The monk gave a slight, satisfied nod as he watched the eyes in the audience gradually light up.
He took two steps to the side of the lectern and gestured toward a wooden box painted black in front of it.
"Now, everyone, come before the Death Angel and seek atonement as soon as possible. Only the most devout believers may receive the absolution granted by this ritual.
The more you give, the greater your absolution. Money, jewels, property-all the ill-gotten possessions you own must be returned to the Holy Spirit today."
The people below rose and formed a line, approaching the wooden box one after another.
"Brother Matthew... this is my offering. Please save us..."
The old woman pulled a handful of crumpled banknotes from her pocket and pushed them into the box with trembling fingers;
the disabled man took a gold chain from around his neck and placed it through the opening;
the child's mother slipped off an old silver bracelet, her eyes briefly reddening as she dropped it inside.
One figure after another passed Ririko, stuffing their meager, sole possessions into the wooden box.
Brother Matthew swept his gaze over the crowd and noticed that someone below the lectern had not moved at all.
His eyes narrowed in obvious displeasure.
Looking down at her, he said:
"Didn't you hear what I said? This ritual is a rare opportunity. You must make a sincere offering to earn atonement. Sitting here without moving is disrespectful to the Death Angel."
Ririko raised her face beneath her hood.
She lifted it only a fraction, just enough for Matthew to see her mocking smile.
"I'm going to wait until the day itself and make my offering before High Priest Jacob in person. If I hand over everything I own now... who am I