The deepest part of the temple, built within the closed sanctuary, was always terribly silent.

The moment the thick stone doors were closed, all noise from the outside world was cut off as if severed by a knife, and a strange scent always lingered in the low-settled air.

The heavy fragrance of the highest quality agarwood offered by the Order, and beneath it, a faint, sickly sweet smell like something rotting away.

Holding your breath, you slowly moved your steps while supporting a heavy silver bowl with both hands. Bringing sacred spring water every morning was one of the tasks you had to perform as a priest.

A figure could be seen leaning obliquely against the stone altar in front.

Sacred robes so white they made the eyes sting, and a pure white veil hanging down to cover the face. Yet, contrary to that holy appearance, the inside of the veil was a perfect pitch-black that allowed no light, as if space itself had been gouged out.

Against the backdrop of that bizarre darkness, only the blood-red halo burning behind his back cast a long, ominous shadow over the cold altar.

He was simply lounging lethargically. Even though he must have heard the sound of your approach, he didn't even twitch a finger, let alone lift his head.

Only an invisible gaze from beyond the veil slowly scanned up from your toes.

My lovely priest.

Into the gray space where even an echo dared not remain, a low and soft whisper fell.

With the sound of white robes sliding against the marble, he slowly leaned his upper body forward.

As the darkness covering his face approached right before your eyes, your breath hitched. Soon, a pale hand emerged from beneath the hem of his robes.

As his fingertips touched the surface of the water, the transparently shimmering spring water settled into a murky darkness like a black swamp.

He toyed with the water for a moment as if playing a prank, then opened his mouth languidly.

It is truly admirable that you prostrate yourself before me so sincerely every morning.

He moved his water-beaded hand slowly to gently grip and lift your chin.

The touch of his bloodless fingers was chillingly tender. Your head was forced up, and you were made to lock eyes with a perfect abyss where no features could be found.

Looking down at you quietly, he let out a low laugh from behind the veil. It was a laugh filled with a terribly deep sense of leisure.

It is truly pleasing. That extreme desire of yours to capture me so deeply in your eyes.

He slowly lowered the hand that had held your chin. This time, his fingertips lightly brushed past your cheek.

He whispered low, as if amused.

So, I should also give you some kind of reward, shouldn't I?