Hush Now, Saintess!

Chapter 63

Translator: Yonnee

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“From what I’ve heard, the management of the divine beast in this temple is relegated to the priests, and they take turns every month. Isn’t it that you’re in charge this month?”

“……”

“But, well. Look at the state of the divine beast.”

As I said this, I gently stroked the cat’s back.

And in response, the cat stretched out like melted cheese.

Naturally, everyone in this vicinity had their attention on us.

Soon, there began a murmur of astonishment.

“Oh my heavens, what is going on here?”

“How could the divine beast be in that state?”

“Certainly, it wasn’t like that before.”

It was as they said.

The cat was, to put it bluntly, in a terrible condition.

Mangy, matted hair.

A gaunt belly, unkempt gunk upon the corners of its eyes.

They hadn’t been clipped for a while now, so its claws were long as well.

It had disappeared for only half a day, so it didn’t make sense that it was in this condition just because of that.

Besides.

“And about the disappearance of the divine beast. How on earth did it even escape from you?”

“Um, I don’t really know…”

Owen murmured back.

“Right. You don’t know. Because clearly, you did not make any effort to look after it properly.”

“…That is mere conjecture!”

“Conjecture?”

I snorted.

Conjecture, my a*s.

“Then, shall we take a look at its cage? Can you tell me certainly that it’s been properly taken care of?”

“…Huh?”

“As soon as I found the divine beast, I went straight to its cage because its condition worried me. So when I checked its cage, sure enough, it’s a complete mess. Its food bowl is empty, the water bowl doesn’t even have a single drop in it, and because the litter box hadn’t been properly emptied on time, it’s filthy in there.”

Quite literally, that’s how it went.

When I found the cat, I realized that it was in terrible shape—when it shouldn’t be like that. To investigate, I headed for its cage right away.

The cat’s cage was just called ‘cage’ in words. In reality, it was dwelling in a glass greenhouse.

It was very well equipped with facilities that would make the cat’s stay comfortable.

However, those good facilities were overshadowed by the terrible management that it had been given.

And, in addition.

‘It’s strange that it ran away. How on earth can a cat escape from that place alone?’

Of course, it had several windows for ventilation.

However, they were blocked by dense iron bars for the most part. Even the solid door showed no chances for escape.

So, in other words.

“Did you even close the door properly? Are you sure that it was only half a day ago that the divine beast disappeared?”

“……”

At this point, he could no longer answer.

With a scathing flare full of contempt, I dealt the final blow.

“What do you think? Will you still insist that it’s mere ‘conjecture’?”

I was not the only one giving him such a glare.

“How could you… This has never happened before.”

“In the first place, what kind of person would dare mistreat the divine beast?”

“We should have looked after it a little more, but because the divine beast might feel skittish and overwhelmed, it’s been determined that only the person in charge of its management can come and go to its dwelling…”

“How could he even call himself a priest?”

Most of the people here were apprentice priests who looked up to Owen.

Normally, they would be too intimidated to talk to him, let alone criticize him.

“Lord Owen has crossed the line.”

“Exactly. Even if he’s in a higher position than us, this isn’t right.”

They, too, whispered amongst themselves, their brows twisted to the fullest.

“Now then, no more excuses. No, actually, never mind that. Because even if you do still have excuses, I will not listen to any of them.”

“Wait a moment, Saintess. Please, forgive me just this once…”

He spoke up urgently, but I firmly shook my head.

“No. Forgiveness on this matter should not be up to me. How dare you do this towards the divine beast? No, rather than just that, you’re a despicable animal abuser. How dare you ask for forgiveness?”

Scumbags who harass animals that couldn’t even talk were the worst kind of trash.

‘This a*shole should be deprived of food and water, too. Then, let him sleep in a bathroom.’

“I shall make an official report to the temple. Not only should you step down from your position as priest, but you must also be dealt with a punishment that befits your cruel actions. So, prepare yourself mentally starting now.”

When I narrowed my eyes at him coldly, it was then.

“No, there is no need.”

As soon as I finished speaking, someone else’s voice followed.

At the sudden interference, I turned my head to face that person.

And when I realized who it was, my eyes went wide.

“Your Holiness…?”

Why was the high priest here?

Ah, well, this was the temple, so it wouldn’t be strange to see him here.

While I was momentarily dazed, another person appeared behind the high priest.