I Have a Task Log

Chapter 303: Chapter 302: The Final Farewell

"Back then, two factions of believers had different interpretations of the Morninglord’s teachings. In truth, the main issue they debated had existed for a long time: ’how to define evil.’"

The Dean continued, "This was mainly because some believers thought that nascent evil was not ’true evil.’ The believers who left were more radical. They believed that all evildoers, such as Tieflings and Half-Orcs, should be completely annihilated, including those still in swaddling."

"’Swaddling?’ What does that mean?"

"It’s the blankets you wrap an infant in."

"Oh? We’ve never used blankets, just hides."

"Alright, alright, that’s enough."

Once the two finished speaking, the old Dean continued, "To be honest, back then, I also sided with the radicals. You could say that many Paladins who had sworn the Oath of Vengeance held the same view."

"But it seems like not many people left during that schism." Colin turned to the sulking Ale to confirm. "Right?"

At Colin’s question, the Half-Elf’s expression brightened considerably.

She nodded and said, "That’s right."

"At that time, Edwin Helder stepped forward and became one of those who debated the radicals. He combined the Morninglord’s doctrine of ’rebirth’ and strongly advocated for letting marginalized races like the Tieflings and Half-Orcs return to the righteous path."

The Dean opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then hesitated.

After a long moment, he continued, "It was he who stopped the Church from splintering further."

’Edwin had that much influence?’ Colin was a little surprised.

The history books in the library didn’t record the details of this religious debate, only mentioning it in passing. They didn’t even explain how either side convinced the other.

Although Edwin was a genuine Legendary Paladin, an unattainable figure for Ordinary people, the truth was that a single ’Legendary’ individual wasn’t enough to influence certain massive organizations.

After all, besides Legendary mortals, certain miscellaneous beings like Giant Dragons or demigods could match or even surpass a ’Legendary’ in terms of combat strength.

In Thousand Masts City, at least, more than one Legendary individual was involved in political decisions.

Viewed in this light, it was quite a remarkable feat for Edwin to have turned the tide within the Church of Morninglord.

The Dean hesitated again.

After a moment, he continued, "At the time, I had just retired from my adventuring party and was one of the radicals who advocated for purging the Tieflings... until I saw a child wandering around the Holy City like a feral creature.

After I took her in and washed the mud off of her, I realized I had found a Tiefling. But looking into her eyes, I couldn’t hold onto my views anymore. I named her ’Orelia,’ a name that represents light and hope."

Colin said, "She certainly deserves the name."

"The little girl might be timid when she speaks and prone to nightmares, but she’s a truly strong person. An out-and-out ’tough guy.’"

The Dean paused for a moment, then added, "But unfortunately, Lil Moss, whom I also adopted, did not bring me any comfort. Instead, she caused so much trouble."

"So what are you trying to say? That even so, Orelia can’t be treated fairly?" Ale asked bluntly.

’This Half-Elf really doesn’t beat around the bush,’ Colin grumbled inwardly while listening from the side.

"Lil Moss is the answer, madam."

The Dean said, "If we forcibly grant Orelia the honor she deserves, then many Cambion or Tiefling organizations hiding in the Mortal World will have a reason to demand more—and without a doubt, they absolutely will."

Those words left Ale speechless.

"Even if the feat of dealing with a single Chain Demon isn’t that great, that group of people will definitely blow it up to an unimaginable degree."

The Dean added, "Orelia certainly wouldn’t want to become a propaganda tool for the enemy."

’That’s true,’ Colin thought.

Within a religion, the power of a ’role model’ is extremely potent. Most of the devout believers within a parish don’t really possess much capacity for critical thought.

This leads to most sects loving to quote scriptures and cite famous figures as examples when they debate. And this kind of incitement is often quite effective.

"Of course, you will absolutely receive the treatment you deserve in Thousand Masts City. Edwin has never been one to disappoint on that front."

Colin said, "We saw everything in the Bone Repository Hall. If we hadn’t acted in time, who knows what that Chain Demon would have summoned? The only reason we even got involved was because Orelia’s Perception picked up on something wrong."

"I know. The child has always been exceptional," the Dean nodded.

This being the case, Colin didn’t know what else he could argue.

’In any case, Orelia wouldn’t be able to operate around the Holy City anymore. In the end, just going to Thousand Masts City to make a life for herself would be fine.’

Thinking about it this way, he suddenly felt that the system of religious freedom in Thousand Masts City was actually quite good. At least it could provide a sanctuary for people like Orelia.

They hadn’t gone much further when the swamps south of Rommon appeared in their view.

"Oh, right. There’s something else I need to say."

The usually stern-looking old Dean began to speak. "When I first found this child, her hair was like a patch of weeds. I had her drink milk for years just to get it healthy again. Even so, she still doesn’t like to eat meat or drink milk, so she ended up not growing very tall. You have to help me watch over her. Make her eat more meat; don’t let her go hungry. She also gets cold easily, and she’s a penny-pincher, so don’t let her..."

The old Dean rambled on and on.

Colin, walking beside the carriage, responded noncommittally.

Orelia was still unconscious, and no one knew what she would be like when she woke up. If her mind had been irreparably corrupted by her Demon blood, then what came next would be hard to say.

In a way, the Dean’s words now were a form of farewell.

Finally, the group came to a stop at the edge of the swamp.

The Dean jumped down from the carriage and went to the back to get a good look at the sleeping Tiefling.

Kase hopped onto the driver’s seat and took the reins.

Colin said to the Dean, "We’re heading out."

The resolute old man waved his hand. His brow furrowed, and the corners of his eyes reddened slightly.

Kase urged the carriage forward, and the group continued down the road.

As they moved on, every time Colin looked back, he could see the stooped figure standing by the side of the road. It remained there for a long time, only disappearing from view when the swamp’s fog completely swallowed the sunlight.