Shadows of the Soul

Outside the city of Della, within a vast estate, numerous servants were engaged in various tasks. However, upon closer inspection, one could notice that although they were highly skilled in their work, their expressions carried a constant trace of unease, and their movements were somewhat timid, clearly betraying a deep-seated fear of something—or someone.

"Emily, did you hear? Another maid was brutally whipped today on the viscount's orders, all for some minor mistake," whispered a servant sweeping the grand hall to another maid nearby.

"I know. Ever since the young master was brought home injured and fell into a coma, the viscount's temper has grown worse by the day. The tiniest slip-up could spell disaster for us," replied the maid called Emily in a hushed tone. "But what can we do about it, Lina? Let's just stop talking and focus on our work—better not make any mistakes."

"Mm," agreed the maid named Lina. "You're right."

Just then, a faint crash echoed from deeper within the mansion, followed by a startled yelp. What came next was a furious roar, the sound of weeping, and the unmistakable crack of a whip…

The two maids exchanged a look of dread before hastily bowing their heads and throwing themselves into their tasks with renewed focus.

The source of all this turmoil, Muse Newton, lay unconscious on a bed. Standing beside him was a priest clad in a red robe, his head adorned with a crown embedded with a massive ruby. In his left hand, he leaned on a staff crafted entirely of silver, while his right hand clutched a holy emblem, his lips murmuring sacred hymns.

As his chanting continued, a soft glow began to form before him, gradually descending onto Muse.

The light enveloped Muse's entire body, seeping slowly into him, mending the injuries he had sustained.

Only when the light had fully permeated Muse's form did the cleric tuck away the holy emblem, freeing a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

Turning to a maid standing nearby, he said, "Go summon the viscount."

"Of course, please wait a moment, Your Grace," the maid replied. After a respectful curtsy to the bishop, she departed.

Soon, the sound of urgent footsteps approached, and Muse's father, Atro Newton, burst into the room.

His face brimming with hope, he asked, "Bishop Klet, has my son awakened?"

"I'm afraid not. I've done everything in my power, using the advanced divine spell—Holy Light of Healing—and I can assure you that Master Muse's body is in perfect health. However, it seems his coma isn't due to physical causes, and that's something beyond my abilities," Bishop Klet replied, shaking his head in regret.

At those words, a wave of unconcealed sorrow and disappointment flickered across Atro's face, though he quickly realized his lapse and composed himself. "Is there really no other way?" he pressed.

"I'm sorry, but this is beyond my reach," Klet said. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "While casting the spell, I sensed a faint shadow lingering around Master Muse's head…"

Before Klet could finish, Atro's eyes flashed with intensity. "Are you saying… my son might be suffering from a soul injury!?" he interjected eagerly.

"I can't say for certain, I'm afraid," Klet replied, a hint of irritation crossing his face at being interrupted. "To determine if that's truly the cause, Viscount Atro, you'll need to take Master Muse to the Great Temple for a proper examination. As far as I know, that would likely mean a trip to the royal capital."

"Since I've confirmed that Master Muse's body is unharmed, there's little point in me remaining here. I must return to the temple for evening prayers," Klet concluded, turning toward the door.

Atro, ever perceptive, caught the note of displeasure in the bishop's voice. With a glance, he signaled the maid to tend to Muse carefully, then hurried after Klet, calling out, "Bishop Klet, surely there's no need to leave so soon? I've prepared a banquet, and it would be my great honor if you'd join us."

"No, thank you. As a servant of the God of Holy Light, I cannot partake in such festivities," Klet replied without looking back, his refusal firm.

"Very well, then. But please don't reject the gratitude of a father desperate for his kin—a father thankful that you took time from your busy duties to heal my son," Atro said, catching up to walk beside him.

At this, Klet's pace slowed ever so slightly.

A subtle smile crept onto Atro's face. He turned his head and called back, "Steward Trar, go to the Temple of the God of Holy Light and purchase ten thousand gold coins' worth of indulgences."

"Understood, Viscount," replied an elderly man who had been trailing closely behind Atro. After bowing, he stepped back and withdrew.

Only then did Atro lower his voice and say to Klet, "Bishop Klet, I've prepared a small gift for you… It's already been placed in your carriage. Please don't refuse it—it's merely a father's humble token of appreciation…"

A smile finally broke across Klet's face. He made a holy gesture over his chest and said, "May the Holy Light forever shine upon you. Viscount, your devotion is truly touching. I'm certain that with the God of Holy Light's blessing, Master Muse will recover."

Atro smiled back. "May the Holy Light shine upon us both."

Klet nodded with satisfaction, his steps easing further.

Atro accompanied Bishop Klet onward, and soon they reached the front courtyard of the estate. There stood Klet's carriage—fashioned from the finest wood, intricately carved, draped in rich red curtains embroidered with verses from the Holy Light scriptures, and drawn by two flawless white horses.

Eight towering knights in silver-white armor adorned with angelic designs stood on either side of the carriage, holding the reins of their steeds, their postures rigid and upright.

A priest stood nearby, cradling a copy of the Holy Light scriptures, reciting softly under his breath.

This priest, keenly perceptive, sensed someone approaching. Looking up, he saw Atro and Bishop Klet walking toward them. He promptly led the knights in offering a holy salute to the bishop.

Klet nodded and said, "Pastor Owen, ready the carriage. I'm heading back to the temple."

"Understood, Your Grace," the priest replied with deep respect. He then slipped into the carriage, tidying the interior, lighting incense, and activating the magical lamps.

At that moment, Klet turned to Atro. "Though I can't resolve Master Muse's condition, I was once a colleague of Archbishop Naro, who now serves at the Grand Cathedral in the royal capital. I can provide you with a letter of introduction. Should you seek treatment for Muse, it might smooth the way for you."

"That would be incredible! I can't thank you enough for your help," Atro said, his voice filled with surprised gratitude.

"The God of Holy Light teaches us to show mercy to the world, for only then may we ascend to His kingdom," Klet said, his expression one of pious compassion.

Atro smiled in agreement.

Soon, Pastor Owen emerged from the carriage and said respectfully, "Your Grace, all is prepared. Please board."

After bidding Atro farewell, Klet climbed into the carriage. Owen took the coachman's seat, cracked the whip, and the opulent carriage rolled smoothly along the estate's paved path toward the exit. The eight temple knights mounted their horses and followed closely behind.

Atro watched them depart with a smile, waving to Klet's carriage as if bidding farewell to an old friend…