Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die for Me/ Book 1: Promise

Chapter 40 Shattered House

<Paris Cathedral>

Will was feeling sickly and couldn't pinpoint the cause. Did he eat something he shouldn't have? Perhaps he had acquired a cold or some common seasonal disease, yet he had no fever. His latest check-up courtesy of Fred deemed him to be in perfect condition.

He remembered that night when Fred hoisted him along the cold winter streets of Paris. The doctor Fred called for by intruding in his home was not too thrilled to be roused at 2 am to attend a patient. Though his sour mood disappeared as soon as he discovered he was treating Father Will.

<Memory>

"I understand your worry for your friend. He does great things for the people. Sometimes I wonder if he ever rests."

"Of course, I do, doctor."

"Pssh as if, you spend every night praying in the church."

"And what about you young man? Father Will spends his nights praying for the people and what do you spend your nights doing?"

"I."

"He thinks about women."
"Ha, I thought so, though you are young, take a page from Father Will. You should focus on love instead of vying for the skirts of the various respectable ladies of Paris."

"I have someone."

"Then it's even worse, why do you think of others when you have yours. Are you a faithless playboy?"

Will turned away to hide a laugh while Fred was regretting choosing to bring him to the doctor's house.

"I'm not."

"Then at the very least spend your nights with her."

"But,"

"Don't tell me you haven't done such a thing yet? Don't play with feelings. If you love her, act on them."

"I have to respe-"

"You're disrespecting her for being so tactless, I can't believe it. I've met a playboy with no game."

"I'm no playboy."

"Yes, perhaps not, but you know what, it's too late for this. Father Will, your body is in perfect condition though I will urge you to pray for your dear friend here. He certainly needs god on his side."

"Ha, rest assured good doctor I will, sorry to trouble you in this late hour of night."

"No, it's no trouble at all. Come again if you feel unwell, I'll always welcome you here."

<Memory End>

Nearly a week had passed since he visited that doctor. Will planned to visit him again after he finished his duties. He had to talk with the people, give them support and food. The Kaslana family kitchens had eased his burden but he still needed to ensure that citizens were safe and sound. That they lived as happily as they could.

Suddenly, Will coughed up blood, it was dark crimson bordering black. It stained his hands steeped in sin and in front of the citizens in attendance he fell to the floor unconscious and in shock. An uproar followed, the venerable young father didn't rise from his position.

"Father Will's fallen."

"Oh heavens no!"

"Check if he's alright."

The deacons that served under Will held the people back as a few of his subordinates lifted his body and guided him away. They responded quickly but were shocked by the occurrence. The crowd trusted those that served under Will so they didn't rush after him but the safety and ease the city felt was shaken by his sudden collapse.