Turing bumped into the young boy in clerical attire as soon as he opened the door.

"What's wrong? It's better not to wander around during prayer."

No honorifics, no courtesy, no change in expression—under the solemn gaze of the dark gold crown adorning Turing's arm, this gentle boy showed not the slightest hint of the proper etiquette expected of nobility. He simply looked at Turing calmly.

Just looked at Turing like that.

He was calm and composed, as if standing before him was not the heir to the noblest aristocracy of Acadia, not a girl who had been gifted with intelligence and fame from a young age.

"If you walk around during prayer...the blessings of God won't be able to accurately descend upon such a lovely girl."

His deep yet clear voice passed through his seemingly eleven or twelve-year-old throat and curled its way into Turing's ear.

Something inside Turing was triggered by a sudden memory.

[It seems...Mom, even though his accent, appearance, and aura are completely different, why do I feel like he's similar to Mom?]

"Commoner...no." Turing involuntarily spoke up at the sight of the boy dressed in ordinary monk's clothing, but quickly drowned out the words that slipped out with a slightly louder voice.

"Do you know where this place is, and why you're here?" Although Turing tried to make his tone gentle, unfortunately, he had never practiced speaking to commoners.

[This is one of the largest cathedrals, and ordinary monks shouldn't be able to participate in the worship.]

Perhaps Turing himself didn't know, but he was slightly interested in the boy in front of him - it was the first time he had shown interest in something other than what his mother requested.

[Besides...he's just a boy, he wouldn't know the magic we use for worship.]

Turing bit his lip gently as he thought.

[He's just a boy, after all.]

"Ah...are you talking about me? I actually don't know where this is...after all, I can't see anymore."

Just like Oedipus, the boy's voice, as ethereal as a shimmering deep pool, continued to comfort Turing, explaining his confusion.

"But I can see the intricate contours of this building, its heavy structure, and even many details that the naked eye can't see, through detection magic."

"Even though I can't see any colors."

Although the boy explained a little, all Turing gained was more confusion.

[He's blind...he probably thinks the crown on my arm is just an ornament. So he can't recognize my identity.]

[But why can he use magic? Even if it's just basic detection magic, boys shouldn't be able to use it...]

[And why is he here?]

Suddenly, a warm and soft hand caressed Turing's cheek.

The palm gently rubbed like a fishhook tied with a silver thread and plunged straight into Turing's heart, causing the restless dragon to writhe in the drifting float.

[Bishop Maria!]

The woman who suddenly appeared in front of Turing was eight feet tall, had a nearly flat chest, and had a somewhat androgynous figure. Her every move exuded peace and tranquility.

Just by standing there, it felt like she was embracing you.

One couldn't help but wonder: does she really have some connection with God?

"Girl, you've grown a bit."

"I'm proud of your excellent performance at the academy."

Maria said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"This child's name is Merka, Christopher Merka. He is the gift I gave to this Westminster Cathedral."

"Although he's a boy, his theological accomplishments are extraordinary."

"And who are you, my dear?"

Maria, of course, could not possibly not know Turing. Her words were clearly meant to give Turing an opportunity to introduce herself.Upon hearing Maria's unexpected question, Turing felt both excited and nervous.

【Is the bishop expecting my answer?】

His mind raced, and Turing's eyes unknowingly glanced at Merka, who was slightly taller than him. His heart fluttered inexplicably.

Turing had originally prepared a composed, perfect, aristocratic-style self-introduction, but it had been quietly replaced by some unknown force.

"I am Sisyphus, a companion reader for The Altria Family. Today, I have the honor of coming to worship with Ochiai. Is that correct, Maria...sir?"

【Oh dear! Why did I hide my true identity?】

After hearing Turing's introduction, Merka laughed cheerfully. He bypassed Turing and gently took the door handle from him.

In a closer but not impolite distance, he whispered to Turing's ear, "Nice to meet you... I sincerely hope you can be found by God."

Merka left and went to where Turing came from.

Maria smiled at Turing as well, and together with Merka, entered the church and closed the door.

Turing looked at the silent stone door, pondering the strange feeling just now, and took steps towards his own elegant carriage with a gold frame and silver trim.

—————————————————————

The day of the Fireworks Festival, morning, The Altria Family, Turing's bedroom

"Miss, you look perfect. The slight dark circles under your eyes have been completely hidden with foundation. I believe you will be the most eye-catching girl in the Eastern Region, no, the whole Acadia."

The maid, Yanling, who was speaking, was given to Turing as a gift of lily of the valley by Oedipus years ago. But due to her intelligence and diligence, she has become Turing's personal maid, responsible for all of Turing's grooming and dressing.

However, it is indeed strange that even a personal maid cannot perceive Turing's gender. It seems that only Theresia and Oedipus know Turing's true gender in this world.

"Did you not sleep well again last night?" Yanling changed her lively tone and asked Turing with concern.

"Um...I had a nightmare. It was especially terrifying last night."

"Poor Miss, it's as if you were plagued by a nightmare. Even such a lovely and diligent person like you is not protected by God. It's really unfair!"

Speaking, Yanling pouted dissatisfiedly.

It seems that someone having a nightmare in the prosperous and affluent life of Acadia is an incredible thing.

"Yanling, I'm fine." While Yanling was weaving a complex hairstyle for herself, Turing slightly turned his head and looked out the window.

【Sometimes I feel like tobacco.】

【I need someone to pick me to become a cigar, and I need someone's breath to keep burning.】

【After going through the hardships and being burned to ashes, I only become a wisp of smoke. As soon as the sunlight shines or the breeze blows, I immediately disappear.】

【But if my destruction can bring comfort and nourishment to someone, like smoking does to mom...】

【Then I am not worthless.】

"The festival is about to begin, Yanling. I have a good feeling. Maybe something good will happen today."

Under the gentle morning light, the corners of Turing's mouth seemed to lift slightly.