Inherited Heart

Is that Prai? Looks like he's about to give a sermon.

The blessings we have been searching for are falling from the sky!

He's giving another heated sermon today.

I'd expect nothing less from Father Prai!

And thus! Anyone can become the Sword-wielding Savior! The sword is within our hearts!

Now, as for true prayer!

I think I'm burning up!

*pant* I'm sweating from pores I didn't even know I had! It's hot... It's so hot. I feel like there's a fire blazing inside of me!

HOT HOT HOT!

What in the...! He's caught fire!

Ahhh?!

Ow ow ow ow ow!

You've got to be kidding me! What the heck is going on?!

Oh dear! Everyone will be turned to cinders at this rate!

Prai! Hurry up and put them out!

Brother Aldo! Thank heavens! We must save them! We can do it if we split up...

Nobody was wounded, luckily... What the heck happened?

I feel so ashamed...

Ever since my revival, after I brought myself to the verge of death... And ever since my fight with Salamander...

I have become less able to control my own firepower. The heat surges from within me and erupts forth against my will, as if in unison with my fiery emotions!

You can't control...your firepower?

It is already far hotter than a sauna sermon...

Mister Prai! You doin' your cinder sermon again?

Hm?

Is that you, Kook?

Hey, mister! Didn't know you were here, too! Must've been a shock to see everyone on fire.

Umm, yeah... It was a massive shock...

Enough's enough, mister Prai! Cloth's still super pricey in the Merlot Ward. You gotta stop burnin' it!

I am incredibly sorry!

Your clothes are all scorched, too!

I suppose they are looking a little ragged...

I know! Mom'll mend 'em. Let's go ask her.

Heavens, no. I was intending to drop in on her later...

But I brought this on myself. I can hardly put your mother out like that while she's recovering from her illness.

Nah, Mom's so happy she's able to do odd chores again. She's been mendin' pretty much all the cloth we got at home. So there's nothin' to worry about!

Sounds like you should really accept Kook's offer.

Hmm... You may be right.

Very well then, young Kook. You have me convinced.

Yay! I'll head back first and tell Mom!

Kook seems much more cheerful than before.

Rather touching, is it not? Well then, let us head to Kook's house.

Yeah, let's go!

Here you go. The scorch marks aren't as obvious now.

Oh my! Thank you for going to so much trouble for me.

Heheh, it was no bother. I'm feeling so much better these days. I've been helping with the reconstruction, doing some mending, and even going outside to watch them farming.

Really? I am so very glad to hear that! But you must be careful. If you push yourself too hard, you'll be back to square one.

You heard him, Mom! I'll sort out the house, so you just rest for today!

Okay, okay. Thank you, Kook.

Oh, by the way...

I heard about that cinder sermon of yours. Heehee... You're getting more and more like her by the day.

Don't be absurd! I could never hold a candle to her.

Who're you talking about?

I'm afraid you don't know her, Brother Aldo. But we're talking about my master.

Your master? I didn't know you had a master!

I know all about her! She's suuuper strong, just like mister Prai!

Just so... She had a truly strong mind, against which mine could never compare. She truly cared about this land. She'd run about helping our people at all hours. Just about everyone looked up to her.

She would always tell me, with a passionate look in her eyes... That she believed the day would come when blessings would once more fall upon this land.

Ah, yes.

If she saw our land now... She'd be so happy.

Yes, I'm sure...

So... Has your master, um...

My master was ill for a very long time. It was a good decade ago that she was laid to rest, entrusting the future of this land to me.

I see. I'm sorry, this must be very hard for you.

No, not at all. There's no need to worry about that.

Oh, that's right, Father Prai. Isn't it about time you went to see her?

Oh, yes of course. I may have been busy, but that's no excuse for forgetting to visit my master. I deserve a punch for this. I have so much to report that I know would please her greatly. And oh so many stories to tell.

Heheh, that you do.

In which case, I'll need to get her usual flower. To the Chasselas Crystal Region I go!

Brother Aldo, would you mind coming with me to get the flower?

Oh, uh, you sure? Do you really want me there?

Haha. Why would you say that? I would love to introduce you to my master. You're a very dear friend to me.

Prai...

Thanks. Then, I'd love to come with you.

I'm very glad to hear that!

Now, shall we head of to the Chasselas Crystal Region? Let's pick us some pretty flowers!

So what kind of flower do you need?

Let me think... It grows all around in this region, but I'd prefer one of superior quality.

Perhaps we should look a little further in.

(In any case...) (I'd have liked to meet Prai's master...)

Brother Aldo? Is something the matter?

Oh, nope. I was just wondering what your master was like.

What was she like? Hmm... As I said before, she was admired by just about everyone.

And to put it briefly, she was even more hot-blooded than Salamander!

Even more?!

Indeed. She had a intensely fiery will. Being someone only "as" hot-blooded as Salamander, I could never compare. If it hadn't been for her... I'd be cold and gloomy, like a murky pond on a winter's day.

Cold and gloomy? I can't imagine that at all.

Haha... But that was all a long time ago.

It was back before I'd ever even considered joining the priesthood. As much as it shames me to say, I rather resented the world back in my teens. Naturally, I believed not in the almighty, I resented the rich, I cursed this land, and I wasted away my days. The Old Church Domain where I was born and raised did receive some blessings, yet it was still incredibly impoverished. I lost one parent after the other while I was still young, and I turned to crime in order to support myself.

I had no idea...

At first, the townsfolk and priests tried to reach me, but I took a terrible attitude towards them... Eventually, I was shunned and deserted by them, left alone to grow up bitter, with no hope of starting anew. I had thrown my life and home away, closing off my heart and thieving with the local thugs just to make ends meet.

Of course, the church couldn't leave a fool such as I running loose, and one day, they arrested me. But then... Someone said not to throw me in jail just yet, and they took me in instead.

And that was your master?

Yes. I resisted, but it was all in vain. I became her disciple, and started my new life in the church.

*huff* Looks like I've finally lost her. Jeez, what an annoying old hag!

Gah! You found me?!

Urgh, how are you so strong? Lemme go! Lemme go!

You've gotta be kiddin' me! You think I'm just gonna sit there and listen to that stuffy sermon of yours?

Aaargh!

What? You wanna light a fire? There ain't no god in this world, so what's the point in rememberin' yer sermons anyway?

OWWW! What d'you think yer doin', old hag?!

Wha? No way! I don't wanna be a priest!

No chance, you nosy old hag! I didn't ask for that!

AAAAARGH!

During that time at the church, she slowly brought me to my senses. I finally realized that all the church priests I'd once assumed to be terribly wealthy... Did not have lead such a lavish lifestyle after all.

This grub, again? This ain't good enough for a disciple. If you say I'm gonna be a priest, then why don't ya hand over the good grub you guys get to eat.

Ugh. Quit preachin' at me already.

How can you say that when yer clearly gettin' the good stuff? Yer pretty high up here, ain't ya? Yer just an annoyin' old hag, you know that? You think I'm gonna keep on followin' you?

Where is the old hag...?

Are you sure?

Hm?

But Sister Isabella! You have to make sure you're getting enough nutrition, or else...

(Huh?! She's sick...?)

Wha?!

That food...was meant to be for her?

Then she's gettin' even more modest portions than me?

...!

So your master switched meals for you?

Even now, I can never forget the burning shame I felt when I found out the truth. Without heed toward her own ailments, my master gave warm blessings to a youth who was always hurling abuse at her.

It was from that day on that I started coming to my senses. I'd visit the Old Church Domain with her. Undistracted by my own issues, I finally saw their lives for what they really were.

Everyone eagerly looked to the future. Even the children about Kook's age. They worked together, cared for others, prayed to god. That was how they lived their lives. In comparison, I...

Prai...

I felt so intensely ashamed of how far I had fallen. I believed it was fine to steal from the rich. Or to hurt someone you hated. I knew I had to rid myself of those craven thoughts that were rooted so deeply inside of me.

Is that when you decided to become a priest?

No. I'm ashamed to say, I still couldn't be honest with everyone at that point. There was one particular day when everything changed, when I decided to become a priest and I let this be known.

Why am I the only one stayin' behind for this monster hunt?! When you've been workin' me so hard, and I've even been comin' with you on your other hunts! Why am I being left behind?

Huh? Don't you underestimate me like that! You should be worryin' about yourself, not me! You're the one who's bein' rash! You're sick, remember!

You've not had enough stamina for your sauna sermons lately. I know you've been sneakin' off to have a lie down!

I'm not seeing what you're seeing! All I see is a gaunt face with bad complexion that's clearly exhausted beyond belief!

Grr...

You've gotta be kiddin' me!

My master took a few subordinates with her, and went on her way. There I was, grinding my teeth, so vexed that it made my stomach turn. And then...

I'd like to take part in that test!

Heheh... How was that! I deal a pretty heavy blow, huh?

What d'you mean, what am I doing here? I've gotta make sure you get back safely, Master! I thought you'd be strugglin' so I came to save you! Was I wrong?

What? How can you say that? I came here to help you out 'cause you're in danger! Oh, I get it. Haha. You're all upset 'cause I stole your victory, is that it?

What...?

Gah?!

Ngh... That was a mean blow! You were fighting against somethin' this strong all on your own, Master?!

Aaaargh!

Master?!

O-Of c-course...!

What?

How could you say that? I couldn't possibly...

I...I...

...!

Urgh...

This... Is nothing...!

Oh be quiet! You think I listen to anythin' you say? You're the fool! I came back here of my own free will!

I... I've still never lit a fire in your heart.

So how could I let you die in this terrible place? I'll be your shield! I will use this body to protect you, no matter the enemy, no matter how often! Dammit Master, you've gotta live a long and full life!

Hoooraaahhh!

After that, I did everything I could to protect my master.

With the aid of the reinforcements who turned up later, we eventually managed to defeat the monster.

So that's when you got that scar on your eye.

Indeed. In exchange for this scar, I was given resolve.

The resolve to protect those that I care about for as long as I live. And the resolve to become a priest. Everything was thanks to my master.

I never realized you had such a past. I'm kinda shocked.

Haha... It's not something I go around telling people.

While we're on the subject, might I ask you not to mention this to Sister Melina or Sister Thillelille? I am a little embarrassed about it.

Yeah, sure thing. But I think it's a pretty great story.

Haha, you're a kind man, Brother Aldo. But I'd prefer it if the only thing you took from this was how brave my master was.

Th-That was the most mind-blowing story!

I never imagined I'd be hearing something like that on the way back from reconstruction work!

I never thought I'd hear something like that on the way back from reconstruction work! What an eventful trip home.

This is such a shock! Who knew Prai had such a past?

Hey, Melina! Where're you going? Don't you have anything else to say?!

I'm going back to the church. I'm going to pretend I never heard anything, as per the Fiery Friar's wishes.

W-Wait up! Thillelille didn't hear anything either!

Hm? Did you hear a noise up ahead?

No, I didn't hear a thing.

Must've been my imagination...

Perhaps it was a monster. We should proceed with caution. Now, where are some good looking flowers...

Oh, Brother Aldo! I've found one! A big, beautiful flower!

Really?

This will do most nicely! I'm sure Master would...

Huh? I swear I heard something again...

Wha...

What?!

What is it, Brother Aldo? Th-That was quite the shriek! Have you discovered some unbelievable creature?

P-P-Prai! Behind you! Behind you!

Haha, most amusing! Just like when we first met the Professor on the moon... Oh yes, and I said for Sister Thillelille to look behind her...

...... Is there really something there?

Oh, would you look at that? It is but an ordinary dancing flower.

Wait, a dancing flower?!

Wh-What is a monster from the central continent doing over in the West?

I don't know either. But that's definitely a dancing flower.

Perhaps it slipped onto the passenger ship and took root over here?

In which case, this is a most serious issue! That dancing flower...

Looked somewhat anxious!

It did?

It must feel most forlorn, stranded in a new land. It ran off further in... Brother Aldo, we must follow it!

Um, okay...

Look, Prai! There it is!

I-I cannot allow this to happen!

You two...

There is no need to destroy this monster.

What?!

That is not the case. That is not the case at all!

Grr! That's because you two are so worked up! It's making him anxious! I can tell... This monster is not bad! The look in its eyes is completely different to its savage counterparts I've come across in the central continent.

Grr... It's panicked... There is no other way to calm it down!

Brother Aldo! I intend to gently smack it into shape. Will you lend me a hand?

Y-Yeah, of course!

Phew... I think we've calmed it down.

Yeah. But...

Because this monster is not native to our lands, and has drifted to us from the central continent.

At first, we were non-natives to the central continent, intruding on their land... But we got to know the people from their continent, spent time together, and built relations.

Which is why we cannot just kill a visitor from their continent.

It would not necessarily be a bad thing. And besides...

It must be a strong specimen if it is able to take root in a land as barren as Zerberiya. I believe it is a good sign that a creature who lived on the bountiful central continent would now be living here.

I guess? When you put it that way...

Look. Do you not think the dancing flower's expression has softened while we've been talking?

I think that might just be in your imagination...

Haha, perhaps. This is good... I'm sure we'll be able to live in harmony from now on.

(Is he...talking to it...?!)

I very much appreciate it. I thank you!

I'm glad we didn't have to get rid of that dancing flower.

Indeed. If we are able to intermix species from our two continents, it can only enrich our western continent... That is my belief, at least.

I'm sure you're right.

Well, then. Now that we have the flower that we came for, we might as well head back ourselves.

Yeah, we should. Are we going to the Merlot Ward?

No. My master lies in the cathedral HQ... So that is where we are heading.

All right. Let's get going.

So this is where your master is?

I see...

Then I guess it's time to take the flower and go meet your master.

Wha?! You're gonna pulverize it?!

I thought you got this to give to your master.

O-Okay then... (Offerings sure are different over here...)

(That makes sense. I'm sure he'd prefer some alone time with his master...)

Of course! I'll be waiting for you here.

(If this is his first time visiting her in a while, there must be a lot to catch up on.)

(I'll just relax over here...)

What? Already?!

I thought you'd have loads to talk about.

Mixed up in something?

Wh-What was that? There's a noise coming from inside.

What? Now the door's on fire?!

...... Phew...

Wh-Who are you?!

My, my what huge flames!

Ohoho... Would you look at that!

What's going on? And who's that old lady?

Oh, yet more new faces, I see.

And is that you...

Prai! I hope you've been well?

Wha?! M-Master?!

Oh...um...

What's going on, Prai? You said your master died ages ago!

B-But... You said she was resting in peace!

Then...you mean that flower you smashed up?!

So I just completely misunderstood this whole situation?!

I was wondering what was causing this fire... Is that you, Prai, Aldo?

Dear me... This is more than just a fire, this is an all-consuming inferno! Good morning, Isabella!

It's "former" superior in my case.

Isabella... Your name comes up everywhere I go for my charitable work. It is an honor to meet you.

Thillelille's heard of you, too! You're a legend in this church!

Every time Thillelille hears about you, she admires you even more...

How can someone as amazing as you be Prai's master?!

Really? Teeheehee!

Don't you worry, ma'am! Thillelille always treats Prai like a good boy!

No you're not! You're the best subordinate ever! You have Thillelille's seal of approval.

I couldn't say if you're a good man, but you're an excellent priest as far as I'm concerned.

You are. You're always protecting your superiors. You're more chivalrous than anyone I know!

Yeah! You're a good man, Prai.

Or rather, you're a man among men.

Huh, so the cinder sermon was originally your master's technique?

I-Is that so?

It's so hot!

I'm so thirsty...

Whoa! They're burning!

You think they're okay?!

This is beyond our worldly understanding...

My oh my! Do you think they'll be all right? If they don't stop soon...

Then what happens?

She certainly makes a lot of noise, just like you.

Did the sermon exhaust her?

Which results in a deep sleep.

So are you tired too, Prai?

That's the spirit! You have Thillelille's support!

B-By training... Are you gonna set us on fire?!

Um... I dunno if Thillelille'll be any good at that...

Right, Melina?

Hey, Melina's gone! Oh no...so's Rosetta!

Dammit, they beat us to it!

Ummm...

I-If it's the flames of love... Thillelille doesn't wanna burn yet!

Hey, don't leave me behind, Thillelille!