Indecision

Of course, the "trial" was meant for Klein, not Angel.

After all, he was the one who needed the notebook.

It was a trap. Every other route had been blocked, leaving only "theft" for Klein to choose of his own accord... Without a doubt, Arianna—and those at the pontiff's level—knew Klein was still alive. Cesimir was probably just the messenger, though he might have guessed part of the truth. He had met Klein before and had even used a Holy Artifact to make him swear an oath... That was it. The Holy Artifact!

Angel thought of the white Bone Sword, and how her connection to the Goddess had deepened when she placed her hand on the Holy Artifact and recited the Goddess's Honorific Name...

In that case, the Goddess should know Klein's condition. Had the Church made these preparations after She issued a Divine Revelation?

So this "trap," this "trial," had actually been arranged at the Goddess's direction...

Angel took a deep breath, then slowly let it out.

She was no longer quite so surprised.

After all, things like this had happened to Angel herself many times: the Goddess had answered her prayer after she crossed over; she had somehow become a member of the Goddess Troop; and she had received help from the Goddess's Sword and Arianna...

If her own "specialness" had drawn the Goddess's attention, why couldn't Klein, who had so many secrets of his own, draw it too?

At least a legitimate God is watching over us, not an evil one... No, the Mother Tree of Desire seems rather interested in Klein too... Angel pressed her lips together as memories of those days on Oravi Island flashed through her mind.

"Whatever the case, I should tell Klein. Good thing he hasn't given up on his other way