I Just Wanted to Avoid Death - Chapter 43
Despite being a high-ranking priest, Yeshion had never been dispatched on a mission before.
While it was partly due to his lack of abilities, the bigger reason was that he never exhibited the proper demeanor expected of a priest in the field.
“Even if I go… I won’t be of any help.”
“There are many injured people in the Duchy of Mishemol. According to Priest Gillett, your first aid skills are quite exceptional, Yeshion.”
Yeshion blinked.
‘It’s not that I’m skilled. It’s just that they have no aptitude for it…’
He recalled the priests from the southern prayer hall. Despite their best efforts, they often struggled with basic tasks.
Some would drop bandages while applying them, others spilled ointments, and a few even tried to cover wounds with dirt still inside.
All of this made no sense to Yeshion, who simply corrected their methods.
“Mm…”
“You don’t seem too eager.”
From the Duchy of Mishemol onwards, the events were from the original story. Yeshion, who was supposed to be dead, didn’t belong in that scene. Just the thought of what might happen sent chills down his spine.
But if Eldis didn’t go, Rosaline…
“You’re not going, Yeshion?”
At the sound of Rosaline’s voice, Yeshion’s fingers trembled slightly.
Rosaline looked down at him, tilting his head.
His long lavender hair cascaded gently, and his bright pink eyes focused on him. Even his slightly downturned lips added to his charm.
“…Why are you using your charms on me?”
If you’re going to use them, use them on Eldis or Adelio.
Yeshion swallowed his thoughts and extended his hand to cover Rosaline’s eyes, though the unease in his heart didn’t fade.
After all, whether he went or not, the original story had already changed. However, it was hard to predict what might happen if he stayed behind.
‘If I don’t go…’
Perhaps he could avoid getting tangled up in everything. He could ignore what happens to Rosaline and pretend not to care.
Yeshion bit the inside of his cheek as he quietly observed him.
“Why are you covering my eyes?”
Rosaline asked, clearly displeased, as he pulled his hand away.
His innocent and pure gaze was directed at him.
A person who would show kindness even to those who hated him. Yeshion couldn’t help but hope that her eyes would never be tainted by despair.
‘…Damn it.’
That damned meddlesome nature of his.
“I’ll…….”
“……?”
“I’ll only repay a favor once.”
The favor of protecting Yeshion from Adelio was repaid by throwing away the vial.
Now, then, the favor to be repaid is for what Yeshion did with Rosaline. Of course, this was done by Yeshion before he was possessed, but his conscience was too sore to let it go.
‘If only I had known her future.’
No, if only Rosaline had been a little more single-minded.
“I’ll go to …….”
“Really?”
Rosaline’s eyes widened in delight and he jumped for joy.
He was going to work anyway, and it would be the same with or without Yeshion, so what’s the big deal.
“Now that you’ve made up your mind, I’ll make sure Priest Yeshion’s name is added to the list for the expedition.”
Eldis paused, turning to Yeshion with a smile before continuing.
“Since we have about a month until departure, Priest Yeshion, you’ll need to undergo a refresher course in priestly duties during that time.”
“..…”
“I’m confident you’ll do well.”
It wasn’t a comforting statement at all.
* * *
From that day on, Yeshion was unable to participate in the usual temple activities. Instead, he was summoned daily to Eldis’s office to attend lessons titled “The Proper Mindset and Attitude of a Priest.”
“This concludes the material for junior priests. Your comprehension is quite good,” Eldis remarked.
Yeshion stared at him, wondering if he was serious. This was basic material that even seven-year-olds would have already mastered.
‘Then again, it’s possible Yeshion was just that stupid.’
The previous Yeshion had spent over half his life at the temple without ever following a single rule. If he thought of it that way, Eldis’s praise for his understanding started to make more sense.
“Starting tomorrow, we’ll move on to the material for intermediate priests. You’ll also begin learning how to handle divine power.”
At Eldis’s words, Yeshion closed the book and asked:
“Is it really necessary for me to learn how to handle divine power?”
Eldis set down the monocle he had been wearing and looked at Yeshion, clearly awaiting an explanation. Feeling awkward under the gaze, Yeshion scratched his cheek.
“I don’t have divine power.”
“And who told you that?”
