"Lynn, you're late." Father Benister's voice rang out in the dim room.
Lynn gently lifted the edge of her hood, revealing her eyes.
"[Good things are worth the wait]," she replied softly.
"Blood Port Omnibus, Chapter Three, Section Seven."
Benister sat in the shadows, accurately citing the source. He wore a priest's robe of pure white trimmed with silver, but his face was covered by a pitch-black mask.
"You always remember them so clearly, Father Benister."
"When you read them often enough, they naturally get etched into your mind." His tone remained even. "You actually missed today's reading club. That doesn't seem like you, Sister."
Lynn removed her hood and sighed. "Don't mention it. Some guests came to the church, and I was responsible for receiving them. It took up quite a bit of time, so I only just got here."
"Guests?"
"That's right. I heard they're important people from the upper ranks of the Church. How rare—important people actually coming to a remote place like ours, even if they're only passing through."
"Not from Rhine," Lynn lowered her voice. "They came from... the border."
"The border? Important people? Now you've got me confused. Since the fighting eased, there haven't been any big shots stationed at the battlefield, have there?"
"How would I know? I'm just a lowly nun." Lynn waved a hand, her tone growing eager. "Enough about that. Hurry up and show me the new books! I can't wait any longer!"
"What new books?" Benister shook his head helplessly. "These books come through underground channels. How could there be new ones every day? You'd be better off asking those new guests. They came from the border, so they might have some good stuff."
"They? Would they even understand Lady Nini's greatness?" Lynn snorted. "The upper ranks of the