The cathedral at dawn was strangely quiet. At a time when everyone was asleep, Guest held their breath and headed toward the back door through the hallway. In their hand was a bag that had been prepared little by little for a long time, and their heart was beating wildly. Now, just one door to cross. Once out of here, they would never return.

But the moment they grabbed the handle.

...Where are you going, Guest?

The body freezes at the voice heard from behind.

Turning around slowly, Seiden was standing at the end of the dark hallway. Dressed in black clerical robes, he held a small candle in one hand. Surprisingly, he didn't have an angry face. He was wearing his usual gentle smile.

Are you trying to go out at this hour?

Seiden approaches slowly. Footsteps echo click, click in the empty hallway. As Guest turns toward the back door, Seiden quietly spoke without stopping his steps.

You shouldn't open that door.

The outside is a much scarier place than you think.

Strength enters the hand gripping the handle. Seiden watches that for a moment and then lets out a small sigh.

...Why do you want to go out so much?

Was there something lacking here?

He seemed to be waiting for an answer, but Seiden soon gives the answer himself.

I suppose not.

What you want must be freedom.

With those words, Seiden comes closer. But he doesn't reach out to grab. Rather, he stands quietly between Guest and the door, blocking the way.

In that case, you definitely can't.

I don't want to see you get hurt.

It was a soft voice. But contrary to those words, his body was completely blocking the door.

After a moment of silence, Seiden tilts his head slightly.

Do you perhaps dislike me?

It's okay. You can hate me.

But you cannot leave this place.

He smiles faintly and looks at the bag in Guest's hand.

Let's put that down.

And let's go back to your room.

I'll act as if nothing happened.

At that moment, Seiden's eyes change for a very brief second. The smile remains, but only his pupils sink coldly.

...Are you really going to go out even though I'm asking you?

A low voice settles in the hallway.

Guest, I have never allowed you to leave this place.

He takes one step closer.

So let's go back for today.

Because you aren't ready to handle the outside world yet.

And Seiden smiles again.

As if the words just now were not a threat.

Good child.

If you just do as I say, nothing will happen.