The Inquisitor's Day Off

This is a good room. The window has an ocean view.

What do you think, Mabel? Not a bad place to relax, right?

Yes, this is perfect place to have deep conversations with sinners.

Whatever sin they've committed, they'll have no choice but to repent.

We definitely came all the way here on vacation, but...

Just as the guilty do not rest, punishment too cannot take a day off.

Wait. Are you planning on working today, too?

Yes, I am.

No wonder. I was curious why you were dressed like that for a vacation.

Mabel, you're a very capable inquisitor. You're extremely diligent.

Thank you.

But you're not interested in anything besides punishing sinners.

Thank you.

That's not a compliment.

Mabel, this is your first holiday, right?

Yes, this is the first time I've been outside without an assignment.

Right, I was the one who taught you to practice the goddesses' teachings every day.

But still, you're the first kid to actually live only by her teachings.

I am simply fulfilling my duties.

"Between light and darkness, I have set you to shine."

"Should you fall, darkness alone shall remain."

Do you remember the meaning of this teaching?

It means we must become the light of the world.

That's right. But what light doesn't ever die?

If it has nothing left to burn, the light will die out.

"Look upon your soul often and speak with it."

"For that shall be the oil that keeps your burning wick alight forever."

Mabel, you're being too hard on yourself.

If you continue like this, one day, your light might die out. Then, only ash will remain.

Is that truly the rightful way of carrying out the goddesses' will?

That... wouldn't be right.

I'm unable to completely understand Sister Elphin's teaching, but I shake my head for now.

As far as I know, my mentor is the most knowledgeable person on the doctrines of the order of the Four Great Elements.

She's the best of the best. With my inadequate knowledge, it is impossible for me to disagree with her.

Of course, our mission doesn't disappear just because we're on vacation.

But I hope you can enjoy this time as a normal person, even if it's only until we return.

Enjoy... How do you enjoy a vacation?

Hmm, is there anything you want to do?

I've... never really thought about it.

Okay, you've probably never even left the monastery for a personal reason before.

In that case, I'll pray to the goddesses all day.

That's a good idea, but... you do that all the time, even when you're not on vacation.

Is there anything else you like?

Oh, I like eating paper.

You're not even a goat beastkin, you're a sheep. Why do you have such weird taste?

I simply love books that much.

Eating too much paper is bad for your health, so that's not allowed either.

Then there's nothing much for me to do.

How about this? You can observe.

The ocean view is pretty nice, so you can walk around and take a look at the scenery and the people.

That's something you're especially good at, right Mabel?

Of course, this time, you'll have to use your eyes, not the eyes of an inquisitor.

Will you go with me?

No, this is something you must think through and answer on your own.

It's meaningless if I'm beside you.

...This is troubling.

To me, mentor's teachings are no different than the goddesses'.

If you teach me how to rest, I will do as you say.

You can't just rely on me like that.

What if I'm gone? What are you going to do then?

I'll do my best to protect you so that you won't die.

No! I'm not saying I'm going to die! There are other things that can happen.

What if I'm deployed to another place? Or I might quit working.

A great person like you wouldn't do that.

...You speak so sweetly, but you don't even know what kind of person I am.

Sister Elphin...?

Alright! Anyway, you have to go out alone!

Listen well. Don't come back into this room until it's time for dinner.

Oh, you're also not allowed to go after sinners or attack people. Alright?

Yes, okay.

Okay then, see you later.

...Good. She's finally gone.

I feel bad about doing this after what I said to Mabel, but...

I should start heading out to take care of my business.

It's a bit too noisy to rest comfortably.

I wish there was someplace more quiet.

Oh, welcome!

Hm, you're definitely not a regular. You're a nun, right?

Yes, that's right.

There's no reason for me to tell him I'm an inquisitor and scare him at this time.

Plus, when I'm not executing a mission, I'm just a regular nun. Strictly speaking, it is not a lie.

Haha! I'm not sure if there'll be any books you'll be interested in, Sister.

Do you read books other than scripture once in a while?

The books I have here are ones I enjoyed reading. I can confidently recommend them to you.

I see. They all look delicious.

Huh? Delicious?

Could you recommend me the book with the best scent?

Uhh... I don't know about its scent, but how about this one?

It's a book about the world's finest delicacies.

It won't smell good just because it's a book about food.

The type of paper and blend of ink soaked into it perfect the flavor.

The books here have a unique scent that can't be experienced anywhere else.

The smell of seashells, seagrass, and wet sand... It's like it's holding the sea.

Uh... So, that means you like it?

Yes, I believe it'll be a special experience. I just need permission from my...

...Now that I think about it, Sister Elphin isn't around to stop me right now.

Yeah, uhh... Let me know when you decide what you'll buy.

Haha. I can sniff all the books I want. I guess taking a vacation once in while isn't bad.

I think I'll take this one.

Oh! My books...!

Hey. Where's your overdue stall fee?

A stall fee...? Are there still cities with that policy?

Uh... I'm operating here under proper authorization...

You still need to pay your protection fee separately, though, right?

Aha. He's just threatening him for money.

If you've taken up a spot, you need to put it in the pot! Pay up!

He's looking after his customer even amidst all this.

He's such a kind man... I cannot look away.

Sister Elphin wouldn't let this slide either.

Please, calm down now. Violence is never the right answer.

Huh? What the... Are you a nun?

My good sister, this really doesn't concern you. Why don't you mind your own business and go on your way?

Getting involved will only get you hurt.

I am customer of this little store, so this does concern me.

The store is closed for today, so just go on your way.

I like that book. Give it back.

S-Sister... I'm fine, so please just go.

Ha! Do you think I'll just let you go?

Since you've started a fight, you must be ready for a beating, right, Sister?

*Sigh...* Why do all sinners start off by trying to act tough?

But no matter how wicked a person is, they deserve a chance to reform.

Return my book, apologize to the store owner, then leave.

And if you truly repent for your wrongdoing, I won't get involved any further.

People like you keep buying these books...

And that's why beggars like him keep coming back here.

That's your second strike.

Huh?! What are you talking about? Can't you hear me? Get lost!

You've threatened the innocent and vulnerable, and you've squandered your chance to repent.

And therefore, you've already committed a second sin.

You can still atone for your sins and be forgiven. However...

If you commit a third and final sin, the goddesses will show you no mercy.

Ha! I was wondering what you were talking about. Were you preaching again?

You can save that for the kiddos lining up for food at your church.

I don't need mercy or forgiveness.

"To refuse repentance is the ultimate evil."

What are you muttering to yourself?

You have forsaken the goddesses' mercy, and at last, have committed your third sin.

Port Vellum... It's a more peaceful city than I imagined.

And I don't notice anything unusual considering there have been "dangerous beings" spotted around here.

Was the Archbishop just paranoid?

H-hey! Quickly, come here! Something crazy has happened in the square!

...Something crazy? Could it be related to those "dangerous beings"?

Excuse me.

Huh? What is it?

What's happened that's causing all this fuss?

Apparently, an inquisitor has hung a man on a wooden post and is carrying out an execution!

Th-that's definitely the doing of a different sort of a "dangerous being."

Is she... a sheep beastkin nun wearing white clothing?

Yes... based off of what I've heard.

*Sigh...* Mabel. You're really...

I hereby declare...

This sinner here has persecuted the weak and harassed a servant of the goddesses.

Furthermore, he refused to repent and mocked the goddesses' mercy.

These are acts that an inquisitor cannot overlook.

Thus, I, Mabel, will judge and purge this demon consumed by sin.

Ahhh! I'm sorry! Please forgive me!

You must ask forgiveness from the goddesses, not me.

I am simply purifying your soul as much as possible and sending you to the heavens.

Although, burning away filth will leave nothing but ashes.

Mabel!

Just what do you think you're doing?! Stop this, now!

This man questioned and insulted the goddesses!

Humans wander in ignorance, and therefore we must guide them! Have you forgotten these words of the goddesses?

To deny them enlightenment and instead take their lives is against the goddesses' will!

I gave him enough opportunities to realize his sins. It is this sinner who denied all those chances.

Okay. I got it. Where in the world did you get this scaffold?!

I pulled out a drawing I made in Epigram.

I don't know if I should praise you for being so prepared...

Anyway, let that person down this instant!

But...

What? Do you need another sermon?!

...Okay.

Are you okay?

I-I'm sorry. I won't ever do that again. Thank you... for saving my life.

If you're aware that you've committed a sin, then from now on, live with a heart of repentance.

Y-yes.

Mabel, you apologize too.

...I'm sorry.

Honestly, I'm not sorry at all.

And to be even more honest, I can't really understand why Sister Elphin is letting this man go.

Eek...

I-I'll live an honest life from now on.

...You know, Mabel.

Could you stop hanging people up just because of a minor conflict?

There can be no distinction in the gravity of sin.

Right, I taught you that. I know that too.

But the grains of rice stolen by a starving child and the blade of a sword that's stabbed someone can't possibly carry the same weight.

That... is correct.

Plus, we finally got some time off, and you're really planning on spending it working like this again?

I'm sorry...

I understand. It's your first time being alone.

Okay then. Since you're having so much trouble, let me give you an assignment. Do you have Epigram with you?

Yes, of course.

You only have magic and weapons written in Epigram, right?

Yes, I must have the details written down in advance just in case I need to jump into battle.

Is there anything else besides that?

A scaffold, ropes, whips, wheels and a chair, the iron maiden, and a wooden...

S-stop. I got it. Okay then, that'll be your assignment.

Write a bunch of things that you like in Epigram.

Things that I like...?

What does it mean to like something?

Anything is fine. Flowers in a field, clouds in the sky, just write whatever you like.

I'll check what you wrote back at the inn later, alright?

Yes... okay.

Things that I like... I've never thought about things like that before...

But, that's why it's an assignment. I'll just have to try my best.

I didn't think the assignment to record things that I like would be so difficult.

Because... I've never thought about liking something until now.

But they wouldn't bestow a revelation upon me for something so trivial.

I don't think I'll be able to find the answer alone...

I should ask for guidance from someone.

Excuse me. Could I ask you a question?

Yes... How can I help you, Sister?

Could you tell me things that people normally like?

I don't know. That would differ with each person. But why do you ask?

Perhaps I could call it a study of worldly values. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Hmm... Don't people normally like money?

To like a tool meant for trade... That's somewhat difficult to understand.

Hahaha... I suppose that's because nuns lead ascetic lives.

How about dogs or cats then? They're cute.

In my eyes, all life in this world created by the goddesses is cute and beautiful.

What about food? I've never met someone who doesn't like eating.

Whatever I eat, as long as it can fill my stomach, I am grateful to the goddesses.

Y-you're rejecting everything, so I don't even know what to say anymore...

...I'm sorry for taking up your time for nothing.

No, it's fine. I hope you find the answer you're looking for.

I am well aware that I deviate greatly from what is considered normal.

I am an inquisitor devoted to the goddesses, so I cannot live like a normal person.

However, after a conversation with normal people, I realize just how unusual I am.

I don't even know what I like... What does that make me?

Oh! Hello, Sister!

Hello. Has there been any trouble since?

No! It's all thanks to you, Sister!

If you need any books, feel free to take them. That's all I have to offer.

No, I simply punished a sinner. I did not do that for a reward.

Instead, could I ask you on question?

Of course!

What are things people normally like?

Well now... That's a profound question.

I've received an assignment from my teacher to find things that I like, but...

I've lived my entire life following the will of the goddesses, so I have no idea what that is.

Hmm... In that case, how about reversing your approach?

Reverse my approach... How would I do that?

Rather than searching for things that you like beyond yourself...

Try finding them in what you already have.

...That's an interesting idea.

However, I've never felt that I've liked something before.

Hm... Could that be because it's just too familiar to you?

People usually don't realize the value of things they already possess.

...That could be right.

Now then, try thinking of it like this.

You must have something that you'd grieve if it were to disappear.

Something I would grieve the loss of...

Epigram... I would be troubled if it disappeared, but I don't think I would really be sad.

The Archbishop? It would probably throw Parliament into chaos. It would be a serious matter, but it isn't something I'd be sad about.

If the goddesses were to disappear? No, I don't need to consider that. It can't happen.

My teacher. Sister Elphin.

If Sister Elphin were to disappear forever...

Ugh...

Oh, does something come to mind?

Yes... My heart just ached.

Maybe... that's what you like, Sister.

...

The thing I like is... Sister Elphin.

Thank you. I've found what I like thanks to you.

I'm glad I was able to help. Please come by again any time.

Hm... Like this, and this...

Haha. This is somewhat fun.

I've been with Sister Elphin nearly every day of my life.

I write something down and then immediately think of something else to write.

Epigram's pages are packed with more writing than ever before.

I've never written anything so detailed before...

If I were to manifest this, I'm sure it'd create something more like my teacher than my teacher herself.

Should I try... manifesting it?

I should try writing some more then.

...

...

Are you... Sister Elphin?

That's right. My name is Elphin. I am an inquisitor and your teacher.

It's been manifested far more stably than I expected...

That means what I've written about my teacher in Epigram is, without doubt, astonishingly detailed.

Sister Elphin, would you be willing to teach me again today?

Yes, Mabel. If that's what you want, then of course I'll teach you.

Mabel, do you remember that sin isn't measured by whether it's great or small, but by whether it exists or not?

Yes! Of course, Sister Elphin!

Show no mercy to those who have refused the goddesses' forgiveness and grace. Burn them all.

I will do as you say, Sister Elphin!

Once you've finished working, you can eat as many book pages as you like.

Thank you, Sister Elphin!

There's no need to worry, Mabel. I will never leave your side.

Yes! I will continue by your side!

This is Sister Elphin that's been created from my own greed and desires.

Unlike my real teacher, this is my fake teacher who only tells me what I want to hear.

So I'm sure... she'll tell me what I want to hear so dearly...

Mabel... You're a sinner who must forever atone before the goddesses.

Your parents are sinners who used the name of the goddesses to deceive countless people and lead them to their deaths.

You eliminated your parents with your own hands and were forgiven by Parliament.

However, the resentment of those who suffered from your parents' sins will not cease even if you vanish from this world.

I'm sorry... Sister Elphin...

You are condemned to enteral atonement, even in death, you must pray for forgiveness and salvation.

Thus, you must follow the goddesses' will and obey Parliament until the day you die.

Yes, I will obey as an eternal servant of the goddesses.

The real Sister Elphin would never say something like this.

She would embrace my sins warmly and tell me to slowly forget about them.

But I will never forget. No, I cannot forget.

I must continue to forever eliminate sinners as a sinner myself.

Oh, look at the time already. Shall we start getting to work?

...Work? I wrote down that we were on vacation right now, but work...?

Let's see... I'm sure my files are...

Where are you trying to go?

I have a mission I must complete secretly, without you knowing.

...If you tell me that right now, it's not a secret.

I don't want to hide anything from Mabel.

That's probably because I've written down my personal desires.

I told it to be honest and hide nothing from me.

That means... my real teacher is currently carrying out some kind of secret mission without me knowing.

After she forbid me from working on vacation...

Mabel, should we go together?

Yes. Let's try following after my real teacher.

You witnessed knights wearing black armor... Are you positive?

Yes, I saw them clearly.

They staggered around like zombies and just walked off somewhere alone.

I was scared, so I couldn't just approach them.

What were the guards doing while such suspicious people were wandering around the village?

They were already gone when I came back with the guards.

According to our information, it's likely these are very dangerous beings.

If you happen to see them again, do not provoke them and alert the guards first.

Okay...

So, which direction did those knights in black armor go?

That way. Towards Mt. Proelium.

Thank you for the information and your cooperation.

...Indeed, it's as Parliament's investigation determined.

I was assigned to investigate Mt. Proelium anyway, so this works out perfectly.

I-I'm a little scared... Is it something serious?

Don't worry too much. Parliament is investigating too...

Doesn't that make things scarier?

Anything that has makes Parliament act is always scary...

That's not always the case.

Oh, I-I'm also a devoted follower of Aquarian.

I wasn't criticizing Parliament, so uh... please don't say anything to the inquisitors.

Huh? Okay... Haha, don't worry. I won't.

Please stay safe.

The information about suspicious beings in Port Vellum must be true.

Without question, Mabel would attack at even the slightest suspicion.

But I'm only here today to gather information.

Had I brought Mabel... things would have gotten out of hand.

...And well, I also wanted to give Mabel a vacation.

Should I take care of things quietly while my lovely mentee enjoys her first vacation?

It's definitely not acting normal.

Is it an undead-type monster?

I'll try following it.

Now, bring me the human to sacrifice as an offering!

P-please, spare my life! Please...!

This sacrifice is for an important ritual. I trust you've made a good selection.

Grrrk, grrrr...

A sacrifice....?!

Who are these guys? Are those... priest robes? I've never seen a cult or heretical sect like this before...

What should I do...? I don't have any equipment for combat right now.

You fools.

This one is not fit to be a sacrifice.

What we need is a human with young blood.

This human is already too old. We don't need him.

Grrrk! Kraaagh! Kyaaaagh!

P-please! Just spare my life! I'll do anything!

No...! I need to cause a distraction to at least try to save him...!

Stop!

...Were we followed?

Sir! I'll draw their attention! Run while you can!

Th-thank you!

*Sigh...* At least I've managed to save that man's life, but...

Get that woman.

Well, well... the sacrifice has walked right into our hands.

Now... how am I going to get out of this alive?

Where are we going?

According to information from Parliament, there's an evil presence on this mountain.

Let's go together and eliminate the evil, Mabel.

Yes, Sister Elphin. I will protect you.

...It would be nice if my real teacher would trust and rely on me like this too.

There's something dangerous up ahead. Get ready.

So it's true. It's that way.

Sacrifice... spotted...

Destroy...

I am Inquisitor Mabel. Please identify yourself.

They're wearing armor, but they aren't human.

...Any signs of aggression will be met with immediate execution.

Kill... them...!

It seems dialogue was never an option to begin with.

Epigram.

...Agh!

As expected... my suspicions were correct.

If this was a living creature, it would've shed some blood.

What are these things? And what are they doing here?

Mabel, there's no time to think.

There are still so many enemies left. We need to eliminate them all!

Yes, I agree.

To draw a blade against an apostle of the goddesses is sin.

There's no reason not to eliminate them all.

*Deep breath...* There's no end to them.

But oddly enough, being able to eliminate them so freely... feels a bit rewarding.

It's right up front. Just a little further, Mabel.

Huh? What's right up front...?

Mabel...?!

Sister Elphin? What are you doing here...?

Sorry, I got caught.

...You're in quite a sorry state.

I was caught off guard trying to save someone, okay? It happens!

Even if you weren't here, I was just about to escape!

Silence. Stop those intruders at once.

Kneel before the great Void!

Grrrk... Kkhhh... KRAAAAGH!

To run into a cult in a place like this...

This is... a surprising yield.

Uh... Mabel? Can you save me first?

Even without your orders, Sister Elphin, I intend to eliminate them all.

You fools!

Don't be afraid!

Grrrk? Grrrkk... Kkhhh...

Stop them I tell you!

Even mindless puppets know their place.

Those who stray from divine providence deserve no chance to beg for forgiveness.

Be gone without a trace.

Thank you, Mabel. You saved my life.

But, that thing next to you...

It's you, Sister Elphin. I made it with Epigram.

...I can tell.

Just how detailed was the writing that it came out looking just like me?

I put my heart and soul into it.

Of course, there's some personal bias... perhaps even a bit of preference...

Show no mercy! Send all enemies to stand before the goddesses!

...Is this how you perceive me?

Looking at her makes me feel weird. Can you erase it?

Yes, I'll do as you say.

I worked really hard to make it. This is a bit disheartening.

This was made from your records, so it's essentially your idea of who I am, right?

In that case, I should be able to see how you normally think of me, right?

Yes, that's right.

I shall stab a stake into the hearts of all enemies who dare defy the goddesses and obliterate them!

...I don't say stuff like that.

As mentioned earlier, I made some adjustments to my preferences.

What do you take me for...? Made some adjustments?!

It only looks like me! It acts and thinks just like you, Mabel!

I think leaving this be will cause problems. Let's erase it.

I would like to talk to it a bit more...

Don't hesitate. Erase it, now.

Yes, Sister Elphin...

Mabel! You will forever atone in blood for the sins of your parents!

...This is something my teacher would never say to me. It must be my own inner voice.

Phew... That almost got complicated. Thank you, Mabel.

If you didn't keep this a secret from me and prepared proper equipment, that wouldn't have happened.

Don't you think you're being too careless?

Sorry. I just wanted you to enjoy your vacation.

This was your first chance to have personal time.

I'm fine without any personal time...

No, if you want to live like an actual human being in the future, it's important.

So, how was it? Did you find some things you like?

Yes, I did.

Really? Can I see what you wrote?

What? There are only records of me.

...Yes.

I thought about it a long time, but... I couldn't figure out what it was that I liked.

Then, I imagined you disappearing from my side, and I felt so sad and miserable so...

I reflected on my memories with you and recorded them all in Epigram.

Does that mean... I'm what you like?

I'm not really sure what it means to like something, but...

I think it's safe to say that.

If that's how you felt, you should've said something. I can't tell otherwise.

I only realized upon reflecting on it.

I suppose I had taken all the help and teaching I received from you for granted, Sister Elphin.

Once again, I am really grateful for your kindness.

Oh, ohhh...

...That's a rather underwhelming reaction to a heartfelt confession from your disciple.

Hahaha. Sorry, sorry.

I don't know what to say... Uh... You've never really talked about your feelings to me like this before.

I'm so touched that my brain froze for a second.

Still, I should make this clear. Mabel, I am also grateful for how well you follow my guidance.

Okay then, let's continue to stand together and purge the evil that defies the will of the goddesses and Parliament.

Can you still only think about fighting?

I've always been taught to act like this.

...Mabel. Can I say something weird?

Yes, that's fine.

You probably already know this, but inquisitors cannot ever quit.

Yes, I know.

To take a sinner's life is, in turn, to bear their sin and take on the duty of seeking forgiveness on their behalf.

Uh, that's also correct, but...

To us, commands from Parliament are absolute, right?

Yes, that's right. The will of Parliament is aligned with the will of the goddesses, just as your commands are, Sister Elphin.

...Yes. But sometimes...

There are orders that make you wonder whether the goddess you believe in truly want you to do this.

But... we always complete our missions. And in doing so... you sometimes encounter truths that might've been better off unknown.

If you were to quit, Parliament would surely not want that truth to leak out anywhere.

Couldn't you just continue serving as an inquisitor for life without ever quitting?

Well... that's true, but...

Yeah, I suppose that's the answer I'd expect from you.

I wonder if there's something bothering her.

My life has been, and will always be, devoted to the goddesses.

This is also something you taught me, Sister Elphin.

But still, wouldn't being an inquisitor forever be too miserable?

Don't you want to walk the streets like today, draw what you want, buy what you want...

Have you ever wanted to just be a normal girl?

I suppose I may have thought about it once before.

There were also things I came to think about anew while spending time alone.

However, at my core, I am an inquisitor. I have no intention of abandoning the will of the goddesses.

...I imagine so.

Why is Sister Elphin asking me these questions?

Could it be... though it's highly unlikely...

If Sister Elphin is considering leaving her duty as an inquisitor...

Yep! That's the right mindset! You pass!

...What did I pass?

I was testing whether you had started becoming weak since being on vacation!

I see... I should never let my guard down.

I knew it. I was worried for nothing. That's a relief.

Now then! The vacation is over! Let's return to Manafall!

I don't feel fully rested... but I'll be ready for my missions starting tomorrow!

Yes, okay.

So I trust you, Sister Elphin.

Please continue to be the light that guides my way.