Secrets: Priestess

Chapter 122 Haggard
In the afternoon sun, Claire, dressed in black monastic robes, followed Bishop Elektra of the Church of St. Samuel into the Meazza family residence.

The walls and courtyard inside the Meazza Palace appear in a dark tone, as if telling the family's long history and profound heritage.

The family emblem is carved above the gate, with intricate and exquisite patterns.

Under the guidance of the butler, Claire met Count Meazza and Countess Eurydice in the main hall.

Bishop Elektra had always had close communication with the Meazza family, especially recently regarding the issue of "the ownership of Claire's body", and had also negotiated with the Meazza family members.

In the carriage on the way here, the bishop explained to Claire that the members of the Meazza family had different attitudes towards Claire's body.

Only Jessica Meazza "refused to listen to communication" and firmly demanded that the church return the body.

Most of the other members are "sensible" and willing to accept the church's arrangements.

But the most crucial thing is that Count Meazza did not express his opinion, which led to the stalemate.

When talking about Count Meazza in the carriage, Bishop Elektra said with emotion: "Count Meazza is a low-key and reserved gentleman. Since we met, I have rarely seen him show any changes in his mood."

Claire understood this better.

Count Meazza was not without affection for his children, but he was overly rational and prioritized the interests of his family. Lady Eurydice, on the other hand, grew up in a conservative family that worshipped the Lord of Storms and married into a traditional noblewoman.

Therefore, in this family atmosphere when she was young, Claire never felt the love of her father or mother.

This situation is not uncommon among the nobles of the Kingdom of Loen.

On the contrary, the situation of the Hall family is rare.

Although the Hall family also held a hereditary title, they had reaped enormous benefits during the Industrial Revolution. Unlike the Conservatives, who relied heavily on land revenue, they now controlled the nation's financial lifeline. For example, Earl Hall himself was a major banker in the Kingdom of Loen and belonged to the New Party.

Count Meazza was still a conservative. Although he developed the family business, he did not get rid of his identity as a traditional land aristocrat.

Fortunately, Count Meazza also believed in the Goddess of Night and was not as rigid towards women as the Duke of Nigan's family, who believed in the God of Storms. That was why he allowed his talented sister Jessica to participate in business activities and allowed his rebellious second daughter Claire to go to Tingen to study.

"Praise the goddess." Count Meazza stood up and greeted him, drawing a crimson crescent on his chest. "Thank you for your hard work, Bishop Elektra," he said.

Bishop Elektra responded with religious ritual: "Count Sifrides, the goddess protects you. This is Deacon Galadia, who is in charge of coordinating the matters concerning Claire's remains."

Count Meazza appeared indifferent on the surface, but judging from the color of his spirit, a flash of sadness flashed across his face when Elektra mentioned Claire's body.

This man is not as cold as he appears.

But when it comes to educating his children, he really can't be called a good father.

"Hello, Count Sifrides."

"Hello, Butler Galadilla."

After the initial pleasantries, Bishop Elektra spoke, "The contaminated remains of the hero can no longer be delayed... The Church has decided to allow Ms. Jessica to bid farewell to Claire's body under protection. After that, we must hurry to send it to the cathedral for sealing."

Count Meazza was silent for a moment, then said, "I will persuade Jessica to accept this."

Elektra was slightly stunned. He had thought that he would need to spend more time talking, but he did not expect that Count Meazza would give in so easily this time. So he said more sincerely:
"Thank you for your understanding, Count. Where is Ms. Jessica right now? Because this involves dangerous contamination, Ms. Jessica will need to follow Deacon Galadilla's instructions for follow-up matters."

Count Meazza's dark red eyes were deep and calm as he spoke slowly, "Jessica has been staying in the West District recently. I'll send someone to call her back. After we've negotiated, I'll have her go to St. Samuel's Church in person to consult with Deacon Galatea... today."

With Count Meazza's affirmative statement, Elektra breathed a sigh of relief. "That's very good." Count Meazza then politely addressed the bishop, "I would like to establish a scholarship fund for the poor in Claire's name. I hope to receive assistance from the Church."

This was the Meazza family's final compromise on the funeral. Since they could not bury him, they would use charity to commemorate the deceased.

It is also an act of maintaining the family's face.

Elektra understood all of this and said solemnly, "I will report this to His Excellency the Archbishop and hold a charity dinner for this fund in the name of the church."

……

When Claire saw Jessica at St. Samuel's Church, the woman looked haggard and no longer had the plumpness she once had.

Wearing the church's black deacon uniform, Claire stood beside the wooden prayer table in the small prayer room and said, "Ms. Jessica."

Jessica stared at Claire blankly, her expression a little dazed.

Claire continued, "I am Galadria. I will be responsible for your farewell contact with Claire's body."

Jessica's eyes suddenly tightened, and a cold look flashed across them. She looked up at Claire's face intently, and then smiled coldly and sadly:

"I don't understand evil gods or pollution! I only know that my Claire sacrificed her life for a city, and yet you've even deprived her of her right to a burial!"

Claire opened her mouth and sighed devoutly, "She will return to the kingdom of God. She will rest in peace beneath the throne of the goddess."

Jessica's expression at this moment clearly showed that she no longer believed in these things, and no longer believed in the goddess of the night that she once believed in.

Claire looked at Jessica with a worried look in her heart. She sighed and made a prepared promise:

"Ms. Jessica, thanks to my Lord's arrangement, this time you will not only see Claire's body, but also her lingering spirit, so you can bid her final farewell."

Hearing Claire's words, Jessica's eyes suddenly lifted up, and she was dazed. Her haggard spirit caused her words to be a little slow: "The spirit that has not yet dissipated...what is that..."

Jessica suddenly stepped forward and held Claire's hand: "Is there still a chance for Claire to be resurrected?"

Judging from Jessica's expression, she had this dangerous thought more than once.

Claire tightened her hands around the man's cold hands, but her tone was filled with warning:

"Ms. Jessica, any attempt to resurrect the dead will inevitably cause them to fall into inescapable pain, and they will not even be able to obtain a peaceful rest after death."

As she spoke these words, Claire thought of Beth Lyonness.

Perhaps Beth's use of words like "resurrection" had overwhelmed Jessica's fragile inner defenses, leading to her reaction like this...

Claire said softly:

"Ms. Jessica, communicating with spirits requires a healthy mental state. You need to recuperate at home for the next two days... Otherwise, even if we summon Claire's spirit, you will most likely be too weak to see her."

"Can I...can I still believe such nice words from you?" Jessica asked confusedly.

Claire held Jessica's hand and said firmly, "The church's arrangements will speak for themselves. Ms. Jessica, please be patient for now. I will make arrangements as soon as possible. Trust me."

(End of this chapter)