"Sister?"

Celine’s voice rose in tandem with distant birdsong.

But while Celine’s call lasted only two syllables, the birds chirped away merrily.

Sunlight poured over the chapel.

A fine day.

Yet the Holy Maiden stared ahead with a vacant gaze.

"Sister?"

Celine’s voice mingled with birdsong once more.

"Hmm?" Violette finally stirred. "What is it?"

"Have you been tired lately, Sister? Why don’t you rest awhile? I can take over your duties in the confessional," Celine said, worry threading her words.

She sensed a subtle shift in her sister since yesterday.

"I’m perfectly fine," Violette replied with a gentle smile.

Celine studied that familiar, saintly expression—yet something felt... off.

"Sister~ Let me help?" Celine pleaded softly.

"I appreciate your concern, but this work isn’t difficult or taxing. Aren’t you preparing for the Bishop’s promotion exam?" Violette’s tone remained warm.

"Yes..." Celine nodded. "But you matter more."

"Now, now—I know you cherish me. Truly. But this is my chosen duty. Why should you sacrifice your time for my burden?" Violette chuckled lightly.

"Wow..." Celine blinked in surprise. "You’ve gotten so persuasive lately, Sister."

Violette’s smile stiffened for a fleeting moment at her sister’s innocent remark.

"Everyone grows, Celine. One day, you’ll be just like me," Violette murmured.

"Mm!" Celine’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she nodded firmly.

Violette exhaled quietly.

Her mind kept replaying the gentleman’s words from last night—over and over.

She stole a glance at her sister, who beamed up at her, eyes crinkled with trust.

A pang of guilt twisted in her chest.

*It’s my own fault... He’d refused to tell me several times...*

The Holy Maiden sighed inwardly.

*Tonight. Yes! Tonight I won’t repeat this!*

*I only wanted to ease his pain—not to hear those... morbid tales!*

Moments later, the Holy Maiden sat again in the confessional booth.

A guilty thrill warred with anticipation as she waited for the young gentleman.

She caught herself drifting and quickly steadied her thoughts.

Yet when his familiar footsteps approached, followed by a weary sigh as he settled onto the bench—her pulse still fluttered.

"Good evening, sir."

"Good evening, Sister. I trust my words last night didn’t trouble you?" the young gentleman asked.

"Not at all. I’m quite well, sir," Violette replied gently.

"I’m relieved." He accepted her answer without hesitation.

"What would you like to discuss tonight?" Violette inquired.

"Tonight..." The gentleman sighed, a faint smile in his voice. "Let’s continue where we left off."

"Mm..." The Holy Maiden hesitated, sensing the wrongness of listening further.

"My apologies. Those tales were unfit for a nun’s ears. Let me change the subject," he offered belatedly.

"No need!" Violette blurted out, leaning forward slightly. "I truly wish to hear!"

"Don’t force yourself—" he began.

"You endured such horrors yet kept your kindness. How could mere words harm me?" Violette whispered.

"Kindness and gentleness won’t save you in my world. Men like me are a dime a dozen..." The Sage sighed. "But if you insist, I’ll continue."

"Mm-hmm." The Holy Maiden nodded eagerly.

Just as he was about to speak, Violette added earnestly, "Sir—kindness and gentleness *are* noble qualities. To hold them steadfastly... that’s truly remarkable."

"Thank you," the gentleman murmured.

His voice settled into calm narration.

As he spoke, the Holy Maiden’s lips parted in silent shock.

Soft gasps escaped her now and then.

"Sir..." she asked when he paused briefly. "Why did you wish for me to hear these things?"

"I felt..." he hesitated. "You seemed too trusting. I wanted to share warnings that might sharpen your caution."

"You think I’m... gullible?" The Holy Maiden’s voice held a hint of defiance.

She’d barely cared what others thought—but this gentleman’s opinion had lingered in her mind since their first meeting.

"Yes." His reply was matter-of-fact.

"Could *you* deceive me, then?" Violette challenged, a touch of hurt beneath her tone.

"Easily." He didn’t flinch.

"Prove it."

"No need. A woman of your grace deserves honest courtship—not games that ensnare hearts." His voice stayed level.

Before she could protest, he added, "Let me share a case study instead."

"Go on." Violette pressed her lips together.

"Two people: Mr. A and Miss C.

Mr. A constantly tells Miss C: *‘You overreact to everything,’* or *‘You’re adorable, but you always fail at this...’* and *‘Only you’d struggle with this—but I’ll help you.’*

What happens to Miss C over time?"

"Hmm..." The Holy Maiden pondered. "If it were me—"

"Not you. Don’t project." He cut her off gently.

"Oh. Then... Miss C would likely see Mr. A as reliable? His words sting, but he seems well-meaning."

"*Heavens*..." The gentleman rubbed his temples. "Sister, you’re even more trusting than I imagined."

"*What!*" Her cheeks puffed indignantly.

"This is a psychological tactic exposed decades ago in my world. A method to breed dependence—by undermining her confidence while positioning himself as indispensable."

"I..."

"Some believe any tactic is fair in love. But I think..." Another sigh. "Reducing romance to mere lust for flesh is... repulsive."

"Terms like ‘love-bombing’ or ‘trauma-bonding’ exist. Trust me, Sister—if I wished to—" He broke off abruptly. "*Forgive me. That’s not what I meant.*"

"Oh..." Violette fell silent.

He hadn’t even tried—and she’d already warmed to him.

She’d even agreed with his half-spoken thought before it died on his lips.

*That unfinished sentence... it woke me up.*

"How terrifying..." she whispered.

"Precisely why I wanted you cautious. That’s why I began with those... darker tales."

"Then why stop halfway last night?"

"Because forcing ‘help’ on others is arrogance. You may not need my warnings—and whether I achieved my goal is unclear. But your innocence... it’s been tarnished by my words."

"Innocence..." Violette’s voice turned complex. "You truly see me as a child."

"What? Should I say ‘purity’ instead?" He sighed again. "That’d sound like harassment, wouldn’t it?"

"Purity..." she mumbled, her face growing warm.

"You’re a good man, sir," Violette said after a steadying breath. "To consider others so deeply."

"Don’t say that..." He sighed *again*. "In my world, that’s how women politely reject suitors. It’s lost all subtlety from overuse."

"*Ah!* I didn’t mean it like that!" Her face flushed crimson.

"I know, I know. No need to fluster." His tone softened with resignation.

"Besides—it’s not consideration. It’s indecision."

"Not indecision. *Tenderness*."

"Is that so? You have a gift for kind words, Sister."

"I mean them!" Her voice held quiet conviction.

"Do you..." A dry chuckle escaped him. "Then... thank you."

"Eh? N-no thanks needed?" Violette stammered, bewildered but polite.

"With your skill, sir, surely many fine ladies surround you?" she ventured, curiosity getting the better of her.

Silence.

"None."

"What?"

"Not one. From childhood to now—not a single woman cared to look past my plain face to the tangled soul beneath." His laugh held self-mockery.

Yet Violette sensed tears trembling behind his words.

"T-that’s! Sir, someone as remarkable as you will surely be cherished someday!" she rushed to add.

"May your words come true," he replied dismissively.

After this quiet interlude, the gentleman and Violette continued their conversation.