Alluring Secret : Black Vow

Chapter 4 : Part 3 : Arrow of Judgement

Chapter 4, Part 3 – Arrow of Judgment

I walked slowly through the snowy forest. My surroundings were a complete snowy landscape; the branches of the coniferous trees that made up this beautiful forest were also all covered in white. Although snow was falling, the sunlight was still bright. This kind of scenery would have been rare back in Alphine, but I had grown used to it by now, and also felt that I could walk faster than I did before through the snow-covered roads. My ability to adapt to changes in the environment was quite high, due to being forced to develop it when growing up.

I had experienced some culture shock at first, but I was now more accustomed to living here than even Len, who should have already been living here for a long time. When he'd said that he'd never gone out during the winter time, it seemed that he'd been telling the truth. The day we walked through the snow-covered streets for the first time together was still fresh in my memory. Unable to keep his footing very well, he had fallen down countless times, and although I wasn't used to walking in the snow any more than he was, I had pulled him back up by the hand each time he fell. When I recalled that shocked expression on his face whenever he fell, I couldn't help but smile. After experiencing what it was like to "slip," he tried out various different ways of walking, but still wound up falling down several times. He was a strange person; while innocent and still child-like, there were times when he gave off the impression of being so much mature and intellectual than I was. And while keeping up that appearance, his personality hid a strange charm that won over the love from both the maids and the people of the nearby town.

I hoped that he'd come home soon.... Since the day before yesterday, Len had left for the capital. Supposedly, it was for work related to the land around here, and also some sort of personal business. He worked as a noble that governed this land, but since he didn't interact with other nobles very much, he mostly only met the townspeople for work.

Before long, I noticed that the church has come into view. Perhaps because I'd been so deep in thought as I walked here, it felt like I'd arrived in the blink of an eye. It took about thirty minutes to walk from the mansion to this church, which was the closest one. Located beside the road that connected the forest and the town, whenever there was some kind of occasion in town, it would usually be held at this church. Since there wasn't anything in particular going on today, there was no one around. I pushed the door of the chapel, which was covered in thick snow.

"Um, excuse me—..."

The building I peeked into was empty of people. Usually, the nuns would always be here. Had they just stepped out.....? Time-wise, it was still a bit too earlier to be called evening. Illuminated by countless candles, the room gave off a very daydream-like atmosphere. I approached the altar, knelt down, and brought my hands together. Since long before, the time I spent praying to God would always calm my heart. Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door opening behind me. Had one of the Sisters come back?

"Sister?"

I couldn't seem them very well from where I was because of the light from outside shining behind them. There was no reply, so perhaps it was one of the townspeople who had come to worship? I tried approaching them a little, and when I did, the figure that was leaning against the door came towards me, and flapped open a pair of huge wings.

Wings... Clad in all white, with an appearance full of dignity.... was an angel. I was so shocked that I couldn't speak.

".... Have you finished with your worship?"

His low voice echoed to the high ceiling. My entire body simply froze in the face of that dignified demeanor.

"..... An... An angel.....?"