act15d5

Apparently, on the day of the carnival, bodies start climbing out of their graves, dancing all over the streets even though some of them are missing their arms and legs. During the carnival, all the people in town lock themselves in their houses. No one dares step outside.

And what if they come outside?

No idea about that. I heard a few different versions.

Some people say that you'll be eaten alive if you go outside. Others say you get cursed and line up behind everyone else, head into to the woods to the east, and end up hanging yourself.

Whatever it is, it's not a fun way to go out.

Okay, the end.

So, wanna listen to more of these stories?

Eh, your face's all frozen. Are you... scared?

O-Of course not! I don't get scared—

Alright, you don't get scared. So, let's keep going!

Ugh...

Haha...

(Utage looks like she's really enjoying this.)

(*Sigh*...)

Um, aren't we getting a little off topic...?

That's right!

Let's not get too off track...

These rumors all sound pretty farfetched. I don't think they're really that useful.

It's just...

It's pretty creepy, right? Is that what you were going to say?

I mean, the rumors are probably so unrealistic because the whole area's on lockdown. If you think about it, it's pretty much what you'd expect.

So, are we still going north?

Ahem.

We have plenty of the herbs we need already, don't we? Why don't we, uh...

Why don't we just call it a day?

Yeah...

Hm? Myrrh, what's the matter? Why are you all spaced out?

Oh, it's nothing. I'm okay.

I'm just a little curious...

Since there are so many scary rumors... What is Iberia actually like?

Stop right there, asshole! You're not getting away!

José, you shithead! Stop running away already!

Ahhh!

*Sobs*...

Why are you crying? You fell down on your own! I didn't even touch you!

Stand up! This is all your fault... You were badmouthing me to the teachers at school, weren't you? You got me in trouble!

I didn't lie!

I saw it, Antonio! You were the one who stole the change Aunt Mirissa left on the table—

You still going on about that?! You little rata!

I... I'm not! I'm not a rata!

Oh, my dear children, don't do that.

Our tantrums, however brief, can lead to mistakes. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Come, my child, stand up.

Who the hell are you?!

Uhh...!

No way... Um, you..

Um, thank you very much, sir... It's okay, I can stand up by myself.

There's mud all over me. I wouldn't want to get your hands dirty.

That is very considerate of you, my child. You have my thanks.

But you needn't worry. How is mud dirty? Everything we eat and wear is grown from the earth.

Here, take my hand. Stand up. That's right.

Um, sir, you're from the city, aren't you?

Do you know who I am?

There are rumors all over town that there's going to be an old gentleman visiting us from the city to give a... uh... what is it again...?

A sermon! That's right! A sermon!

You're here to give a sermon, aren't you?

Yes, very perceptive, my child.

I've been asked to come here to share the gospel with all of you here...

You're a priest from the church?

Yes, my child. I am.

You'll teach us about the laws in the church's book and tell us stories about Laterano?

I will, my dear child, but that is not all I will be teaching you.

The book teaches us that our noble laws are indestructible, and that we must believe it, follow it, and worship it. That is the righteous and correct thing to do... Correct, but perhaps a little off the mark.

I am merely human. In reality, I am no more holy than anyone else. That is why I also have many worthy stories of the people and things around us to share with you. I am here to close the distance between us and the law.

Father, what do you mean...? I'm not sure I understand.

Uh, Father, where are you headed? Is it the village headman's house? I'll take you there!

Thank you, my child.

What I say is not important. What is truly important is what you've heard. You don't have to force yourself to understand.

Which way is it? Oh, watch out. Don't step on these flowers here. Give them the chance to grow.

W-Wait...

Father!

Hm?

Yes, my child?

I'm just wondering... Did you... see all that just now...?

What did you see?

Did you catch everything... that I said?

—I'm afraid I can't deny I did.

I heard everything loud and clear from the moment you fell.

Father, sir, I, I—

Father, please! That's not how it is! I made it all up!

I made all of that up! Please!

You think everything you said is nonsense, but is that really the case?

I...

Antonio isn't a bad person. It's just, he...

That's right! I-I lied! I was just seeing things... That's right! Antonio didn't steal anything, Father! I imagined all that! Please don't take him away!

José!

José, stop... stop it!

I-I know it's wrong to lie, but I'm jealous of Antonio. My grades are better than his, but I never get enough to eat. Soon, I won't even have enough money to go to school! I'm jealous of him!

I know those who steal get taken away. I know that. Hugo next door was taken away and never came back because he stole something from the stores in the city...

That's why I ratted him out to the teachers! I was trying to frame him! It's all my fault!

I know what I did was wrong. Please, if you're here to take anyone away, take me! Please don't take him...

'We must not deceive others, for the deception deceives even ourselves.'

What are you talking about?! No one told you to say that!

It's me, Father! You heard him! I stole that money...!

Antonio!

Stop it, José. Stop... Stop lying for me.

You aren't like that! When Old Man Pedro broke your leg last time, you didn't lie about that!

...I...

Ah, lies.

Lies can ruin us if we don't follow through with them. This is a most vile thing to do, yet... lies made with goodwill are what make us human.

Go on, my child.