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

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

Its hopeless. He cant be saved.

After examining Zion, who had spewed black 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 accident 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 glanced back at Zions face, which was turning black. Life could be seen slowly seeping out of him.Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

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 cannot 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 of compassion 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 think.

Sir Raymond Saytes.

Fortunately, the wait was soon over.

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

Reverend Dullan 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. Dullan Roid. Raymond rose from his seat. He came here to meet Dullan. 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 Dullan. Its been a while.

However, Dullan 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 Dullan 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.

Dullan 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 Dullan. He needed to confirm it.

When will you have time?

I-I dont know.

I wont return until you have time.

Dullans 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 Dullan to go to a confessional booth.

Taaak.

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 Dullan to come in at the other side.

The confessional booths were located at the back, in a quiet place that was separate from the main hall, where most people were. It was a place 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 to come here.

I have come here to make a confession to you.

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

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

What kind of relationship 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 Dullan became entangled with Carynne, Raymond found it difficult to figure out what to think of him. However, theres something that he needed Dullan to confirm.

I have sinned.

What What sin have you committed?

I killed someone.

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

I am doubtful of someone.

Who are you d-doubting?

Raymond looked at Dullan.

Reverend Dullan. It is you who I am doubting.

Dullan did not say anything in return.

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

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

May I be forgiven for my sins?