Meanwhile, in the village's church, there's a sermon being held.
A young churchman comes to the stand.
"I thank everyone for coming," he exclaims.
The door opens.
A woman enters the church. She had light orange hair, yellow eyes, and hips handcrafted by the heavens above. Truth be told, God must've designed her with one hand.
It was Chira. After swapping the top half of her outfit for another red high-neck chemise, she also picked up some stockings to wear as she decided to take a peek into the church.
She gleamed in. There are only 4 people seated.
She walked down the aisle; a middle-aged lady on the right nodded politely. Chira nodded back.
Once she reached the middle row, she decided to sit down. She grabs the back of the seat in front and starts trying to shuffle her legs in.
Her eyes immediately widened.
She found herself unable to sit. Unfortunately, the gap between the seats was not big enough to accommodate her 'size'. Her red skirt rubbed against the back of the pew.
She cursed in her head.
She hesitantly looks behind her rump, mortified to see that the lady who had just nodded at her was potentially getting an eyeful of her bloomers. She briefly glanced at her to evaluate her expression. She was smiling, so either her skirt was fine, or she was understanding, or she was just a perv.
Either way, all Chira could do was focus on getting through. She tensed her stomach and tried to squuuuueeeeeezze her body down. Unfortunately, the more she pushed her glutes into the wooden chair, the higher she would risk ripping her skirt or, god forbid, her underwear.
'MMMMM,' she pushed, closing her eyes.
Whoosh.
She finally managed to force her bottom through the gap; her backside swiftly dropped down on the wooden pew. Thankfully, the wood made barely any sound. But she had to grit her teeth as there was a slight stinging sensation coming from below.
At least she got her lower half through. Unfortunately, she soon realised that her skirt did not have the same luxury; the hem poked up the top of the seat.
She gave up; she was in and didn't want to cause a disturbance. If anyone decided to sit in her row, they would be treated to the sight of the side of her bloomers.
It would be a problem for her future self to deal with. She simply took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the Clergyman at the front.
"Firstly, I wish to address an incident that took place earlier today."
"I have had many disagreements with Father Joseph on his beliefs regarding this matter"
"I'd like to put it on record that I do not condone acts of violence committed by members of the church, let alone in the name of God"
Several boos come from the small audience. The churchman continued.
"Father Joseph has been going through many difficulties in his personal life."
"I know that may not excuse his actions."
"But, I'd like to apologise on his behalf."
A man from the audience voices an opinion.
"Why apologise? Someone has to do something about that vile woman"
The clergyman looks at the member of the crowd with solemn eyes.
"Forgiveness is our only course of action," he responds.
"You would forgive the devil?"
"Hmph, I refuse to be preached upon by a coward."
"Please do not be unreasonable," he responded.
"You should be ashamed of yourself!"
Then a familiar voice cuts through the audience.
"Where is his holy father?" Chira asks.
The two soften and stop their verbal argument. Then the clergymen answered:
"He is resting."
Suddenly, the back of the room creaked, making the young church man look.
"Father Joseph!"
The priest hunches, moving beside his colleague at the stand, addressing the 5 people in the audience.
"You're anger-"
"is not misplaced."
"However, this holy fight is not a simple one."
"There will always be obstacles," he says, side-eyeing the clergymen.
"It baffles me how people of this village willingly walk amongst the servants of the night."
"Why tolerate evil?"
"I will tell you why. Because it is the easiest path for such simpletons."
"So many of them can hear the noise, but they cannot listen to the voice."
"They want to be told that removing the evil that plagues this village will fix their sinful lives that they live."
They will join you and point and laugh at the rot that lingers in the air, poisoning their food, killing their children. Then they will look you eye, when you tell them to take action, and what will they say?
"Are you mad? I am no murderer."
He laughs.
"I know our numbers dwindle, but if you are one of these blind fools, I wish for you to leave."
All 5 people sitting in the pews stare intensely at Father Joseph.
"Worshipping his lord means taking on a part of his burden, as big or small as that may be"
"This will not make your life easier."
He stops, looks to the Clergyman, then scans through the crowd.
"I'm glad to see new faces," he says, looking at Chira, who becomes a little flustered.
"Now then, you may proceed with your service," he says to the clergyman.
Father Joseph leaves, and the Clergyman takes the stand
"Ahem... Shall we sing a hymn?" He starts.
Some time passes, and as the attendees are leaving, Father Joseph stands by the exit.
"Stay strong, Father," one said.
"Get well soon," another said
"May the lord be with you," a third said.
"And also with you," Father Joseph returned, then he whispered in his ear ", The devil shall tremble before his grace."
Then Chira approached Father Joseph.
"Your speech was rather eye-opening, Father."
"I am pleased."
"How are you?" He asks
"Hmm?"
"Have the wench's minions come to you since?"
"Oh. Thankfully not," she sighs in relief.
"Father..."
"I need some advice."
"You see, as it turns out..."
"I live quite close to her," she whispers.
Father Joseph's face contorts in anger, "So you would tolerate the witch's existence, too."
"Huh, no. Well, I had no choice in the matter. I had always seen her walking around, I had no Idea of the threat she posed"
"There is always a choice, young lady."
She averts her gaze. "What can I do? I am too weak."
Father Joseph lowers his eyebrows and puts his hand on Chira's shoulder.
"The only way to find strength is to address weakness."
"Tell me, where does your weakness lie?"
"I... do not know what others will think of me. Nor do I have the heart to confront her," she said.
"It is a shame. But I do not blame you."
"The same fools who will agree with you, standing side by side, will cast you out the moment you step into the circle. I have lived that truth."
"They are truly lost," he said, shaking his head.
"But I was once one of these foolish people! If you open their eyes, I just know they will follow behind you, Father Joseph," she exclaimed.
"It is a wasted effort, the witch is too cunning, she is a wolf in the shadows, and a damsel in the light."
"Then..."
"Perhaps... you could frame her?"
"What?!"
"Silence, woman, do not say such things aloud!"
"S-sorry," she stutters, awkwardly bowing, then moving to leave.
"Wait..."
He moves in closer and whispers.
"What are you suggesting?"