A Lollipop in Exchange for My Soul

"Father, there's really no surplus food left in my house. Could you ask the Lord to grant us some food?"

Keiko stood before Simu. The pure, sacred church had gradually taken on streaks of grayish white.

No matter how excessive the request, Simu always maintained that perfectly measured smile. The townspeople had long regarded him as the great Lord's earthly representative.

As long as one believed in the great Lord, this kind priest would fulfill anything they desired.

As was customary, Simu asked mildly, "What can you offer to the Lord?"

Keiko hurriedly smiled. Sure enough, it was that question again.

"I can offer my heart!"

Simu shook his head. "Your heart no longer belongs to you."

Keiko did not care about those chilling words and merely said casually, "Then my liver? Kidneys? My soul is fine too. I can offer anything to the great Lord!"

A little boy standing beside Keiko also said with a smile, "Father, I'm a believer in the Lord too. Can I offer my soul in exchange for a lollipop?"

Simu smiled.

"Of course."

With a flip of his hand, he produced a lollipop. He bent down and handed it to the little boy before him, patting his cute little head as well.

Then he had Jugo bring over a large sack of grain and give it to Keiko.

Just as Keiko was happily preparing to leave, Simu reminded her, "Miss Keiko, your soul no longer belongs to you."

"Hehehe, it's fine. I'm willing to offer everything to the Lord."

Simu nodded and said nothing more.

Only after Keiko left did Jugo speak with a complicated expression. "Lord Simu, I went out and looked around yesterday. Almost no one in the entire town is working anymore."

"All the crops in the fields have been abandoned.