NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35
Inquisitor Desmond.
At that introduction, Shin Mi-rae’s heart sank. At the same time, she fell into deep thought.
‘Just how much does he know…?’
Has he heard all my prayers? Does he know that I’m from another world, that I didn’t truly believe in God, and that I’m scared of being punished because of it? Does he know everything?
“Hahaha!”
Just as Shin Mi-rae felt a whirlwind of confusion and wariness, Desmond suddenly burst into laughter. She felt something was off and tried to take a step back, but at that moment, Desmond waved his hand and spoke.
“Ah, it always ends up like this once I reveal my profession. You really don’t need to be so wary. Just because I’m an Inquisitor doesn’t mean I’m one of those people who just tortures heretics and whatnot.”
His voice was excessively gentle, as if he were talking to a daughter around the same age as Shin Mi-rae.
“Most of an Inquisitor’s work involves investigating and researching the different interpretations of scriptures among various factions or sects. In other words, it’s scholarly work. Surprising, right? The reason I came to the university today was to meet Professor Fritz and discuss some research-related matters.”
“Ah, I see…”
“Well, of course, we do sometimes interrogate actual serious heretics. But out of a hundred Inquisitors, only about one might actually do that. It’s really not that common.”
There were indeed Inquisitors who were exactly what they seemed, just as their image suggested.
However, Shin Mi-rae thought that at least the man before her wasn’t one of those types. His warm voice as he explained things to the frightened and wary her radiated genuine kindness.
“Anyway, being engrossed in prayer means you have worries, right? If it’s difficult for you to talk to me about it, maybe you should check out the counseling center on campus. The priest there has a very enlightened perspective. He’ll truly understand whatever you’re worried about.”
“Ah, yes. I’ll do that.”
“Right, because worries are ultimately meant to be shared. While praying to God is good, sometimes you need to share them with other people.”
Worries are meant to be shared with others.
That sentence was exactly what Kim Jae-hyuk had said to Shin Mi-rae before. Surprised by the coincidence, she looked at Desmond.
Perhaps what she had feared was entirely unfounded, and this man had genuinely been looking out for her like an uncle.
“Oh dear, I’ve taken too much of your time. If we can see each other again, then let’s meet next time!”
While Shin Mi-rae was caught in a complicated state of mind, Desmond left the prayer room with a friendly smile.
‘Counseling center…’
Both Kim Jae-hyuk and Desmond said that worries should be shared. Maybe that really would be better.
‘…Let’s just forget that thought.’
But that was only true when the worries were of a normal level. If she went to counseling, she would have to reveal everything, and in this world, where everything revolves around gods and religion, it was an excessively risky attempt.
‘…Is just thinking this a sin if God finds out?’
The dilemma of desperately praying because she couldn’t truly believe in God.
Shin Mi-rae had no choice but to swallow her worries alone and endure in silence.
As time passed, after the midterm exams ended, the Imperial Theological University entered a short vacation. Unlike the two significant breaks in a year, the university offered students about a fortnight of vacation each time midterms were completed. It was a gesture for students who came from distant lands, encouraging them to rest at home for a while.
Park Yoo-jin and Shin Mi-rae took that opportunity to head back to their hometown.
For them, home was the orphanage Kim Jae-hyuk had introduced them to. The orphanage was located in a small town in the southern part of the empire called Yorn, which happened to be near the church where Kim Jae-hyuk worked.
When they were young, Kim Jae-hyuk was on the fast track at the church headquarters, but as soon as they entered university, he retired and began enjoying a leisurely slow life.
As he put it, he had accomplished enough to not worry about living for the rest of his life, and now he wanted to focus on other interests.
“Mi-rae, do you want to eat this? Today, since we’re heading back home, the professor’s wife packed some cookies for us.”
“Sure! Thanks, I’ll enjoy it. Oh, this is really sweet…!”
“Right? I heard she runs a bakery in town. Let’s go there together next time.”
Though Shin Mi-rae had many worries throughout the semester, at this moment, heading home made her feel a bit more at ease.
Thanks to Kim Jae-hyuk and Park Yoo-jin. Even if they didn’t share their worries, their presence alone became a pillar supporting Shin Mi-rae’s anxious life. If she hadn’t had family-like friends like them, she might have crumbled long ago.
‘…Should I seriously consider consulting with the uncle this time?’
Eventually, Shin Mi-rae reached the thought of sharing her worries with someone for the first time.
Yes, if she was going to share her worries, Kim Jae-hyuk would be perfect. As someone from another world, he would understand Shin Mi-rae’s anxieties better than anyone else and could help alleviate them.
Thinking that, she felt foolish for having clammed up until now. After all, God probably already knew of her worries, so it would be better to consult with someone who wouldn’t merely respond without action.
“Just a moment, please!”
The carriage stopped at the relay station briefly.
Some of the passengers inside the carriage got out. Very few were there to stay at the relay station; mostly, they got off to relieve themselves or to find carriages heading in a different direction.
“Mi-rae, I’m going to hop out for a bit.”
“Bathroom?”
“Do I really have to say that…?”
At Shin Mi-rae’s teasing question, Park Yoo-jin chuckled and exited the carriage.
Left alone, Shin Mi-rae waited while munching on the cookies that Park Yoo-jin had left behind. Sitting on the soft straw-filled seat of the cozy carriage and eating sweet treats started to ease her worries, making her eyelids grow heavy.
At that moment.
“I’m back, Mi-rae.”
When Park Yoo-jin returned, Shin Mi-rae rubbed her sleepy eyes and greeted her.
“You took a while?”
“Yeah, I went in to fill up the water and happened to run into someone from the university.”
“Who is it?”
Just as Shin Mi-rae tilted her head in confusion, a middle-aged man popped his head over Park Yoo-jin’s shoulder and greeted them.
“Hey! It’s been a while, Miss Mi-rae.”
“Eh, you are—”
The man who appeared was Desmond. Climbing aboard the carriage with Park Yoo-jin, he displayed his usual affability and naturally sat beside them.
“Do you know who this person is, Mi-rae? This gentleman recognized me first, but I don’t think I’ve seen him before…”
Just as Shin Mi-rae was about to reveal his identity, Desmond boisterously interrupted with a laugh.
“Hahaha. It’s just me assuming things on my side. You both are famous new students at the Theological University. Oh, Mi-rae, we met briefly last time in front of the prayer room, remember?”
“Yes, I do….”
Desmond, smiling at her answer, turned to Park Yoo-jin and asked for a handshake.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself. I’m Desmond. I travel around researching scriptures. I work with Professor Fritz at the Theological University.”
He didn’t reveal that he was an Inquisitor—not because he had to hide it, but because he thought there was no need to.
“Professor Fritz? I’m taking his class! It’s a course called General Theory of Religious Wars.”
“Aha, I think I know which course that is. That guy is an expert on the history of religious wars. He probably has records for every war that has occurred within the Empire. He’s a hardcore war enthusiast! Though only academically, of course.”
“Hahaha, he does seem especially fond of war history. It’s almost like a little boy’s eyes sparkle when he recites the epics of war heroes.”
Desmond quickly bonded with Park Yoo-jin, mentioning a professor she knew. His knack for friendliness was so impressive that Shin Mi-rae missed her chance to reveal that he was an Inquisitor.
“By the way, why are you headed south at this time? Are you returning home?”
“No, no. My hometown is in the north, so it’s the opposite of the south. I’m going to the south for work.”
“For work? Can I ask what kind of work that is?”
An Inquisitor heading south for work.
That statement heightened Shin Mi-rae’s sense of caution to the maximum. However, the following words from Desmond held no sense of urgency whatsoever.
“Ah, about that. This time, I’ve been asked to consult with a scholar living in a southern city regarding scripture interpretation. There’s a renowned scholar on the lunar goddess Archite.”
“I’ve learned a little about Archite scripture too. What part are you seeking advice on?”
“I’m consulting on the areas of influence that pertain to the goddess. As you know, Archite is the lunar goddess and one of the chief deities, and she’s also a virgin goddess, right? But the prevailing view is that the domain of virginity is overseen by the goddess of beauty, Hemerisophos. However, that’s just the perspective within the Empire, and on the Eastern Continent, when you think of virginity, Archite often comes to mind. I’m looking to interpret this difference based on the Eastern Continent’s magical practices and the Yin-Yang Five Elements theory—”
From the way he spoke, it didn’t seem like he was lying. Desmond, engaging with Park Yoo-jin about scholarly matters, genuinely came off as the scholar he claimed to be.
“…that perspective should ultimately be criticized as it depends on records from later generations. The last time gods manifested was during the Great War a thousand years ago, right? Any private scriptures from after that time could be seen as mere reinterpretations, at best, while some argue they represent distortions made by those in power taking advantage of the absence of gods.”
“That’s the claim of the scripture fundamentalists. Typically, it’s something old folks argue about, but I never expected a young student like you to adopt that perspective.”
“I’m not particularly advocating for fundamentalism. I’m just open to and trying to understand various perspectives. If I had to position myself, I guess I’d lean toward moderate reformists.”
“Aha, so that’s why you’re taking classes in the Logia school. They’re folks who prioritize discussion and debate over pious faith or historical clarification.”
“People often think of them as just bickering, but there’s actually a lot to be learned.”
“You really do seem to enjoy learning. You’re just a natural researcher. Oh dear, has time flown so quickly?”
The two had been chatting away when they realized it was growing dark outside. They had been so engrossed in their debate that they had lost track of time as the carriage journeyed for half a day.
Though the other passengers inside were feeling ill from the long wait, everyone was reluctant to interrupt the two who were so passionately engaged in conversation.
In a world where religious authority was supremely strong, how many would dare to reprimand students from the Theological University and affiliated scholars discussing religious topics? In fact, some of them were likely listening intently, hoping to glean some insights from the conversation.
“Oh, your friend has already fallen asleep.”
Desmond pointed at Shin Mi-rae, who was dozing off next to Park Yoo-jin. Just then, Park Yoo-jin noticed her and exclaimed in surprise.
“Oh, right! She must be tired. Before we set off, she even volunteered at the cafeteria until lunch.”
“At the cafeteria? Did she really need the tuition discount that desperately?”
“No, it’s not like that. It’s just that Mi-rae is extremely devoted. Since God told us to make the world better, she believes she should do anything she can. She hasn’t missed a single day of volunteering since she enrolled.”
“That’s quite the model devotee you have there. You both are Diolites, right? Not many from your sect show such concern for social contributions…”
Desmond thoughtfully rubbed his chin, gazing at Shin Mi-rae. Then, as if he realized something, he nodded and muttered.
“…I see. Is it some kind of protective instinct?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing, really. Anyway, where are you two headed? I’m planning to get off soon since I think we’re about to arrive at our destination.”
“We’ll be arriving soon too. The orphanage in Yorn is our hometown.”
“Yorn? You mean Yorn?”
Desmond questioned in surprise.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s just that my destination is Yorn too.”
“Really?”
What a remarkable coincidence! The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Are you planning to head back before the vacation ends? Then we might run into each other again on our way up.”
“Exactly! Or who knows? Maybe we’ll meet again while staying in Yorn!”
“Oh, come on, even if Yorn is a small town, it’s still a city. There’s no way we’d run into each other. Is it because we’re heading to an orphanage? Is it the Beloche Orphanage managed by high mage Kim Jae-hyuk?”
“Yes?”
At Desmond’s question, Park Yoo-jin’s expression changed to one of astonishment. Seeing her face, Desmond chuckled awkwardly.
“No way, is that really the place?”
“Yes, that’s… true. Does that mean your destination is also…?”
“I’m visiting another church today, but I also have an appointment to meet with Mage Jae-hyuk from the Beloche Orphanage in three days.”
“Goodness, what a coincidence!”
Shin Mi-rae, excited and amazed by the thought that the man she had been passionately debating with all day had his destination linked to the orphanage she grew up in, observed Desmond with a grin.
“It is indeed a remarkable coincidence.”