The Hospice’s New Hope

Draines Capital stood as the largest city along the frontier, a bustling metropolis renowned as the most prosperous within the entire border region.

Journeying south from this vibrant city would lead to Rachel, where its bustling port offered access to the Golden Route—a vital maritime path frequently used for continental travel, traversing the entire borderland directly to the flourishing territories of the Elf Kingdom.

Within its confines stood a monastery, once the grandest parish church in all of Draines.

Though it slowly succumbed to the relentless currents of time, crumbling with each passing year, the church itself still remained steadfast, a testament to its enduring presence.

Even more remarkably, its associated hospice continued to fulfill its charitable duties, a rare and commendable feat in these trying times.

“The provisions Lady Ilivy brought last time are dwindling rapidly.”

Sister Lu Mei stirred the thin porridge, the distant tolling of the church bells echoing her growing sense of helplessness.

“Xi’er An, do you believe Lord Rhys can truly sway those politicians into granting us aid?”

“…That is not a matter for us to decide.”

Xi’er An, diligently washing dishes nearby, replied.

“Only the Lord can determine such things.

If Lord Rhys’s devotion is true, then his prayers will surely be answered.”

“You are quite the idealist, aren’t you?”

Lu Mei tasted the meager porridge in her bowl, a faint bitterness accompanying the watery symphony of grains, before she spoke again.

“If the Almighty Lord truly granted every human wish, then there would be no need for us monks and nuns at all.”

“Perhaps so.”

Xi’er An conceded, rising as a persistent knocking sounded from the door.

“Recently, the enemy demon legions have renewed their assault on the watchtowers.

It’s likely the city will soon see an influx of those desperately needing the hospice’s aid.

Bishop Rhys has instructed us to be prepared to serve on the front lines as clergy at a moment’s notice.”

“So, we toil here, performing acts of charity, only for them to contemplate sending us to the front lines to die when we are on the brink of starvation ourselves?

This is truly…”

“It’s not quite like that,”

Xi’er An quickly interjected.

“Rhys assured me that if those in power were truly to stoop to such a despicable act, they would, at the very least, ensure we had one final, satisfying meal, if only to save face.”

“Hmph, spare me that kind of last meal; I truly couldn’t stomach it.”

Sister Lu Mei muttered, her irritation mounting with each insistent rap on the door.

Her temper, already short, frayed further.

Brandishing her ladle like a weapon, she strode impatiently to the entrance and flung it open.

“The rice porridge isn’t ready yet!

Your incessant knocking is useless!

It will be distributed when it’s time, so why the rush?

Can’t you people just wait a moment… Ah?”

Her voice trailed off, her expression freezing midway through her rant.

Standing before her was someone she had never expected to encounter again, certainly not so soon.

“Greetings, Sister.

We meet again.”

The pink-haired Knight dismounted gracefully, her demeanor impeccably polite.

She met Lu Mei’s stunned gaze.

“I am Knight Ilivy, and I visited two weeks prior.

Might I inquire if…”

“Of course, absolutely no problem!

Lady Ilivy, we’ve been awaiting your return!”

The instant Lu Mei recognized the Knight, her eyes lit up, her previous irritation vanishing completely.

She hastily ushered Lady Ilivy into the hospice, her gaze then falling upon the retinue of people trailing behind the Knight.

“And these are…”

Lu Mei gestured towards the four cloaked figures, prompting Ilivy to respond with an easy grace.

“They are all my companions, my guests.

If you would be so kind, please extend your hospitality to them.

Standard courtesies will suffice.”

“Understood, understood!

We shall certainly present our finest tea to welcome our esteemed guests!

Xi’er An, please escort these individuals to the hospice’s guest quarters!

So, Knight, have you completed your mission already?

To return so swiftly—it truly is a testament to your prowess!”

Lu Mei chattered excitedly.

Ilivy offered a slight nod.

“It’s not merely a matter of my strength, but rather divine guidance.

I wish to speak with Bishop Rhys.

Is he currently available?”

“Lord Rhys is not within the monastery at this moment,”

Xi’er An approached to explain.

“He likely won’t conclude his duties until evening.

A meeting could be arranged then.”

“That would be most helpful.”

With that, Ilivy turned.

From among the four cloaked figures behind her, she gently drew forward the smallest, then spoke.

“This is the Holy See’s monastery.

In an era when the Holy See still possessed its full structure, countless hospices like this one upheld the fundamental welfare of human society.

However, with the relentless march of time, many have fallen into disrepair, unable to sustain their operations.

This particular monastery and hospice is likely the only one remaining in all of Draines.”

“Is that so?”

The cloaked figure pondered these words.

Confronted by the robed presence, Lu Mei’s curiosity was undeniably piqued.

She subtly, almost unconsciously, cast glances at the individual shrouded in the heavy fabric.

Their voice had been remarkably delicate, surely belonging to a girl, she mused.

Leaning in slightly, she then inquired, “Knight, is this your friend?

I sense a rather extraordinary aura about her.”

“In a way, yes.

There is, in fact, another reason for our visit.”

Ilivy murmured, glancing at the figure beside her.

“May I?”

“Naturally.”

With that affirmation, the figure shed their cloak.

The moment their features were unveiled, the expressions on both Lu Mei and Xi’er An’s faces utterly froze.

Before them stood a being of unearthly beauty, a golden-haired, sapphire-eyed marvel.

Their countenance was more exquisitely refined than the most cherished murals adorning their chapel walls, and an undeniable aura of the divine radiated from them.

For a moment, Lu Mei found herself utterly unable to discern if this ethereal presence was male or female, yet it seemed that to even consider gender in the face of such profound beauty would itself be an affront.

“This is Anto… Lady Antolia.”

At that precise moment, Ilivy smoothly delivered her pre-arranged explanation.

“She possesses a remarkable talent for Holy Light.

I encountered her and her companions while on a mission in the borderlands.

After some discussion, I learned that despite her innate gift, she has never received formal training.

This presented a perfect opportunity, and so I…”

“A newcomer!”

Before Ilivy could complete her sentence, Lu Mei had already surged forward, her eyes sparkling with unbridled enthusiasm.

“Are you considering joining the order?

My heavens, it’s been ages since we’ve welcomed a newcomer!

Don’t hesitate, the Holy Light has chosen you!

Join us, young lady!

We desperately need you!”