Fragment
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— Before anything else, accept my condolences, Garret, son of Aster. Being born in Vistaria, you deserve to know that your world is at its last breath. With no prospect of improvement for it and its inhabitants, Vistaria is destined only for decay and inevitable oblivion. Perhaps you were already aware of this? In any case, you must also know that this unfortunate state of affairs came about through the fault of mortals, and therefore, my and my brothers' and sisters' caution regarding those who violate the natural order of our world should be clearly understood by anyone who is even slightly knowledgeable in these matters. — The Patriarch grabs the rogue by the shoulder and displays a strength uncharacteristic of his modest stature, but the suffering experienced by the stranger is not so much physical as it is spiritual. Before his eyes flashes the incident with the charred Nora, left to die on the island. The torment of her distraught father and mother. The man's anger, which drove him to the indifferent murder of one of Garret's acquaintances—Sysandra. — Any sin, if desired and with sufficient skill, can find if not a logical, then at least an emotional justification, but the corruption that has seized the soul cannot be so easily cleansed; it will always remain nearby and poison our nature. — Relaxing his grip, he continues. — And yet, from your revelation, I see that you are not yet an incorrigible person, not obsessed with a greedy desire for the supernatural, and if Anush is willing, having a goal and a place in life will be an effective medicine for your soul. Serve your patron as much as your strength allows, Garret; let this be your trial and atonement for what you have done. Do not forget to thank the Mother Goddess for the chance she has given you, and, being one of the few surviving Vistarians, give us reason to remember this world for something good, not evil.
— ...I... I thank the goddess for this lesson and for her mercy on my soul.
With difficulty regaining his composure and rising, he looked at the Patriarch.
— I accept this pain as my own and thank you for the instruction, holy father. I will remember your words.
Upon returning to Carneol, Garret reassures Erefir and the others, telling them that he is okay, goes to his room, and immerses himself in long reflections on what happened to him in the church. He needed time to process everything.