Free Web NovelChapter 1547: Chapter 1541: Morning Prayer
Ronald naturally followed, continuing to act alongside Sister Afra.
For the clergy of the church, morning prayers are a rather formal religious activity, completely different in nature from the morning lessons that discuss knowledge.
Such a solemn activity.
Must, or rather, can only be conducted in the chapel.
After Ronald and Afra left the courtyard, the path of the convent almost leads straight to the center, and they walked towards the small chapel located at the center of the area.
—— The convent is a district, after all.
Constrained by the number of monks living here.
It’s spatially unrealistic to have all the monks complete morning lessons here at once.
By the ages of monks here.
Those who come to the small chapel for morning prayers are roughly divided into three batches.
The earliest to arrive are the young monks who are adults but not yet aged.
They are the ones who rise the earliest during the day and also undertake the most daily work around the convent, naturally becoming the first to pray.
The following second batch is the children who have lived and studied in the convent since infancy.
These children only to take on simple daily activities.
So, after the young monks have prepared everything needed for morning prayers, they start as the second batch.
The final batch consists of the elders within the convent.
They arrive at the last and also review the results of the young monks’ maintenance of the chapel during morning prayers.
At this time.
A few monks who failed to catch the previous two batches would also join the elders for prayers.
This act of being late is already considered quite bizarre outside the chapel of the convent.
But under the calm and subdued atmosphere of the convent.
No one really pursues such behavior.
Even if someone repeatedly arrives late or directly misses the necessary ritual of the day.
What awaits them is often not punishment.
But rather expulsion from the convent, to return outside, and lead a normal monk’s life.
When Ronald followed Afra into the small chapel.
The small chapel appeared exactly as it did before he entered the temple trial.
Its ancient and simple appearance remained unchanged throughout history, seemingly resistant to any erosion.
Ronald and the little nun entered the chapel.
The preparation and maintenance tasks of the chapel for today did not fall on them. After entering, they sat on the pews of the chapel in order.
Then it’s quiet waiting, waiting for the morning prayer to officially begin.
During this waiting period.
Ronald naturally did not forget to observe the surroundings.
There were about half an hour left until the prayer officially started, yet almost two-thirds of the chairs in the small chapel were already filled.
Considering no supervision or enforcement measures are in place, it’s quite an efficient turnout.
The scene within the small chapel came completely into view.
At this moment, Ronald happened to notice some interesting matters.
The young monks waiting for morning prayers indeed did not whisper or talk to each other at this point. freёweɓnovel.com
But those on cleaning duty in the chapel were not included in this rule.
Ronald was sitting on the side of the chapel.
Thus, he was quite lucky to overhear the discussion between two young monks who were cleaning the floor.
"Rare, today the cleaning task for the chapel increased from three times to five times."
"Indeed rare, but after all, both the Sacerdotal Priest and Ecclesiastical Priest arrived. Even for us who opted for seclusion, we should show the appropriate attitudinal reception in their presence."
"I am not complaining... by the way, did you hear about that thing this morning?"
"That thing in the morning?"
"Oh, I got it, you mean those folks who came out of the chapel in the morning?"
"Yeah, don’t you find it odd? Clearly, this place closes up at night, how did they come out first thing in the morning?"
"It doesn’t concern us!"
"But following the usual routine... they probably just suddenly achieved some insight and were pondering deeply hence forgot to leave when it closed."
"But I heard there was no one here last night when it closed!"
"Why bother thinking too much about it? Perhaps some higher-ups experimented with a certain powerful divine art here."
"Think more and speak less! Remember!"
"..."
The discussion between the two young monks was just idle chat during their cleaning.
Yet, the unconcerned words by them brought attentive ears.
To Ronald sitting nearby and soaking in the complete conversation.
This dialogue undoubtedly emerged as significant information!
He immediately thought of the five individuals of the Nine Commandments Secretive Meeting.
As fellow temple trial entrants, while Ronald stood in the outer world and his reconnaissance spell was still active.
He sensed those five were within this small chapel.
Combining with the content from these monks’ casual talk, he almost instantly deduced!
The inexplicably appearing individuals inside the chapel must surely be the Casters of the Nine Commandments Secretive Meeting.
And unlike Ronald.
Probably due to lacking official status in the Holy Capital.
After entering the temple trial, they don’t possess the identification Ronald has.
Thus...
Solving these enemies might be simpler after all.
As long as the church hierarchy is informed of an intrusion, then these five Casters, lacking a way to invoke spells, face the collective might of the Holy Capital in its peak.
What fate awaits them?
"..."
At this thought, Ronald wanted to laugh.
The simplest solution to dealing with these individuals is now clear, all that’s left is how to execute it.
Direct reporting would be swift and straightforward.
However, Ronald held no intention of such action.
Sitting silently on the pew, he slightly lowered his head, hiding his pensive gaze within the shadowy areas.
Direct reporting is too risky—a perilous move for Ronald himself.
After all, he currently cannot cast spells either.
If he proceeded with such actions, any cautious church personnel might also expose Ronald.
High-level figures are far less gullible than the little nun Afra next to him.
Any suspicion would quickly unmask his incomplete nun identity with a few simple spells.
"..."
"Direct reporting is too hazardous, hence adopting subtle reminders, and content that ideally urges immediate church focus without distraction."
Ronald pondered schemes to undermine those Casters of the Nine Commandments Secretive Meeting.
During this period.
Three elders dressed in grey robes emerged from the side door of the small chapel, heading towards the front of the bishop’s seat.
"Close your eyes—deep breath—calm your mind—"
The person standing in the center initiated the activities of those within the chapel, as he spoke, solemn and sacred music resonated from the side room of the chapel.
"Bow your head, clasp hands—"
Under the atmosphere elevated by religious music, the elder in the middle spoke again:
"Dear friends,
In our hurried steps traversing this world, let us gather in this sacred place and offer today’s prayers together.
We thank for life and health.
At this moment of prayer, we respectfully implore guidance and mercy.
Almighty Father—
Protect us from evil temptations and curses, allowing us to walk with You, treating others with sincerity and kindness.
Grant them health, joy, and peace, let them spend each day under Your protection.
Guide our children, making them morally noble, loving, and charitable individuals..."
