?"
"Why am I feeling more tired here than walking from the church?"
Aria continued thinking about random things while walking behind the guard. 

Because of that, she failed to realize what was waiting for her ahead.