"DXD: Infinite Loot System"Chapter 367: Griselda's Lament (Part 1)
"Father Jerome, welcome back."
"You must be exhausted from your mission, Father Jerome."
"Father Jerome…"
The greetings came in waves as Jerome stepped into the church, the familiar faces of priests and nuns offering warmth and belonging. For the faithful, the Church was home—Jerome returned each smile, feeling a gentle peace settle in his chest.
But one face haunted him above all: Sister Griselda. He knew nothing could ever come of it, and yet the longing for her refused to fade. Just a glimpse, just a word—he quickened his pace, heart pounding with anticipation.
He found her at last, beneath the statue of the Lord in the chapel. Griselda was rising from prayer, her posture as serene as ever.
"Sister Griselda…"
Jerome forced down the flutter in his chest and greeted her.
"Father Jerome. You've returned safely? Welcome home." She pressed her hands to her chest and nodded, offering the same gentle smile that always calmed him.
Normally, Jerome would have been elated to see her. But today, shock froze him in place.
"G-Griselda… What happened? You look so pale…"
He barely recognized her. Griselda's beauty and holiness remained, but she'd grown thin, her complexion ghostly—like she'd weathered a terrible illness.
"Don't worry, Father Jerome. I'm fine." She shook her head, unconcerned.
"How can you say that? Wait here—I'll get the healer."
Jerome turned to go, but stopped after only a few steps. Concern had muddled his judgment; the church's healers weren't even as skilled as he was, and Griselda was a renowned exorcist, a living saint blessed by the Lord and Lady Gabriel. She was supposed to be immune to all illness.
"Sister Griselda, please. Tell me what happened."
He steadied himself, forcing calm into his voice.
"Father Jerome, this is not your burden. Please, don't ask." Griselda's sigh was heavy with resignation.
"How can it not be my concern? Sister Griselda, let me help you!"
His emotion surged. The more she withdrew, the more he needed to know. Something had happened while he was away—something terrible.
"You can't help me. No one can…"
"Griselda!"
Pain and guilt twisted her features. Jerome's urgency only grew; seeing her suffer tore at his heart.
She was in trouble—he could feel it. He had to help her. He had to save her.
But—
"I'm tired, Father Jerome. You've just finished your mission; you should rest, too."
Her voice turned cold, distant. Without another word, Griselda walked away, never looking back.
Jerome stood frozen, the sting of her indifference sinking deep. Griselda had always been proud and cold on the battlefield, but never with her own flock. She was the gentle senior, the big sister of the church. For her to treat him like this—something was terribly wrong.
Chasing her now would only make things worse. Jerome clenched his fists, watching her disappear down the hall.
I'll help you, Sister Griselda. Please, wait for me.
Leaving Jerome's silent vow behind, Griselda returned to her room.
She closed the door, leaning against the wall as pain and confusion clouded her face. She was a sinner—a traitor to the Lord, to Lady Gabriel, to her church, to her faith, to herself. No one could help her. No one could save her.
"Lord, forgive me…"
She prayed, desperate for absolution. But as she begged for mercy, the image that filled her mind wasn't the departed Lord, nor the radiant Gabriel—it was Tenra Kamiyo.
A bitter smile twisted her lips. She knew her soul was lost. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't stop herself.
For now, she could still feel guilt, still recognize her own sin. But if even that faded, she would be truly lost.
She didn't know when that day would come—maybe in a day or two, maybe in a hundred. Maybe in the very next moment.
Exhausted and wracked with pain, Griselda sometimes wondered if it would be easier to surrender completely. The agony would end. But her love for the Lord and Gabriel kept her clinging to the last threads of resistance.
If she was destined to fall, at least she had fought.
She dragged herself to her bedroom, desperate for sleep. But the sight that greeted her stopped her cold.
Undine, the Water Spirit Queen—the one who'd handed her Pandora's Box.
Tenra Kamiyo—the architect of her downfall.
And Xenovia, Irina, and Asia—they were all in her room.
Undine lay curled around Tenra's head, her body soft and inviting. Asia and Irina flanked him, nestled close. Xenovia straddled Tenra, lost in a feverish kiss, oblivious to everything else.
"You… you…"
Rage, shock, and heartbreak collided in Griselda's chest. She stared at the ones who'd ruined her, speechless.
"Haah…"
Finally, Xenovia and Tenra broke apart, a silver thread of saliva still connecting their lips.
Tenra turned toward the doorway, his gaze locking onto Griselda. He licked his lips, a wicked smile spreading across his face.
"Sister Griselda. It's been a while…"
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