The Birth of a Saintess

When Mula presented this idea, Anto’s instinctive reaction was to refuse.

After all, he saw no reason to masquerade as a woman, being a man himself.

He believed there would be no issue in studying at the church as a male, yet Eric promptly rejected the notion.

“Given the current influence of the Church and the events unfolding at the border, whispers of the Holy Child’s descent are already circulating in many regions.

Anto, you cannot travel across the continent under your true identity right now.

You already bear the semblance of an itinerant nun, so why not truly embody that role, perhaps as a traveling healer nun?

Moreover, the entry barrier for nuns is significantly lower than for monks; one can typically learn basic Holy Light techniques without extensive vetting.

Furthermore… possessing the identity of a nun could grant you the opportunity to attain a particular title.”

“What title?” Anto inquired, meeting Eric’s gaze.

Eric promptly responded,

“The same distinguished title your mother once held: ‘Saintess’.”

“Are you suggesting I need to acquire the title of Saintess?” Anto was momentarily stunned.

Eric, however, continued, “Consider this: your innate Holy Light power is exceptionally potent.

Sooner or later, ordinary people will detect something unusual.

Due to the unique properties of Holy Light itself, men with powerful Holy Light abilities are typically elevated to bishops, while women with equally strong Holy Light capabilities are recognized as Saintesses.

One identity represents the pinnacle of power, while the other embodies a revered figure of faith.

Both are meant to act as symbols across the continent.”

“In essence, a mere mascot?”

“One could also say, an idol for the faithful,” Eric stated directly.

“Anto, you must leverage all your advantages to their fullest.

I’ve given this considerable thought: what you’re about to undertake is, in plain terms, an election.

The three factions besides yours each possess their own distinct characteristics and strengths.

If you wish to compete against them, you absolutely must cultivate your own assets.

Let me pose a question: if two headlines appeared simultaneously in a newspaper—’A Hugely Powerful Young Holy Light Priest Emerges in the Border Diocese’ and ‘A New, Beautiful Saintess Possessing Potent Holy Light Arts Appears in the Border Diocese’—Tikka, which one would you be more inclined to buy?”

“Neither,” Tikka replied, “I don’t subscribe to newspapers.”

Mula, however, cupped her face and interjected, “That’s precisely the point!

If little Anto possesses a publicly appealing identity, one that allows them to operate openly, then everything they do behind the scenes will become significantly easier.

Little Anto’s greatest challenge is their lack of an established identity, and conveniently, we can simply create one for them.”

****

‘This is perfect.’

Thus, the very next day, a compelling narrative, a meticulously crafted appearance, and appropriate attire were all orchestrated by the group.

A young woman named Antolia Sevi, hailing from a remote border town and having accidentally awakened a potent Holy Light, now emerged upon the land.

“There’s still plenty of porridge, so no crowding! Take it one by one!”

Seemingly in no time at all, Anto, guided by Sister Lu Mei and Sister Xi’er An, began assisting the relief center in distributing barley porridge.

The sight of disaster victims surging in the moment the doors opened was a scene many would never forget.

“One at a time, no pushing, no crowding! Everyone will receive food, there’s no need to rush! Please form an orderly line!” Sister Lu Mei cried out, her voice straining.

Yet, her shouts were powerless against the gnawing hunger of the people and were quickly swallowed by the clamor.

Sister Xi’er An, meanwhile, distributed the food methodically, bowl after bowl, while Anto was responsible for handing out the prepared servings.

“Is it always this busy here?” Facing the queue that stretched like a dragon behind them, Anto mused inwardly that this was indeed a grand city.

Sister Lu Mei shook her head with a sigh.

“It has been like this these past few days.

The Demon King’s army, you see, launched another offensive along the border recently.

While it’s officially stated that the enemy’s advance was repelled, several villages along the frontier were utterly razed, sending a massive influx of displaced people into the capital.

Hence, we’ve been exceptionally busy.

Still, your technique for distributing food is remarkably practiced, Antolia.”

“Is that so?” Anto murmured, then swiftly ladled porridge into a bowl and passed it along, the action flowing with effortless grace.

He had shed the black coat he usually wore, now clad only in a long dress and a white shirt.

With sleeves rolled up and his long hair tied back, paired with the apron for distribution, an aura of efficiency emanated from him.

“She’s someone who gets things done,” Sister Xi’er An couldn’t help but remark from the side.

Her immediate and practiced handling of the tasks indicated she was certainly no novice completely ignorant of such work.

She was clearly adept at the relief efforts for the displaced within the center.

“Miss Antolia, have you perhaps performed similar work before?” With Anto’s assistance, the previously chaotic morning had become somewhat more manageable.

After the initial round of food distribution, the relief center staff also began their own lunch.

“It’s only this coarse porridge and dry, mixed-grain bread,” Sister Xi’er An murmured apologetically.

“I truly regret it; we should have prepared something a little better.”

“Ah, this…” Anto smiled faintly.

“In Linders, I frequently participated in relief efforts for the people of the slums.

The priest there made this very same kind of porridge and bread.” He then took a bite, chewing as he spoke.

“Hmm, the cooking is far superior to his.”

“I see… is that truly the case?” Sister Xi’er An nodded in response.

“To think the church in Linders hasn’t fallen into ruin yet… it truly shows that many people in this world still cling to their faith.

However, if there was a church there, Miss Antolia, why did you not choose to be introduced by its priest?”

“The priest… he sacrificed himself during the invasion of the Demon Army,” Anto’s voice suddenly dropped, hushed and somber.

“He believed, as he put it, that he was returning to His embrace.”

“I… I am sorry,” Sister Xi’er An said upon hearing this.

She then closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and began to pray.

“Are you…”

“Praying for a colleague I’ve never met,” Sister Xi’er An stated after a moment of silence.

“Though we were strangers, I still wish to offer blessings for such a virtuous monk.”

“Even without knowing his name?”

“There is no need to know a name,” Sister Xi’er An declared.

“We were dust, and to dust we shall ultimately return.

As children of God, those who serve Him and perform His good deeds upon the earth, that is our true identity and our name.”

“To steadfastly uphold one’s faith and undertake such deeds in a place like Linders, that is truly a rare and remarkable feat.

Especially in relief work, without resources distributed from higher authorities, everything we accomplish relies solely on our own initiative and dedication.

He was a noble soul,” Sister Lu Mei remarked at that moment, subsequently joining the prayer.

“My friend, may you find blessed rest in God’s earth.”