“Hm? What’s wrong?” Ketal asked curiously, noticing her reaction. Both Cassan and Alexandros tilted their heads in puzzlement as well.0

“Oh, no, it’s nothing,” Hayes replied quickly, trying to suppress her racing heart.0

She alone knew the truth—no one else was aware of Ketal’s true personality. If she betrayed any hint of her knowledge, it could lead to the inevitable death at Ketal’s hands. That fear weighed heavily on her, forcing her to keep her emotions in check. 1

She spoke as calmly as possible. “I don’t think I’ve changed. My only purpose is to serve Kelosia and follow the will of my god.”0

Her response was appropriate for a devout follower, and Ketal nodded in agreement.0

Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he said, “Come to think of it, I heard something from Aquaz.”0

Ketal paused briefly, searching his memory, before continuing. “Ah, right, Aquaz mentioned that those who serve Kelosia are currently in a period of rest, with only high-ranking members active.”0

“What?” Hayes’s face betrayed her alarm.0

Ketal turned his gaze to the others. “You all weren’t aware of this?”0

“Nope,” Cassan replied, shaking his head.0

“I can’t say I’ve heard anything like that,” Alexandros added. “Such internal matters of a religious order rarely become public knowledge.”0

The more persecuted a Church, the more insular it tended to be—and Kelosia’s...0