The New Novice Nun

“And so, gentlemen,” Rhys began, addressing the assembled clergy. “This is Miss Antolia, our new novice nun, who will be joining our church starting today. She has awakened a formidable power in Holy Light spellcraft and has graciously agreed to become part of our frontier church family.”He spoke during morning prayers, as all the Drianes Church’s clergy gathered, leading forward a golden-haired maiden dressed in a nun’s habit.Beneath the pristine black and white attire, her long golden hair cascaded, framing eyes the vivid hue of aquamarine gems.A gentle compassion for all living beings radiated from her brow, imbuing her with an overwhelming aura of sanctity.

“My heavens, just look at that girl…” An older priest among the assembled clergy murmured, making the sign of the cross. “Who would have thought such a young woman, brimming with such a potent divine aura, would appear here on the frontier?”

“May the Lord protect us.”

“This maiden is no simple matter,” another priest, shorter and rounder, chimed in. “I hear she was discovered by a Knight and brought to the Order. What confounds me is the sheer generosity of the New Church, forgoing such a valuable resource themselves. To think our humble frontier church, barely able to feed its own, would receive such a promising novice nun—it’s utterly abnormal.”

Meanwhile, the last priest, tall and gaunt, offered his own perspective:

“Perhaps Knight Ilivy isn’t quite as loyal to the Rose Church as we’ve always imagined, or maybe she has her own hidden agenda. Regardless, those are minor concerns. The truly important question is, into whose care will Archbishop Rhys entrust this novice nun? She requires systematic knowledge of Holy Light and sacred texts, and, more importantly, a good mentor. And that mentor…”

“That, of course, will be me.”

The three priests who had simultaneously uttered the exact same words now stared at one another, their faces slowly breaking into deeply meaningful smiles that seemed to question, ‘Why did *you* presume to say that?’

“Father Gaol, please, let’s not joke around,” one priest chided. “Your grasp of Holy Light and theological understanding are frankly laughable. Do not be so overly confident; you must recognize your own limitations. In earlier times, you’d barely qualify as a sacred orderly.”

“Oh, Father Guilford, it’s *you* who shouldn’t be joking,” another retorted. “Do not presume that simply because your tenure predates mine by a decade, you have license for such unbridled personal attacks. Naturally, one who has served as a priest for twenty or thirty years will possess a solid foundation of knowledge, but it is, after all, only *marginally* more solid than anyone else’s, wouldn’t you agree? Haha.”

“You… if you truly dare,” the third priest challenged, “come with me to the library. Theological Holy Light spells—pick any you like. Let’s see just how solid your ‘basic knowledge’ truly is!” While the priests bickered amongst themselves and the nuns buzzed with discussions about their soon-to-be sister, Rhys observed the scene and directly intervened.

“Having witnessed Miss Antolia’s remarkable talent and burgeoning power, I intend to personally instruct her,” Rhys declared, effectively silencing the room. “She will serve as my direct disciple, active within the Drianes Church. I grant her the right to freely access all departments and facilities. Miss Antolia will need to acquire knowledge from various areas within the church, and I ask that everyone extend her their care and guidance during her studies. Now, Miss Antolia, please say a few words yourself.” As he spoke, the murmuring below ceased entirely. It was evident that, as their superior, he had skillfully preempted any further arguments. Indeed, a maiden appearing so inherently gifted, once properly nurtured, could very well become a rising star in the continental ecclesiastical world. To be her mentor would undoubtedly bring immense future prestige. Other clerics harbored similar thoughts, but none could truly compete with someone of Rhys’s stature.

“Ah… ah, well.” The maiden, clad in her nun’s habit and bearing a crucifix, hesitantly stepped forward to the podium. Watching her, Sister Lu Mei below blossomed into a wide smile. “Didn’t I tell you?” she whispered excitedly. “Little Anto looks absolutely adorable in her nun’s habit—truly worth anticipating!”

“Please refrain from such boisterous laughter at this moment,” Sister Xi’er An calmly admonished from beside her. Lu Mei merely shook her head, still smiling. “Alright, alright. She does seem a bit nervous, but even so, she’s still utterly adorable.”

“Um, I am Antolia. I come from a small town on the frontier. I am a very ordinary girl.” As Anto spoke, her eyes were unfocused, and her body seemed to shrink slightly, giving her the appearance of a startled little rabbit. This perfectly suited her persona as an ‘ordinary small-town girl,’ further enhancing the impression of fragility and a need for greater affection. She gazed at the people before her, finally mustering her courage to introduce herself:

“Previously, I worked as an apothecary’s apprentice, healing people on the frontier. It was only by chance that I discovered my own talent and was saved by a Knight of the Holy See. That is how the idea of coming here to study took root. Perhaps I don’t truly understand why this has happened to me, but perhaps it is divine guidance? I do not yet fully comprehend the God I am to worship, but I hope to help everyone I possibly can. Thank you.”

“Clap, clap, clap.” A wave of applause then erupted from below. The old priest, eyes closed, nodded and commented, “What a kind child. It is precisely because of such a heart that one awakens abilities like Holy Light. Rest assured, when you become a full-fledged nun, you will certainly gain unwavering faith.”

“Welcome to our church family!” Following this, Lu Mei stepped forward and embraced Anto in a tight hug. “From today onwards, we are sisters, serving the Lord together! Don’t you worry! I’ll make sure to teach little Anto everything about becoming a proper nun!”

“Oh… in that case, I’ll be troubling Sister Lu Mei.” Anto seemed a little unaccustomed to the sudden, fervent embrace, while Lu Mei merely chuckled and rubbed her cheek against Anto’s.

“And I’ve been meaning to say this since the last time we met,” Lu Mei continued, leaning in close to Anto. “Little Anto has such a uniquely comforting scent about her, and this nun’s habit truly suits you, even though…” She then patted Anto’s chest lightly and added:

“Don’t worry… I promise I absolutely won’t let little Anto go hungry or hinder her development. You’re still growing, Antolia! You’re already a beauty in the making; in the future, you’ll surely become even more stunning!”

“Ah, what are you saying, Sister Lu Mei…” Anto stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. At this, Sister Lu Mei suddenly froze, then looked directly into the young girl’s eyes and asked:

“What did you just say?”

“…Is that not how I should address you?” Anto asked, her voice tinged with the apprehension of having committed a transgression. “Sister Lu Mei?”

“No, say it again, that—‘Big Sister Lu Mei’.” Lu Mei insisted, her expression surprisingly serious. Anto tilted her head, then blankly repeated:

“Lu Mei… Big Sister.”

“Absolutely adorable!” Sister Lu Mei’s heart blossomed with unbridled joy. Covering her nose, she gave Anto a vigorous thumbs-up. “No problem at all! Call me that! I’m a senior nun now, and I’m a big sister! Mwahahahahahaha!”