Chapter 5. The Northern Temple, Again

Extensive, white, dusty stone arching across the blue sky. I was back at the Temple. 

'The miracle grounds which supposedly saved my life.' I muttered to myself. I felt the wooden box in my hand. Spiral engravings decorated the sides, painted with gold. 'The box itself is an expensive antique...' I said humorously, opening it to reveal gold coins and a small brooch. It roughly equated to a quarter thousand gold in total, according to Javier, according to Lunaria. 

It was strange, I thought. Lady Lunaria, who couldn't remember my name, had sent a donation to the Temple for saving the life of one her knights. I had heard from Javier that it was the Temple healers who stabilised me, as well as gave me a bed for half a day. 

Who better to donate in gratitude than me?

Though I imagine this has to do with keeping up diplomatic relations also. I mused. 

I stepped into the long room with tall and intimidating ceilings, ornate with carvings. Rows of seats stood before a dais. I walked down the wooden aisle, escorted by a brother of the temple, dressed in a simple, charcoal-coloured cloak. He led me silently to the Temple's current chieftain, a man in white and gold robes. He had a soft face, wrinkled with old age and a U-shaped hairline of grey. The cleric left us alone as the chieftain approached me. 

'Sir Asher of the Benesse Guard.' He smiled. 'I am Bernard, Chieftain of the Temple.'

My voice escaped me for a second before I remembered to reply. It was odd to be recognised by someone I had never met directly. The Chieftain had a minor role to begin with, in a novel focused on romance rather than politics or religion. Strangely enough, it was a world where the Temple was not a secret cult or demon-summoners. 

'Ah...' I gave a short bow. 'It's an honour to meet you, Chieftain Bernard.' Straightening, I extended the box of gold. 'I'd like to thank you for saving my life. The Benesse Duchy donates with gratitude...' I spoke unsurely, hoping my words didn't sound odd. This... I hadn't practiced for this. Thankfully, the old man didn't seem to notice, or if he had, he didn't mind it. With a gentle smile, he accepted the box, nodding. 

'The Temple is grateful for your donation. Healing you was nothing less than our duties as brothers. Are you in good health now, Sir Asher?'

'Yes, I'm doing much better now. Thank you,' I replied. 

'I am glad to hear that. If there is anything you ever need from the Temple, we will be more than happy to assist you.'

It seemed like these guys were really saints. 

It was then the urge struck me. 

'In that case...' The words came out before I could think to stop. Bernard raised his brows slightly, his attention raised by my sudden utterance. 

There was no use in hesitating now. 

'Could I ask your opinion on something?'

'Of course, I will try my best to help you.'

'Then... does the soul exist?' I asked. 

Bernard fell silent for a short moment. 

'I believe whole-heartedly it does. There are some who think otherwise. Physically speaking, it doesn't change anything. Spiritually speaking, there are layers of belief attached to the soul. For example, what happens to the soul after death. Things like that.' Bernard spoke extensively. It was a similar opinion in my previous life. 

Of course, having died once already, I couldn't not believe that the soul exists. 

'Then, where do you suppose the souls resides?' I responded. Now, Bernard seemed to contemplate some more. 

'There are a few speculations. Unanimously, people believe the soul must be in the body. It would be nonsensical to think the soul of a body could be outside of it.' Bernard cupped his chin with his hand, thinking. 

'You might suppose the soul is everywhere within the body, like the blood in your veins. Or perhaps the brain, which has intelligence.' 

I looked at Bernard as he spoke, a distant feeling hitting me. I was receiving an answer to a question I wasn't sure why I had asked. Where does the soul reside? Either way, did it matter?

'Though there is one other belief.' Bernard said. I looked at him again, meeting his grey, river-like eyes. He smiled. 'Some say the soul is in the heart.' 

A slow blink blurred my vision briefly. 

'The heart?' I echoed. 

'That which pumps blood through your veins, beating to keep you alive. How is it that tiny morsel of flesh can feel so much? Sorrow, grief, love. Perhaps there is an answer. Because the soul is where the heart is. That, Sir Asher, is also an opinion.' 

Bernard stopped talking, his smile returning. A sense of calm washed over me, like a weight off my shoulders. I blinked a few times, nodding. 

'I see. Thank you.'

'Of course. Ah...' Bernard turned his attention to behind me. 'What perfect timing, dear child.'

I turned my body in a half-arc, my eyes falling on the familiar face. Yurielle Esteban. She was in the same outfit as I saw her last. Only her rosy hair was neatly braided into a bun today. Her deep blue eyes ignored me, looking up at Bernard. 

'Child, could you take this to the treasury? A donation from the Benesse Duchy.' He bent forward slightly as Yurielle approached, coming to stand beside me. Yet, a distance of two steps was between us. With a calm demeanour, she took the box from Bernard, nodding. It was only when she turned to walk away did she spare me a meaningless glance. With quiet steps, she started to walk away. 

I quickly turned back to Bernard. 'Then, I will take my leave. I must return to my duties now that I am recovered. Thank you for your service, Chieftain.' I bowed deeply, hands by my side. 

'It is my pleasure. Live well, Sir Asher.'

With a nod and a semblance of a grin, I briskly straightened and walked away.

Yurielle hadn't gotten far when I turned, perhaps covering only half the rows of seats. I caught up to her fairly easily, my long legs allowing me wide strides. 

'Hello, my Lady.' I greeted. Yurielle glanced at me briefly as she opened the doors of the hall. She walked through the doors, letting them close on me. It seemed that the villainess didn't have an interest in being good, but rather no longer being bad. 

Pushing through the door, I continued to walk with her. 

'Uh, my Lady. Do you remember m—.'

'I told you, Sir Knight.' Yurielle cut me off, a shadow of disdain washing over her ocean-like depths. 'I am no longer a Lady.'

I almost halted in my steps. 

'... So you do remember me?'

Yurielle raised a thin brow.

'You were here but five days ago? My memory is not so lacking.' She spoke, a little harshly. 

... Did I insult her somehow?

'And you have a face that isn't easy to forget.' She added in a mutter. Somehow, it felt spiteful. And yet...

'Hm?' Now it was my turn to raise my brows. 'Is that a compliment?' I couldn't help the amused smirk on my face. Yurielle glared at me, furrowing her brows.  

'... Take it as you will.' She uttered, staring forward as we walked. I leaned closer, gazing down at her

'Then I shall take it as a compliment, my Lady.'

'Sir Knight-.' She started, whipping her head up to look at me. The distance between us seemed to close greatly. We both paused. Yurielle blinked momentarily. Then she continued forward, without completing her sentence. 

'What about before that?' I asked after an awkward moment of silence. 

'Before what?' She hastily replied. 

'Before five days ago. Do you remember me?'

Her glare seemed to calm, replaced by genuine perplexity. 

'... No.'

'Ah... Never mind.' I waved dismissively. Yurielle seemed to roll her eyes, though I couldn't tell. She strode forward, turning a corner. Stopping by a teal-painted door, her hand rested on the handle. The treasury, I assumed.  Then she flicked her gaze to me. 

'This is as far as you go, Sir Asher. Non-clerics are not allowed past this door.' Her voice lost its bitterness, now almost businesslike. Her eyes seemed to dull, suddenly almost hollow. 

A small hint of guilt settled in my chest, making my smile fade.

'I see, of course.' I spoke. To begin with, I had no interest in the treasury. 'Then, I'll take my leave now. And... I'm sorry for bothering you today.' I said, feeling embarrassed. Yurielle simply stared back at me. 

With a final, uncomfortable glance, I turned away, walking back the way we came. The sound of the door clicking open sounded behind me. With silent steps, I left Yurielle.

It was the same as back then.

This time, too, I didn't look back.