The priest quietly tilts his head, a cold smile widening on his face as if his gaze is piercing her very soul.
Priest: I apologize if I frightened you... But we are performing cleansing rites for the village folk.
Marine (Confused): Cl-cleansing? What does that mean?
Priest: It's an annual ritual... Strange that you wouldn't know about it.
Marine (Stepping back slightly): I only moved to live here a few months ago, so I haven't heard of this.
The priest's smile grows wider, and he slowly places his hands on her shoulders.
Priest: So... how about participating? Wash away your sins?
Marine (Quickly pushing his hands away): Sins of what? I am completely innocent! Maybe I set fire to my class once... but no! I don't want any "Holy Campaign" or anything like that!
The priest's expression shifts from calm amusement to chilling stillness. He leans his face close to hers until only a few inches separate them... At that very moment, she feels a hand pull her backward. She turns to find Edgar.
Edgar (In a sarcastic tone): God bless you, Father Priest... May I know what you are doing with my relative?
Priest (Calmly): I was merely asking her if she wished to participate in the cleansing.
Edgar (Scornfully scratching his ear): And I believe she said no... So why are you still here?
Priest: I think the little girl is hiding some entertaining things... nothing more.
Marine hides behind Edgar, her whisper laced with tension:
Marine: Let's get out of here... This man is extremely suspicious!
Edgar (Muttering): Do I look like I'm sipping tea? I've already started to lead him away...
A young priest appears and calls out to the blonde priest:
Young Priest: Sir, we need you. Please come.
The priest makes a sound of annoyance: What a pity... things were starting to get fun.
He lightly taps her forehead as he moves away: See you very soon... girl.
Marine flinches at the touch and clings to Edgar like a frightened kitten:
Marine: What is that strange creature?!
Edgar: The High Priest... and it looks like he's figured out your secret.
Marine: Impossible! I haven't done anything! And that Mark hasn't even appeared yet—
Edgar: He doesn't need the Mark to know you possess a holy power.
He hands her some food he stole. She remembers she hasn't eaten since the morning and starts to eat, looking at him anxiously:
Marine: And how are we going to escape him now?
Edgar (Coldly): Perhaps I'll simply hand you over to him.
Marine (Shocked): H-Huh?!!!!
Edgar (Folding his arms): I have no intention of getting involved with the Temple.
Marine (Anxiously): Don't get involved with them! I'll just disappear... I don't want to live my life inside the Temple!
Edgar: What's with your hatred for the Temple?
Marine: I don't hate it... but if we assume I'm going to live here, I'd rather become a swordswoman!
Edgar (Scoffing): A swordswoman? You can't even hold a wooden stick!
Marine looks at him with the face of a small puppy. He sighs and rubs his head irritably:
Edgar: Fine, fine... I'll hide you temporarily in my group's house.
Marine (Smiling and giving a thumbs up): I knew there was a kind part in your black heart!
Edgar's eyebrows twitch with irritation:
Edgar: I think I should call the priest...