What is this person thinking by bringing up such a story?
I wonder what they aim to achieve by telling all of this, considering the fact that I am the one confessing.
Well, of course, there is a fundamental rule that priests who hear confessions must never inquire about the identity of the person confessing.
Even so, from the perspective of the one administering the confession, things can feel a little different…
Even if you find out, the person involved isn’t someone you don’t know at all but someone we’ve known for a long time, and someone who is destined to become a hero—making it hard to just listen and then ignore what’s been said.
Especially when the story is about something like this…
“Could this story be…about me…?”
If this was before,
before the trial,
I would have happily and joyfully replied that it seemed like I had developed feelings for either Stella or Uriel.
Even I, who am participating in confession, seem influenced by the act, since confessions are generally carried out quietly. However, there was one problem.
“I really can’t do this.”
I really don’t think I can handle this.
Especially since confessions are conducted telepathically, most students already suspect that I am the saint.
Even if I randomly enter confession booths, I’ve never felt anyone avoiding me. But often, as soon as I start speaking, students ask if I’m the saint.
What would Evan’s reaction be if he realized, while discussing something this sensitive, that I am the one he’s been speaking to this whole time?
While I can’t predict Evan’s exact reaction since I’m not him, there is one thing I’m certain of:
“We’ll definitely have trouble making eye contact.”
For a while, we won’t be able to look each other in the eye.
Whether Evan avoids me, or I avoid Evan, or perhaps we both avoid each other—it’s possible.
What should I do?
How can I avoid revealing that I am the nun administering confession?
I thought about it for quite a while.
“At first, I wasn’t too sure about my own feelings, but then I came to understand through a chance encounter.”
“…”
Until now, I didn’t have any particular sense that someone liked me.
Of course, Evan did show an unusual amount of interest in me, but since he was destined to be the hero and I the saint, it didn’t seem too strange.
However, after we entered the trial and learned that Evan had feelings for me or that I had feelings for Evan, things changed.
Frankly, I wanted to deny it—I thought it was just a made-up setting from that world.
But since I know most of the game’s settings, I was certain.
The fact that Evan and I were in a romantic relationship meant that it signified one of two things.
Even though it’s the only evidence, it’s an undeniable fact.
But isn’t it funny?
“Exactly, what’s so good about someone as frail as me…”
If put nicely, I have an appearance like a beautiful doll, but those who prefer more mature women would call me a kid because of the stark difference.
Yet, Evan doesn’t like the much prettier and curvier Uriel or Stella; he likes me, which is hard to understand.
How could that be…
Most of all, the absurdity and anger come from my own reaction.
In the past, finding out a man liked me would have surprised me, but it wouldn’t have thrown me this much.
I might have thought, “Well, it’s possible,” perhaps feeling a bit disappointed in Evan’s taste for liking someone like me, but I wouldn’t have shown outright disdain.
But now, something feels…
Very different.
Compared to the reactions I expected, my current reaction is entirely different.
Even now, under normal circumstances, I would have tried hiding the fact that I am Aria for Evan’s sake, but now it’s different.
I feel ashamed of myself and want to hide.
If it gets revealed that I’m the one administering this confession, I might just jump up from this spot and run away.
It’s an extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing situation.
“…”
But if I suddenly jump up and run away, people will think I’m strange.
Not the strangeness itself, but if I rush out of here right now, Evan will open the door and find out who I am.
If that happens, there will be no point in running.
In moments like these, you need to stay calm.
It’s better to think of a way to get out of this current situation.
“Is there another nun around here…?”
Another… nun… is there…?
By now, I wasn’t hearing Evan’s repentance at all.
I was only focusing on finding a replacement nun.
Ordinarily, confession booths are completely sealed, so if an average person tried to visually confirm who’s passing by, it would be impossible. But I’m different.
Since I detect my surroundings through vibrations due to my inability to see, I could easily tell who was passing by the wall.
Should I consider this fortunate? A nun I often greet, named Merrill, happened to be walking by just in time.
I didn’t let the opportunity pass.
“[Sister Merrill!]”
Sending a telepathic message loud enough for only the nun passing by to hear.
“…Huh?”
Since the confession booth is soundproof with a silencing enchantment, Evan won’t know I called a nun unless I bang on the door and make a huge racket.
I have to escape right away.
“[Excuse me, though it may be inappropriate… I have a request.]”
“Are you the saint? What’s suddenly…?”
“[I am currently inside the confession booth right next to you.]”
Upon hearing me, Merrill turned her head in surprise to look at the confession booth I was in.
She then asked with serious concern, perhaps noticing my urgent tone.
So… it seems she’ll help me.
Though I’m somewhat scared that what’s about to happen might leak, it’s ten times worse if the fact that I am Aria is revealed than a rumor spreading from this confession.
Anyway.
“[I deeply apologize to the person currently confessing to me, but I need to leave for an emergency. Sister, if you are available, could you take over this confession for me?]”
“Um, um?! But how can I…?”
“[Please.]”
I know it’s not a good thing to do.
What else can I do though.
I want to lie, but suppose Evan really likes me—imagine explaining in detail what kinds of thoughts and gazes he had while looking at me in a swimsuit. It feels like a miracle if I’m not driven to suicide.
And that’s not all.
Listening to so many things Evan had held back until now makes my head spin.
Frankly speaking, Evan will probably live his daily life with a carefree expression while I, who’ve heard most of the confession, am worried about how to face him from now on.
So please, let me escape from here…
I silently pleaded.
Fortunately, sensing my desperation, Sister Merrill sighed deeply and reluctantly agreed to help.
Thank goodness.
It’s really a relief.
“[I will never forget this favor… I’m sure the Lord will approve.]”
“Is it really that important a matter?”
“…”
To be honest, it’s not that serious.
For some reason, she seemed extremely nervous as though it were a significant matter and opened the confession booth door quietly.
“[I leave this to you…]”
I’m truly sorry.
It would’ve been better if someone else besides me heard this confession, Evan.
Even though I have listened to most of it,…
I handed it over to the nun and quickly disappeared from the confession booth like an escapee.
…
I survived…
Phew…
