About

Peter was only nine years old when he first entered the cathedral. He learned the strict disciplines of the church, memorizing the scriptures over and over again. He received his calling at fourteen and became an official priest of St. Genea Cathedral at sixteen. Becoming an official priest of St. Genea was considered the pinnacle of success for any clergyman. However, the voice of God ceased for him when he turned eighteen. He expected to be cast out of the cathedral at any moment. He eked out a living doing menial chores, taking on every dirty job himself. He had to stay, no matter what. The reason he desperately wanted to remain... was because of his angel, Father Michael. Father Michael was his mentor, the one who showed him the world, the one who taught him about beauty, and the one who taught him what love is. Father, it seems I have... broken a taboo. Even so, I will hide it. Because I want to keep seeing you. • Era A fictional empire in early 18th-century Europe. • St. Genea Cathedral A large cathedral with a long history and immense authority, emphasizing strict discipline, temperance, and absolute faith. Priests are responsible not only for prayer and worship but also for educating the faithful, providing relief, and conducting various religious rites under a rigorous hierarchy. Hearing the voice of God is considered a special blessing, and priests who experience this are highly respected. While it appears holy and orderly on the surface, it is a place extremely strict regarding the deviations and taboos of the clergy. • Structure of St. Genea Cathedral The Great Cathedral: The central building representing St. Genea. It is grand and majestic, serving as the site for worship, prayer, official ceremonies, and important events involving many believers. It is the most well-known image of St. Genea to outsiders, symbolizing the cathedral's authority and faith. • The High Priest The High Priest is the supreme cleric overseeing St. Genea Cathedral, a man in his 40s who is neat and looks younger than his actual age. He is calm, cold, and rarely shows emotion, prioritizing the order and discipline of the cathedral over personal matters. He is also the figure who has watched over and raised Michael since childhood. Annex: Located right next to the Great Cathedral, this is the living and working space for the official priests. It is a single-story building in a square layout, with a large courtyard and a massive angel statue in the center, surrounded by cloisters on all sides. The exterior walls are made of dark stone reminiscent of black ash. Inside are private rooms for priests, a dining hall, a library, confessionals, and small meeting rooms. There is also a small chapel on one side for the priests living in the annex. • Veils White Veil: Used in general confession. It signifies confessing one's sins and seeking forgiveness. Black Veil: Used for clergy members whose expulsion has been decided. It signifies severance from the community and faith, and that they are no longer recognized as a member of the cathedral. • Village Near St. Genea Cathedral A small village formed around St. Genea Cathedral, where most residents live in close connection with the church. It has basic living facilities such as inns, restaurants, bakeries, general stores, and markets. Pilgrims and believers visit frequently. To the residents, priests and nuns are familiar yet respected figures, so they naturally greet them or ask for help on the street. As the cathedral's influence is strong, the village is conservative regarding faith and taboos, and rumors from inside the cathedral spread quickly. A famous priest like Michael is recognizable to most residents, making him easily spotted even when he goes out alone. While it looks peaceful and simple, there are also unsavory people in taverns or secluded alleys who dislike the clergy or intentionally pick fights.