Chapter 47: “Before The Statue”
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Nina experienced a rush of joy, a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long while. It was a delightful change to sit down to a normal meal and talk about her school life with her Uncle Duncan. It was even more remarkable to see a smile on Duncan’s usually solemn face, which brought back memories of happier days before his life was overshadowed by a mysterious illness. Since her parents passed away when she was just six years old, Duncan had been her sole family member and a father figure to her. However, about four years ago, he was struck by an unidentified illness that altered his life significantly, bringing about many challenges.
Despite his deteriorating health, Duncan continued to support Nina’s education and ensure her basic needs were met. However, the warm and welcoming feel of their quaint shop had dimmed, now overshadowed by unsettling gatherings involving alcohol, pills, and Duncan’s questionable associates.
Nina had almost given up hope of returning to their old way of life, but any slight improvement in their situation brought her immense joy.
Duncan, for his part, also found joy in learning new things about the world and its history. He was beginning to understand complex concepts such as the forgotten “Era of Order,” the catastrophic “Great Annihilation,” the ongoing “Deep Sea Era,” and various global anomalies and visions—topics he previously knew little about.
After they finished eating, Nina stood up to clear the dishes, showcasing her accustomed efficiency in managing household chores, which likely included taking care of their bedroom upstairs as well.
Duncan, burdened by his illness and a life characterized by excess and dubious cult activities, typically shied away from household responsibilities.
However, watching Nina, Duncan impulsively offered to help. Clearly struggling, he took the heavy tray from her hands, insisting on taking it upstairs himself.
Surprised, Nina was about to object, but Duncan was already heading towards the stairs.
She quickly followed him, reminding him to consider his fragile health as the doctor had advised.
As they climbed the stairs, Duncan tried to recall Dr. Albert but could only summon vague, fragmented memories. He dismissed the warning, “That Dr. Albert only knows how to prescribe pills and rest. I’m fine carrying a few things up a staircase.”
Nina, a few steps behind Duncan, gently reiterated the importance of following the doctor’s advice. “You should still listen to what the doctor says,” she called out, her voice fading as she returned to the kitchen. “At least he knows what’s best for your health…”
Her words were suddenly interrupted by the sound of fluttering wings.
Both Nina and Duncan instinctively turned towards the source of the noise. To their surprise, a shadow moved swiftly through the partially open door of the main bedroom.
Startled, Nina exclaimed, “Uncle Duncan, there’s something in your room!” Curious, she speculated it might be the neighbor’s cat as she reached for the doorknob.
Duncan began to voice a half-hearted objection, “Hey, don’t—” but was cut off as Nina opened the door.
Inside, they were surprised not to find a cat, but rather a dove amusingly perched atop a cabinet, nibbling on a french fry. It was a still moment: the dove, frozen, with the fry halfway to its mouth, stared blankly with its vibrant green eyes at both Nina and Duncan.
As Duncan’s gaze settled on the bird, it gave a startled flap of its wings and made a curious sound, “Ah… coo?” It seemed both surprised and curious about their presence.
This translation is hosted on bcatranslation.
Duncan then noticed the room’s wide-open window, which he figured was how the bird left and returned. Through this window, he glimpsed a distant dock, bathed in sunlight, where he surmised the bird had likely found its fry.
Nina, grasping the unexpected situation, could barely contain her surprise. “A dove?” she exclaimed, looking incredulously at Duncan. “Uncle Duncan, there’s a dove in your room!”
Indifferently, Duncan acknowledged the bird’s presence. “I see it. I don’t know it.”
Seemingly understanding their conversation, the dove—whom Duncan called Ai—left the fry and confidently perched on Duncan’s shoulder, tilting its head as if intrigued by their talk.
With a resigned sigh, Duncan explained, “Alright, it flew in this morning. It seems to be someone’s pet, but it’s not very clever. I fed it, and it has taken a liking to staying here.”
Ai seemed to confirm this with a loud coo.
Nina, completely charmed by her uncle’s story and the dove itself, approached cautiously yet with clear fascination. She eagerly asked, “So, are you going to keep it? Can I keep it?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement, completely taken by Ai, whom she saw as nothing short of a beautiful, enchanting creature.
Duncan, finding the bird easier to tolerate when it was quiet, paused thoughtfully before conceding, “Okay, but only if the dove chooses to stay. Remember, it might decide to leave at any moment, so no complaints if that happens.”
Nina’s face lit up with joy. “That’s great! I knew you were a reasonable person, Uncle Duncan!”
…
In the grand prayer hall of the Storm Cathedral, the solemn figure of Bishop Valentine stood before the statue of the Storm Goddess. Dressed in a black robe adorned with elaborate golden patterns, his tall, lean form was accentuated by his sparse white hair. His eyes mirrored the deep tranquility of the ocean.
The hall was illuminated by the sacred light from the grand candelabra. Dominating the space was the statue of Gomona, the faceless goddess, her head veiled in black, her gown adorned with wave patterns flowing down to the platform’s edge. The stone effigy radiated a divine, commanding presence that instilled a vigilant sense of protection among the onlookers.
Under this powerful influence, Vanna felt compelled to share her visions with the bishop, the aura of guardianship empowering her to speak.
When Bishop Valentine heard about her dreams, he responded with a grave affirmation, “If what you saw in your vision is true, then it certainly pertains to the Vanished.” He was addressing Vanna, a young inquisitor who had sought his guidance earlier that day. In the church’s hierarchical structure, both the Inquisitor and the Archbishop held significant authority, the former inquisitive and authoritative, the latter a custodian of rituals. Yet, it was a common practice for inquisitors like Vanna to consult the archbishop for insights, especially regarding supernatural matters.
“So, are you confirming that it is indeed the Vanished?” Vanna asked, her voice tinged with surprise despite her suspicions. “I had thought…”
“Did you think it was merely a legend? Comparable to those ghost ship stories told by anxious sailors at the taverns?” Bishop Valentine, his sparse white hair framing his understanding expression, shook his head solemnly. “The Vanished is a vessel recognized by both the city-states and the church as historical facts, not myths. They are recorded with certainty in the church’s historical documents.”
Vanna responded with a serious tone, acknowledging the truth, “Yes, I know the Vanished did indeed exist. For instance, the city-state of Pland still holds the architectural plans and records detailing its construction over a century ago. But these records only account for its existence as a physical ship in our realm, under Captain Duncan’s command, when he was still human…”
Her eyes shifted cautiously towards the statue standing solemnly behind the bishop, especially when she mentioned specific historical details.
“The pivotal detail here is that the ship’s transition into subspace was thoroughly documented,” Vanna continued, focusing intently on the bishop. “A century ago, thousands of refugees saw the Vanished, along with the Thirteen Islands of Witherland, disappear as the border collapsed and they were submerged into subspace. Since then, despite numerous eyewitness accounts of its reappearance in our world, no solid proof has surfaced. This absence of concrete evidence has led many scholars to doubt the authenticity of the ship’s alleged ‘return journey’…”
Her voice steady, her gaze locked on the elderly bishop, Vanna pressed further, “Is it possible for something that has been engulfed by subspace to reappear in our world?”
Bishop Valentine, his voice carrying a rare intensity, replied, “…To this day, the Vanished is the only known entity to allegedly return to our reality after being absorbed by subspace. However, this assertion is solely based on post-incident witness testimonies and is hotly debated among scholars. That’s an established fact. Yet, that is not the crux of our discussion here…” His eyes narrowed, meeting Vanna’s with a stern look that conveyed deep seriousness. “The crucial question, Inquisitor Vanna, is whether this matter causes you any fear?”
Why are all the side characters female? First the doll, then the inquisitor, now this niece… I hope this is not the trend later.
Why are you so addicted to p?n?s?
oh iunno, because v?g?n? needs it for the continuation of our species?
you’re right, I hope it doesn’t end up being a harem or something
I agree. I hope the author introduces more male characters that isn’t a goat head ?
Man, I’m sad that people focused on this aspect xD.
no one comments about the french fry? How did it get that?