A Winged God

Oh, well hello there! Are you looking for some attention?

You're still just a little kitten. Where did your parents run off to?

Mreow?

Could it be... That your parents abandoning you was a test from the Light?

If that is the case, as a servant of the Light, I would be more than willing to take you in and look after you.

What's this? It seems you're not alone any more, little one.

How wonderful... In that case, I'm afraid I must be on my way.

What a relief, eh, Rosetta? That kitten's parents came for it.

How did you, Aldo... Were you watching me from the shadows? You even managed to hide your presence from me...

You seem to be a natural at keeping an eye on people, Aldo.

I wasn't keeping an eye on you...

I just thought that I might scare the kitten off if I said anything.

Oh, is that so? I'm still not totally convinced you weren't watching me...

But I suppose I will let you off this time. After all, the one and only Aldo wouldn't lie about that.

Um...

You sure do like cats, though, don't you Rosetta?

What gave you that idea? I hold no particular fondness for them, really.

Huh?!

The way you were speaking so kindly to that cat, I was sure you were a cat person...

Well, Aldo, I am a servant of the Light... I just thought that I would share its blessings and benevolence with that poor creature.

Oh, really now...

Oh my! How refreshing to have such a suspicious gaze turned upon me.

Usually, that gaze is my own...

Suspicious, huh? Does that have something to do with the work you do with the Order?

I feel like I asked before... But what kind of work does an inquisitor do again?

You told me before that you were an inquisitor... But what kind of work do you actually do?

I suppose one so far removed from the Order would have no reason to know.

To put it simply, my job is to go around and have people recite the teachings of the Order to see if they understand them! Occasionally, I come across adherents who are mistaken in their faith.

Oh... So your job is to investigate the people who've got things wrong, huh?

So... You ask people who misunderstand a bunch of questions?

Yes, that's right!

Yes. Something like that!

Although...

Asking those questions and investigating takes quite some skill. It's rather tricky!

It's tricky, huh? Well if you need any help, I'm happy to lend a hand.

Oh my! How lovely. I was just about to set off on some business, in fact.

Would you be so kind as to help me?

Yeah, of course!

Thank you, Aldo! It is truly a blessing from the Light that such a wonderful thing could happen!

Haha! That's a bit much, don't you think?

All right, so now what?

Ah, yes. First, let us head for Palsifal Palace.

Hey Rosetta, what sort of business do you have at Palsifal Palace?

Well, to put it simply, I must do a little investigation of a particular priest.

So does that mean that this priest person has misunderstandings about the faith?

Now, that is not for certain yet.

Actually, the priest who I am going to see seems to have rapidly gained disciples as of late. I want to find out for myself just what splendid missionary work has been going on.

I see... And that missionary work must be happening at Palsifal Palace, right?

Yes. I have heard that their gatherings are usually around here...

...It is written in the holy texts that the savior who will deliver salvation to this world is flanked by Winged Beings.

Oh my! It seems like they are right in the middle of a sermon.

Okay, Aldo. Let's slip into the congregation and have a listen.

Got it!

Oh and... Just so you know, no matter what I say from here on out, and no matter what I do... Just stay calm, okay? I can't have any strange comments or reactions from you.

You tend to wear your heart on your sleeve, Aldo, so you can understand my worry.

I do? Well, I'll be careful.

Thank you. Now then, are you ready? Let's go.

Once more, I repeat! In the holy texts... It is written that our savior is accompanied by Winged Beings!

And as that is so, the Light that hath sent the savior to us... What form must it take?

That's right... It must be a winged being itself, mustn't it?

Sure sounds like it.

Lo, just as is written within the holy texts, the Light showed itself to this world long ago. And though long hath its presence been hidden, the Winged Being must yet be in this world. If we might only find the whereabouts of this Winged Being...

This world should become a paradise, and we would all be granted eternal youth and life!

Oh my goodness! It's wonderful!

A paradise...I wish that I could see it, if only for a moment.

And to bring about that paradise... You must believe in the Light. Only those who offer their daily prayers to the Light will be guided to paradise!

Well, I think I shall wrap up today's sermon here. Make sure that you all study the holy texts, and don't forget to offer your prayers to the Light.

Thank you so much!

And with that, I leave the rest to you. Go forth and spread the Light's blessing.

Yes! Please leave it to me!

...What a lovely story.

I've not seen your faces before. Are you new disciples, perhaps?

Yes. I have recently learned of the Order of the West, and I have resolved to serve the Light.

Huh?!

Hah- er *cough* a-hem! I think there's something in my throat... I hope I haven't caught a cold...

How terrible. I pray for your swift recovery.

I am yet unstudied in the holy texts... But I hadn't the slightest idea that the Light bore wings. What a wonderful story that was.

That's right. The Light does indeed bear wings. That is the conclusion that I have reached after many years of studying the holy texts.

Truly, that really is something! How surprised I was to find out!

I intend to present this finding to the Order. Until then, however, please keep it to yourself.

Oh, I understand.

Jeez, Aldo! Didn't I tell you not to do anything weird?

I'm sorry! I couldn't stop myself in time...

And also what was that? That unnatural sounding cough? It sounded like you were about to burst out laughing.

No... I didn't have time to think, so I did the first thing that came into my head.

Oh my... I guess it can't be helped. Please try to be more composed next time.

Yeah, I get it, Rosetta. But why did you lie?

If I had told them who I really am, they would all be on their best behavior. It makes understanding a person's true character unnecessarily difficult.

Oh, I see. You are here to investigate them, after all. Makes sense that you would be on your guard, then.

That's right!

You know, you might look rather naive, but you might be rather good at exposing peoples' secrets, Aldo.

What?! R-Really...?

How about it, Aldo? Want to try joining me as an inquisitor?

There's no way I could do that. I don't even believe in that Light thing...

That isn't an issue at all! It might even be better that you're not a believer...

Huh?! Inquisitors don't...?

Hee hee! Only joking!

......

Oh? Are you new disciples?

Thank you for joining the congregation today. Please accept this token of the Light's blessing.

I hope to see you at the next gathering as well. Take care now.

Umm... Are you sure it's okay to take that?

Yes, it's fine. It is a "blessing of the Light", after all.

I have some acquaintances who are involved with the Order, but I've never seen them hand out money before.

Is it normal for people to pass out money like that in your Order, Rosetta?

Yes. Although, this is the first time I have come across a priest who does so.

No. This is the first time I have come across a priest who does that.

Wait, what?! So they're doing it by themselves...?

Well, it would appear that way... However, our Order also performs volunteer work. Since it's a "blessing of the Light", it could be interpreted as giving alms.

What if... The reason for the sudden increase in adherents is...

Yes. That is likely a big factor. Human beings have a soft spot for an easy profit.

I was so looking forward to finding out what sort of incredible missionary work they were doing...

What a bummer. They were just handing out money.

No, Aldo.

It's better than expected. This is an actual blessing from the Light. Tee hee!

Well then, Aldo. Let us press that young lady from before a little harder, shall we?

You don't want to ask the priest?

It is very important to hear what everyone connected to the target has to say beforehand. I believe that they should still be in the palace, so let us search.

Huh? I only see the girl. Looks like the priest already left.

How convenient. This will make asking questions all the more simple.

Okay, Aldo, please cooperate with me this time.

Sure, I'll do my best, but what exactly do you want me to do?

Well, now, it's very simple!

Each time I ask you a question, just reply with "That's right, boss."

...What?

You will understand soon. Now then, let's go.

Oh? You're the people from earlier... Did you need something from me?

Yes. You seem to be helping out with the Order's services, yes?

Yes. The priest is very busy, so I wanted to help out where I could.

My, my... How very devout of you. He must also be so delighted. You two seem to trust each other very much. You seem quite close...

C-Close? What are you saying?!

You don't have to hide it from me. Having a right-hand woman to help manage the church is very important.

If the priest has a partner around, I think I could easily make a recommendation to HQ for him to head a new division.

Isn't that right, Investigator?

Huh...?

Oh. Uh... That's right, boss.

Umm... What's all this about partners and division heads?

And... What do you mean, "Investigator"?

What? You mean you and the priest aren't together?!

N-No...!

Well... I always hoped that we could be, someday, but...

Oh my! It seems that I have made a grave misjudgment...

In that case, I'm afraid...

Without a partner, there is no way that I can recommend him as a new division head... Isn't that right, Investigator?

That's right, boss.

Oh... what a pity. I had wanted to entrust a new Order division to him too...

Excuse me...! What exactly do you mean?!

Well... Truthfully, I have been assigned with very important secret business, so I shouldn't tell, but...

Can you promise not to tell anyone, not even the priest about us and about what you heard here?

Yes! I promise! Please, tell me more about what's going on!

A plan has been devised by the Order's HQ in the Western continent to establish a new branch.

We were dispensed to nominate a priest to entrust that new branch to... Isn't that right, Investigator?

That's right, boss.

Your priest is our first candidate for the position.

Wow! That's just wonderful! He would be perfect for that position!

However... It is a difficult task to run a branch alone. Without a partner...

Well, I'm here!

While I respect your enthusiasm, there are many expenses involved in running a church branch.

That's not a problem! My father has a big business, and he gives me money to support me!

Does that mean that... The "blessings of the Light" are...

Yes! I ask Father for funds every time I come to a sermon.

I see... So you and your father are both quite devout. How wonderful.

In that case, it seems that I can go ahead with my recommendation for division head... If there were any sort of noteworthy events which occurred through his faith in the Light, it might help tip the scales.

Isn't that right, Investigator?

That's right, boss.

There is! I'm the only person that he told!

Oh really? What might that be?

He, well... He met the Light! That's right! The Light, that Winged Being!

What?! He met the Light?!

......

Wow, that is truly something! I'm sure you think so too, don't you, Investigator?

......

...That's right, boss.

If that is true, then the position of division head, or even the Supreme Cardinal of the Order isn't out of the question.

I speak the truth! He even let me meet it once, too. That's where he is right now, meeting with the Winged Light!

I see... Where is he now, exactly?

The Keruri Highroad. That is where the he always goes to meet the Winged Light.

In that case, we shall go and meet him.

My my! With this, our recommendation should be a sure thing, right Investigator?

That's right, boss.

Now then, let us head to the Keruri Highroad, Investigator!

Hey Rosetta... Do you think there's actually a Winged Light?

Hm, who knows?

However, I've not seen any mention of it anywhere in the holy texts.

So that means... That priest is one of those heretics you talked about, right?

I cannot say that for certain yet. And furthermore... It is not the place for an inquisitor to determine whether one is or is not a heretic.

Oh, really? Then who does decide?

The one suspected of heresy themselves. If the individual acknowledges it, it is heresy, and if not, then it is not.

Huh... I don't get it. Heresy's a bad thing, isn't it?

That's right. It is not sanctioned by the Order.

So, then why would anyone ever admit to being a heretic?

Well, now! That's when we step in and use our skills as inquisitors to make them admit it!

How exactly does that work...?

Everyone has a hidden side to them. It doesn't matter if they are your neighbor, your lover...

...Or even your parents.

Huh? Rosetta?

That hidden side is a secret that every individual wants to hide. And why are they hiding it?

Because they have violated the laws of man... Or they have gone against the teachings of the Light.

As inquisitors, we reveal that person's hidden side and expose their sins.

Their hidden side and sins, huh?

You're no exception either, Aldo.

Me? But I don't think I have a hidden side or anything.

Oh? Then perhaps the information I received was incorrect.

Did you not approach your sister while saying "Kiiindly... Soooftly..."?

Huh?! What do you mean?! Kindly, softly...? Oh! I know! I must have just been talking to Feinne about how to handle Prisma!

Oh, you remembered? It was just a little joke!

Just a second. How did you know that, Rosetta?

My, my! I will leave how I came to find out about it to your imagination.

But you see, don't you? When you thrust a person's sins before them, they crack.

But hold on, that wasn't a sin or anything...

Well, whatever you say, Aldo. Anyway, nobody wants their sins exposed to the world, do they? Everyone admits to their heresy in the end.

Is that... A threat?

No, no, no! By facing one's own sins, one can reconsider and repent!

Hmm...

Huh? Did you hear something just now?

Yes, I heard it. What an ominous cry...

Th-That was...!

I see... So that's what's going on.

Oh, great Light! You have graced me with your presence!

My Light, your worshippers are steadily increasing in number. We offer our prayers to you every day. Do you hear them, I wonder...?

Grooowrgh!

Ah, thank you. You shall surely cleanse the world with holy fire and bring about a paradise of everlasting youth and eternal life...

My, my! That sounds like a splendid plan.

Wh-Who's there?!

So this is the Winged Being that you spoke of, is it?

You...You came to convene with the Light?

Exactly! I came to see it with my own eyes...

Just as you said, it does indeed bear wings, but what leads you to believe that this is the Light? And where exactly do the holy texts talk about this paradise of everlasting youth and eternal life?

There are passages in the texts about salvation. That salvation must mean...

A cleansing through the holy fire of the Light!

How's that supposed to bring salvation?! Everyone will just die!

Nay! The cleansing fire of the Light bequeaths the mystical power of everlasting life!

When I first encountered The Light, I witnessed this miracle myself! It was battered and close to death at that time.

Close to death, you say? It looks healthy enough now, though.

That's right. As I approached with the intention of helping it...

The Light enveloped itself in its own flame and arose, reborn, flapping its wings majestically!

You know... That looks a lot like... Isn't that a Flame Eater?

How is that even possible? But you know, this "Light" thing looks just like a Flame Eater...

Is it even possible for something like that to happen?

Upon seeing that shining visage and witnessing its immortality, I was convinced! This must be the Light! Therefore, followers of the Light shall be cleansed by this holy fire and be granted immortality!

My, my! What a wonderful tale. Yes, no doubt about it, we have been blessed by the Light!

What?! Are you serious?!

Oh, I'm so glad you understand!

Oh yes, I understand perfectly...

...That you are, without a doubt, guilty of heresy!

Wh-What?! You dare to deny the Light?!

Oh, Light! Deliver your divine wrath! Smite down these villains who would so quickly dismiss your existence!

Grooowrgh!

Wh-What are we gonna do?!

Defeat it, of course! We shall prove that this is not the Light!

O-Okay!

Wh-What is the meaning of this?! This is... Blasphemy! Heresy!

You still don't understand? This is no Light, just an ordinary monster.

N-No... It is the Light... It has to be...

Enough of this nonsense! I hereby accuse you... Of heresy!

Wh-What?!

For claiming that the Light bore wings, and for worshipping an ordinary monster in its stead... For speaking of a paradise of eternal youth and life, and finally, for recruiting disciples through bribery...

These actions are all heretical misinterpretations of the Order's teachings!

You're wrong! I'm not a heretic! My teachings are accepted by everyone!

I see. So you still won't confess? In that case, I have no choice. I shall inform you of my name.

What good is telling me your name going to do?

I am Rosetta.

So? You must have heard of my name, yes?

What...?! Did you say... Rosetta...?! It can't be... She who accused her own parents of heresy when she was but a child...

Rosetta, the Child of Judgement?!

......

Rosetta, you... Your own parents?

There has never been one accused by the Child of Judgement who did not confess to heresy... This Rosetta... She can even convince those free of sin to make a confession...

Oh, those are all rumors, of course. After all...

We in the interrogation room are especially talented at unearthing a person's sins! Tee hee!

Ugh...!

So, what's it going to be? If you would just admit to your heresy here and now, we won't have to call you to the interrogation room.

Personally... I really don't recommend the interrogation room. If you end up there, you'll probably end up confessing to an awful lot more than just heresy!

Tee hee! Every single inquisitor is a veeery enthusiastic and pious follower!

I-I confess! I am a heretic!

A wise choice. For your sins of heresy alone, you would have be forced to undergo re-education at HQ.

Well then. Before I return to HQ, I have one more order of business. Please accompany me to the Main Gate of Palsifal Palace.

... So there you have it. Everything I have taught you until now has been mistaken and heretical. I ask you to forget it all.

But–!

I know that it will be hard on everyone who has come to have faith in the Winged Light, but...

It's okay... It doesn't bother me too much.

Oh! Is this... Forgiveness?

Not really. To be honest... The only reason I came to the sermons was for the blessings of the Light you gave out.

That's right. I liked the idea of the eternal youth and everlasting life thing, but I always thought it was a bit fishy.

What...!

So don't worry about it. I'll keep coming to your sermons if I can get more of those blessings.

Do you finally understand? Nobody ever actually believed in your teachings.

......

No! I believe in you! I'll come with you to the Western continent! We can study the teachings again, and then spread the correct ones next time!

Oh! Those are truly kind words... How glad I am that there is at least one person who believes in me.

Just so you know... This girl isn't interested in the Light, she's simply in love with you. Do keep that in mind. Although, I suppose to have a partner in life is a true blessing from the Light.

Ugh...! So there wasn't even one person who believed in my teachings...

Well, that may be so, but don't be so hard on yourself. After all, the Light cannot grant happiness or salvation, anyway...

Wha–?! How could you say something like that, as a servant of the Light?!

My, my... Have I revealed my true nature?

... Tee hee! Just kidding. Don't take me too seriously, now!

And with that, we're finally all done cleaning up around here.

Right. It would be pretty bad if those mistakes got spread around.

That's right. It would also cause many problems for the Order members working on this continent, as well.

So there are other Order members active on this continent too?

But of course, Aldo.

Oh yeah. Everyone is working pretty hard.

But Rosetta, you're kinda famous in the Order, huh? He called you the... Child of Judgement, right? That priest was so shocked when he heard your name...

......

You should know, Aldo, that most of the rumors you hear about me are not true. But it's easier this way to get people to admit to heresy without calling them in for interrogation.

Oh, I see. But like, what sort of untrue rumors are there?

Well let's see. Well for one, there have certainly been people who I accused who I could not pin down.

Ah, right. So how many people have there been?

Y-You want a number?!

I mean, it's interesting.

My Aldo, you may seem naive and dull, but you really know how to get to the point. You would have a bright future with the inquisitors!

You think? But anyway Rosetta, how many people have you been unable to confirm of heresy up to now?

...You're asking again, even after I changed the subject?!

Come on, it's interesting!

Suddenly... I feel like I'm the one being interrogated.

Oh fine. I give up. I shall tell you the truth, Aldo. Up to now... The number of people I have been unable to confirm of heresy...

Is one.

What?! Only one? So the rumors are basically true then!

B-But! I called them into the interrogation room three times! And even then... I couldn't get them to crack...

My pride... as an inquisitor... was shattered...

Rosetta...

Waaah! Waaah!

Rosetta... Cut the crocodile tears.

......

My my, you saw through me, huh?

Heehee! I'm telling you, Aldo, you would make a great Inquisitor!