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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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Chapter 34: Ophelia Violet (3)
In armed organizations, members' ranks are broadly divided into five categories.
First are the Apprentices who have just joined.
Next are the Probationers.
Then come the Regular, Veteran, and Holy Knight ranks.
To progress through these stages, both seniority and achievements needed for promotion are required. Generally, Apprentices and Probationers have limited access to assignments.
These are mainly community service activities like preparing for church masses, participating in choirs, and helping with miscellaneous tasks.
But wait, didn't Ray hunt witch and warlock, exorcise an archdemon demon, and thwart evil plots to destroy the city?
That was just bad luck getting involved in those situations. Nobody actually assigned him to hunt witch or banish archdemon.
Logically, would anyone give teenagers who are just Apprentices the mission to defeat evil warlocks?
Therefore, the assignments given to Probationers and Apprentices primarily consist of community service.
For example...
"A soup kitchen?"
"It's a regular meal distribution from the Solar Theocracy. The work isn't difficult, and you get high points based on the spirit of service."
"Alright. Since I'm a nun of the Solar Theocracy now, I should do community service for the commoners."
"More precisely, it's for the impoverished."
"What's the difference?"
"..."
What exactly did this woman consider a commoner?
Ray shook her head and took Ophelia to the soup kitchen.
"Here at the soup kitchen, you'll be using a ladle to distribute soup."
Free meal distribution is fundamentally physical labor.
There's food preparation, but it mainly involves moving things, preparing, distributing, and cleaning up.
Such volunteer organizations are typically run by religious groups.
The large church Pastor Kim belonged to used to personally prepare side dishes for distribution.
Of course, even a large church couldn't afford to pay for everything.
Usually, they recruited ‘voluntary service groups’ from among the church members.
"Ahem... This time, we are operating a soup kitchen to glorify God and help our unfortunate neighbors. Any form of help you can provide would please God."
The pastor would slip in an advertisement during the sermon.
"Elder, we need to prepare side dishes for the soup kitchen. How about setting an example?"
"There are many deaconesses with free time. It's a good deed, right?"
"My young friends! Today we're going to share Jesus's love with our less fortunate neighbors~"
Churches have many free ‘voluntary workers’ when needed.
Especially the larger the church, the more they have.
"What kind of salted seafood should we use? Simple shrimp paste?"
"No, what salted seafood? It smells fishy, and people won't eat it."
"Is it right to make kimchi this spicy? Aren't you thinking about the children?"
"Pastor Park, this distribution is for the homeless. Just trying to take home leftovers again."
"I can take some home too. I'm here making kimchi on a Saturday."
"Oh my~ Look at this cabbage. It's so lush because it's grown at our prayer center."
"Of course~ That's what our Elder Cheon grows himself. But why are you applying so little seasoning? You need to slather it on."
"Our Pastor Kim said my kimchi was delicious, you know?"
"Pastor Kim Gwango is from Seoul, he doesn't know kimchi taste!"
"True, Pastor Kim eats strange bits of bread because he's been exposed to foreign water. Last week I wanted to ask him about reading saxophone sheet music, but he was in Italy."
"Always so busy with something."
Hmm.
Those were truly warm-hearted times.
But when the church recruited volunteers, one problem always arose.
To ensure distribution to as many people as possible, ingredient costs needed to be reduced, but volunteers never skimped on ingredients.
This part was financially burdensome, so Pastor Kim made a suggestion at the elders' meeting.
"Let's just buy Chinese kimchi and serve that. These days Chinese products can be quite tasty. Kimchi is kimchi, right?"
The following weekend, the ‘all kimchi is the same’ controversy spread throughout the church, and members flocked in.
"Pastor! How can you say all kimchi is the same! That's outrageous! I'm disappointed, I never thought you'd say such a thing!"
"I figured out Pastor Kim was in trouble when he started eating spaghetti! What? Real Italian carbonara is different? Our local food is better!"
"Resign! Resign!!"
"Ah, fuck it… fine… you wanna live like goddamn losers?!"
"Jesus, I'll hang this man and go to hell with him!!"
That day almost became the day Pastor Kim was crucified and martyred.
'It spread on the internet and became controversial for a while. Heh...'
‘I just... suggested it to distribute to more people!’
Anyway, the lesson learned here is that free distribution requires compromise.
And while sometimes compromise is impossible, volunteers' help greatly contributes to activating free distribution.
The Solar Theocracy soup kitchen was no different.
"Ray! Should I put these soup pots here?"
"Yes, that seems right. Wait..."
Ray was surprised by Ophelia's brute strength as she carried two soup pots containing 50 servings each in both hands.
'Knights really are incredibly strong.'
He had heard that knights who activated their aura experienced overall increased physical abilities.
Ophelia might be tall with an imposing physique, but proportionally she was the epitome of femininity.
Yet with such brute strength... Do priests ever consider learning aura?
'Well, holy power produces similar effects.'
Just look at Jenny, who swings a halberd as tall as herself with ease.
Anyway, the super-strong Ophelia ran around enthusiastically.
Being strong meant people everywhere put her to work, but for a noble lady, she seemed surprisingly comfortable with it.
At first, the nun at the distribution center was tense about hosting a countess, but she quickly melted under Ophelia's crazy friendliness.
'She's definitely not authoritarian.'
That's certainly an appealing trait.
"Alright, distribution begins now! Before distributing, make sure to check the distribution cards!"
The purpose of free distribution is to help the poor.
Since this distribution is for those who would otherwise starve today, it must be given to the impoverished.
"But how do you distinguish the poor? They all look shabby and smell of poverty?"
"Miss Ophelia, please don't say such things in public..."
Ray pointed to someone who had just entered.
"See how they're holding a distribution card? You check that against the list of recipients and let them through."
"Oh! How systematic!"
Ophelia exclaimed in admiration as she finished preparing for distribution. And so the distribution began.
"My goodness. That commoner's soup with only potatoes and carrots. How can people get proper nutrition from this?"
"Many people are grateful just to have that."
Ophelia ladled soup into the trays of those who came.
"Thank youuu~"
A child bowed her head. She looked shabby, perhaps an orphan. But after looking at the soup in her tray, the child stared at Ophelia.
"Can you please remove the carrots?"
"Picky eating is bad! You should eat what you're given!"
"Miss Ophelia, you shouldn't say such things to a child..."
At that moment, Ophelia bent down to the child's eye level and whispered, lowering her voice as much as she could.
"If you eat it all, big sister will give you candy."
"Candy? Really?"
"Of course. It's probably candy that commoners have never tasted before."
"I'll eat it all and come back for candy!"
Ophelia smiled brightly as she watched the excited child leave.
"..."
Ray found this sight unexpected.
While her personality was rough and boisterous, Ophelia Violet was still nobility.
She was a knight who had been through a lot in the northern borderlands and the legitimate heir with blue blood who would become the next head of her family.
Such high-ranking people normally come to volunteer activities only out of obligation or to be photographed for publicity.
「Oh, Pastor Kim. I've heard a lot about you. I'm so-and-so, running for parliament.」
「When you deliver coal briquettes this time, I'd like to make an appearance too. During the sermon, you know... Oh, my mind. Here's a building fund donation...」
They would bring large sums of money to make an impression on the religious community and take a photo.
They'd call journalists, take commemorative photos, and if the pastor mentioned during the sermon that candidate so-and-so seemed like a good person, it could secure thousands of votes.
As a star pastor like Pastor Kim, even presidential candidates would come to shake hands.
The Christian vote had a powerful influence in presidential elections.
Pastor Park, Pastor Kim's spiritual mentor and the leader of a massive church, would click his tongue when he saw such people.
「Tsk, tsk.」
「Pastor Park, what's wrong?」
「Pastor Kim. Watch those people carefully. Don't become like them.」
「But they... make large donations and introduce wealthy people who pay hefty tithes. They're our main source of income.」
「That may be true. Money is always necessary. But that's not what I meant.」
Pastor Park said those people lacked ‘love.’
「Frowning while delivering coal briquettes, then deliberately smudging their faces for a photogenic moment of charity? Fine. That’s their job.」
「Being able to smile while sweating is the greatest love Jesus told us about. That was His will, and He said those who do so are His friends.」
「So, Pastor Kim. Find joy in helping others. Many pastors can't even do this simple thing.」
「...」
「What's wrong? Feeling moved?」
「Uh, well... yes, excellent words. But I was wondering why your son looks like that...」
「Damn it... Gwango, want to die?」
At the time, Pastor Kim glossed over it, but Pastor Park's teaching sank deep into his heart.
Yes, being able to smile while helping others regardless of religion or social status.
It's the lack of that simple love that makes the world harsh.
In that sense, Ray became convinced that Ophelia was a good person.
"It's kind of your calling, isn't it?"
"Huh? What's that about?"
"Just... saying you're doing well."
As distribution was ending smoothly, an incident occurred.
"Hey, I'm going in too!"
A commotion at the entrance of the distribution center.
There stood a middle-aged man and woman, their faces contorted with anger in front of the volunteers.
"Brother, you shouldn't behave like this here."
"Why not? Are you joking right now?"
"Who's in charge! Come out now!!"
The two pushed away the restraining nun's arm and shouted loudly.
"..."
"..."
The distribution center fell into an awkward silence. The nuns and volunteers exchanged uncomfortable glances.
"What's going on?"
Ray and Ophelia approached the troublemakers at the entrance. A nun explained the situation.
In simple terms, it was like this:
The couple used to be eligible recipients as impoverished people, but they were able-bodied adults who had received job placements through the Solar Theocracy.
Since free distribution prioritizes those with no income and the elderly or infirm, they were naturally excluded from the recipient list.
"Hmm! It seems there was insufficient explanation! I will calmly explain!"
"Uh... that probably won't work..."
Ophelia didn't seem to hear Ray and approached the couple.
"You there, commoner!"
"Who are you?!"
"I will now calmly explain why you cannot receive distributions!"
The man glared, showing no intention of listening, but Ophelia started talking anyway, as she always did.
"You got a job last month! Congratulations! In this economic downturn, it's amazing that they even arranged employment for you! Theocracy is truly remarkable!"
Ophelia seemed genuinely impressed.
Indeed, regular free distribution in this era is only possible in wealthy nations like the Solar Theocracy.
Of course, this is possible because Solar Theocracy headquaters is a city-state, and the population is relatively small compared to the donations and tithes coming from across the continent.
"But now that you're self-sufficient, you should buy your own food! That way, food can go to even poorer commoners! Don't you agree?"
Ophelia's logic was perfectly rational.
And when state agencies provide welfare, this was the most essential criterion.
To use limited resources most effectively, this standard must be strictly observed.
But such standards and rationality don't matter to troublemakers.
"So why won't you give me food?! Huh? You're trying to skim off the top, aren't you!"
"Oh my, that's right! There are many priests who embezzle budgets for supposed volunteer work and drink alcohol with it. That's why they're doing this."
They slandered as if it were natural.
"But you're earning money, right? You have a job! Now buy your own food with your money!"
"I don't care about that! Give me food! Food! Do you know who I am? Huh? Are you looking down on me? Looking down on me for being poor?! Food! Food! Foooood!"
The troublemakers were unreasonable.
They believed that if they just raised their voices and caused a disturbance, they would get what they ‘deserve.’
In the end, it was Ophelia who exploded.
"Why the fuck won't you listen to what people say!! You basic welfare recipient! Do you want a beating?"
BANG!
The iron table she struck split in half.
"Gasp!"
"Did she just break that with her fist?"
The surprised people each made a comment.
The troublemakers seemed shocked too, but raised their voices as if this was to their advantage.
"Hey! Did a nun just use violence? Are you threatening me?!"
"Everyone, look! The nuns of the Solar Theocracy beat people! Oh, I'm dying!"
"You bastards? You leave me no choice. I'll have to show you the northern way."
Just as Ophelia clenched her fist, unable to hold back anymore.
"Easy now, brother. Miss Ophelia, please calm down too."
Ray intervened. She approached the two people with the most benevolent smile in the world.
"Oh my... brother and sister. You must have been shocked to be suddenly excluded from the distribution list."
"Uh, um... Yes! Why can't I receive it when those beggars can? I deserve it! Do you know how much I believe in Lord Sol Invictus!"
"I see, I see. Could we discuss this in more detail? There might be ways we can help you."
"No, Ray? What's so nice about helping these people? We should just beat them up and break something!"
"Come now, Miss Ophelia, follow me. That's not how we speak to believers. You should apologize properly."
"Ugh...!"
Ophelia frowned in displeasure, but Ray was already leading the man to the back of the distribution center.
Even after reaching the secluded back area, the troublemakers remained belligerent.
"When do I get my food? And since you said you'd apologize, you've admitted your fault, right? I should be compensated for the violence. Young punks don't know how to fear adults."
"These bastards, I swear."
As Ophelia stepped forward, Ray took the lead.
"Everyone. Lord Sol Invictus loves you all. He even forgives behavior like this."
"What? 'Behavior like this'?"
"You punk kid doesn't know how to respect adul—"
"But will my fists forgive you too!"
BAM!
Ray's fist drove into the man's stomach. His waist bent like a bow.
"Urgh! Ughh!"
"R-Ray?"
"Kyaaaah! W-what are you doing?!"
Ray flexed her wrist as the others reacted in shock.
"Wherever I go, there are folks like you."
"Cough! Hack! Kheek! W-what are you—"
"Always complaining why we don't deliver coal and rice to their homes after we've already given it to them. These bastards should just say 'thank you' when someone helps them, but they're so demanding."
Ray also spoke to Ophelia.
"Miss Ophelia."
"Ah! Yes!"
"Violence isn't always bad. But for the sake of our Solar Theocracy's image, it's not good to show people getting beaten publicly."
"I-I see."
"So do it like this where nobody can see! Avoid the face so it doesn't show!"
In modern society with smartphones and CCTV everywhere, even this wouldn't be easy.
In such cases, Pastor Kim would quietly remove them completely from the support list.
Those who don't know gratitude don't deserve to eat.
Compared to modern society, this physical restraint isn't underhanded and is just a one-time thing, so Ray is actually showing them kindness.
"By the way, Ray!"
"Yes?"
"The stomach is more vulnerable than you'd think! If you want to be technical about beating someone, the upper arms or thighs don't get injured as easily. They don't hurt as much, but I have a preferred spot!"
"Oh~ As expected, a professional has different expertise."
Ophelia produced a wooden stick from somewhere.
"W-what are you doing?"
"P-put that down! Put it down!"
The two troublemakers backed away in terror, but were quickly caught by Ophelia's brutish strength.
"The buttocks have lots of fat and muscle to absorb impact! It hurts when hit, but it's a relatively safe area! Smack that booty!!"
"Uwaaah!"
"O-ouch! I'm dying!"
WHACK! WHACK! THWACK!
Ophelia repeatedly struck the buttocks of both people with practiced skill.
Since ancient times, spanking the buttocks has been a universal form of punishment, and seeing that even with the strength of a high-level Sword Expert, the man's buttocks weren't completely destroyed, she was clearly beating them with technical precision.
"Agh! Aagh! Wait! Just a moment! It hurts too much!"
"You will fucking listen to what people say! Understand?!"
"Yes! Yes! I understand! I'm sorry! Stop hit- stoooop!"
After thoroughly beating the man, the two wiped away their sweat of exhilaration and exchanged glances.
"This person. We really understand each other."
They had found a common ground in an unusual place.
***
For a while, Ray accompanied Ophelia on volunteer activities.
Although it felt like all work for what was supposed to be a vacation, it wasn't bad at all.
"Ray! Let's eat at that restaurant today!"
"Ray! Is that outfit the best you can do? Buy some casual clothes!"
It was comfortable.
Is this the power of money?
Ophelia, who had brought bags of gold coins when joining the Solar Theocracy, had plenty of money.
Being next to her could be draining, but it was still manageable.
After about two weeks of vacation ended, Ray returned to the armed organization and received surprising news from Archbishop Dunwell.
"Brother Ray. Your ordination ceremony has been scheduled. From now on, you'll be a proper priest."
Priestly ordination.
The birth of the youngest priest in the Solar Theocracy.
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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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