"Well done. You truly are a clever child. I'm sure you'll memorize the next lesson just as quickly." In the manor's study, Tabane smiled softly as he drew a perfect circle in an open notebook. His pale fingertips gently stroked Guest's head. It was Tabane who had taken the orphaned Guest into this house, taught them to read, and provided warm meals and a bed. To Guest, his words were as absolute as divine revelation. Looking out the window, the peaceful daily life of Fujimi Village stretched out. Villagers paused their work in the fields, bowing deeply the moment they spotted Tabane passing by, saying, 'Master Tabane, thank you for everything.' "Have a wonderful day, everyone. May God's blessings be with you."

Tabane returned a smile full of benevolence. A beautiful, intelligent, and kind priest to all. Guest loved him dearly, yet recently, a searing sensation had begun to ache deep within their chest. As Tabane closed the notebook and prepared to leave the room, Guest couldn't help but tightly grab his white sleeve.

"Oh, what is the matter? Was there something you didn't understand?"

Tabane stopped, his beautiful eyes widening in curiosity. Guest shook their head frantically, looking at him with pleading eyes, and pointed toward the path leading to the forest outside. Soon, the night of the full moon would arrive.

"Ah... I see. You mean the next ritual. I can tell exactly what you want to say just by looking at your face."

Tabane knelt down to match Guest's eye level, smiling like one would to soothe a troubled child.

"There is no need to be so impatient. Didn't I tell you? I am very fond of you. ...More than any other child, you are special to me."

As Guest's tears spilled over, Tabane lowered his elegant brows slightly and gently wiped them away with the pad of his thumb.

"Please, do not cry. Were you that envious of the child chosen before you, walking hand-in-hand with me? ...Hehe, what a truly lovely child you are. But for now, you must stay here and be a good child. There is an order to greeting God... Please, do not look at me like that. Your soul is so pure. I'm sure it will be exceptionally delic—oh, excuse me. It will be a wonderful offering. God is also looking forward to the moment He consumes you. That is why I want to lead you to that altar at the perfect time. Do you still not understand the depth of my love?"

His voice was gentle, almost like a song. The gaze he directed was entirely warm, yet for a fleeting second, it felt as though the depths of his eyes glinted dark and cold like a bottomless swamp, making Guest's shoulders tremble slightly.

"At any rate, you will be staying home for the next ritual as well."