The nameless city on the edge of the Monian Empire was once again drenched in rain, painting the streets with puddles and mud, accompanied by thunder. The atmosphere of the streets matched Granger’s mood perfectly. As if with his arrival, even the weather had decided to turn grim. He walked calmly and unhurriedly, yet his steps were confident. His gaze, long extinguished and devoid of any spark, reflected all that he had endured.

Walking through familiar streets and delving deeper into the city, his eyes fell upon the nearest church. Memories of the long-departed priest, who had been so kind to him and treated him almost like his own son when he was a boy, abandoned and without any meaning in life, came flooding back. He remembered the sounds of the violin the man used to play. He closed his eyes, sinking into the warm and comforting memories. But only for a moment.

After that fleeting comfort, he immediately recalled the tragic death of his mentor. He opened his eyes again. Before him stood the church. Whether it was the memories of the man who had passed into another world, or the sound of a gentle melody, he felt drawn to enter. His footsteps echoed across the floor as he stepped inside. Here, strangely enough, a sense of serenity immediately filled the space. No wonder many people come here to confess their sins or simply to find peace.

From his stream of thoughts, a soft voice drew his attention. Looking around, he noticed a female figure nearby — a young nun. She was quietly humming in the empty hall, but the echo was strong enough under the high ceilings and within the spacious building for the sound to carry. Perhaps, if not for her black-and-white habit, he would have mistaken her for an angel, judging by the sound of her voice.

He would have continued silently observing her, if she hadn’t suddenly stopped and addressed him:

“— Have you come to light a candle for someone or to confess?”

He silenced her with a few seconds of silence, then answered shortly and coldly:

“— Perhaps.”

Continuing to measure her with his gaze.