Class 1 Observation Target

Breow!

Oh?

My! You certainly are a type of kitty that I don't see often.

Brrreow?

And you just have the cutest little unique meow too, don't you?

Are you hungry? Do you like dried fish?

Breoooow!

Heehee! How is it? Tastes good, right?

I knew it. You're a cat person.

Aldo?!

Don't act too surprised, now.

How can I not be? Standing behind me like that?

There was nothing special about it. You just didn't realize it because you were in cat heaven, clearly.

......

You were calling after that cat before, and now you're feeding one... You're definitely a cat person.

Excuse me... Just so that you don't get the wrong idea, I am most certainly not a cat person.

I don't know, I'm pretty sure I just saw a cat-lover having a lot of fun feeding a kitty...

Th-That's not what-. I-I was just demonstrating the benevolence of the almighty to a weak, pitiful creature...

......

...Heresy!

Wait, what?!

Twisting the work being performed by a servant of the Light in such a way is heresy! Remember that!

How can I be a heretic if I'm not even a believer in the first place?

......

Well... You got me there.

Sorry. I get a bit worked up.

Perhaps I got a bit nervous because of the important task awaiting me.

An important task? Did you get another job from the Order of the West?

Heehee! I can't get into the details, but well, yes. I am to search high and low for a certain observation target.

Oh? You must be searching for someone pretty amazing.

You think it'd be best if I helped too?

My my... So your interest has been piqued as well?

Fine. I will make an exception and let you in on the details, Aldo. My observation target is a member of the Order's Service Corps.

Fine. I will make an exception and let you in on the details, Aldo. My observation target is a member of the Order's Service Corps.

The Order's Service Corps? That means...

Yes. They are in charge of guarding the streets and expelling evil spirits. Soon, it seems that a large-scale monster eradication will be carried out...

So then, you're supposed to go meet this important observation target, huh.

Yes. The operation area is across the Zol Plains. Follow me.

Graaaaaargh!

Huh?! Was that a monster growling?!

Oh... That appears to be the eradication strategy.

Oh evil spirit, rest ye in peaceful slumber.

Oh evil spirit, rest ye in peaceful slumber.

Whoa! That's my Melina! Taking it down in one strike!

Whoa! That's my Melina! Taking it down in one strike!

That's a bit much, Prai. It was nothing. If you had trouble with a beast like that, I'd be a little concerned.

But you shouldn't over-strain yourself. Since you're no longer part of the church, you should leave the small fries to us, Sister Melina.

But you shouldn't over-strain yourself. Leave the small fries to me.

I appreciate the sentiment, but fighting monsters is just what I do.

I appreciate the sentiment, but fighting monsters is just what an exorcist does.

But Sister Melina, you're still...

Do you really intend to keep talking to me like some child? Do you wish to get pummeled?

Uh! N-No it's...!

Well, I know that you cannot tell a lie, Prai. I will assume that you were simply thinking of your former superior.

Well, I know that you cannot tell a lie, Prai. I will assume that you were simply thinking of your superior.

It's Melina!

Correct. She's cooperating with the Service Corps.

She is currently our class 1 observation target.

Wha!? Melina is the observation target?! What am I missing here?! She's being watched even though she left the church?!

It's Melina!

Yes. That girl is the commander of the Service Corps.

And she is also our current class 1 observation target.

Wha!? Melina is the observation target?! What am I missing here?!

That's the Service Corps?

Yes. And that girl... Melina, is the commander.

The commander... Wow, she's so young though.

But not only that, she is also our current class 1 observation target.

That child is our observation target? What am I missing here?

Heehee! That's something I can't tell even you. It's top secret!

Top secret, huh. She doesn't look like someone that really needs to be observed though.

Oh? You don't think so? I believe that "every person has a hidden persona."

Hmm... But saying that doesn't give you a good reason to spy on Melina in particular, does it?

That's the top secret part.

Does it have something to do with the complicated internal affairs of the Order or something?

I shall leave that to your imagination!

Oh, that's just what I expected from the Order of the West!

Answering the call for help is what this unit and myself does. I will never abandon those in need.

The Light answers those who ask for help. The Light does not abandon those in need.

You're a real lifesaver. We were awful worried about that one. Oh right! I'd like to give you my thanks, so could you come down to Ratle?

Nay, sir. We act only to fulfill our ordained duty. We do not need gifts.

Hey now, don't be so stiff! It's no problem at all!

Well, at a time like this, I suppose we can accept if you insist. As missionaries, we mustn't waste any opportunity to spread the teachings.

When you put it that way... I cannot disagree.

Blipple-blep!

Oh, you heard 'gift' and thought you were going to be fed? Are you hungry, Noah? Haha.

Now, it would be uncouth to keep our company waiting. Let us head to Ratle.

Hm... So they went to Ratle.

Hey. Is there really any need to watch Melina? It seems like she's helping to me...

Hey. Is there really any need to watch Melina? It seems like she's doing the Order's work properly to me...

Heehee! You won't know the truth until you observe for yourself.

Remember, they talked about some gift or treat or something, right? If their actions are driven by that gift... They're basically no different from that cat from before.

Huh... Well, if you're not convinced yet, let's go have a look, shall we?

That obedience is what I like best about you, Aldo. Now then, let us head to Ratle.

Well now! I hear you successfully defeated the monster!

Yes. For it is my duty to save monsters' souls by bringing them to rest.

Yes. It was the Light's will. For it is our duty to save monsters' souls by bringing them to rest.

......

What do you think, Rosetta?

Shhh. Be quiet. This is the important part.

O-Oh okay, sorry. But why are you giving me that scary look?

Oh my. My apologies. I was still under strain.

Heehee... I can't let my guard down for even a second.

It seems that the villagers were upset that you declined their offer, Sister Melina.

I had no choice. It turned out that what they meant by 'thanks' was a feast. If it were a simple tea party or such, then it would be fine, but I must decline any exorbitant shows of thanks.

Certainly, everything has its limit.

Indeed.

Now, now, Noah. Don't be so cross, just because you didn't get a treat.

*whimper*

Oh fine... What am I going to do with you, Noah.

I see, I see... So it is not drawn to handouts as a cat is... Oh well. I would have preferred it if Melina's true character had been to go after the handouts.

So that means that she is doing her work just fine, right?

Blipple-blep?!

Bliiiiiip-blep! Bloorp!

Oh? Is Noah trying to warn us of something?

Someone is there... Show yourself!

Well well... We were found out. What a skillful creature that is.

Aldo, let's just go out like good boys and girls.

Y-Yeah...

...... Well, it would be you, wouldn't it. Forever unable to tear yourself away from me, huh, Rosetta.

It has been long since last we met, Melina. How have you been?

I was well... however my mood is plummeting rapidly all of a sudden...

Well now...you may once have been the Winged Child, but plummeting down to earth won't end well for even you.

Well now... you may be the "Winged Child," but plummeting down to the ground won't end well for even you.

Sister Rosetta... Monitoring Sister Melina as always, I see.

Anyway, Melina. Enough fooling around, just call me by my name.

You don't have any reason to dispense with calling me by my name, do you? Heehee!

Ro-Rosetta...

Ah yes, that expression is priceless! I have seldom seen such a sight.

Even though you are an inquisitor, if you are to place such baseless suspicion on Sister Melina...

I, Prai, shall not quietly abide!

Hm? Rosetta?

A-Anyway, Melina. As for what we do next...

Sister Rosetta! One does not simply ignore the person talking to them!

Hm!

Melina. Perhaps you should have been more strict with your subordinates when you were part of the church. Can you do something about that hothead?

Melina. Are you having difficulty controlling those under your command? Can you do something about that hothead?

You have always had an issue with that... enthusiastic priest, hm.

Come on, he is burning hotter than Salamander!

No, Sister Rosetta. I would say I'm about the same temperature as Salamander...

Whatever! Either way, this is irrelevant!

If the two of you would stop being so intolerant of each other you may find you have more in common than you think.

What a joke! Hurry up and get lost already. Otherwise, I'll accuse you of heresy. You get it?!

*Sigh* Prai. Try to understand how terrifying you look when you approach women.

Hey Rosetta. Can I ask why you dislike Prai so much?

Dislike? I told you before, didn't I? Everyone has a hidden persona.

Right. And his is?

Well actually. This man has absolutely no hidden persona.

Oh my, how nice. An endorsement from an inquisitor.

But of course! I swear my innocence before the almighty!

That has nothing to do with it. There are none among mankind without a hidden persona in this world...

Which means! This zealous priest is not human!

What kind of logic is that?!

Wait a minute. Could the person you couldn't condemn for heresy three times have been...

Right! Exactly that!

So? What business do you have with me?

Ah of course, I apologize. That THING just made me feel ill... But back to the main topic.

So, Melina. You are firmly aware of your own position, are you not?

The Winged Child...it is a name that continues to attract attention even after leaving the church. It would be a shame if that name were besmirched by even the slightest of mistakes...

The name "Winged Child" has attracted a fair bit of attention. Whether good or bad...

Are you concerned that Sister Melina may be committing heresy?

You can't be suspecting Sister Melina of heresy?!

If so! I will testify to Sister Melina's innocence anytime!

If so! I shall testify to Sister Melina's innocence!!

I wouldn't take any testimony coming from you...

You do not believe me?

Then you may investigate every last inch, you will find nothing! My devotion is spotless!!

Here! If you must strip me of everything, then do it! With protection of the Light I will bare it all!!

Ahhhh! Wh-What theee heck...?! Why are you always...?! Th-That... Oh-hoh! That's heresy! It's heresy!

Fine! Investigate whether it is heresy or not to your heart's content! Come now! Anywhere you like! I fear no place, be it an interrogation room or no!

There is one thing that I will never do in this world, and that's be alone in an interrogation room with you.

Even better! Do it here and now! Now, Inquisitor, inquire away!

...... ... My apologies. I was wrong. You are not a heretic.

So you acknowledge it! My faith truly is unwavering!

You're throwing in the towel, Rosetta?!

Oh come on Prai. Give me a break...

Hey... Come on already, leave her alone...

I don't really get it, but the 3 of them seem to be getting along well!

Not at all!

Now then, Melina. You intend to return to Acteul after this, correct?

And how would you know that?

Oh? It is my job to understand the actions of my observation target. In that case, might I have a bit of your time?

If I refuse, you are going to claim that I have something to hide, aren't you?

You understand well. Heehee!

So? What would you have me do now?

I do not have any particular requests of you. Just behave as you would normally. For it is through one's regular way of living that one's true character shows.

*sigh* Fine. Prai, you may retire for the day.

What do you mean! I shall travel with you to prove your innocence, Sister Melina!

If you are here, it will just make things more complicated. I am certain of that.

Yes. If you admitted this thing to travel with us, I would immediately call heresy!

Hng... I suppose I've no choice.

Well then, I shall be off.

......

I suppose it can't be helped. It's your job after all. In any case, I would have it over with as quickly as possible.

I suppose it is your job even if you are unwilling. In any case, I would have it over with as quickly as possible.

Oh no no, I will be watching you very closely.

Now, let's be off to Acteul.

Okay, so what will you do first?

I am a bit hungry, so I suppose I'll get something to eat.

A meal huh? Well then I shall carefully observe what kind of food you choose.

Can you cut that out? It's making me lose my appetite.

Well then, perhaps the three of us ought to dine together?

Okay, sure that's sounds good.

What do you think, Aldo?

Yeah sure. It's just the right time as well.

Given the occasion, how about we try something you fancy, Melina?

Something I like? Oh. Right now, I feel in the mood for a Mesaiomato Salad.

Oh? I see.

That sounds good. The veggies around here are delicious after all. Alright, let's look for a store.

......

Around here... Melina likes... And then... for dessert...

...? Is something wrong, Rosetta?

Oh no it's nothing. Pay me no mind.

Wow, that was so good! Those tomatoes were so fresh!

Yes, I agree. The vegetables must grow to be so tasty because of how much water there is.

The vegetables grown here are on a whole other level compared with those from the Western continent.

It would be nice if vegetables grew like this in the western continent.

Really?

It will take a little longer for the blessings to fully take root in the earth. These lands were once envied by the West calling them the "lands loved by god."

Yes. The natural environment of the Western continent is much more harsh than this one. There are even people in the West who call this Eastern continent the "land favored by the Light" and such.

Whatever you call it, the food here is as good as ever. Eating around here makes me feel a bit uneasy with how lavish it is.

Well, I do not know if it is favored by the Light or not, but I can confirm that the food is tasty. Eating around here makes me feel a bit uneasy with how lavish it is.

There is no reason to fret. Eating is a very important part of living a good life.

So, Melina. How about that desert? That's a Chilled Sphere Cotta.

That dessert...

Is gross, riiight? Remember what I said before? "Just behave as you would normally."

Hm? What do you mean?

Melina, you always have something sweet after finishing work.

Uh, this is the first time I've dined together with you. What do you mean "always"?

That is a trivial issue. What I am worried about is far worse!

You will not eat the dessert which you are accustomed to in front of me... What sort of secret reasons could you be hiding?

Are you implying that is my hidden persona? You are ever so suspicious.

Well, my apologies. But I just don't really feel like eating it today.

Is that the real reason?

The thought hasn't crossed your mind that we might think you have a childish sense of taste if you say you like sweet things?

I...Wha?! Why do you think, ?

Did I hit the nail on the head? I won't say anything of the sort, so go ahead and have your dessert!

Ugh...okay. I can eat it I guess...

That's no way to behave, Melina. The Light teaches us to always remember to give thanks for our food, right? How can you eat with that sullen expression on your face?

Okay, okay. It's delicious, Mmmmm so good, jeez!

Yes! Obedience is my favorite!

Bleep! Bliiiiple!

Yeah, yeah, you want some too, don't you Noah?

Bliiiip-bleep!

Heh heh heh...

Oh? That cat seems to have been lured in by the smell.

Meow!

Bleep!

My, my! To think that Noah would just leave its master and run off some place!

That happens a lot. It is probably full.

You didn't know about that?

I had never thought to investigate the hidden personae of animals before...

But more importantly Melina, do you just intend to overlook the fact that Noah and that cat are playing together?

Yeah, there something wrong with that?

That simply will not do. The once Winged Child you must play with them too.

That simply will not do. As the "Winged Child" you must play with them too.

Why? There's no need for that is there?

Oh my... It seems that you have misinterpreted the teachings. Then it seems...

I must interrogate you thoroughly in the interrogation room!

A false accusation? That's a bit much, even for you.

Why does Melina have to play with the cats?

The Winged Child was once believed to impart salvation and healing onto people with the aid of the Savior. To ignore a little creature that spreads that healing around is an affront to the trust of the almighty!

The "Winged Child" is a being that imparts salvation and healing onto people with the aid of the Savior. To ignore a little creature that spreads that healing around is an affront to the trust of the almighty!

Uh huh..

Are you really sure you understand this properly?

S-Sorry... I've honestly checked out...

What a coincidence. I'm perfectly baffled as well.

But... Being called to the interrogation room is a pain in the butt.

There, are you happy now?

That's no different from being an animal tamer!

The one who was once known as the Winged Child must show them even more love!

You must show them the great love that is expected of the "Winged Child"!

Wha...

Look look! That kitty... It looks like it wants to be petted. You understand? Melina?

......

There there, yeah... Good kitty...

Bleep! Bliiiiple!

Ahh! Oh, are you getting jealous or something, Noah? What am I going to do with you. Okay, there there.

Blipple-blep!

My! It's so beautiful! This blissful sight is far too dazzling, I can barely look at it directly!

What is even going on right now...

Sister Melina!

We have a problem, Sister Melina! There is an obstreperous monster among those that escaped! It seems to be very strong... Please help us!

Okay, I get it. I will come right away, so just hold on for a moment.

Yes ma'am! The target monster is currently confined in Lake Tiilen!

Well, you heard that. I must hasten to the battle.

Blipple-blep!

......

Rosetta! It sounds like a powerful monster, let's go too!

But of course. Let's hurry, Aldo.

It had to interrupt just as things were getting good...

I shall not forgive you for this!!

Yeah! That's right!

Wait... What do you mean, it was getting good?

No way, Rosetta?!

Melina! We'll help out too!

Tch! These monsters are quite the annoyance!

It's so unusual to see you performing your service, Rosetta.

Yeah... I'm not done with my investigation of you yet, Melina. And it is also part of my job to swiftly dispatch of anything that gets in my way.

Anything that interrupts my work... Is blaspheming against the almighty! I, the Inquisitor of Heresy Rosetta, shall deliver your punishment as per the almighty's teachings!

That creature which blasphemed against the Light has experienced its divine wrath.

Yes. Good work.

Alright, now then...

We got rid of that obstacle, so now there are no more distractions! Now to hurry back to Acteul and continue my important business...

Hey Rosetta, why did the Order decide that watching Melina was an important task?

From what I can tell, Melina is like THE model example of a devout believer. Could it be that...

What are you getting at Aldo?

Did you actually just want to hang out with Melina?

......

Wh-What what are you talking about? I haven't the slightest idea.

Actually, thinking about it, all we've done is hang out so far, right?

W-We aren't h-hanging out! That's just...!

What do you think, Melina? Can you think of any reason why the Order would suspect you of heresy?

You never know what's going to happen when you leave the church. You may even be misunderstood in a strange place.

Hmm... I can't think of anything myself. But there are some in the Order who are not so happy that someone of my age is in such a high position.

Anyone like that deserves to be accused of heresy!!

Just as I thought, you really are taken with Melina, aren't you?

Just as I thought, you really are taken with Melina...

*cough* Ahem. Don't you get it, Aldo?

Melina was once the "Winged Child" and a symbol of the Order itself. I cannot allow any stain upon our beacon of hope.

Melina is the "Winged Child" and a symbol of the Order itself. I cannot allow any stain upon our beacon of hope.

Huh? But I thought your rule was that all people have a hidden persona?

Melina is a child of the Light, you know? She is on a different level from humans, so she can't have a hidden persona!

I can't believe how differently you treat her compared to Prai.

But I mean, that thing is...

He's like a dog or something! And such a savage as well...

I can't handle that.

So that's why you're a cat person?

No... How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not a cat person or anything like that?

Hey, can I go home now?

Absolutely not! At any moment, you could fall to temptation and descend into heresy.

It is of the utmost importance that I continue to watch over you to ensure that does not happen!

Were you really officially tasked with this by the Order?

......

You're completely averting your eyes?! So it wasn't an actual mission at all?!

No it is a mission! An important one that I was personally assigned!

Why do you doubt me? Could it be that you're a heretic as well?

What?!

Okay fine. I shall set your head straight, Aldo.

First off, allow me to explain just how important Melina is to the Order.

H-Hey hold on?! Rosetta?!

So to start with... Melina is... With Melina... and Melina's...!

Right...