Aside from the aura of Excalibur, there were two other traces of sacred energy?
When Yoru saw the two figures slowly emerging from the curtain of rain, he slightly relaxed his guard. Sacred energy—then these two definitely weren't modified monsters like Shirou Shigen. It seemed they were people from the Church?
"Aisha, when did the Church say their people would arrive?"
"I think… they said sometime around these few days."
"I see… gotta say, they're really dedicated to the job, coming here even in this kind of weather."
With a chuckle and a shake of his head, Yoru had more or less confirmed the identities of the two newcomers—they were almost certainly Church agents.
"This is the worst! I told you we should've taken a cab—now look at us, we're soaked to the bone!"
"I wanted to take a cab! But with what money, huh?! We can barely afford to eat!"
Listening to the girls complain as they walked, Yoru couldn't help but smile wryly. They sounded like two clergywomen leading rather difficult lives.
"What rare visitors. Out on a pilgrimage on a stormy night like this?"
Aisha nervously hid behind Yoru. With no other choice, Yoru stepped up to play the role of a priest and welcome the two drenched girls.
It wasn't until the church lights illuminated them that Yoru could see the two clearly. They wore white robes resembling nun habits, not like regular churchgoers but rather official clergy from the main cathedral.
Of course, both of them were drenched—soaked clothes clung tightly to their bodies, outlining every curve and even revealing the colors of their undergarments.
"That aura… Excalibur?! Why is Excalibur in your possession?!"
The moment the blue-haired girl saw him, she coldly demanded an answer.
Raising his gaze, Yoru saw she had a lock of green hair dyed at the front, and on her back was a large, cloth-wrapped object.
"Excalibur was stolen by the Fallen Angels… don't tell me this church has already become a base for them?" she said sharply, reaching back toward the item strapped behind her.
That was clearly her Excalibur. She had already mistaken Yoru for one of the fallen angels who stole the sword.
"W-Wait, Xenovia-chan! Don't be so quick to jump in. We should hear him out first!"
The girl beside her quickly restrained her aggressive partner.
This was a lively, bright-eyed girl with chestnut brown twin tails. Unlike the cold, distant Xenovia, she seemed cheerful and animated.
"Sorry for the late-night visit," she said with a smile. "I'm Irina Shidou, and this here is Xenovia. We were sent by the Church to recover the stolen Excalibur. We're what you'd call 'Holy Sword Users.'"
"Holy Sword Users?"
The title caught Yoru slightly off guard. Meanwhile, Xenovia clearly still didn't trust him.
"Irina, we still can't be sure they're not with the fallen angels. If I'm not mistaken, this church was supposed to be managed by Father Freed. Now that he's missing, who knows if this guy didn't kill him?"
Compared to the friendly Irina, the green-streaked Xenovia was cool-headed and sharp. And Yoru had to admit—her instinct was spot-on. He was the one who killed Father Freed.
"Where exactly did you get that Excalibur? Answer me."
"I found it," Yoru replied with a shrug.
"Liar!" Xenovia snapped, stepping in until she was almost nose-to-nose with him.
As she moved closer, Yoru instinctively took a deep breath, catching the faint scent of rain-washed freshness on her body.
"Black, huh? That matches your personality."
His eyes had involuntarily drifted to her chest. He made a casual remark—causing Xenovia's face to instantly flush bright red.
"Y-You pervert!"
Flustered and furious, Xenovia looked ready to draw her sword again, but Irina once more stepped in to restrain her.
"Come on, Xenovia, seriously! Calm down and let him explain."
With a strained smile, Irina turned to Yoru and gave him a slight bow.
"Sorry about that. Xenovia's always like this. And you must be Sister Aisha over there, right?"
"Ah… Y-Yes, that's me."
Aisha nodded lightly. To be honest, she was feeling extremely guilty. She was now a demon, after all. And it was true that Yoru had killed Father Freed.
"Sorry to trouble you. May we come inside? Being soaked like this is really uncomfortable."
"Ah—of course. Please come in."
Aisha nodded, and together with Yoru stepped aside to let the two girls enter the church.
Even though Irina was holding Xenovia back the whole time, the latter was still clearly upset. As she stepped inside, she didn't forget to shoot Yoru another glare.
"Excuse me, but… where can we wash up? We'd like to shower and change."
"Please follow me. I'll show you."
Aisha said gently. Irina nodded and, pulling Xenovia along, followed her toward the back of the hall. Yoru, meanwhile, closed the church doors behind them.
Now what? he thought.
These two were clearly sent by the Church. And considering they could carry Excalibur with them, they were likely of high rank.
For Yoru and Aisha—both now demons—they were unquestionably enemies… So should he kill them?
Yoru didn't feel guilty about killing girls if he had to. But for Aisha's sake… he decided to hold off.
After all, Aisha used to be a nun. To kill two clergywomen right in front of her would be crossing the line. For now, he would wait and see why they had come. If he could avoid conflict—it was best to do so.
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