The sermon went on for about fifteen minutes, but it felt like an hour. When it finally came to an end, he thought he would get some time to talk to Akira. He didn’t want to dig up the past. Not the one before they split up or the one after. The Lieutenant simply wished to talk her into joining the Knights again. He had seen people who had done far worse things still remain within the organization without as much as a mark on their file. He wasn’t going to let Akira be used as a scape goat for the faction. Unfortunately, she wasn’t as interested in returning as he was in having her back. When the service was done and the crowd dispersed, his ex-partner left with the crowd with nothing but a nod towards him.
Haru let out a soft sigh and nodded back. He didn’t get up and follow her. Instead, he just sat there until there was no one else in the chapel except him and the father. So far, he wasn’t sure how or when to approach Akira with the topic. Now, he wasn’t sure if he should at all. He started to wonder if she was better off with the church and its Holy Knights. Adelaide was still part of it. So, they weren’t all bad.
As he sat there wondering, his eyes fell upon the wall that had the secret passage. His curiosity took over and he looked around. Even the priest had retired to his chambers by then. He was all alone in the chapel. Haru got up and walked as silently as he could towards the wall. He figured whatever mechanism that opened the passage must be behind the painting hung on the wall. His hands raised to touch the painting, but before he could, he heard a voice behind him and he turned swiftly to meet the one who interrupted him.
It was the same man who had come through the passage. “Can I help you?” he asked. Haru was shocked and couldn’t understand where he came from. But he had to come up with some excuse quickly or he sensed he would be in trouble.
“Er… The painting. It’s beautiful,” he stated abruptly. “Yes! One of the most famous and prized possession of this church,” the man replied calmly. But his tone changed rather quickly. “Which shouldn’t be touched by the likes of you,” he added rather poisonously.
Haru’s eyes widened in shock. He couldn’t understand what made the man have such hatred for him. But he knew he had to get out before making a scene.
“Sorry!” was all he managed, as he raised both his hands and began to walk away. He could feel the man’s eyes on his neck, sending a chill, as he exited the church. Now, he was certain there was something sinister hiding behind that painting.
-Exit-