Within the monastery, a crowd eagerly gathered on both sides of the wide-open courtyard gate.
At the forefront there stood a man, shifting in place as if anticipating something.
Michael: Uhhem!
As if catching sight of something, he coughed into his throat and walked forward to greet the new arrival.
His demeanor shifted quickly to something more flattering.
Michael: Lady Dikke, we're sincerely delighted to have you—
The young magistrate, striding through the door, waved her hand brusquely, as if to cut the welcome short.
Dikke: You know why I've come; your pleasantries won't impact my assessment of the work here.
Dikke: So save your proclamations of piety and duty for your flock.
Dikke: They may be more inclined to play these tedious games with you than I.
The man managed an awkward, pleading smile.
Michael: ...
Michael: Thank you for your... suggestion.
Michael: The necessary records have already been organized; please follow me.
Dikke seemed uninterested in following, her gaze wandering between the passing worshipers and the flickering candles.
Michael: Lady Dikke...?
The proud bishop raised his head, seeming quite satisfied with the lively scene inside the monastery.
Michael: As you can see, there are many who still place their trust in us. They come to pray here each day...
Dikke: Hmm...
Dikke: She chuckled briefly.
Michael: Do you doubt the sincerity of our faith or our convictions?
Michael: I swear to you, My Lady; I would never bring dishonor upon our Lord...
The bishop raised his hand, deftly gesturing in front of his chest.
Dikke: Rest assured; I'm not interested in your oaths either, sir.
Dikke: Tell me, where might I find a tavern around here?
Michael: Oh, Ah?
His stance shifted, he stood his ground and spoke up.
Michael: My Lady, surely it would be improper to be seen drinking during work hours!
Noticing nary a change in her expression, he continued cautiously.
Michael: Moreover, the only tavern to be found here is a haven for vice... it is home only to drunkards, mud-raked and covered with lice…
Michael: It would be unseemly of you to be seen there.
Dikke: ...
At last, the bishop seemed to catch on, flashing a knowing smile.
Michael: Ah, but if you're in the mood for some good wine... I happen to have some...
Dikke: You misunderstood me, Bishop Michael.
Dikke: I want only a straightforward answer.
Dikke: You failed to detail this in your records.
He smirked, laughing under his breath.
Michael: So then this a request from the court, or...?
Dikke: It is a personal request.
Michael: I see...
He finally eased up. The bishop stood tall, reclaiming his usual air of arrogance.
Michael: No wonder you've become the youngest chief magistrate.
Michael: You are not worried about upsetting the others?
Michael: I've heard plenty of rumors about you.
The bishop feigned a look of paternal concern. To his dismay, he couldn't detect even a hint of hesitation in the young woman.
Dikke: That's something they'll need to consider.
Dikke: No one is irreplaceable, Bishop Michael... myself included.
Dikke: The great plague claimed many lives. But we did little during that catastrophe, didn't we?
Michael: It wasn't our fault... there was nothing we could do...
Dikke: Yet doing something is better than nothing.
The daylight was blinding, yet she stubbornly raised her head into the sun, holding it above him with authority.
Dikke: I don't intend to vex you, Bishop Michael—
Dikke: Only that I feel the sun must spread its warmth to a few more places.
Michael: ...
Dikke: Any more questions, Your Excellency?
Michael: No... I'll arrange for someone to guide you.
Dikke: Very well.
Michael: May the Lord bless you.
