The Saintess and the Villainess

Chapter 19

"They're cherry drops," said Bishop Geist, indicating the little red candies in the ceramic bowl. "I know you like cherry drops."

Eva knocked the whole bowl off the desk. It thudded loudly against the wall as candies scattered around the room.

"That was unnecessary," said Bishop Geist, mildly.

"How dare you go behind my back to speak to her like that," said Eva, pointing an accusatory finger. "You're not supposed to interfere with her. You agreed that she wouldn't have to directly deal with anyone from the upper levels of the church, especially not you."

"And you agreed that she would remain useful to the church," said Bishop Geist. "I'm sure you can understand why her actions in recent days might be considered a threat to that."

"I've got it under control," said Eva.

"Do you?" asked the Bishop, standing up from her desk and going to pick up the tossed bowl. Miraculously it had remained in one piece. "You know, sometimes when a sheltered young thing from the country finds herself in the big city, she can end up finding herself in the big city. Do you catch my meaning?"

Eva just glared at her.

"That sort of personal journey can be a beautiful thing," said Bishop Geist. "It can also be a dangerous thing, if left unchecked."

"I'm telling you, it's still manageable. I can still manage it." said Eva. She waved the paper with the schedule on it. "But this is completely unreasonable. She's used to performing one or two church duties a day back in Longren. She can't keep up with all this."

Bishop Geist clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Sister Eva, I think you've forgotten something important. The church doesn't exist to serve the Saintess. The Saintess exists to serve the church."

"But still—"

Bishop Geist suddenly raised her hands and smashed the bowl against the edge of the desk, loudly shattering it. After a moment of silence, the Bishop smiled again. "Don't think you're the only one who's capable of making petty threats," she said, dropping the shattered pieces of the bowl that remained in her hands. "I've been rather indulgent with you and your Saintess over the years, but let us be clear—I still hold all the cards. Or would you like me to have a longer conversation with our little Anne? I'm sure there are a few things she'd be interest to learn... about herself, and about you."

Eva gritted her teeth and squeezed her hands into fists, but she choked out a, "No, please."

The Bishop clapped her hands happily. "Great! So you'll manage to keep up with the schedule somehow?"

"...Yes," said Eva. "We'll manage."

"Wonderful! Then you and the Saintess can continue to enjoy your freedom, and the Saintess doesn't need to know anything about a certain... strangeness in her 'miracles,' hmm?"

Eva didn't respond.

"Don't fret so, sister," said Bishop Geist, placing a comforting hand on Eva's shoulder. "No one is forcing you to bare this burden alone. As long as you stay on the right path, the church will be there to make things easier for you both. And, of course, you know I'm always here for you, if you ever need to talk, or vent your anger. You know I don't mind."

Eva was biting her thumbnail and turning her head away.

The Bishop wasn't an even remotely trustworthy person, which Eva knew better than anyone. But also, when it came to certain topics, the Bishop was the only person Eva could safely turn to.