The Pious Priest's Sinful Collection - Chapter 2
1
“That’s Daphne, isn’t she? She’s truly a model for all of us.”
Sister Thalia said proudly.
“We once joked among ourselves about what we’d want to do first if we ever left the convent. You know what she said? That she’s never even thought about returning to secular life! Oh, of course, if we could become full priests officially, we wouldn’t even joke about leaving. But since she was born under the ‘Three Stars,’ she has no choice in the matter. And yet, even then, Daphne only ever looked toward the path of a devout life.”
The guest, who was being shown around the convent grounds by Thalia, remarked with admiration that Daphne truly seemed like a pious person. Thalia nodded with a face full of pride.
“Personally, I really respect her. If only she hadn’t been born under the Three Stars, I’m sure she would’ve become a full priest already and ordained without a hitch. If she were ever granted sainthood, I think it would’ve been under the title Saint of Temperance and Devotion… Oh? What are the ‘Three Stars,’ you ask?”
The novice priestess paused mid-step, her expression puzzled. Her wide eyes seemed to ask how anyone could not know that. The visitor explained that they were from another country and unaffiliated with any religion, so their knowledge of the Avach Church was limited.
In response, Thalia cleared her throat.
“About a hundred years ago, there was a prophecy about a child born on the night when three stars rose in the sky.”
shall lead a saint into corruption.
Only the righteous shall bring them to repentance.」
She explained that from then on, the Grand Temple has been searching for children born under the Three Stars. The visitor then asked how such children could be identified.
Thalia nodded, saying it was a good question.
“Children born on that day have three marks on their body, arranged in an inverted triangle. The Grand Temple announced that any family who brought in a child with such marks would receive a personal blessing from His Holiness, the Pope. Naturally, those children were sent to the Temple as soon as they were born. But Daphne wasn’t one of them. She wandered the streets until she was ten years old before joining us.
“And yet… she’s so devout. Even those of us who’ve lived in the Temple since birth were surprised. Everyone considers her piety to be something truly special. Of course, she seemed a little lost when she first arrived… but that didn’t last long. Ever since, she’s never shied away from difficult tasks and is always the first to lend a hand when someone needs help. You should see how she offers a prayer of thanks for even the smallest things — it’s incredibly moving.
“Oh, is she younger than us? Ahaha. Not at all. We’re the same age. It’s just… when you look at her, you feel this urge to protect her, you know?”
Sister Thalia was chattering away when the distant sound of a bell from the tower interrupted her. She offered a quick apology, saying that was as far as she could accompany the visitor.
“I can’t guide you into the Grand Temple itself. You’ll have to request one of the ordained priests. But I can take you to where they are. Oh, you’d like to look around the convent a little more?”
When the visitor said they wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the convent a bit longer and would find their own way to the Grand Temple, Thalia looked concerned.
“Um… Are you sure? I feel strange saying this, but unlike the Temple, this place can feel very quiet if you’re not deliberately making noise…”
She warned that the stillness might feel unsettling, but the visitor reassured her, saying the silence actually helped them appreciate the convent’s natural presence.
While Thalia hesitated, the fourth bell tolled, signaling it was time to prepare dinner for the high-ranking priests. If she lingered any longer, her fellow novices would have more work to do.
“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave… May the grace of the Father be with you.”
Anxious now, Thalia gave a few last tips not to get lost, then hurried away.
* * *
The corridor leading to the Grand Temple was bathed in warm sunlight.
It caught on the deep brown hair of a novice priestess, turning it a vivid crimson. The dazzling sight drew every eye passing through the hallway.
Yet the one at the center of attention seemed unaware, her focus fixed entirely on the stack of dishes cradled in her arms, carefully adjusting her steps to avoid spilling them.
Among those watching, one man finally mustered the courage to approach her.
“Um, Sister? If you don’t mind, may I help you? That looks like a lot of dishes…”
“Ah.”
The novice priestess, Daphne, only then lifted her gaze — calm turquoise eyes meeting his.
