Sacrilegious Salvation - Chapter 4

When Torland’s body was discovered.

I had already sold all my possessions for gold coins, packed a few clothes, bought a carriage for the journey, and left the small town with Ellis.

The sea was far away; it would take some time to reach it.

Whenever night fell, I would find an inn in the city we passed through to stay the night, and feed the horse some hay.

But at the same time, those lurking in the shadows-the Dark God and the people of the Light Church-were all searching for Ellis together.

At dawn, after a simple wash and breakfast, I was preparing to head to our next destination.

The city gates had been sealed early in the morning.

The streets were crowded, as if something major had happened.

I thought those people had discovered Ellis, so I pulled down his wide hood over his forehead, ready to take him away and find another way.

I overheard two peasant women whispering.

“Oh my, I heard that after the City Lord’s daughter attended the ball yesterday, she disappeared. The guards were following her closely-could it really be the work of the undead?”

“Shh, don’t say such things. If it were just the undead causing trouble, the Light Knights would have slain them long ago. A prophet came to the city a few days ago and divined that a terrible demon living in the old castle had awakened, disguised as a lost and handsome youth, luring and feeding on the blood of young girls.”

“Ah? Then I must watch my daughter closely. She’s always eager to help others-sometimes I wonder if it’s kindness or foolishness.”

“May the Holy Light descend.”

“May God bless us.”

They pressed their palms together and lowered their eyes in prayer.

The passersby nearby were moved, and many stopped to pray with them.

Ellis squeezed my hand tightly.

His mood was clearly low.

“Hey, have you seen this person?”

A loud male voice came from not far away.

It was a tall Knight, holding a portrait of Ellis, loudly questioning a passing brown-haired man.

The silver cross emblem on his chest reflected a golden-red light in the morning sun. Further away, the crisp and heavy sound of metal clashing rang out as the Light Knights, clad in sturdy armor, arrived one after another.

At that moment, a swarm of bats burst from the shadows, covering the sky and swooping down to attack them.

Screams and panic spread through the crowd.

I took the opportunity to pull Ellis away, slipping through the chaos. Unfortunately, a lame beggar grabbed the hem of my skirt.

“Please, take me with you.”

He fell to the ground, his long, tangled beard and hair matted from neglect, his bloodshot eyes pleading.

Ellis bent down to help him up before I could.

The wind blew in our faces.

It lifted his hat slightly, letting a few strands of silver hair fall out, briefly revealing the cold, hidden face beneath.

I quickly helped him adjust his hat.

But it was too late.

The beggar had seen it.

A look of awe appeared on his sharp-cheeked face.

What a face it was.

Beauty beyond his meager vocabulary.

Ellis and I helped the beggar to a safe corner by the wall, so he wouldn’t be trampled by the crowd.

But he seemed unable to recover.

He was lost in the visage of God.

He kept staring at Ellis.

Worried, I gave him some gold coins before leaving, repeatedly instructing him to keep quiet.

“Don’t say you’ve seen us.”

“Yes, yes, kind lady.”

The beggar accepted the coins devoutly with both hands, his hunched back bowing, thanking me again and again, his words of praise never ceasing.

I quickly led Ellis into a narrow alley, weaving and hiding until we returned to the inn.

“Are you worried?”

Ellis gently smoothed my furrowed brow.

As soon as we entered the room, I kept glancing out the window, pacing nonstop.

The youth wore a white linen robe, his hat now removed, silver hair cascading down his back.

Morning light streamed through the half-open window, pouring over him like silk, outlining a gentle and holy silhouette.

“My dear God.

White is too conspicuous.

I think you should change your clothes.”

I closed the window, rummaged through my bundle, and handed him a black robe, turning my back so he could change.

The sound of rustling clothes came from behind.

I lowered my eyes, fingers entwined. Though I feared offending God, I hesitated and spoke:

“Not all beggars are good people. We’re on the run, so perhaps…”

Ellis finished changing and came to stand before me, his fair fingers lifting my face so I looked at him. He asked softly:

“Perhaps what?”

I looked away, struggling to say:

“Perhaps you should show less kindness.”

God is tolerant and kind.

Yet here I was, trying to teach him indifference and selfishness.

It was wrong, offensive.

Deeply disrespectful.

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them, wanting to beg forgiveness, trying to see things from God’s perspective and compromise.

But Ellis hugged me first.

“Sorry, I didn’t think it through.

You don’t need to feel uneasy because of this.”

Even without his divine power,

God’s embrace was still warm and comforting.

No one could resist it.

But there was still important business to attend to.

I slipped out of his arms, took the map from my bundle, and explained my plan.

“This city has a long history. If we find a spot where the city wall is old and crumbling, it’ll be easy to break through and avoid the guards.”

“Mm, I’ll go with you.”

“No.”

I refused softly: “Two people draw attention. If someone sees your face, it could be big trouble.”

Afraid Ellis would worry, I took out the Green Dagger at my waist and showed it off in the sunlight, a faint smile on my lips:

“My grandfather was a demon hunter.

The dagger carries his power.

I’ll be fine.

God will wait for me to come back, right?”

Ellis looked at me for a long time.

As I was leaving,

He grabbed my wrist.

He held the back of my neck, our foreheads touching.

He sighed softly: “My dear Believer.

Don’t make me worry, don’t make me wait too long.”