Family Meeting at the Temple

Family Meeting at the Temple

Family Meeting at the Temple

The date of the meeting arrived after three days of anxious waiting. I hurriedly went to the temple, changed into my blue robes, and headed to the High Priest’s room. Lutz, who had been staying in one of my attendant rooms, was wearing his apprentice clothes. He stayed with me instead of in the orphanage at the High Priest’s instructions, in order to prevent the real orphans from developing pointless hope.

“Man, I’m nervous.”

“...This has gotten way too big for a simple family discussion.”

By the time Lutz and I arrived at the High Priest’s room, word of Benno and Mark arriving had already been delivered and a gray priest was guiding the two of them there.

Lutz’s parents arrived just as Benno was finishing the long, verbose greeting made necessary by the presence of a noble. Just as I had heard, Lutz’s father had the muscular build of one working in construction, though he wasn’t particularly large. His skin was deeply tanned and he had the look of someone who worked themselves sweaty outside. He had deeply furrowed brows and sharp jade eyes that reflected his obstinate personality well, while his almost white blonde hair made him look a little old.

Lutz’s father glanced at him, gave a snort, and then briefly introduced himself to the High Priest. Karla followed him to the seats offered to them, and jerked in fear upon seeing Mark and Benno sitting on the opposite side.

...Seriously, Mark, what’d you do? What’d you say? Have you already blackmailed her?

When everyone was gathered in the High Priest’s room, the loud sound of third bell rang above us. The High Priest was standing beside me. As he stated his greeting, I looked at the small magic tool in my hand. It was a sound-blocking magic tool made to prevent eavesdropping. When holding it only a specific person could hear you, and the High Priest was using it today such that only he could hear me if I tried to speak. In short, he was telling me to shut up and not interfere. When I protested (so that I could help Lutz), he had this to say:

“What I need to make clear here are the thoughts and feelings of the parties involved. A third party such as yourself will only complicate the situation by getting involved. Especially since you are biased in Lutz’s favor and thus not neutral. You’ll get in the way.”

He was so blunt that I wanted to crack a joke about where all his euphemisms and aloofness had gone. The condition for me joining the meeting was carrying the magic tool, so all I could do was sit in my chair like a doll. Frustratingly enough, both Benno and Mark had agreed with the High Priest.

The table was in the center of the room and our chairs were placed on either side of it. The High Priest and I sat on the side furthest into the room, Lutz sat opposite to us, his parents sat on the left, and Benno and Mark sat on the right. After finishing simple greetings and introductions, the High Priest explained Lutz’s position and his request. He had talked directly to Lutz and thus spoke of things that even I hadn’t heard about.

“...And such is Lutz’s position. Is that right, Lutz?” The High Priest looked at Lutz, who nodded while looking self-conscious about his parents’ presence. I internally shouted my support for him. He clenched a trembling fist and opened his mouth.

“No matter how hard I work, they don’t accept me. Dad fights against every one of my dreams, and—”

“DON’T BE A BABY!” Lutz’s father, Deid, clenched his fist and shouted at Lutz. His shout was so loud I actually jumped in my chair. He was probably used to shouting instructions to his coworkers. His bellowing voice felt loud enough to echo throughout the entire Noble’s Quarter, to say nothing of the High Priest’s solitary room. I felt my heart tighten with fear.

He’s so scary! Oh my god! My heart can’t take this!