Auren considered the possibility it seemed like the most reasonable explanation.
"Why? How? Who killed him?"
He couldn't help but be curious.
But this has nothing to do with me, he reminded himself. It's not my problem. Someone else will solve it.
Yet, despite telling himself that, he couldn't sit still.
What if no one solves it? What if the murders keep happening?
After a moment of thought, Auren turned to Callan.
"Has there ever been another death like this in the village?"
Callan took a moment to think.
"As far as I remember… yes. A few days ago, someone else died in a similar way.
But every time I think about it, it just feels… wrong."
Auren narrowed his eyes.
If the deaths are similar… then this is clearly murder. So why are the villagers calling it divine punishment?
He remembered what the middle-aged man had said: the villagers offer donations to the temple.
Donations…
But then, Auren frowned.
If that's true, then why don't I remember Callan going to the temple to donate? Something's not right.
He asked,
"I heard the villagers offer donations to the temple, right?"
Callan nodded.
"Yes, they do. How did you know that?"
Auren smiled softly.
"Someone in the village told me. Anyway… may I ask, did you donate too? I don't remember seeing you go."
Callan looked slightly surprised.
"I did donate."
Auren tilted his head, unconvinced.
"But… I don't remember ever seeing you go into the village for that."
Callan chuckled lightly.
"You don't have to go every time. Sometimes, you can give a larger donation in advance so you don't have to go again for a while."
Auren nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. Then… do children also donate?"
Callan shook his head.
"No. Not until they turn eighteen. Only adults are required to give."
Then Callan smiled again, this time playfully.
"You've been asking a lot about the temple and the gods lately. Are you curious about the faith? Want to come with me to the temple next time?"
Auren smiled brightly. Seeing his smile, Callan gently patted his head.
Auren's cheeks turned red it felt awkward being patted like a child. Well, he was a child after all, but inside, he was an adult. No one would ever believe that by looking at him. Auren silently cursed his own appearance.
Callan looked at his flushed cheeks in surprise.
"Hm? Auren, are you feeling feverish? Your cheeks are all red."
Hearing his words, Auren blushed even more.
"N-no… it's just… a bit warm here."
Noticing how he stuttered, Callan chuckled softly. Hearing that gentle laugh, Auren blushed deeper. He felt exactly like a child now — and though he didn't find it amusing, he couldn't easily push away the warmth that came with it.
Auren sighed and looked up at Callan. "When are we going to the temple together?"
Callan thought for a moment. "Well, I'll be free next week, so let's go then."
Hearing that he had to wait a whole week, Auren sighed again. There was nothing he could do about it, so he simply nodded.