I Have Time On My Side!

Emily, dressed in a simple ivory-colored uniform they had given her, looked around feeling a bit out of place.

The uniform consisted of a long tunic with gold embroidery along the edges and a light cape of the same color, making her look like a church assistant. At first, the fabric felt oddly heavy, but as she walked, she grew accustomed to its weight and the sensation of the folds wrapping around her.

“Well… at least it matches the place,” she murmured to herself, glancing at the walls adorned with intricate figures of saints she didn’t recognize.

The church was larger than it appeared from the outside, with a solemn and spiritual atmosphere that filled every corner.

The first moments passed in a whirlwind of vague instructions and curious glances. The other assistants, all busy with their tasks, barely paused to greet her.

Emily felt lost among the endless hallways, shelves full of bottles of essences and ancient books, and the constant flow of people who seemed to know exactly what to do at every moment.

‘How am I going to survive here all day...?’ Emily thought as her nerves increased.

But just as the weight of responsibility began to overwhelm her, a familiar figure appeared in her line of sight.

“Ah, there you are,” said Hestia with a calm smile, walking toward her, her tunic flowing softly. “Sorry for leaving you alone for a bit. You look a little... overwhelmed.”

Emily sighed with relief and quickly nodded.

“Yeah, a bit. I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“Well, that’s normal for someone who just arrived. But don’t worry, I’ll be with you the whole time until Nolan wakes up,” said Hestia, patting her shoulder gently. “Come on, let me show you around and explain how things work here.”

With firm but slow steps, Hestia led her through the various corridors, and Emily observed how the structure of the church unfolded before her like a complex labyrinth of different rooms and chambers.

First, they reached a large hall with wooden pews and an altar at the far end, where candlelight flickered softly. The atmosphere there was solemn, and a small group of people knelt, whispering prayers.

“This is the main prayer hall,” Hestia explained in a quiet voice. “This is where most people come to pray and seek spiritual comfort. They can request special blessings for themselves or their loved ones.”

Emily watched in silence, impressed by the serenity that filled the place.

From there, Hestia guided her to a smaller room, where a white marble font stood in the center, surrounded by delicate carvings of flowers and sacred symbols.

“This is the baptism and purification room,” Hestia continued, gesturing to the font. “Here, we perform special rituals for children and for those seeking redemption or a fresh start.”

Their next stop was an even more fascinating room.

It was a large area with numerous beds and cots, each separated by light fabric screens.

The smell of medicinal herbs and ointments filled the air, and several healers moved back and forth, tending to the people lying there.

“And this is the healing ward,” said Hestia, with a hint of pride in her voice. “This is where we treat the wounded and the sick who come seeking relief. It’s also where we learn to handle healing magic and treat various ailments.”

Emily looked around in awe.

It was as if she had entered the heart of the church, a place where magic and medicine combined to bring comfort to those in need.

Seeing Hestia move with such ease and confidence made her admire the healer even more.

But soon, the calm of the place was interrupted.

The main door opened, and a steady flow of people began to enter.

At first, Emily didn’t notice, but soon, the hallways and main room filled with distinguished-looking people: nobles in elegant clothing, students from the academy in their formal uniforms, and a few high-ranking merchants, all walking with dignified airs.

However, each of them, upon seeing Hestia, stopped and bowed slightly.

“Healer Hestia, a pleasure to see you,” said a middle-aged merchant, bowing his head respectfully.

“It’s an honor, as always,” murmured a young woman in a dress adorned with jewels, making a deep bow before crossing herself.

Hestia returned everyone’s greetings with a calm smile, nodding politely before raising a hand and murmuring a soft blessing that filled the air with a sense of peace.

Meanwhile, Emily moved back and forth, following the healer’s instructions.

Her tasks were simple but necessary: bringing small bottles of holy water to those who requested it, helping organize the shelves full of herbs and potions, and handing out scrolls of blessings to the visitors who asked for them.

As the day wore on, Emily realized her time was quickly filled with these small tasks.

Soon, she found herself carrying bottles of water and moving through the crowd with the speed of someone who had already adapted to the frantic pace of the place.

Still, she couldn’t help but notice how Hestia interacted with everyone with such natural grace, always offering a smile and words of comfort.

It was impressive to see how one person could attract so much attention and respect, yet still maintain an accessible kindness that made everyone feel welcome.

Finally, when the crowd began to thin and they found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the church, Hestia turned to Emily with a thoughtful expression.

“Forgive me, but I really... I want to ask you something,” Hestia said, tilting her head slightly. “Why are you with Nolan?”

Emily laughed softly, surprised.

“Well, that’s a good question... I think I even ask myself that sometimes.” She looked down, thinking of how to express what she felt. “I guess... he just liked me.”

Hestia made a brief ‘hmm’ sound, watching Emily closely.

Then, with a gentle gesture, she tucked a stray lock of Emily’s hair behind her ear.

“I see. And... I’ve heard that he’s taught you some magic.”

Emily’s face lit up, remembering her lessons with Nolan.

“Yes, that’s true. I never thought I’d learn magic, but he showed me how.”

Hestia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Really? Would you mind telling me more about it?”

But before Emily could respond, a sharp cry echoed from the other side of the room.

Both turned their heads and saw a small boy on the ground, crying in pain.

Emily reacted immediately, running over to him.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked as she helped him up.

The boy, with tears in his eyes, clutched his knee, which was scraped and bleeding slightly.

Hestia approached and knelt beside him, placing her hands over the wound.

“Shh... everything will be alright,” she murmured softly. A faint light emanated from her hands, and the boy watched in awe as the wound slowly closed until there was no trace of it.

“Thank you... thank you so much,” the boy said in a choked voice before quickly bowing and running off.

But before they could recover from the commotion, another figure appeared before them, a presence that made Hestia immediately kneel with a deep bow.

Emily blinked, confused, before realizing who it was and copying the gesture.

“Princess Amara,” Hestia murmured respectfully.

The princess, with her majestic bearing and royal blue dress that shimmered with a faint glow of mana, smiled kindly.

“Please, rise,” she said with a soft, clear voice.

Emily, still a bit stunned, slowly stood up.

The princess’s eyes fell on her with curiosity.

“Is it true that you’re the girl who’s been accompanying Nolan Rook lately?” Amara asked with interest.

Emily swallowed, surprised that the princess knew about that.

“Yes, that’s right...”

A small smile formed on the princess’s lips.

“How interesting. Nolan isn’t someone who usually allows others to get close to him, you know? For years, he stayed isolated in his mansion... and my father did his best to honor his request, but it’s incredible how quickly everything is falling apart.”

Emily didn’t know how to respond, especially after hearing that last part.

“Excuse me... what did you mean by that?”